Monsoon Session 2020: This will be the first Parliament session being held amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ruling alliance NDA candidate Harivansh Singh has been appointed Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha today as the monsoon session of parliament began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the role of Bihar in the country's "democratic ethos", recalling former greats like Jayaprakash Narayan and Karpuri Thakur while congratulating Mr Singh, who got elected as the deputy chairman of the Upper House today for a second time.
Seventeen members of the Lok Sabha, who underwent mandatory tests before the monsoon session of parliament, have tested positive for Coronavirus. Among the infected MPs, the BJP has a maximum number -- 12. The YSR Congress has two MPs, the Shiv Sena, DMK and RLP one each.
Earlier, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan had defended the government's handling of the pandemic and said that the number of Covid cases and related deaths in India are among the "lowest in the world". "With our endeavour to manage COVID-19, India has been able to limit its cases and deaths to 3,328 cases and 55 deaths per million population respectively, which is one of the lowest in the world as compared to similarly affected countries," the minister said.
Meanwhile, proceedings have begun in the Rajya Sabha for the Monsoon Session with MPs following Covid protocols; the Lok Sabha, meanwhile, has been adjourned till 3 pm tomorrow.
Ahead of the Monsoon Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his traditional comments before the parliament session, delivered a strong message on the China dispute at the border. "We hope parliament and all members will unitedly send the message that the nation stands with our soldiers," PM Modi said.
The government has listed 23 new legislations for consideration and passage including 11 bills replacing ordinances issued since March, when parliament was adjourned indefinitely in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
Here are the Updates on Parliament Monsoon Session 2020:
DMK protests in Parliament against NEET examOn the first day of the monsoon session on Monday, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MPs staged a protest in parliament premises against the NEET exam and the recently introduced National Education Policy.
DMK MPs TR Balu, Tiruchi Siva and Kanimozhi along with others were seen wearing masks while protesting against the NEET exam, for admission to undergraduate medical courses, that was held across the country on Sunday.
Talking to reporters, DMK's floor leader in Rajya Sabha Tiruchi Siva said this year, poor and rural students got a disadvantage in the NEET exam as they were not able to receive coaching due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He claimed that many students have committed suicide in Tamil Nadu due to "fear" of the competitive qualifying exam.
The DMK also moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha over the "suicide of students due to NEET in Tamil Nadu".
Only 45 Lok Sabha MPs used app to mark attendance on first day of Parliament's Monsoon session
Forty-five Lok Sabha MPs marked their attendance through an app while others used the traditional method of signing on the register as the Monsoon session of Parliament kicked off on Monday.
The MPs used the ''Attendance Register'' App, which is designed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to curtail the risk of COVID-19 spread as MPs will not have to use or touch the attendance register.
They have to be present inside the Parliament to register themselves using the coordinates provided by the app.
359 members attended the proceedings of the Lok Sabha today.
Will Parliament seriously discuss China, COVID-19 issues? Shiv Sena asksWith the monsoon session of Parliament beginning from Monday, the Shiv Sena asked whether
the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha will discuss seriously important issues like Chinese aggression along the LAC, COVID-19 and unemployment.
In an editorial in its mouthpiece ''Saamana'', the Shiv Sena said COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in states with no end in sight to the coronavirus pandemic, while China has adopted aggressive posturing along the LAC.
Bill to cut MPs' salaries by 30% to meet COVID exigencies introduced in Lok SabhaParliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday introduced in Lok Sabha a bill that seeks to reduce for one year the salaries of Members of Parliament by 30 per cent "to meet the exigencies arising out of COVID-19 pandemic".
The Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020 seeks to replace the Salary, Allowances And Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020.
"I rise to move...to introduce the bill further to amend the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954," Joshi said and added that "I introduce the bill".
The ordinance was cleared by the Cabinet on April 6 and promulgated on April 7.
PM Modi on newly elected Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh- The trust we had on Harivanshji, he has fulfilled it all.
- Harisvansh ji never discriminated or took any sides.
- These 2 years are witness of how Harivansh ji carried out his duties.
- Last year, the House passed maximum bills despite it being an election year
- Harivansh Ji entered politics in 2014 after serving as a journalist for four decades
- Harivansh ji has raised nation's reputation at every national and international stage
PM Modi will address the Rajya Sabha soon, on the election of Harivansh ji as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
JUST IN: Ruling alliance NDA candidate Harivansh appointed Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha adjourned for an hour as a mark of respect for Pranab MukherjeeRajya Sabha proceedings were on Monday adjourned for an hour as a mark of respect for the memory of former President Pranab Mukherjee and three of its sitting members.
Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu read out obituary references for Mukherjee as well as sitting members Beni Prasad Verma, M P Veerendra Kumar, and Amar Singh at the start of the monsoon session.
He also read out obituary references for 15 other former members who passed away recently.
Members stood in silence in their places after the obituary references were read out.
Mr Naidu adjourned the proceedings of the House for one hour as a mark of respect for the memory of the departed.
Traditionally, the proceedings of the House are adjourned for the day when a sitting member or former President dies.
