Fiscal Discipline Maintained All Through Under Modi Govt: FM in RS
Catch all the live updates from Parliament’s Budget Session here.
“We are certainly predisposed about not repeating mistakes of UPA,” says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, countering Chidambaram in the Rajya Sabha Budget Session on Tuesday, 11 February.
“More sarcasm than content in former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's criticism of Budget FY21,” she added.
The economy is moving forward and green shoots are visible, Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the last day of the first phase of the Parliament Budget Session.
“The government will invest over Rs 1 lakh crore in infrastructure development by 2024-25… Minimum Support Price for all mandated Rabi and Kharif crops was increased in 2019-20 to boost consumption,” Sitharaman said.
- The Budget Session will resume again from 2 March.
- “It is in the DNA of the BJP and the RSS to try and erase reservations,” Rahul Gandhi said on Monday, as he asserted that his party will not allow doing away with the quota
- In Rajya Sabha on Monday, Congress leader P Chidambaram spoke about the state of the economy, saying it has inspired fear and uncertainty across the nation
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Opposition to Continue Protest Over CAA, NRC in Parliament
As the Budget Session is set to pick up from the third day, after the presentation of the Union Budget on Saturday, Opposition parties are likely to corner the government in Parliament on issues related to CAA, NPR and NRC, sources told news agency PTI.
The Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Left parties, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and some others have already given adjournment notices in the Rajya Sabha demanding immediate discussion on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), National Population Register (NPR) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Uproar in Lok Sabha Over 'Goli Maaro' Sloganeering
Few Opposition MP’s in the Lok Sabha created an uproar during the Budget Session, over the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens. “Goli maarna band karo, desh ko todna bandh karo,” the Opposition leaders chanted in the lower house of the parliament.
Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till 12 PM
Oppn Leaders Chant ‘Goli Maarna Band Karo’ as Anurag Thakur Speaks in LS
As Minister of State for Finance, Anurag Thakur started addressing the Lok Sabha, he was met with ‘Goli maarna band karo’ from the Opposition camp, over his instigating speech at a Delhi election rally.
Thakur, while addressing a rally in the national capital, had raised ‘desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maaro s***on ko (shoot those who betray the nation)’ chants, which led to a 72 hour campaigning ban on the BJP leader.
Both Houses Adjourned, Rajya Sabha Till 2 PM, Lok Sabha Till 1:30
'This Govt Has No Shame': Owaisi in Lok Sabha
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, while speaking during the ongoing Budget session, said in the Lok Sabha that the current government is unleashing cruelty on the students.
He said that the government knows that students are being assaulted. "Yeh jaante hain ki ek bachche ki aankh chali gayi, betiyon ko maar rahe hain. Sharam nahi hai inko, bachchon ko maar rahe hain, goliyaan mar rahe hain. (They know that one kid lost his eye. They are beating up daughters. They have no shame, they are beating up kids, shooting them.)," Owaisi said.
Common People Protesting to Save Constitution Being Shot at: Cong's Adhir Ranjan
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, while addressing the Lok Sabha, said that the common people of India are protesting to save the constitution, but are being shot at. He said that they are protesting while holding the constitution and singing the national anthem but they are being fired at. "People of India are being killed mercilessly," Chowdhury said.
Opposition Stages Walkout in Lok Sabha as Parvesh Verma Speaks
The Opposition staged a walkout in Lok Sabha as BJP MP from Delhi, Parvesh Verma started speaking during a discussion on motion of thanks on the President's address.
Opposition’s walkout came over Verma’s instigating speeches during a rally in Delhi, where he said that Shaheen Bagh protesters will “enter people’s home and rape and kill women.” Verma had also said that if the BJP comes to power in Delhi, all the mosques will be demolished.
Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till 3 PM
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 3 pm after uproar by the Opposition over the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Opposition Members Protest in LS Against CAA, NPR
Lok Sabha today witnessed protests by opposition members, mostly from the Congress and DMK, against the amended Citizenship Act, with Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury saying the government cannot silence people's “boli” (voice) with “goli,”reported PTI.
Unemployment High, Govt is in Denial: Mahua Moitra on Budget
TMC leader Mahua Moitra questioned the BJP-led Centre on its recent budget announcement on varied points in Lok Sabha, claiming unemployment numbers are high and growing which the government denies.
Taking a hit at the Central government on its decision to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens, Moitra said, “We are the guardians of our soil and Constitution.”
