PTC NEWS Parliament-session

1st session of 18th Lok Sabha today : Parliament Session begins; PM Modi takes oath as member of the Lok Sabha | IN POINTS

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 08:17:42 +0530

New Delhi : The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha began on Monday and Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes oath as a member of the 18th Lok Sabha.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah , Defence Minister Rajnath Singh , Union Minister and BJP MP Piyush Goyal, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khatta, Union Minister and JD(S) MP HD Kumaraswamy, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari among others take oath as a member of the 18th Lok Sabha

This is the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha post the general elections, which saw the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing 293 seats and the INDIA bloc wining 234 with the Congress holding 99 of them.

Seven-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab was on Monday sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha.

The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Approximately 280 newly-elected MPs will be sworn in today, while the remaining 264 parliamentarians, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, will take their oaths tomorrow.

The election for the Lok Sabha Speaker is scheduled for June 26. Until a new Speaker is chosen, the Pro-Tem Speaker will oversee the initial sessions of the Lok Sabha and conduct the elections for the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

What to expect in 1st session of 18th Lok Sabha IN POINTS

Discussions regarding NEET-UG and UGC-NET row

The first session is expected to be stormy as the opposition is likely to corner the BJP-led NDA government on the election of the Speaker on June 26, discussions regarding allegations of paper leaks in NEET-UG and UGC-NET, and row over the appointment of the pro-tem Speaker.
After the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG), Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi targeted the BJP and said that they stand with the students.

Controversy over pro-tem Speaker's appointment

The row over the appointment of BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker is expected to shadow the proceedings as opposition claimed that Congress Member K Suresh, who is the senior most member was disregarded by the government.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who has been appointed as the pro-tem Speaker, will administer the oath to newly elected members and oversee the proceedings of the House.
The Congress has reacted sharply to the central government's decision to appoint seven-term BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as Pro-tem Speaker of Lok Sabha over senior-most Dalit MP Kodikkunnil Suresh of Congress, saying that the appointment by the BJP deviates from the traditional practice of appointing the senior member.

Protest over West Bengal train accident

The tragic accident involving the Kolkata-bound Kanchanjunga Express, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 10 passengers, was initially blamed on human error. However, the incident highlights significant, unresolved railway safety issues. Opposition party leaders are expected to challenge the government on this matter. According to initial investigations, a goods train passenger allegedly ignored a signal and collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express near North Bengal's Jalpaiguri station on June 17.

Notably, the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will be held from June 24 and conclude on July 3 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members. The 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will also commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3.

The last session of the 17th Lok Sabha (Budget session) was held between January 31 and February 10, 2024.

Monsoon Session: Oppn parties move notices, demands discussion on Manipur horror

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:02:50 +0530

Monsoon Session Day 3: Monsoon session of Parliament likely to witness similar scenes over the prevailing state of affairs in the Northeast state on its third day also, with the Opposition notices in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha demanding discussions on the situation of the violence-hit state.

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan has moved a Suspension of Business Notice in Rajya Sabha under Rule 267 and demanded a discussion on the "persistent failure of both the Union and Manipur Government in resolving the issues and facilitating the peace process and grave matter of atrocities against women resulting from the ongoing violence in Manipur."

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh: IMD issues orange alert for 8 districts today due to heavy rainfall

Apart from it, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha, Communist Party of India (CPI) MP Binoy Viswam, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, Aam Aadmi Party MPs Sanjay Singh, and Raghav Chaddha have given Suspension of Business Notice in the Upper House, demanding to discuss the Manipur situation.

Notably, earlier in the day, Congress Lok Sabha MPs Manickam Tagore, and Manish Tewari have proposed adjournment motion notices to discuss the situation of the northeastern state with the latter asking to suspend Zero Hour, Question Hour, and other businesses of the day to have a discussion regarding "ongoing ethnic clashes".

Monsoon Session beginning

The Monsoon session began on July 20 amid the pandemonium over Manipur violence, with the oppposition demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statements on the same "inside the House and not outside".

INDIA, BJP to hold protest today

Meanwhile, opposition parties’ alliance, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will hold a protest in the Parliament today.

In a counter to it, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also planned a protest in front of the Gandhi statue at the Parliament premises over atrocities against women in Rajasthan and West Bengal as well as other states.

War between BJP and Trinamool Congress

Even as the recent Manipur video enraged the nation, another incident of two tribal women being stripped naked, tortured and beaten up came to light in West Bengal that triggered a war of words between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress.

Earlier, on July 20, MPs of BJP Bengal staged a sit-in in front of the Gandhi statue regarding the atrocities against women in Bengal.

While on July 21, Rajasthan BJP staged a protest in front of the Gandhi statue against the horror killings in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, besides the continuous atrocities on women.

Also Read: Pathankot mourns: IAF officer succumbs to brutal attack by mess worker

The situation in Manipur dominated the proceedings of the second day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, with the Opposition demanding the Centre to discuss the issue.

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Friday faced adjournment for the day on the Manipur issue on Friday. Both Houses could not conduct any substantial business on Thursday and Friday as the Opposition MPs rejected the government's proposal to have a short-duration discussion.

