Monsoon session of Parliament

Sep 07, 2013 16:53 (IST)

BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley spoke on the proceedings of the monsoon session of Parliament in a press conference held at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Here are the highlights:

Sushma Swaraj:

The bills which govt was trying to pass stating 'urgency', we failed to stop those bills as well
There were few discussions on the economy and on inflation
As far as bills were concerned- Food Security Bill, Land acquisition and pension bills - these 3 important bills we passed
But the govt was trying to pass a few bills like the RTI in 'hadbadahat'(hurry)
They wanted the Judicial appointment bill to be passed in a hurry too. We said we wanted it to be sent to the standing committee.
When the bill came up in Rajya Sabha, we walked out
In Lok Sabha, the bill didn't even come up
We were successful in sending three bills to the standing committee for wider consultations

Arun Jaitley:

The economy is dipping, there are no solutions, and the govt claims external factors are responsible. But manufacturing is down and there is no foreign investment.
We tried our best to bring in discussions on economy
We tried to force a reluctant Prime Minister to answer questions on these topics
Lack of leadership and corruption- this is all the govt is today
'Netritvahinta and corruption'-this is all the govt is today
The PM says he is not custodian of the coal files and walks out after making a statement
He knew that the govt has no answers in coal scam and the missing coal files
It's a govt without credibility
Our objective was that these two issues- coal scam and missing coal files- be highlighted
We led the attack on behalf of the country on the issue of missing coal files- the issue was taken up three or four times.
On nomination of JPC members, we made our protest clear.
I wrote to the chairman and the government to reconsider as they were fixing JPC numbers to fix report. One extra member matters.

Sep 06, 2013 17:43 (IST)

AK Antony in Rajya Sabha:

In the past few months we have raised forces
On one side we will strengthen relations with China, but there will not be any let up - we will continue to improve capabilities in the border areas
Diplomatically we are trying to settle long-pending border issues with China
Successive government's have continued this policy but it will take some time
Borders can't be an area of permanent tension. Our min attempt is to maintain peace and tranquility
Now infrastructure is coming to border areas, so both armies' patrols are coming closer
It happens - they come they go, we come we go. Channels reported a face-off that was old... many face-offs take place of which the longest was Depsar
Unlike in the past India is catching up with China. That's why every year we are complaining of incursions
On the one side, since China has built up enough capabilities and are still continuing, regarding that there is no compromise
We will strengthen our capabilities, we will protect every Indian inch of land
At the same time, we want a peaceful solution to the long-standing border issues
I can understand Parliament is concerned and members are agitated
Shyam Saran has himself said he has not given such a report
There is not a single line that says Chinese Army is occupying Indian territory
I assure the house - no compromise on national interests

Sep 06, 2013 16:55 (IST)

Rajya Sabha passes the Pension Bill.

Sep 06, 2013 14:20 (IST)

Lok Sabha adjourned till 3.00 pm after uproar by BJP, SP members over Chinese incursions.

Sep 06, 2013 13:04 (IST)

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2.00 pm following uproar over Chinese incursion issue.

Sep 06, 2013 13:03 (IST)

BJP members continue to raise their voice, demand to ask Defence Minister questions. Speaker says, "Please give a notice. Rule 372 can't be violated. We will have a discussion after you give a notice."

Sep 06, 2013 13:01 (IST)

Speaker asks Yashwant Sinha to give notice for discussion under Rule 372.

Sep 06, 2013 12:55 (IST)

Defence Minister AK Antony speaks in Lok Sabha on reports of Chinese incursion into India:

The report is primarily focused on border infrastructure
The report reviews the progress in development of border infrastructure required to ensure connectivity betn the neighbouring areas
For construction, maintenance and up gradation of roads
Also deals with requirements of air facilities
Availability of modern machinery for maintenance and upgrade of roads has been discussed
Report also deals with air connectivity, better facilities for ITBP
Shyam Saran has not said China has occupied any part of Indian territory
No question of India ceding territory to China, government keeps a constant watch

Sep 06, 2013 12:18 (IST)

Finance Minister P Chidambaram moves the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2013 for consideration

Sep 06, 2013 11:26 (IST)

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath:

No doubt the Chinese incursion is a serious issue
Many rumours are spread however
The government, however, has nothing to hide. It will not suppress the truth.
Yeh sarkaar na kamzor hai, na nikammi hai

Sep 06, 2013 11:25 (IST)

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav:

Government soft on Chinese aggression
Forget price hikes, scams, save our borders

Sep 06, 2013 11:24 (IST)

Lok Sabha adjourned till 11:20 am due to uproar by Trinamool Congress against "division" of West Bengal; BJP, SP protest over Chinese incursions.