TMC & DMK MPs Give Suspension of Business Notice in RS
TMC's Derek O'Brien and DMK's T Siva have given suspension of business notice in Rajya Sabha under Rule 267 over "prevailing situation in the country due to proposed NPR-NRC following the Citizenship Amendment Act".
AAP MP Gives Zero Hour Notice Over Demand To Expedite Death Sentence of Nirbhaya Convicts
AAP MP Sanjay Singh has given zero hour notice in Rajya Sabha, over 'demand to expedite the death sentence of 2012 Delhi gang-rape convicts.'
BJP MP Gives Zero Hour Notice Over CAA Protests
BJP MP RK Sinha has given zero hour notice in Rajya Sabha, over 'anti-India propaganda under the guise of protests against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)'
BJP MP Gives Zero Hour Notice Over 'Need for One Nation, One Election'
BJP MP Saroj Pandey has given zero hour notice in Rajya Sabha over "need for One Nation, One Election".
Congress MPs Give Adjournment Motion Over Hegde's Remarks
Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi, K Suresh, Abdul Khaleque and Hibi Eden have given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha, over BJP leader Anantkumar Hegde's statement on Mahatma Gandhi.
Lok Sabha Adjourned Till 12 PM
Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 pm after uproar by opposition over BJP MP Anant Kumar Hegde's statement against Mahatma Gandhi.
Uproar in Rajya Sabha Over CAA, NRC
Rajya Sabha proceeding started on a stormy note as opposition MPs raised slogans against the Citizenship Amendment Act and proposed nationwide NRC.
This after, TMC MP Derek O'Brien raised his voice against the Chair not taking up the suspension of business notice given by him under Rule 267 over the "prevailing situation in the country due to proposed NPR-NRC following the Citizenship Amendment Act".
AAP's Sanjay Singh Requests Speedy Execution of Nirbhaya Convicts
Requesting speedy execution of convicts in the Nirbhaya case, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said, “I request for intervention of the President and Supreme Court for speedy execution of death sentence awarded to the convicts in Nirbhaya gang-rape case.”
State Govt Responsible For Delay in Execution of Nirbhaya Convicts: Javadekar
Union Minister & BJP leader Prakash Javadekar in Rajya Sabha said, “the appeal of the convicts was rejected by Supreme Court in 2017 but jail authorities took more than a year to complete the process for informing the convicts. The delay is due to the state government.”
'No Decision on Nationwide National Register of Indian Citizens': MoS Home Nityanand Rai
In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, MoS Home Nityanand Rai said, “Till now, the government has not taken any decision to prepare National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) at the national level.”
He was responding to questions raised about whether the Government has any plan to introduce National Register of Citizens (NRC) all over the country.
'BJP Insulting Follower of Ram': Cong Over Hegde's Remark on Gandhi
Protests erupted in the Lok Sabha over Anatkumar Hegde’s remark on Mahatma Gandhi. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "They (BJP) are insulting the follower of ram. They are the children of Raavan."
'BJP Follows Real Gandhi, They (Oppn) Follow Nakli Gandhi,' Says BJP's Pralhad Joshi
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in the Lok Sabha said that only BJP follows the real Gandhi while the opposition follows “fake Gandhis” like Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.
“We, people of Bharatiya Janata Party, are the real bhakts. We are the real followers of Mahatma Gandhi. These people are the followers of 'nakli' Gandhi like Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi,” he said in response to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s comment.
Congress Members Walk out of Lok Sabha
After raising their voices against BJP leader Anantkumar Hegde's remarks about Mahatma Gandhi, Congress MPs staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha.
More Shaheen Baghs Will Come Up if Govt Does Such Work: Ghulam Nabi Azad
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Tuesday, told the ruling government that several Shaheen Bagh’s will come up in the country if they function like they have been all this while.
While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Azad said, "If you had brought constructive matters, we would have bowed before you, but you brought destruction. What is Shaheen Bagh? It is your creation. If you will do such work, then Shaheen Bagh will come up everywhere in India.”
PM Modi Announces Trust For Construction of Ram Temple
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government has prepared a scheme for the construction of Ram Mandir.
“We have readied a scheme for the development of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. A trust has been formed, called Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Shetra,” he said.
'Child Pornography is a Serious Menace': Ravi Shankar Prasad in LS
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Lok Sabha said that Pornography, particularly child pornography is a serious menace.
“Revenge pornography is rising in the country. We are taking a lot of measures. Central Government, State Governments and State police are working together to curb it,” he said.