संसद बजट सत्र के दूसरे दिन भी हंगामे के आसार, अडाणी मामले पर अड़ा विपक्ष

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 10:36:13 +0530

ब्यूरो: संसद बजट सत्र का दूसरा चरण शुरू हो गया है। दूसरे चरण का आज दूसरा दिन है। हालांकि बीते कल संसद शुरू होते ही हंगामे की भेंट चढ़ गया था। ऐसे कयास लगाए जा रहें हैं कि दूसरे दिन भी हंगामा देखने को मिल सकता है।

गौरतलब है विपक्ष लगातार मोदी सरकार से अडाणी- हिंडनबर्ग मामले में जेपीसी की मांग कर रहा है। हालांकि बीते कल राहुल गांधी द्वारा लंदन में दिए गए बयान को लेकर भी काफी बवाल हुआ। जिसके चलते भाजपा द्वारा दोनों सदनों में माफी मांग ली गई है। कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष मल्लिकार्जुन खड़गे का कहना है कि सरकार उन्हें बोलने का मौका नहीं देती। मोदी सरकार लगातार अडानी मुद्दे को लेकर भागती नज़र आ रही है। इसी बात के बाद सदन में हंगामा बढ़ गया और दोनों सदनों को आज यानि मंगलवार सुबह 11 बजे तक स्थगित कर दिया गया।

आपको बता दें कि मार्च महीने की शुरूआत में ही राहुल गांधी लंदन दौरे पर गए थे। जहां उन्होंने कैम्ब्रिज यूनिवर्सिटी में भाषण देते समय कहा था कि संसद में हम अपनी आवाज नहीं रख सकते । हमें वहां बोलने नहीं दिया जाता। माइक को बंद कर दिया जाता है। भारत में अब लोकतंत्र नहीं रहा है। जिसके बाद से यह विवाद शुरू हुआ था।

संसद के बजट सत्र का आज दूसरा चरण, अडाणी, ED और CBI पर हंगामा

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:13:23 +0530

ब्यूरो: आज से संसद बजट सत्र का दूसरा चरण शुरू होने जा रहा है। यह सत्र 6 अप्रैल तक चलने वाला है। आज से चलने वाले सत्र में कुल 27 बैठकें होंगी। हालांकि इससे पहले सत्र का पहला चरण 31 जनवरी को शुरू हुआ था। जो कि 13 फरवरी तक चलेगा । इस दौरान सत्र में हंगामें के बाद कार्रवाई को 4 बार स्थगित करना पड़ा था।

सत्र शुरू होने से विपक्ष के नेता मल्लिकार्जुन खड़गे ने भाजपा को घेरने के लिए विपक्षी दलों के साथ बैठक की। कयास लगाए जा रहें हैं कि सत्र में एक बार फिर महंगाई और अडाणी के मुद्दे पर जमकर बवाल होगा। वहीं इसके अलावा केंद्र सरकार की एजेंसियों द्वारा की जा रही कार्रवाई व गिरफ्तारी पर भी सवाल खड़े होंगे। हिंडरबर्ग रिपोर्ट को लेकर भी संसद में हंगामा हो सकता है।

एक तरफ जहां कांग्रेस ने बैठक कर भाजपा को घेरने की रणनीति बनाई तो वहीं दूसरी तरफ प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने भी बजट सत्र के दूसरे भाग के लिए अपने बड़े मंत्रियों के साथ बैठक कर चर्चा की।

ਹੁਣ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਦੇ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਸਿੰਗਲ ਯੂਜ਼ ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਬੰਦ ਕਰਨ: ਮੇਅਰ

