LS, RS Adjourned; Sitharaman Says No Question of India Getting Into Recession
Catch all the live updates on the Monsoon Session of Parliament here.
Parliament Monsoon Session 2022 Live Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the issue of price rise in the Lok Sabha on Monday, 1 August.
(Photo: Screengrab/Sansad TV)
Parliament Monsoon Session 2022 Live Updates: The Lok Sabha was adjourned late on Monday evening, 1 August, while the Rajya Sabha was adjourned a few hours earlier. Both houses will convene again at 11 am on Tuesday.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the issue of price rise in the Lok Sabha on Monday, 1 August.
"Even as the entire globe's growth is being reviewed, re-assessed, re-estimated, each time, we remain at the highest," she said. "There is no question of India getting into recession or stagflation," the Union minister added.
Before Sitharaman's address, a discussion was held on price rise and inflation. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, equating inflation to corruption, slammed the central government on price rise and GST.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury with suspended MPs Manickam Tagore and Jothimani at Parliament House complex during ongoing Monsoon Session.
Suspended MP Manickam Tagore protest at Parliament House complex during ongoing Monsoon Session.
TMC MPs stage a protest at Parliament House complex during ongoing Monsoon Session.
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi holds a placard in protest against ED at Parliament House complex, during ongoing Monsoon Session.
BJP MPs from West Bengal holding placards and pictures of CM Mamata Benera stage a protest against the state government, near the Gandhi statue at Parliament House complex during ongoing Monsoon Session.
The Monsoon Session, which began on 18 July, is scheduled to end on 12 August
23 Rajya Sabha MPs from the Opposition – including seven from the TMC and three from the AAP – were suspended from the proceedings of Parliament for the previous week
Four Lok Sabha MPs of the Congress were suspended for the remainder of the Monsoon Session last Monday
A shouting match ensued in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, with Union Minister Smriti Irani attacking Sonia Gandhi over a Congress leader's alleged derogatory remarks against President Murmu
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)
Discussion on Price Rise To Be Held in LS on Monday
A discussion on price rise, under Rule 193 in Lok Sabha will be held on Monday.
A notice requesting the same has been received from Shiv Sena leader Vinayak Raut and Congress leader Manish Tewari.
Suspension of Business Notice Over Gujarat’s Hooch Tragedy
Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil gave a suspension of business notice in Rajya Sabha on Gujarat's Botad hooch tragedy.
Suspension of Business Notice Over Issue of Price Rise and Inflation
AAP MP Sanjay Singh gave a suspension of business notice in Rajya Sabha demanding a discussion on the issues of price rise and inflation.
Suspension of Business Notice Over Misuse of Central Agencies
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi gave a suspension of business notice in Rajya Sabha on "misuse of premier investigative agencies such as ED, CBI and IT by Central government for political agendas and detaining opposition leaders through these agencies in a bid to silence them."
Suspension of Business Notice To Discuss Price Rise of Essential Commodities
Congress MP KC Venugopal gave a suspension of business notice in Rajya sabha under rule 267 to discuss price rise of essential commodities abd recent GST rate hike.
Adjournment Motion Notice To Discuss Assam Floods
Congress Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi gave an adjournment motion notice to discuss the issue of floods in Assam.
Raghav Chadha Gives Suspension Notice on MSP, Withdrawal of Cases on Farmers
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha gave a suspension notice under rule 267 on the issue of Minimum Support Price, withdrawal of cases registered against farmers, and for demanding punishment in the Lakhimpur Kheri case.
Zero-Hour Notice Over 'Agnipath' Recruitment Scheme
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari gave a zero-hour notice in the Rajya Sabha on the 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme for entry into the Armed Forces.
Zero-Hour Notice Over Unemployment and Inflation
Congress MP Amar Singh gave a zero-hour notice in Lok Sabha over unemployment, inflation, fuel price, and RRB waiting list.
Suspension of Business Notice Over 'Reduced Work Allocation Under MGNREGS'
CPI (M) Rajya Sabha MP Dr V Sivadasan gave a suspension of business notice under Rule 267 to discuss "reduced work allocation under MGNREGS this year despite high demand for work."
Adjournment Motion Notice Over Alleged Attempts To 'Topple' Jharkhand Govt
Congress MP Suresh Kodikunnil gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over alleged attempts of the BJP to "topple" the government in Jharkhand.