Yogi Adityanath Thanks PM Modi for Setting up Ram Mandir Trust
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked Prime Minister Modi for setting up trust for construction of Ram Mandir.
“Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Shetra Trust will be an independent body which will take all decisions for construction of the temple,” he said in a Tweet.
Cong MPs Stage Walkout in LS, Demand Release of Detained J&K Leaders
Congress MPs staged walk out in Lok Sabha, demanding the release of Farooq Abdullah & other J&K leaders from detention.
Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till 2 pm
'Centre In Talks With State Govts Having Concerns Regarding NPR & CAA': MoS Nityanand Rai
MoS Nityanand Rai in Parliament said that the Central Govt has received resolutions adopted by legislative assemblies of certain states such as Rajasthan.
“Kerala has also filed a suit in SC. Govt is in discussion with States having concerns in regard to the preparation NPR&implementation of CAA,” he said.
'Govt Briefed Members of International Community on the Situation in J&K': MEA
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, MEA stated that the government has proactively briefed members of the international community, including interlocutors in the USA, regarding the rationale behind the abrogation of Article 370 and the normalization of the situation in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
President Has Highlighted Vision for New India: PM Modi
Delivering his reply to the Motion of Thanks to President’s address in Lok Sabha Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The President has highlighted the vision for a New India. His address comes at a time when we enter the third decade of the century. President's address instills a spirit of hope and presents a roadmap for taking the country ahead in future.”
Amidst Opposition’s sloganeering, he said, “Had we continued with Opposition’s thinking, Ram Janmabhoomi would continue to be a disputed issue.”
“India can no longer wait for problems to remain unsolved. And, rightfully so. That is why our target is: speed and scale, determination and decisiveness, sensitivity and solution,” he added.
'People Have Seen Our Speed of Work': PM Modi Lists Achievements in LS
“People have seen our speed of work and gave us bigger mandate in 2019,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the Lok Sabha.
He extolled the governments achievements including the integration and development of the Northeast, the procurement of Rafale fighter jets, the abrogation of Article 370 and the Triple Talaq ban.
“NDA govt's aim is speed and scale; determination and decisiveness; sensitivity and solutions,” he said.
Kept Fiscal Deficit, Prices in Check: PM Modi in Lok Sabha
“We have kept the fiscal deficit in check. Price rise is also under check and there is macro-economic stability. Investor confidence should increase, the country's economy should be strengthened, for this we have also taken several steps.” PM Modi said in his Lok Sabha address.
He further appealed to states to allow “farmers to benefit from PM-Kisan Scheme.”
“I appeal to them, please let there be no politics in farmer welfare. We all have to work together for the prosperity of farmers of India,” he said.
Cong Should Keep Saying 'Save Constitution', Maybe They Will Realise Their Past Mistakes: PM
The ‘save Constitution’ mantra is a must for those who dismissed several state governments and enforced emergency, PM modi said in a swipe at the Congress in LS.
“There has been talk of 'save constitution'. I agree, Congress should say this 100 times in a day. Maybe they will realise their past mistakes. Did you forget this slogan during emergency? When state Govts were dismissed? When cabinet resolutions were torn?” PM Modi said in the Lok Sabha.
“Kashmir's identity was buried on 19 January 1990,” Modi said in reference to exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir.
“Those who have been removed from office by the people of India are now doing the unthinkable. They see citizens on the basis of their faith. We are different. We see everyone as an Indian,” PM Modi said.
'Someone Wanted to Be PM, so India Was Divided': PM in Lok Sabha
“Someone wanted to become Prime Minister, so a line was drawn in India and the country was divided,” said PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha, in an apparent dig at former PM Jawaharlal Nehru.
LS Passes Motion of Thanks to the President's Address
The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Motion of Thanks to the President's address by a voice vote.
After two days of debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday replied to the debate and the motion was passed by a voice vote.
President Ram Nath Kovind had addressed a joint sitting of Parliament on 31 January.
PM Talks of Nehru and Pakstan but Silent on Unemployment: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not talking about the main issue of unemployment and alleged that he was distracting people by talking about other things from Jawaharlal Nehru to Pakistan.
Hitting back at Modi after the prime minister replied to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Lok Sabha, Gandhi said the biggest issue before the country is of unemployment and economy, on which the PM did not speak.
Right to Internet Not Fundamental, Country's Security Equally Important: Telecom Min on Internet in Kashmir
Misconception about the right to Internet being a fundamental right needs to be cleared, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, emphasising that the country's security was equally important.