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 17:35:24 +0530

ਪਟਿਆਲਾ: ਕੇਂਦਰ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਵਾਤਾਵਰਨ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ੁੱਧ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ-ਨਾਲ ਸਵੱਛ ਭਾਰਤ ਅਭਿਆਨ ਨੂੰ ਧਿਆਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੱਖਦੇ ਹੋਏ 1 ਜੁਲਾਈ ਤੋਂ ਸਿੰਗਲ ਯੂਜ਼ ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ 'ਤੇ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਲਈ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਲਗਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ। ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਦੇ ਲੋਕ ਇਸ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਬਾਰੇ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਜਾਗਰੂਕ ਨਹੀਂ ਹਨ। 'ਮੇਰਾ ਕੁੜਾ, ਮੇਰੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰੀ' ਮੁਹਿੰਮ ਦੀ ਸਫਲਤਾ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਹੁਣ ਮੇਅਰ ਸੰਜੀਵ ਸ਼ਰਮਾ ਬਿੱਟੂ ਨੇ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੰਗਲ ਯੂਜ਼ ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਨਾ ਕਰਨ ਬਾਰੇ ਜਾਗਰੂਕ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਮੁਹਿੰਮ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਸ਼ੁੱਕਰਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਘਲੋੜੀ ਗੇਟ ਨੇੜੇ ਸਥਿਤ ਰੇਹੜੀ ਮਾਰਕੀਟ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਕੇ ਜੂਟ ਦੇ ਥੈਲੇ ਵੰਡ ਕੇ ਰੇਹੜੀ ਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ-ਨਾਲ ਫਲ ਅਤੇ ਸਬਜ਼ੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਖਰੀਦਦਾਰੀ ਕਰਨ ਆਏ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਗਰੂਕ ਕੀਤਾ। ਰੇਹੜੀ ਮਾਰਟਿਕ 'ਚ ਮੇਅਰ ਸੰਜੀਵ ਸ਼ਰਮਾ ਬਿੱਟੂ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਕੇਂਦਰ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਸਿੰਗਲ ਯੂਜ਼ ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ 'ਤੇ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਲਗਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਜੇਕਰ ਅੱਜ ਵੀ ਅਸੀਂ ਵਾਤਾਵਰਨ ਨੂੰ ਬਚਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਨਾ ਹੋਏ ਤਾਂ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਵਿਚ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਸਾਰਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਭੁਗਤਣੇ ਪੈਣਗੇ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਅੱਜ ਨਗਰ ਨਿਗਮ ਦੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ ਦੇ ਥੈਲੇ ਸੀਵਰੇਜ ਸਿਸਟਮ ਨੂੰ ਬੁਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ ਦੇ ਲਿਫਾਫਿਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਡਰੇਨ, ਨਾਲੇ, ਨਾਲਿਆਂ, ਸੀਵਰੇਜ ਲਾਇਨਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਨਦੀਆਂ ਵੀ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਹੁੰਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ ਦੇ ਲਿਫਾਫਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਖਤਮ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਕਈ ਸਾਲਾਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਸੰਭਵ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਅੱਜ ਇਹ ਸਾਡੀ ਮਿੱਟੀ ਦੀ ਉਪਜਾਊ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਕਮਜ਼ੋਰ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ ਦੇ ਲਿਫਾਫਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਾੜਨ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਡੀ ਹਵਾ ਪ੍ਰਦੂਸ਼ਿਤ ਹੋ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਅੱਜ ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ ਦੇ ਲਿਫਾਫਿਆਂ ਕਾਰਨ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਦੀ ਸਫਾਈ ਵਿਵਸਥਾ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਢਹਿ-ਢੇਰੀ ਹੋ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਮੇਅਰ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਸਨੌਰ ਰੋਡ ’ਤੇ ਸਥਿਤ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਦੇ ਮੁੱਖ ਡੰਪਿੰਗ ਗਰਾਊਂਡ ’ਚ ਰੇਮੇਡੀਏਸ਼ਨ ਪਲਾਂਟ ਲਗਾ ਕੇ ਕੂੜੇ ਤੋਂ ਖਾਦ ਤਿਆਰ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਅੰਤਿਮ ਪੜਾਅ ’ਤੇ ਹੈ। ਜੇਕਰ ਅੱਜ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਦੇ ਲੋਕ ਸਿੰਗਲ ਯੂਜ਼ ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਬੰਦ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰਦੇ ਤਾਂ ਭੱਵਿਖ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਦੇ ਕਈ ਹਿੱਸਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੂੜੇ ਦੇ ਵੱਡੇ-ਵੱਡੇ ਢੇਰ ਲੱਗ ਜਾਣਗੇ ਅਤੇ ਹਰ ਵਾਰ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ’ਤੇ ਰੇਡੀਏਸ਼ਨ ਪਲਾਂਟ ਨਹੀਂ ਲਗਾਏ ਜਾਣਗੇ। ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਮੇਅਰ ਸੰਜੀਵ ਸ਼ਰਮਾ ਬਿੱਟੂ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਪ੍ਰਦੂਸ਼ਣ ਰੋਕਥਾਮ ਬੋਰਡ ਦੇ ਐਸ.ਡੀ.ਓ ਪ੍ਰਿਤਪਾਲ ਕੌਰ, ਜੂਨਿਅਰ ਇੰਜੀਨਿਅਰ ਧਰਮਵੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ, ਕਾਉਂਸਲਰ ਹਰੀਸ਼ ਨਾਗਪਾਲ ਗਿੰਨੀ, ਅਤੁਲ ਜੋਸ਼ੀ, ਅਸ਼ਵਨੀ ਕੁਮਾਰ ਮਿੱਕੀ, ਸੰਦੀਪ ਮਲਹੋਤਰਾ, ਹਰੀਸ਼ ਕਪੂਰ, ਭਾਜਪਾ ਦੇ ਸਾਬਕਾ ਸ਼ਹਿਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਐਸ.ਕੇ ਦੇਵ ਅਤੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਟੀਮ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਚੀਫ਼ ਸੈਨੇਟਰੀ ਇੰਸਪੈਕਟਰ ਸੰਜੀਵ ਕੁਮਾਰ, ਸੈਨੇਟਰੀ ਇੰਸਪੈਕਟਰ ਮੋਹਿਤ ਜਿੰਦਲ, ਇੰਦਰਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ, ਕੁਲਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮ ਕੋਆਰਡੀਨੇਟਰ ਅਮਨ ਸੇਖੋਂ ਅਤੇ ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਬਾਜਵਾ ਮੁੱਖ ਤੌਰ ’ਤੇ ਹਾਜ਼ਰ ਸਨ। -PTC News

All you need to know about National Recruitment Agency

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:19:24 +0530

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget in February to set up an agency to conduct common eligibility test (CET). Till now the candidates have to take different exams that are conducted by various agencies for central government jobs. According to C Chandramouli, Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, on an average 2.5 crore to 3 crore aspirants appear for about 1.25 lakh vacancies in the central government every year. It is a multi-agency body called National Recruitment Agency (NRA) which will conduct a Common Eligibility Test (CET) to screen the candidates for Central Government jobs and the candidate can apply for a vacancy with the respective agency. The Centre has approved funds to the tune of Rs. 1517.57 crore to set up the National Recruitment Agency. The expenditure will be undertaken over a period of three years. Besides setting up the NRA, the government will also spend on setting up proper examination infrastructure in the nearly 117 districts. The CET would replace the Tier-1 exam that is held by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). The test would be conducted for the recruitment to Group B and Group C posts. The NRA would initially conduct CET for only three recruitment agencies, but would expand to all 20 various agencies. Based on the CET score, an aspirant can apply for higher tiers of recruitment process to be conducted by these agencies, Secretary (Personnel) C Chandramouli said. An aspirant would be allowed unlimited attempts within a prescribed age limit to better his or her CET score. The best would be considered. Moreover an aspirant would not need to travel outside his or her district to access a test centre. The move will benefit a large number of rural aspirants who try for Central government jobs every year. The CET will now be available in multiple languages and help aspirants from different parts of the country to take the examination and get equal chances of being selected. Also Read | CM Orders Strict Measures to prevent in-transport stealing of spirits PM Modi tweeted, “The National Recruitment Agency will prove to be a boon for crores of youngsters. Through the Common Eligibility Test, it will eliminate multiple tests and save precious time as well as resources. This will also be a big boost to transparency,” -PTC News