Sep 06, 2013 11:22 (IST)

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh must take up with his Chinese counterpart the issue of Chinese incursion during the G-20 Summit, says BJP

Sep 05, 2013 21:24 (IST)

Lok Sabha passes Land Acquisition Bill with Rajya Sabha amendments, awaits presidential nod.

Sep 05, 2013 19:16 (IST)

Judicial Appointment Bill passed in Rajya Sabha

Sep 05, 2013 19:15 (IST)

Rajya Sabha voting on amendments to Judges' Appointment Bill

Sep 05, 2013 19:08 (IST)

BJP walks out of Rajya Sabha during debate on Judges' Appointment Bill. It wants Bill to be sent to a standing committee, Government wants a vote

Sep 05, 2013 16:50 (IST)

With crucial bills pending, Parliament session has been extended by a day.

Sep 05, 2013 14:15 (IST)

Vanzara's letter should be discussed in Parliament, and a probe should be ordered, preferably by the CBI, says Mayawati

Sep 05, 2013 13:20 (IST)

Arun Jaitley on appointment of judges:

Any collegium is as good as its members
Judicial activism is welcome but activism and restraint are two sides of the same coin.
Supreme Court is not infallible but it is final.
Above the Supreme Court there is God and God doesn't correct judgements
Activism, restraint two sides of the same coin
Supreme Court can't have an economic policy
Courts can enlarge jurisdiction, legislatures can't
Nobody can check the jurisdiction of courts
We're going too far now in creating post-retirement jobs
Temptation to occupy a Lutyen's bungalow is very serious
Fees of a college is an accountant's job, not of retired judges

Sep 05, 2013 11:33 (IST)

Leaders from Janata Dal (United) and Samajwadi Party walk out of Rajya Sabha; they wanted discussion on Gujarat top cop DG Vanzara's letter

Sep 05, 2013 11:07 (IST)

Rajya Sabha adjourned for 15 minutes

Sep 05, 2013 11:06 (IST)

Ruckus in Rajya Sabha after Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal (U) demand discussion on Gujarat cop DG Vanzara's letter. The jailed cop had slammed Narendra Modi and his aide Amit Shah over fake encounters in the state.

Sep 04, 2013 19:48 (IST)

Pension Bill passed by Lok Sabha: what's in it for you
The Lok Sabha today passed the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill 2011, which will open the doors for foreign investment in pension funds. The bill aims to create a regulator for the pension sector and extend the coverage of pension benefits to more people. The Pension Bill has been hanging fire since 2005 when it was first introduced in the Parliament. It was again reintroduced in 2011.

Sep 04, 2013 17:13 (IST)

Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Pension Bill in Lok Sabha:

I acknowledge their right voice their concerns about the bill but I am confident that they will support the bill.
I have no doubt that when it comes to supporting the bill final, our colleagues will come around. You can't turn back the clock - 26 states have already joined the new pension scheme
The states have over 17 lakh subscribers and cumulative contribution runs to 34,965 crores
Accepted all standing committee recommendations save one which would have converted NPS into a current account. NPS offers a wide choice
Every standing committee recommendation that has a bearing on the capacity to take risks has been accepted.
We will ensure NPS is made more secure, more attractive for the subscribers. This has been with us for nine years - all this bill does is make a non-statutory authority a statutory authority.

Sep 04, 2013 16:19 (IST)

Sitaram Yechury speaks in Rajya Sabha on missing coal files issue:

Govt must procure the essence of the files from the CAG... who had examined the files
Why has the government not registered an FIR?
Either the files are there or they aren't there... everything in the world in not 'maya'
If the guilty have to be brought to book, an FIR has to be filed?