Communications, Information Technology, Electronics and Law and Justice Minister Prasad during the Question Hour said communication of ideas and views through Internet are part of fundamental right to speech and expressions.
"The Supreme Court...has clearly stated that no lawyer argued that right to Internet is a fundamental right...This kind of misconception needs to be corrected. What the Supreme Court has stated is that for communication of your ideas and views the use of Internet will also to be held a part of your fundamental right of speech and expression," Prasad said in reply to a query.
5 August a Black Day for J&K Terrorists: PM Modi
Replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi listed the steps taken after scrapping of Article 370 and termed 5 August, 2019, the day of abrogation of the provision, as a “black day for terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir”.
We're Open to Suggestions on Reviving Economy: PM Modi
Speaking in Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Opposition parties to give suggestions on reviving the economy.
“Let us devote this entire session on finding ways to revive the economy,” he said.
Nobody Will Benefit From Anti-CAA Protests: PM Modi
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi on Thursday said that no one is going to get political benefits out of protests against citizenship law,. He also said that attempts are being made to cover up undemocratic activities under the garb of protests.
'It's Essential to Know What Language One Speaks': PM Modi Listing Need for NPR
Listing out the need to implement NPR in Rajya Sabha, PM Modi on Thursday said that it is important to know details about a citizen in order to keep a track of migration and other such issues.
“It is essential to know what language a person speaks and what language his father used to speak if we, for example, want to open an Odiya school in Gujarat,” the PM said.
Uproar in Lok Sabha Over Rahul Gandhi's Statement on PM Modi
Lok Sabha adjourned till 1 pm after uproar over Rahul Gandhi's earlier statement 'Ye jo Narendra Modi bhashan de raha hai, 6 mahine baad ye ghar se bahar nahi nikal payega. Hindustan ke yuva isko aisa danda marenge.’
Modi Doesn't Behave Like Prime Minister: Rahul Gandhi
Hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "tubelight" barb, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday, 7 February said he does not behave like a prime minister.
"Normally, a prime minister has a particular status, a prime minister has a particular way of behaving, a particular stature, our prime minister doesn't have these. He does not behave in a prime ministerial way," he told reporters outside Parliament.
'Orchestrated Ruckus in Parliament': Rahul Gandhi
Word From PM Modi's Speech in Rajya Sabha Expunged: Report
A word from PM Narendra Modi’s speech in Rajya Sabha has been expunged.
The PM was addressing the Upper House on Thursday.
Congress' Lok Sabha MPs to Meet at Party Parl Office Today
Congress Lok Sabha MPs scheduled to meet at Congress Parliamentary Party Office at 10:30 am today, news agency ANI reported.
Cong Moves Adjournment Motion, Seeks Suspension of Business Over SC on Reservation
Congress gives Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha saying 'SCs & STs reservation in government services should not be diluted as it will be a disastrous blow to the backward communities of our country'.
The party has also given a suspension of business notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 over the SC’s ruling that reservations for jobs, promotions, is not a fundamental right.
No One Will Invest in Country: Chidambaram in Rajya Sabha
Former Finance minister P Chidambaram, on Monday 10 February, spoke on the country’s economic situation, saying that there is fear and uncertainty prevailing all over the country over the economic situation. “No one will invest in the country.” Chidambaram told the Upper House of the parliament.
LJP, Apna Dal Slam SC Ruling on Reservations
In the Lok Sabha, LJP MP Chirag Paswan and Apna Dal’s Anupriya Patel conveyed their disagreement with the Supreme Court judgment on reservations in promotions for SC/STs.
“Lok Jan Shakti Party does not agree with the Supreme Court's decision that reservations for jobs, promotions is not a fundamental right. We urge the Centre to intervene in this matter,” Paswan said.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said, “This is SC's decision. Government of India has nothing to do with it. The Social Welfare Minister will make a statement at 2:15pm today.”
Lok Sabha Adjourned Till 2 pm
After a row over the SC ruling on quotas, Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm.
Govt Never Made Party in SC/ST Reservation Case: Union Minister
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot, in the Lok Sabha, said that the government is holding high-level discussions on the Supreme Court’s decision that reservation for jobs, promotions, is not a fundamental right. He told the Lower House that he would like to make it clear that the Government of India was never made a party in the case.