Parliament approves 10 pc reservation for poor in general category

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 22:37:34 +0530

The Parliament Wednesday approved amending the Constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation to general category poor in jobs and education with the government terming the landmark move as 'slog over sixes'. A day after Lok Sabha approved The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Rajya Sabha passed the law with 165 voting in favour and 7 against. In the last leg of the legislative process, the Bill will now go to the President for approval. And once its gets his ascent, it will become the law that will give economically weaker sections in the general category 10 per cent reservation in education as well as central and state government jobs. The Bill was approved after the House rejected a motion moved by Kanimozhi (DMK) and supported by Left parties for sending it to a parliamentary select committee for scrutiny. Against 18 members supporting, 155 opposed it and one member abstained. The Bill was approved after the House rejected 5 amendments moved by Opposition members. The quota will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation to SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Replying to nearly eight hour long debate in Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Emowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot asked Congress how it would have implemented the promise it made in its election manifesto of giving giving reservation to poor of general category but by amending the Constitution. He said reservation to SC, ST and OBCs will not be touched by the amendment and opposition parties should have supported the legislation without any ifs and buts. The changes in the Constitution being made to provide the reservation will hold scrutiny of the Supreme Court, he hoped. Filling up of jobs reserved for SC/STs and OBCs is an ongoing process, he said, adding the bill was an attempt to benefit poor of general category who have been deprived so far. While opposition parties questioned the motive behind bringing the legislation just four months before the general elections, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad used cricketing anology to justify the move saying 'sixes are hit only in the slog overs' and said more such "sixers" are in the pipeline. Several opposition members raised doubts about the legality of the bill in view of the Supreme Court setting limit of quotas at 50 per cent. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said he saw nothing wrong in bringing a bill to win election. Congress and other opposition parties also raised doubts over the move actually benefiting the deserving when, they said, government jobs are drying and the economy is witnessing a jobless growth. Questioning the criteria defined to classify economically backward classes in general caterogy as persons with annual family income of Rs 8 lakh when income tax exemption limit is only Rs 2.5 lakh, they also asked why in the four-and-half- years the Modi government did not bring women's reservation bill and one for reservation for SCs in promotion. Satish Chandra Misra (BSP) said the bill was motivated by meeting of his party chief and Samajwadi Party head for a possible poll alliance in Uttar Pradesh, which sends most MPs in the Lok Sabha. The Bill comes just four months ahead of Lok Sabha polls and weeks after BJP faced the wrath of the upper castes especially in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan following its aggressive push to win over backward classes and dalits, and is being seen as an attempt by the party to win over the upper castes. Constitution envisages quota for socially and educationally backward classes besides SC and STs, but has no mention of economically weaker section. The amendment bill seeks to insert a clause in Sections 15 and 16 of the Constitution. A Constitution amendment bill requires support from at least two-thirds of members present and voting in the both Houses of Parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the bill with 323 voting in favour and three against. To avoid the legislation being challenged in the Supreme Court, which had set 50 per cent as the upper limit for quotas, Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan demanded that the amendment be included in the Schedule 9 of the Constitution. Reservation should also extend to private sector and constituion of an All India Judicial service, he said. The Ninth Schedule to the Constitution was introduced to save land reforms law enacted by various states from being challenged in the courts to facilitate agrarian reforms. Anand Sharma (Cong) said a government "on departure lounge" brought the bill after facing "befitting" defeat in three states elections last month. Derek O' Brien (TMC) charged the government of bringing "Cheat India" schemes in housing for all, two crore jobs, doubling of farm income and Rs 15 lakh for all citizens. While Kapil Sibal (Cong) equated the law to the "disruptive" demonetisation, Praful Patel (NCP) said it will deliver a "still born" baby. BSP's Mishra termed it as "fraud on the upper caste" while Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD said it was "a mid night robbery." Mishra and Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) demanded reservation for Muslims. Abdul Wahab (IUML) opposed the Bill, calling it illegal. Amar Singh (Ind) asked why people who are opposing the bill are voting in favour of it. PTI