Sep 04, 2013 16:17 (IST)

Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha on missing coal files:

Documentary evidence is destroyed, oral evidence is not allowed
The PM made it sound the like the case of missing files is not a reality is hypothetical
How is this investigation going to proceed if oral evidence is not allowed?
Oral evidence of the most relevant witness who took the decisions
Government should answer how will the investigation go forward

Sep 04, 2013 16:07 (IST)

Coal-gate: PM must volunteer himself for CBI questioning, says BJP
After a report that an officer investigating the coal allocation scam suggested that the PM should be questioned, the BJP today said in Parliament that the PM should volunteer himself for CBI questioning.

Sep 04, 2013 15:41 (IST)

Rajya Sabha adjourned for 10 minutes following uproar over Vanzara letter.

Sep 04, 2013 15:41 (IST)

Ruckus in Rajya Sabha over letter by jailed Gujarat police officer DG Vanzara criticising Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his key aide Amit Shah.

Sep 04, 2013 14:50 (IST)

Dara Singh Chauhan of BSP speaks on missing coal files issue in Lok Sabha

Sep 04, 2013 14:49 (IST)

TMC's Saugata Ray questions chair under what rule this discussion is being allowed

Sep 04, 2013 14:39 (IST)

JDU leader Sharad Yadav speaks in Lok Sabha on missing coal files issue:

The Coal Minister has changed his statements on the missing coal files and the Prime Minister gave a statement which did not have any details of the files that are missing. Why is the government not transparent?
The big question today is how many files are missing, whose files are missing. What all files does the government have?
Why are the files missing? They are missing because someone is trying to escape.
Parliament needs to function for laws to be enacted.
PM says he is not custodian of files. I say he is the custodian of the country. If he gives up, what are we going to do?
This government does not seem to act on anything.
Why doesn't the government speak in one voice? The ministers seem to be blinded by the visual media.

Sep 04, 2013 14:32 (IST)

Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj speaks on missing coal files issue in Lok Sabha:

The Coal Ministry said 189 files were missing. PM came to Parliament yesterday and accepted that some files are missing and efforts were on to locate them. We want to ask if an FIR was lodged? This is not a case of missing files but that of files being stolen.
This is a case of stolen files, not missing files
A key CBI investigating officer has now said that the PM must be questioned
PM was the coal minister when the incident happened. Therefore, he becomes directly responsible for the missing, stolen files.
PM should volunteer himself for CBI questioning so that the truth comes out
I demand that an FIR be lodged immediately

Sep 04, 2013 14:23 (IST)

BJP, government agree to end impasse on missing coal files issue, leaders of all parties to speak on issue. Leaders of Opposition in both Houses - Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley - will speak first. Rajya Sabha will take up Land Bill after leaders speak on coal files.

Sep 04, 2013 14:12 (IST)

Union ministers Kamal Nath and P Chidambaram meet BJP leaders again to seek cooperation on pending bills.

Sep 04, 2013 14:05 (IST)

BJP rules out supporting extension of Monsoon session of Parliament.

Sep 04, 2013 14:02 (IST)

Lok Sabha adjourned following uproar over missing coal files issue.

Sep 04, 2013 13:55 (IST)

With key bills pending, Government may extend Monsoon session
With a belligerent BJP keeping up the heat in Parliament over "Coal-gate", the government says it may go for another extension of the monsoon session to pass at least five key bills. The session, which was earlier extended by a week, ends on Friday.

Sep 04, 2013 13:36 (IST)

Union ministers P Chidambaram and Kamal Nath meet BJP leader LK Advani and Leaders of Opposition to seek cooperation on pension and other bills.

Sep 04, 2013 13:12 (IST)

Sitaram Yechury:

Many political parties will not be happy with Monsoon Parliament extension, better to call early Winter session
Government wants to discuss the Land Acquisition Bill
We really don't know what is in the mind of the government
Many political parties will not be happy with Monsoon Parliament extension
Better to call early Winter session

Sep 04, 2013 13:04 (IST)

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2.00 pm after uproar by BJP over missing coal allocation files, and by Left over fuel price hike.

Sep 04, 2013 12:05 (IST)

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12.30 pm after uproar over missing coal files issue.

Sep 04, 2013 12:04 (IST)

There is no question of hiding anything or concealing anything: Rajiv Shukla in Rajya Sabha

Sep 04, 2013 12:02 (IST)

Rajya Sabha resumes, uproar over missing coal files continues.