BJP Issues Whip to MPs to Be Present in LS for Passage of Budget on Tuesday
Bharatiya Janata Party has issued a whip to its Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the house on Tuesday, 11 February, for the passage of the Union Budget 2020-21, reports ANI.
Govt Introduces Bill in LS to Confer 'National Importance' Status to Ayurveda Institutions
The Government on Monday introduced the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020 in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill seeks to confer the status of ‘institution of national importance’ to a cluster of Ayurveda institutions in the Gujarat Ayurveda University campus in Jamnagar.
Furore in LS as DMK's Dayanidhi Questions Sanskrit's Relevance
DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran's remark questioning the relevance of Sanskrit sparked furore in Lok Sabha on Monday, with treasury members demanding his apology, while the Chair directed that the objectionable comment be removed from the records, reports PTI.
During a debate over the Union Budget, Maran said crores of rupees were being spent on Sanskrit and asked what the government has done for the classical language Tamil.
Maran also made a controversial remark about Sanskrit which was strongly objected to by Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur, who said that one can criticise the Budget or the finance minister, but it is not right to speak in an indecent manner about Sanskrit.
Cong to Move Privilege Motion Against Thaawar Gehlot for 'Misleading' LS on Reservation
The Congress is set to move a privilege motion against Social Justice Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot for misleading the Lok Sabha on the issue of reservation, party leader KC Venugopal has said.
Gehlot told the Lower House that the Government of India was never made a party in the Supreme Court’s decision that reservation for jobs, promotions, is not a fundamental right.
Need for Financial Sector Reforms: Oppn in Lok Sabha
The Opposition in Lok Sabha on Monday expressed concern over the "decline" in investment in the country and said the expected GDP growth rate and tax collection figures appear unrealistic, according to PTI.
Participating in the discussion on the Union Budget 2020-21, BJD member B Mahtab said that investment in India has been the main driver of growth, but it has been declining since 1991. In this Budget, he said, adequate corrective measures are necessary.
NCP's Supriya Sule termed the budget as "long and tiresome" and attacked the government saying "they are living in a fairy-tale world".
BJP Issues Whip to All Rajya Sabha MPs
The BJP has issued a three-line whip to all its MPs in the Rajya Sabha, asking them to be present in the House on Tuesday, ANI reported.
The MPs have been told “some very important” legislative work will be brought to the House, discussed and passed.
Union Budget to Be Discussed in Both Houses on Tuesday
The Parliament schedule for Tuesday has listed general discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha and further discussion on the same in the Rajya Sabha.
The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019, and the Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Bill, 2020, will also be up for consideration and passing in the Lower House.
No Bill to Be Tabled in Rajya Sabha
No Bill is expected to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha, reported ANI.
‘Economy Moving Forward, Green Shoots Visible’: FM in Lok Sabha
The economy is moving forward and green shoots are visible, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the last day of the first phase of the Parliament Budget Session.
“The government will invest over Rs 1 lakh crore in infrastructure development by 2024-25… Minimum Support Price for all mandated Rabi and Kharif crops was increased in 2019-20 to boost consumption,” Sitharaman said.
Govt Has Taken Specific Steps to Boost Exports: Sitharaman
The government has taken several steps, including tax refund scheme and enhanced credit to exporters, to boost outbound shipments, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday, 11 February, reports PTI.
Sitharaman added that Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP) scheme will replace the existing Merchandise from India Scheme (MEIS), which is considered as non-compliant to global trade rules.
The minister said textiles and all other sectors, which currently enjoy incentives up to 2 per cent over MEIS, will transit to RoDTEP.
First Half of Budget Session Ends, House to Meet on 2 March
The Lok Sabha was adjourned on Tuesday till 2 March as the first part of the budget session ended, reports PTI.
The House will now meet between 2 March and 3 April during which the Union Budget will be taken up for passage.
In the first part of the session, President Ram Nath Kovind addressed a joint sitting of Parliament on 31 January, the first day of the session.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget on 1 February.
Industrial Activity Has Seen a Rebound: FM
The IIP (Index of Industrial Production) numbers have registered a possible growth of 1.8%, as compared to the contraction by 3.4 % in Oct 2019 & by 4.3% in Sept 2019,” said FM Sitharaman on Tuesday, 11 February in Rajya Sabha.
“Global sentiment towards India is in favorable mood and that is seen by investments from investors which continues to show confidence in India,” she added.
Net FDI flow was reported at 24.4 billion in Apr-Nov 2019-20, compared to 21.1 billion in Apr-Nov 2018-19.