Opposition questions extending Rajya Sabha sitting 'without' following norms

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:48:03 +0530

Opposition parties Wednesday slammed "bypassing" of rules and procedure in extending the current winter session by a day in Rajya Sabha, saying the members were neither informed nor was their consent taken for the move. Members of the Congress, the TMC and the AIADMK cited rule book to criticise the extension. Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that it may be considered his "personal lapse" and a "lapse in his understanding" in not conveying at the time of adjourning proceedings on Tuesday that the sitting of the House has been extended by a day. He said the extension of the sitting of the House was on agenda of the BAC meeting of Tuesday after a request was received from the government. BAC minuted acceptance of the request, he said adding when he on Tuesday adjourned the proceedings of the House till 11 am on Wednesday, it was "implied" that the sitting of the House has been extended by a day. "If you think it is a lapse (in not communicating about the extension in so many words), please it as a lapse of my understanding and my personal lapse," he said. Finance Minister and Leader of the House Arun Jaitley conceded the rules provide for taking a sense of the House for extending the sitting but said since "an important business has been pending, the Chair has taken a decision. "It is being a long-standing tradition; we don't question the ruling as far as the Chair is concerned," he said. The government maintained that the Chairman was within his rights to extend the sitting in view of important legislations, including the one to provide 10 per cent reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to poor from upper castes, are pending. When the House met for the extended one day on Wednesday, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (TMC) cited Rule 12 of Rajya Sabha to state that the sitting can be extended by the Chairman after making an announcement in the House and the change being published in the Rajya Sabha Bulletin. "There was no announcement. There was no notification. In protest of that, we were sitting in the House even after the adjournment (of the proceedings on Tuesday)," he said adding a bulletin was published in the dark of the night. "This is not only abridgment of the rules but also a total disregard to the Parliamentary procedures hitherto practiced by this House. It is unprecedented, arbitrary and illegal." He said no one was questioning the power of the chairman to extend the session but the only concern was about rules not being followed. Satish Chandra Misra (BSP), Surendra Singh Nagar (SP), T K Rangarajan (CPI), Kanimozhi (DMK), Dola Sen (TMC), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) and Sanjay Singh (AAP) were among the members who associated themselves with the issue. Anand Sharma (Cong) said no one is challenging the right of the government but that the House has to be run by rules. No decision on extending the sitting of the House was taken at the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting and no time was allocated, he said adding this is the first time that there is no dialogue between the government and the opposition on that matter. It is the government's responsibility to take opposition into confidence for the smooth running of the House, he said. "The government has not taken an initiative to run the House." Sharma said it is the established practice in Rajya Sabha that no bill be brought without the scrutiny of parliamentary committees but this was not being followed. Sensitive bills are being brought bypassing Parliament scrutiny and treating the House as a rubber stamp, he said. SR Balasubramoniyan (AIADMK) said the Lok Sabha was Tuesday adjourned sine die. "But here (in Rajya Sabha), all of a sudden, without taking the sense of the House into consideration, you announced that the House would meet tomorrow (January 9) at 11.00 a.M. How can you announce it like that? You never had the powers." He said the rules provide that the chairman may make any variations in the allocation of time order by taking the sense of the House. "There was no agreement at all. You never took the sense of the House." Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel said members should have been concerned about half of the 20 days of the session being washed out in pandemonium. It is the right of the government to change or increase sitting of the House, he said, adding the decision to extend the House was first taken at the BAC meeting and then the Chairman holding an informal meeting with leaders of opposition parties. PTI

Interim Budget to be presented on February 1

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 13:55:11 +0530

Interim Budget to be presented on February 1 The Budget Session of Parliament will be held from January 31 to February 13. The Interim Budget will be presented on February 1. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) took this decision at its meeting today. The Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, will be presenting the Interim Budget for the year 2019-20. Also Read: Punjab CM hails Budget as People-Friendly & Aimed at Multi-Sectoral Growth [caption id="attachment_238068" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Interim Budget to be presented on February 1[/caption] Also Read: SSC decides to recommend CBI probe into paper leaks According to the media sources, President Ram Nath Kovind will be addressing the joint sitting of the two houses. -PTC NEWS

Every political party supported quota for the poor in general Category: Jaitley

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 18:54:48 +0530

Union minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday made a forceful pitch for the passage of a bill providing 10 per cent quota for the poor among the general category, saying almost every party, including the Congress, had supported the measure in their poll manifesto. Making an intervention in the Lok Sabha during a debate on the constitutional amendment bill, he rejected suggestions that the measure may fall foul of a Supreme Court judgement putting a cap of 50 per cent at the total quota. The bar, he added, is for caste-based reservations, while the bill seeks quota for the economically weaker sections in the general category. Attempts were made earlier too by governments at the Centre and states in this regard but failed because they were done either through common statutory provisions or notifications, Jaitley said. The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill 2019 seeks to amend the Constitution by introducing provisions for reservation for economically weaker sections, he said, adding that it presently mentions only social and educational backwardness as the criteria for quota. Quoting from the Congress manifesto, which called for such a quota, he asked it to "walk its talk" by supporting the bill, describing it as a test for the opposition party. With Opposition members using 'jumla' jibe, Jaitley hit back saying if the mention of a similar quota for the general category in their manifestos was a jumla as well. The BJP in its manifesto also supported the measure and is now working to implement it, he said, adding Constitution makers also spoke about equality of status and opportunity. Taking a jibe at opposition parties for their protests, he said if they are supporting the bill, they should be whole- hearted and not grudgingly doing it. He also added the bill, once passed by Parliament, will come into effect and would not be required to be ratified by state assemblies. PTI