Sep 04, 2013 11:29 (IST)

Rajya Sabha adjourned till noon after uproar by SP, BSP over reservation in promotions.

Sep 04, 2013 11:28 (IST)

BJP leader Jaswant Singh speaks in Lok Sabha.

Sep 04, 2013 11:13 (IST)

Basudeb Acharia, CPI:

As a result of deregulation of petrol and diesel, the companies are increasing the prices every month and this time, the increase is approximately Rs 3.
This has a cascading effect when the country is facing inflation.
This government has increased the burden on the common man.
The price of LPG has been increased by Rs 50.
Petroleum Minister should make a statement immediately.

Sep 04, 2013 11:10 (IST)

Hikes in petrol and diesel prices should be rolled back: BJP in Lok Sabha

Sep 04, 2013 11:09 (IST)

Opposition slams UPA government over petrol and diesel price hike in Lok Sabha.

Sep 04, 2013 10:50 (IST)

Important legislation pending, we are likely to extend Parliament session, appeal to parties to let Houses function smoothly: Kamal Nath

Sep 04, 2013 10:19 (IST)

Parliament deadlock over 'coal-gate': PM fails to win assurance from aggressive BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party or BJP will decide this morning whether it will continue to disrupt Parliament over missing coal files in the last three days of the monsoon session, which ends on Friday.

Sep 03, 2013 23:11 (IST)

BJP tells PM that it not responsible for the deadlock in Parliament, gives no assurances. It will decide its stand in a meeting on Wednesday morning.

Sep 03, 2013 22:28 (IST)

The Prime Minister urges BJP leaders to let Parliament function. He tells them that the coal issue cannot be debated in Parliament as the matter is subjudice. He assures them that the government wants a thorough probe.

Sep 03, 2013 20:13 (IST)

Why PM has invited Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and Advani to his house tonight
The Prime Minister has invited top BJP leaders Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and LK Advani to his home tonight. Sources said the meeting is aimed at finding an end to the stand-off with the opposition over "Coal-Gate".

Sep 03, 2013 20:12 (IST)

BJP to push for FIR on the missing coal files, say sources

Sep 03, 2013 19:22 (IST)

PM calls BJP leaders LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley to his house at 9:30 pm to discuss the missing coal files: sources

Sep 03, 2013 15:04 (IST)

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day.

Sep 03, 2013 14:09 (IST)

Chidambaram's address drowned out by protests in the Lok Sabha. House adjourned till 3 pm.

Sep 03, 2013 14:06 (IST)

PM gives statement on missing coal files in Lok Sabha

Sep 03, 2013 13:27 (IST)

Kapil Sibal:

Problem with the opposition is that unless they are satisfied, they will not allow the house to function
The Opposition says that the PM must admit that the files are missing

Sep 03, 2013 13:08 (IST)

Ravi Shankar Prasad:

Supreme Court is saying the files are missing, CBI is saying the same
Without answering, suddenly the PM walks away
Govt is trying to suppress, conceal the whole fact because they want to help the accused
Sorry to say that PM has been economical with truth today

Sep 03, 2013 12:48 (IST)

Uproar by members over PM's statement, Rajya Sabha adjouned till 2 PM.

Sep 03, 2013 12:48 (IST)

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 PM following protests by Left parties, TMC over fuel price hike; and BJP over coal scam.

Sep 03, 2013 12:40 (IST)

Prime Minister on missing coal files:

The govt is making all efforts to retrieve all papers requisitioned by the CBI
Majority of paper have been submitted to the CBI
Government has nothing to hide- more than 2000 pages of documentation has been already handed over to CBI
Our intention of facilitating the investigation cannot be questioned. Govt has provided full support to CAG and later CBI.
Govt will carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that the guilty are brought to book
The ongoing investigation by the CBI is closely being monitored by the Supreme Court
The govt shall do its best to find and locate the papers and will hand over the papers to CBI within the stipulated time frame as directed by SC
If govt is unable to locate some of those papers than as directed by the SC, a report will be filed with the CBI
The government shall follow the directions of the Supreme Court in letter and spirit
Request honourable members of Parliament not to draw hasty conclusions

Sep 03, 2013 12:38 (IST)

Mayawati, BSP leader:

Would like to ask the PM, why no action has been taken so far against the officials who were responsible for these files? Why the govt hasn't files an FIR? Even the Supreme Court has to give directions on this.