However, in view of the short 18-day session being held under the shadow of the pandemic, the proceedings were adjourned for one hour.
Parliament nod to bills to ensure quality homeopathy, Indian system of medicineParliament has given its nod to two bills that propose a medical education system that improve access to quality and affordable medical education by ensuring availability of adequate and high quality homoeopathy and Indian system of medicine professionals across the country.
Lok Sabha on Monday passed the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill.
Rajya Sabha had passed them earlier, and the lower house nod to the two proposed legislations mean that they are set to become laws after getting formal approval from President Ram Nath Kovind.
Some opposition members protested against the bill, saying the Centre needed to undertake wider consultation.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said the proposed laws will help in better administration of homeopathy and Indian system of medicines.
Rajya Sabha proceedings adjourned for an hour
Rajya Sabha proceedings adjourned for an hour as mark of respect to Pranab Mukherjee and three sitting members who died recently.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will support Opposition candidate Manoj Kumar Jha for the post of Deputy Chairman in Rajya Sabha," party leader Sanjay Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. (File pic)
Parliament Monsoon Session 2020: Trinamool MP's Comment On Nirmala Sitharaman Deleted, BJP Says Apologise
Trinamool MP Saugata Roy's personal comment directed at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which has now been expunged, caused an outcry in parliament today. Trinamool MP Saugata Roy should apologise for his comments, said Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.
Saugata Roy was making a statement on the Banking Regulation Amendment Bill and arguing against it in Lok Sabha when he threw a personal remark at Nirmala Sitharaman, implying that the nation's economic condition had increased her worries. Several members objected to the comment which, Speaker Om Birla, said would be expunged. (Read full story
here)
Lok Sabha adjourned till 3 pm tomorrow.
Monsoon Session 2020: 11 bills to replace ordinances issued since March
There will be 11 bills replacing a slew of ordinances issued since March, when parliament was adjourned indefinitely in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
The bills that will replace ordinances include the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, one of regulation of support prices, one on Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, the new rule on taxation and the salaries and allowances of MPs and ministers.
Monsoon Session 2020: Biju Janata Dal backs NDA candidate for Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman post
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced Biju Janata Dal (BJD) support to NDA candidate Harivansh for Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman post.
Mr Patnaik's announcement came soon after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar spoke to him today again over the issue of the elections for the Deputy Chairman post which are scheduled to be held today.
More than 60% active cases in 5 states: Health Minister Harsh Vardhan- Maximum cases and deaths reported from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, UP, Delhi, Bengal, Bihar, Telangana, Odisha, Assam, Kerala, Gujarat . These states have more than 1 lakh cases.
- More than 60% active cases in 5 states.
- India has been able to limit its cases and deaths per million to 3,328 cases per million and 55 deaths per million population -- one of the lowest in the world as compared to other affected countries
- No scheduled international commercial flights are being allowed for now.
- Containment plans were released at the start of the pandemic and they have been updated from time to time.
Monsoon Session 2020 - Economy and unemployment biggest challenge in India right now: NCP's Supriya Sule in Lok Sabha- I think the biggest challenge right now in the country is the State of the economy and unemployment. I think on the first first day, what we should have debated today in Parliament is the state of the economy, pandemic and challenges of unemployment.
- This is a global scenario and we're not the only country going through it. But it should be priority of government. I don't see this government at the Centre talking extensively either about the economy or unemployment challenges. We should put it on priority
"Leaders of most parties agreed over no Question Hour and Zero Hour": Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the decision on Question Hour and Zero Hour was taken after consultation with opposition parties, news agency ANI reported.
"Leaders of most parties agreed over no Question Hour and Zero Hour for 30 minutes. We apprised you (Speaker) of it following which decision was taken by you. I appeal to all members of House to co-operate as Session is being held in extraordinary situation," Mr Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Question Hour is the golden hour, government trying to strangulate democracy: Congress MP
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticised government move to cancel Question Hour. By going ahead with the move, the government was trying to "strangulate the democracy", Mr Chowdhury was quoted as saying in the Lok Sabha.
"Question Hour is the golden hour but you say that it can't be held due to the circumstances. You conduct the proceedings but single out Question Hour. You are trying to strangulate the democracy," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was quoted as saying in Lok Sabha by ANI.
The Rajya Sabha will function from 9 AM to 1 PM, the Lok Sabha for 3 PM to 7 PM. Only on the first day, the Lok Sabha is meeting in the morning session. Instead of the Question Hour, un-starred questions will be laid on the table, the government has said.
Parliament Session resumes after one-hour adjournment.
Monsoon Session 2020: Congress MPs move adjournment motion in Lok Sabha over Chinese incursion in Ladakh
Congress has moved an adjournment moton in Lok Sabha over the issue of Chinese incursion in Eastern Ladakh. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and party leader K Suresh gave adjournment notices.
7 union minister have contracted coronavirus
At least seven union ministers have contracted COVID-19 and two dozen lawmakers are recovering from it. An MP and several MLAS have died. Around 200 of the 785 MPs are above the age of 65 years, the population vulnerable to coronavirus.