Lok Sabha passes citizenship (amendment) bill

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 18:44:06 +0530

A bill seeking to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangaldesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Piloting the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, Home Minister Rajnath Singh told the Opposition that the bill was not against the provisions of the Constitution and would give succour to persecuted minorities in the three neighbouring countries. The Bill provides for according Indian citizenship to the the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 years currently even if they do not possess any document. "They have no place to go to, except India," he said, adding several leaders including first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru were in favour of giving shelter to persecuted minorities in the neighouring countries. He said although Indian leaders signed pacts with leaders of Pakistan and Bangaladesh for protection of minorities but unfortunately it had not happened. Even former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while speaking as leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha had asked the then BJP-led government to be more liberal in dealing with the issue of persecuted minorities in Bangaladesh, the minister said. Rejecting the contention that bill sought to discriminate people on the basis of religion, Singh said "anyone eligible under the provisions under the law will be accorded citizenship". Seeking to assuage the concerns in the Northeast, which saw an 11-hour bandh on Tuesday against the legislation, Singh said the proposed law will not be confined to Assam alone. "The burden of those persecuted migrants will be shared by the whole country. Assam alone should not have to bear the entire burden. Government of India is committed to give all help to the State Government and people of Assam," he said. It may be recalled, that the BJP appears to have been isolated over the issue. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a partner in the BJP-led Assam government, broke up with the saffron party while the NDA allies, the Shiv Sena and the JD (U), have opposed this legislation. Mizoram and Meghalaya governments have opposed the bill by adopting resolution against it in their respective cabinet meetings. The home minister said the Union Cabinet has also approved grant of ST status to six communities of Assam namely Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, Chutia, Tea Tribes, Moran and Matak. The Union Cabinet's decision can been seen as a balancing act by the central government to strong opposition to the bill in Assam. According to the Home Minister:"At the same time, full safeguards will be provided to protect the interests, rights and privileges of existing Scheduled Tribes of Assam. "A separate Bill will be brought to grant ST status to Bodo Kacharis living in the Hill districts of Assam and Karbis in the plains. Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is also proposed to be amended to strengthen the Autonomous District Councils," he said. Singh said the migrants - Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis - were earlier given protection against legal action in 2015 and 2016. "Long term visa provision was made for them. The amendment will make these persecuted migrants eligible to apply for citizenship," he said. Singh said citizenship will be given to them only after due scrutiny and recommendation of district authorities and the state government. The legislation also seeks to provide relief to persecuted migrants who have come through western borders of the country to states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and other states, the Home Minister said. The bill will apply to all States and Union Territories of the country and the beneficiaries of Citizenship Amendment Bill will be able to reside in any state of the country. The bill was originally introduced in 2016 and was later sent to the JPC, which submitted its report on Monday. On the basis of the recommendations of the JPC, a fresh bill was introduced on Tuesday. Opposition parties have raised objections to the bill. The Congress said many states have opposed the bill and it should be sent to a select committee. As the government did not heed to the demand, the Congress staged a walkout. TMC's Saugata Roy dubbed the bill as "divisive" and "insidious" that goes against the basic tenents of the constitution. "This is the worst form of vote-bank politics", Roy said. The Bill was also opposed by P R Kunhalikutty (IUML), Jayprakash Narayan Yadav (RJD) and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM) who all contended that it was against the Constitution. Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJD), Arvind Sawant(Shiv Sena) Mohammad Salim (CPI(M)) and Badruddin Ajmal (AIDUF) also spoke. PTI

Govt introduces quota bill in Lok Sabha

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 17:36:22 +0530

The Government on Tuesday introduced a bill in Lok Sabha that seeks to amend the Constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to economically backward section in the general category. The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill 2019, approved by the Union Cabinet on Monday, was brought in on the last day of the Winter Session of Lok Sabha. Union Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot introduced the Bill in the House amid protests by Samajwadi Party. According to the Bill, "At present, the economically weaker sections of citizens have largely remained excluded from attending the higher educational institutions and public employment on account of their financial incapacity to compete with the persons who are economically more privileged." The Bill seeks to amend Article 15 of the Constitution, by adding a clause which allows states to make "special provision for the advancement of any economically weaker sections of citizens". These "special provisions" would relate to "their admission to educational institutions, including private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided by the state, other than the minority educational institutions". It also makes it clear that reservation would be "in addition to the existing reservations and subject to a maximum of ten per cent of the total seats in each category". "The directive principles of state policy contained in Article 46 of the Constitution enjoins that the State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation," it pointed out. It said economically weaker sections of citizens were not eligible for the benefit of reservation. "With a view to fulfil the mandate of Article 46, and to ensure that economically weaker sections of citizens get a fair chance of receiving higher education and participation in employment in the services of the State, it has been decided to amend the Constitution of India," the statement of objects of the bill said. A constitutional amendment bill requires at least half of the members to be present in the House and two-third of them should support it. PTI

Centre committed to the democratic process in J-K: Rajnath

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 17:34:18 +0530

As the Opposition slammed the decision to impose President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday told Lok Sabha that no party was in a position to form a government in the state and asserted that the Centre is "ready" for assembly election there. He also rejected claims of some opposition parties that the BJP was propping up a regional party to form the government, saying if his party had such an intention, it would have done so within six months of the Governor's Rule. "The government doesn't conduct elections but the government is ready for the election. It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to hold elections... We are totally committed to the democratic process," he told the lower house while replying to the Statutory Resolution on the imposition of President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir. The resolution was adopted by a voice vote. The Minister assured the House that security requirement of the Election Commission will be met for free and fair assembly election in the state. Soon after imposition of the Governor's Rule in June, Singh said, the Governor's report of June 19 to the President indicated that no party or coalition of parties in the state was in a position to form the government. So the Governor's rule was imposed in these conditions, he said, adding the Assembly was not dissolved for six months in anticipation of the formation of government in the state. However, no party staked claim to form the government so the Governor had to recommend President's Rule, he said. As Singh was speaking, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah interjected, saying, "The PDP approached our party and we agreed to provide them support along with the Congress. But the irony was that the fax and phone of the Governor were not working." Abdullah asserted that the Governor's House is not the place to prove majority and it is the floor of Assembly here the government of the day has to prove its strength. The Home Minister said that no party was in a position to form the government in the state even a day before December 19 when the Governor had to take the decision about the dissolution of the Assembly. "Our intentions should never be doubted on Jammu and Kashmir. If the BJP had to form the government, we could have done it within six months of the Governor's Rule," he said. The BJP could have done it by talking to other parties but it did not do so till the end, he added. As far as the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, he said, it is an old problem. The government is trying to improve the conditions by taking various steps like creating more employment for the people of the state. Even grassroots democracy is being strengthened, he said, noting that local bodies elections have been held after a gap of many years. Elected representatives of the local bodies are being given administrative and financial powers, he added. PTI