Sep 03, 2013 12:33 (IST)

Sitaram Yechury on missing coal files:

Why are you not proceeding with a proper recorded investigation? That increases the bar of suspicion
If documents are with the CAG, why isn't the govt asking them to provide the files?and clearly shows intent to facilitate investigation can't be called into question

Sep 03, 2013 12:27 (IST)

Prime Minister gives statement on missing coal files in Lok Sabha.

Sep 03, 2013 12:09 (IST)

Rajya Sabha adjourned for 10 minutes amid disruptions.

Sep 03, 2013 12:01 (IST)

Missing coal files: PM likely to speak in Parliament today
The BJP says it has helped the government pass its flagship bills on food and land acquisition in Parliament and now the ruling UPA must keep its promise for a debate on missing files relating to controversial coal block allocations.

Sep 03, 2013 11:32 (IST)

PM likely to speak on missing coal files in Parliament today: sources

Sep 03, 2013 11:07 (IST)

Sushma Swaraj: Found out today that the Prime Minister is going on a foreign trip. Have the files disappeared or is this a cover-up? Shriprakash Jaiswal please answer.

Sep 03, 2013 11:03 (IST)

Uproar in Lok Sabha over missing coal files.

Sep 03, 2013 01:59 (IST)

Food Security Bill passed by Rajya Sabha
Despite being in a minority, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government succeeded in getting the National Food Security Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote. The landmark bill is being seen as the Congress's trump card ahead of the 2014 general elections due by May.

Sep 03, 2013 01:58 (IST)

Goal for Congress. "Game-changer" Food Security Bill passed
The Rajya Sabha tonight passed the Food Security Bill, seen as the UPA government's main vote-getter ahead of polls due in May.

Sep 02, 2013 19:57 (IST)

Nine MPs suspended for Telangana protests, some wore Indira Gandhi masks
With just four days to go before this session of Parliament expires, nine members of parliament were suspended today for "grave disorder" for disrupting proceedings by shouting and protesting against the decision to make Telangana India's 29th state.

Sep 02, 2013 14:09 (IST)

Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow as suspended Andhra Pradesh MPs refused to budge from the House

Sep 02, 2013 14:09 (IST)

Debate on Food Bill begins in Rajya Sabha, BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu speaks:

The government is not sincere, they are trying to be populist on the eve of the elections.
After 67 years, 67 crore people need food security? What happened to all our five-year plans?
Suddenly you realise that two-thirds of the population needs food security.
Planning Commission says poverty has come down, then how do you justify the need for food security?
Forty years ago, Indira Gandhi gave a slogan 'Garibi Hatao' but nothing was done in that direction.
You should be ashamed of neglecting the downtrodden after 57 years of being in power
The minister said the curfew on petrol pumps was a suggestion. Parliament is on. Should ministers make such suggestions?
Your Food Bill is not going to get you any good will, it is going to get you big bill
Your government called it a gamechanger, it is just a poll gimmick

Sep 02, 2013 13:09 (IST)

JUST IN:

Food Bill moved in Rajya Sabha; House adjourned till 2 pm, breaks for lunch.

Sep 02, 2013 12:51 (IST)

BJP leader speaks on the Food Bill in Rajya Sabha:

The ordinance will be brought in if there is a matter of utmost urgency that is when the government uses ordinance issuing power
On July 5, the ordinance was brought in
In a matter of 30 days not sure what would have happened
Is there something so important that the government wants food bill passed in 30 days?
Guidelines are still to be framed and issued. Nothing would have happened in 30 days. So why the ordinances?
The ordinance may have been a political decision but is not in line with the Constitution
The monitoring and rules to be framed for the Food Bill is to be done by the state government.
The powers to implement this policy lies with the state governments, different chief ministers are giving different suggestions.
Many chief ministers say their existing schemes are better that the proposals under the Food Security Bill.
The chief ministers have indicated the peculiarities of their states and their suggestions should have been taken on board.
At times the devil is in the detail. Entitlement will now become a right.
75% of the population is a cap, not the base. And the decision to set this limit lies with the central government and not the states.
Effectively, this is repackaging of all existing food schemes.
The current budget has a provision of Rs 1,24,844 crore for all food schemes even without this bill.
Under current schemes, subsidised foodgrain are provided to 82.99 crore people. This will become 81.37 crore if we take 75% of the rural and 50% or urban population. So the numbers will actually go down.
States are running their own schemes and states like Chhattisgarh not only provide foodgrain but also salt, pulses, etc.
The government should show their large-heartedness and concede that schemes in states better than theirs and should go on as is.
What was the urgency that the ordinance issuing powers were misused in this case?