Ahead of the session, all members were requested to get themselves tested for COVID-19 and one of them tested positive. "Requesting all those who have come in close contact with me in the last few days to monitor their health and get tested in case of any symptoms," tweeted the BJP's Sukanta Majumdar.
Monsoon Session 2020: Parliament Schedule
Lok sabha
Bills to be withdrawn
-The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill,
2020 (Bill No. 56 of 2020).
Bills to be introduced
-The Salary, Allowances and Pension of
Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020
-The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020
-The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation)
Bill, 2020
-The Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial
Contracts Bill, 2020
-The Farmers'' Produce Trade and Commerce
(Promotion an Facilitation) Bill, 2020
Bills for consideration and passing
-The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2020
-The National Commission for Indian System of
Medicine Bill, 2020.
Rajya Sabha
Bills for introduction
-The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers
(Amendment) Bill, 2020
-The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020
-The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020
-The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Bills for consideration and passing
-The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill,2020.
-The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda
Bill, 2020
Thousands of face masks and gloves, sanitiser bottles, touch-free operation of doors: Parliament preparedness amid Covid pandemic
Thousands of face masks and gloves, hundreds of sanitiser bottles and face shields, touch-free operation of doors, and COVID-19 tests for an estimated 4,000 people including MPs and staff members are among the several arrangements have been made for the 18-day Parliament session.
Frequent sanitisation of the entire parliament complex will also be carried out till October 1, when the session ends, officials said.
Meanwhile, entry of ex-MPs/MLCs/MLAs/personal secretaries/personal assistants/family members/personal guests and visitors accompanying MPs will be restricted inside the Parliament House till further orders, in view of #COVID19 pandemic, news agency ANI reported.
Monsoon Session 2020: MPs pay tribute to Pranab Mukherjee, others who passed away this year
MPs paid tribute to former President Pranab Mukherjee, legendary Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj, ex-Chhattisgarh CM Ajit Jogi, MP Governor Lalji Tandon, UP Ministers Kamal Rani & Chetan Chauhan and ex-union minister Rahguvansh Prasad Singh and others who passed away this year.
Lok Sabha later adjourned for an hour after hearing obituary announcements mourning the loss of former members.
Monsoon Session of Parliament begins
RSP's N Premachandran has given Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha over the 'inclusion of names of prominent leaders in Delhi Police chargesheet on Delhi riots'.
Congress MPs Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and K Suresh have given Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha over Chinese incursion in Eastern Ladakh. #MonsoonSession
DMK and CPI(M) have given Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'suicide of 12 teenage students due to NEET'.
(Source ANI)
The session is the first since the outbreak of coronavirus. A number of safety measures like staggered seating arrangement of MPs in chambers of both Houses, introduction of mobile app for registering of their attendance and seats separated with poly-carbon sheets in the House have been put in place at the parliament building complex.
"There's Corona and there's duty," says PM Modi ahead of 18-day Monsoon Session
"Parliament session is beginning in distinct times. There's Corona and there's duty. MPs chose the path to duty. I congratulate and express gratitude to them. This time Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha will be held at different times in a day. It will be held on Saturday-Sunday too. All MPs accepted this," said PM Modi while addressing the media ahead of the 18-day Monsoon Session.
"I believe that all members of the Parliament will give an unequivocal message that the country stands with our soldiers," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches parliament house ahead of Monsoon Session.
Cancelled Question Hour, slashed Zero Hour dangerous for democracy: Trinamool Congress
The short hours and the absence of a Question Hour had upset the opposition. "This government continues to mock parliament. They have cancelled Question Hour, slashed Zero Hour by half, want to rush bills without any scrutiny and create an ordinance raj like never seen before in the last 70 years. The world and our glorious nation must know, this is very dangerous for democracy," Trinamool's Derek O'Brien tweeted.
Monsoon Session 2020: Rajya Sabha will function from 9 AM to 1 PM, Lok Sabha from 3 PM to 7 PM
The Rajya Sabha will function from 9 AM to 1 PM, the Lok Sabha from 3 PM to 7 PM. Only on the first day, the Lok Sabha will meet in the morning session. Instead of the Question Hour, un-starred questions will be laid on the table, the government has said.
Monsoon Session 2020: Four-hour sessions scheduled for each house each day
Parliament session will have curtailed timings this time. Four-hour sessions have been scheduled for each house each day. The Zero Hour has been cut down to half and the Question Hour has been scrapped, which has hugely upset the opposition.
All-party meeting not held this time because of Covid outbreak
The customary all-party meeting of the government was not held this time because of the unprecedented situation due to the coronavirus outbreak, the government has said.
The Monsoon session of Parliament is set to commence today amid unprecedented safety measures for coronavirus. The 18-day session -- which will be the fourth session of 17th Lok Sabha and 252nd session of Rajya Sabha -- will have curtailed timings - four-hour sessions for each house each day - parliament will function seven days a week.
This will be the first Parliament session being held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The customary all-party meeting of the government was not held this time, the Zero Hour has been cut down to half and the Question Hour has been scrapped, which has hugely upset the opposition.