Lok Sabha passes Triple Talaq bill, Opposition walks out

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 19:26:37 +0530

Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill which criminalises the practice of instant triple talaq, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community. The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected by the government. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018 was passed by the Lower House with 245 voting in favour and 11 opposing the legislation. The bill will now go to Rajya Sabha for approval. Piloting the bill, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that there should be no politics on the bill, stressing that it was not against any particular community. [caption id="attachment_233312" align="aligncenter" width="643"] Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad[/caption] "Don't weigh the bill on the scales of politics. The bill is about humanity and justice," he said, urging lawmakers of different parties to speak in one voice to support the legislation. He regretted that opposition parties were creating hurdles in its passage due to "vote bank politics". The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. In view of the opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. Congress, TMC, AIADMK and RJD staged walkout soon after Prasad concluded his reply. Several amendments moved by the opposition were negated by a division that was insisted on by opposition members. Responding to the demand of opposition parties, including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress, that the bill be sent to a select committee for study, Prasad said the government has already taken note of concerns expressed by members earlier and amended the bill accordingly. Prasad said the bill has made the offence compoundable, meaning that the case can be withdrawn if the man and his estranged wife reach a compromise and that only the wife and her close relatives can file an FIR, ruling out the law's misuse. He said as many as 477 cases of triple talaq have been reported since January 2017 and cited a case where a professor gave talaq to his wife over Whatsapp. Whereas another Muslim man gave talaq to his wife for attending the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally, the Union Law minister said, urging if the House unitedly can pass a bill for capital punishment for rape of girls below the age of 12 years, then why not this legislation. The leader of Congress Party in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said that bill was against the spirit of the Constitution and has violated several articles dealing with the rights of individuals. Congress MP Sushmita Dev said the real purpose of the bill was not to empower Muslim women but to "penalise" Muslim men. Demanding that the bill be referred to the joint select committee of Parliament, Dev said criminalisation of triple talaq goes against the Supreme Court verdict. AIADMK leader P Venugopal, TMC's Sudip Bandhopadhyay, AIMIM's Assaduddin Owaisi and Supriya Sule (NCP) also made similar demands. Union minister Smriti Irani said if Parliament can enact laws to ban dowry and the practice of sati, it can also approve the bill to ban instant triple talaq. Defending the penal provisions in the bill, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it was important to instil fear in the minds of those still practising it and rejected suggestions that it was against any religion. PTI

Triple Talaq bill not against any religion

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 19:19:27 +0530

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday defended the penal provision in the triple talaq bill saying it is important to instil fear in the minds of those still practising it and rejected suggestions that it was against any religion. Intervening in the debate on the bill in the Lok Sabha, the Minority Affairs Minister said acts like murder are against the law but people still commit such crime and hence there is provision for punishment. This is not to victimise anyone but to provide safety and protection to Muslim women, he said, adding, Muslim Personal Law Board and Ulemas are also against triple talaq. Terming triple talaq as a social evil, he said, the time has come to abolish it. Many Islamic nations have already made it illegal, he said citing an example of countries like Pakistan that made it illegal in 1956 and Syria in 1953. Pointing out that the country runs on Constitution, not by Shariat, he said the religious sentiment was also raised at the time when the practice of Sati and Child marriage were abolished. Since most of the concerns of political parties have already been incorporated in the bill, there is no need for sending it to Joint Select Committee, he said. The Congress had this opportunity in 1986 but the then government did not take the bold step and rather indulged in appeasement politics, the minister said. Mallikarjuna Kharge (Cong) interrupted him saying there is no such thing in Hindu and Christianity then why there should be discrimination against Muslim men. To this, Naqvi replied that there is no such thing called triple talaq being practised in those religions. BJD leader Bhartruhari Mehtab asked the minister to explain the due process of law. To this Naqvi said that the Law Minister will give a reply on this. PTI

Triple talaq bill about woman empowerment, justice not politics: Prasad

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 18:56:14 +0530

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Thursday said the triple talaq bill, which seeks imprisonment for Muslim men accused of instant divorce, is not about politics but empowerment and justice for women, as the Lok Sabha began a discussion on the contentious legislation. Amid a demand by opposition parties, including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress, that the bill to be sent to a select committee for study, Prasad said the government has already taken note of concerns expressed by members earlier and amended the bill accordingly. Prasad told the Lok Sabha that the bill has made the offence compoundable, meaning that the case can be withdrawn if the man and his estranged wife reach a compromise and that only the wife and her close relatives can file an FRI, ruling out the law's misuse. "Don't weigh the bill on the scales of politics. The bill is about humanity and justice," he said, urging lawmakers of different parties to speak in one voice to support the legislation. Parliament had earlier unanimously supported laws, including the one prescribing death in rape cases, aimed at giving justice to women, and the triple talaq bill is also a step towards justice for women, he said. The speaker has given four hours for the debate on the bill. PTI

Real purpose of talaq bill is to penalise Muslim men: Sushmita Dev

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 18:54:08 +0530

Opposing the Triple talaq bill in its current form, Congress MP Sushmita Dev Thursday said in the Lok Sabha that the real purpose of the bill was not to empower Muslim women but to "penalise" Muslim men. Demanding that the bill be referred to the joint select committee of Parliament, Dev said criminalisation of triple talaq goes against the Supreme Court verdict. "In the name of empowerment you (the government) has given nothing but a criminal case to women...The aim of the bill is not to empower Muslim women but to penalise Muslim men," she said. The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament. Citing details of instant triple talaq cases, the government had last week informed the Lok Sabha that till now 430 incidents of triple talaq have come to the notice of the government through the media. Of these, 229 were reported before the Supreme Court judgement, while another 201 came to the notice after it. These cases were reported between the period of January 2017 and September 13, 2018.PTI