Sep 02, 2013 11:40 (IST)

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman asks two TDP members, who were protesting against the creation of a separate Telangana state, to leave the House. Rajya Sabha adjourned for 15 minutes.

Sep 02, 2013 11:22 (IST)

Lok Sabha Speaker suspends four TDP, five Congress MPs from Andhra Pradesh for five days for disrupting proceedings on Telangana issue: PTI

Sep 02, 2013 11:16 (IST)

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11:23 am, Lok Sabha till 2 pm.

Sep 02, 2013 11:02 (IST)

Food Bill in Rajya Sabha today; discuss missing coal files first, says BJP
Protests over missing coal allocation and a proposal to check fuel demand by shutting petrol pumps early may stall the government's plan to debate and pass its ambitious Food Security Bill in the Rajya Sabha today, a critical step before it can become law.

Sep 02, 2013 10:24 (IST)

Government may move Pension Bill in Lok Sabha today, Bill aims to give legal framework to pension regulatory fund

Sep 02, 2013 00:47 (IST)

RTI Amendment Bill may come up for discussion in Lok Sabha today
A bill seeking to amend the Right To Information (RTI) Act to shield political parties from providing information under the transparency law is scheduled to come up for discussion in Lok Sabha on Monday.

Sep 02, 2013 00:47 (IST)

Food Security Bill likely to be taken up in Rajya Sabha on Monday
The landmark bill, aimed at providing rice at Rs 3 per kg, wheat at Rs 2 per kg and coarse cereal at Re 1 per kg to almost 800 million Indians, is expected to cost the national exchequer Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

Aug 30, 2013 15:12 (IST)

Lok Sabha adjourned till Monday after uproar over Telangana.

Aug 30, 2013 14:29 (IST)

CPM's Prakash Karat: UPA's mismanagement caused the recent crisis. Early election is possible.

Aug 30, 2013 14:25 (IST)

Janata Dal chief Sharad Yadav on PM's statement in Parliament: The government has left the country to the will of God.

Aug 30, 2013 13:46 (IST)

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2.30 pm

Aug 30, 2013 13:46 (IST)

PM's response to Arun Jaitley:

I am not the custodian of files (referring to missing coal files)
PM attacks BJP, says, "I command a certain respect despite what some members say"
Economy not going back to the 1991 level
Do not be influenced by speculative inflows, trust the government

Aug 30, 2013 13:37 (IST)

PM's unprecedented attack on BJP:

Consensus building is the duty of both government and Opposition
Opposition should allow government to rule and oppose where necessary
Opposition has not reconciled to their defeat in 2004
Have you heard of any parliamentary democracy where the Opposition does not allow PM to introduce his ministers?

Aug 30, 2013 13:22 (IST)

Watch: Arun Jaitley slams PM's statement on economic crisis
Criticising the UPA government, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said that the Centre must decide whether "we must get back to prudence or should we continue to follow populism".

Aug 30, 2013 13:18 (IST)

Read: PM's statement on the current economic situation in the country
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in Parliament on Friday that the sharp depreciation in the Indian rupee was a matter of concern, but he reiterated that the currency has overshot its true value, and promised a reversal.

Aug 30, 2013 12:59 (IST)

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm after uproar over various issues, including Telangana.

Aug 30, 2013 12:46 (IST)

Arun Jaitley speaks in Rajya Sabha in response to PM's speech:

We are losing the confidence of the investing community
If political environment is not built up for consensus on economic issues, it will be a daunting task
Consensus on economic issues depends on political environment, which is being fractured by the government
The whole world warned us
Why did we lose the trust of international and domestic investors?
From 1991 onwards till today, we as a nation succeeded in showcasing India as a economic destination
The root cause of current account deficit is government corruption
Benchmarks say our growth rate may fall below 4 per cent
We now have to decide whether we have to get back to prudence or should we continue to follow populism
We would like the PM to respond to these issues