Discussion on triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha on Thursday

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 17:48:18 +0530

The politically sensitive bill which seeks to make the practice of instant triple talaq among Muslim men a penal offence will come up for discussion in Lok Sabha on Thursday. The Lok Sabha had last week on Thursday decided to take up the bill on December 27 after the Congress agreed to participate in the debate. As the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, was taken up for consideration, Leader of the Congress in the House, Mallikarjun Kharge, had suggested it be taken up for discussion next week. Parliament is meeting on December 27 after a long weekend. [caption id="attachment_232788" align="aligncenter" width="933"] Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar[/caption] Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar sought an assurance from the Opposition that it would allow discussion on the bill without disruption. "I request you to take the bill on December 27. We are all going to participate. Our party and other political parties are ready to discuss (the bill)," Kharge had said in the Lower House. [caption id="attachment_232801" align="aligncenter" width="697"] Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge[/caption] Lok Sabha has been witnessing disruptions over a range of issues, including protests by the Congress, which is demanding a joint parliamentary committee probe on the Rafale deal. The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament. [caption id="attachment_232794" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad[/caption] Introducing the bill, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said despite the Supreme Court striking down the practice of talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq), terming it unconstitutional, divorces in this form were taking place. Citing details of instant triple talaq cases, the government had last week informed Lok Sabha that till now 430 incidents of triple talaq have come to the notice of the government through the media. Of these, 229 were reported before the Supreme Court judgment, while another 201 came to the notice after it. These cases were reported between the period of January 2017 and September 13, 2018. PTI

Rules panel deliberates upon automatic suspension of members who enter well of the house

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 22:36:59 +0530

Members of the Lok Sabha's Rules Committee on Friday deliberated on "automatic suspension" of MPs who enter the well of the house or willfully obstruct its business by shouting slogans despite being repeatedly warned by the Chair. The discussions come at a time when regular disruptions of the house have become the norm. During the deliberations, a recommendation was made to automatically suspend MPs who enter the well of the house or wilfully obstruct its business for five consecutive sittings, three or maybe one, a source who was present in the meeting said. Various MPs from opposition parties who are members of the committee were not present in the meeting. It was discussed in the meeting chaired by the Lok Sabha speaker. Congress representative suggested that the Lok Sabha's Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business should be revisited from the next term of the lower house, which will begin in May next year, after general elections. Later TMC MP Saugata Roy, who did not attend the meeting, but was part of the panel, said he will oppose any such suggestion. Miffed over MPs holding placards inside the Lok Sabha and creating a ruckus, Mahajan called a meeting of the committee on Thursday. Members have suggested an amendment of Rule 374A (1) of the Lok Sabha's Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, which deals with suspension of the member. Those members repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their own seats and warned shall be automatically suspended rather than being named by the speaker, it was proposed. At present, the rules state that such members will only be suspended after they are named by the Speaker. "...In the event of a grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of the house or abusing the rules of the house persistently and willfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, despite being repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their seats and warned, such member shall stand automatically suspended from the service of the house for five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less," according to draft circulated in the Rules Committee meeting. Once the warning has been issued by the speaker, the house would have to be adjourned for a reasonable period of time to enable the secretary general to enlist the names of members, the report adds. There were differences among members of the committee over the period of suspension. The Rules Committee functions as an advisory body to the speaker. It considers matters of procedure and conduct of business and makes recommendations for any amendment or addition to the rules. A proposal for an amendment to the rules can be made by any member of the House or by the presiding officer or committee. The proposals -- after being examined by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and approved by the chairperson (the speaker) -- are placed before the Committee for consideration in the form of memoranda. Article 118(1) of the Constitution provides that each House of Parliament may make rules to regulate the procedure and conduct of its business. On April 1, 1950, the speaker made an announcement in the House regarding the appointment of a committee to examine suggestions that might be received from members from time to time for amendment of the Rules. PTI

Petrol costs Rs 34/ltr before tax, dealer commission in NCR

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 17:16:12 +0530

Petrol will cost only Rs 34.04 per cent per litre and diesel Rs 38.67/litre without taxes and dealer's commission in the national capital region. Giving details of the prices of petroleum products as on December 19 in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla said the incidence of taxes and dealers commissions work out to be 96.9 per cent in case of petrol and 60.3 per cent for diesel. On December 19, the retail price of petrol was Rs 70.63 a litre. This included Rs 17.98 central excise duty, Rs 15.02 state VAT and Rs 3.59 commission of dealer. In case of diesel, the retail price was Rs 64.54 (central excise duty of Rs 13.83, state VAT of Rs 9.51 and dealer commission of Rs 2.53). Prices of petrol and diesel, which are market determined, change on daily basis. The prices of the fuel vary across the country as states and Union Territories levy their own rate of VAT (value added tax). In another reply, the minister said the Centre collected excise duty of Rs 73,516.8 crore on petrol and Rs 1.5 lakh crore on diesel during the last financial year. In the first six months of the current fiscal, the collection stands at Rs 25,318.1 crore and Rs 46,548.8 crore for petrol and diesel, respectively. The government had cut the excise duty on fuel prices in October in order to tackle increasing prices of petrol and diesel. The estimated loss of revenue to the central government is about Rs 7,000 crore post the reduction in excise duty on October 4 in the remaining part of the fiscal, the minister added. PTI