'BJP Wants an Opposition-Mukt Parliament': LoP Kharge
Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said on Monday, "They (BJP) want an 'Opposition-mukt' parliament, that's why the action against Sanjay Raut. We will raise issues of inflation, Gujarat hooch tragedy in Parliament. 'Op Keechad' by them (BJP) in Jharkhand will also be raised today."
External Affairs Committee To Adopt Draft Report on 'Welfare of Indian Diaspora'
The External Affairs Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday to consider and adopt its draft report on the subject 'Welfare of Indian Diaspora.'
BJP MPs Protest Against Mamata Banerjee Over Partha's Involvement in SSC Scam
West Bengal BJP MPs protest in Parliament against CM Mamata Banerjee over the alleged involvement of former state minister Partha Chatterjee in the SSC recruitment scam.
Left MPs Protest Over Allocation of Work Under MGNREGA Scheme
Left MPs staged a protest in front of the Gandhi statue on Parliament premises over the allocation of work under the MGNREGA scheme.
Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till 12 Noon
The Upper House was adjourned within seconds after convening at 11 am.
‘Suspension of Four Congress MPs Should Be Revoked’: Shashi Tharoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Monday, "We want a detailed discussion on price rise in Lok Sabha. We are demanding that the suspension of our four MPs from the Monsoon session should be revoked."
Central Universities (Amendment) Bill 2022 Introduced in LS
The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Lok Sabha Adjourned Till 2 pm
The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm amid protests by Opposition MPs demanding the revocation of suspension of four Congress MPs.
Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till 2 pm
The proceedings in Rajya Sabha are adjourned till 2 PM.
This comes as Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge expressed the opposition's request to discuss issues of inflation and joblessness.
‘Want To Discuss What Is Going In Jharkhand, Maharashtra & Gujarat’: LoP in RS
LoP Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha said, "We request issues regarding inflation and joblessness should be discussed. Discussion on notices given by members should also be conducted. We want to discuss whatever's going on in Jharkhand and Maharashtra and in Gujarat where people have died."
‘Ready To Withdraw Suspension If..’: Union Min Prahlad Joshi
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi said on Monday, "We have many bills to pass but unfortunately, the house is getting adjourned. If the Leader of Congress Parliamentary Party gives assurance in the house that MPs will not come with placards, then, we are ready to withdraw suspension."
Johsi added, "Inspite of that, the Opposition is not cooperating, which means they are running away from the discussion of price rise. If the Opposition is really interested, they should allow the house to function normally."
Rajya Sabha Resumes at 2 pm
Rajya Sabha proceedings resumed at 2 pm. As per listed business of the day, papers were laid on the table of the House.
Weapons of Mass Destruction Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha
The Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Bill, 2022 was passed in Rajya Sabha on Monday.
The Bill was passed in Lok Sabha during the Budget Session 2022.
Suspension of 4 Lok Sabha Congress MPs Revoked
Suspension of four Congress Lok Sabha MPs, who were suspended for the rest of the Monsoon Session, was revoked on the condition that they will not bring placards into the House.
Discussion on Price Rise Underway
A discussion on price rise on essential commodities, hikes in GST, unemployment and other issues is currently underway in the Lok Sabha.
The Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022
Discussion on the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022, currently underway for consideration and passing.
'Country Has Double-Digit Inflation': Manish Tewari on Price Rise
Congress leader Manish Tewari slammed the ruling government and said, "Country has double-digit inflation for last 14 months, it's highest in 30 years. Consumer food price index is skyrocketing. GST increased on daily use things like rice, curd, paneer and on pencils and sharpeners, government is not sparing even children."
Responding to Tewari's allegations, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said, "If we see Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Singapore, everywhere inflation is rising and jobs are getting lost. Amid such a situation if the poor are getting two-time meal free of cost then shouldn't they thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
'Poor Getting Meals Due to PM Modi': BJP's Nishikant Dubey
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, while responding to Congress leader Manish Tewari's criticism of the central government on price rise, said:
"If we see Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Singapore, everywhere inflation is rising and jobs are getting lost. Amid such a situation if the poor are getting two-time meal free of cost then shouldn't we thank the PM."
Rajya Sabha Passes Indian Antarctic Bill 2022
Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022 designed to protect the Antarctic environment along with dependent and associated ecosystems, news agency ANI reported.
Rajya Sabha Adjourned for the Day
The Upper house has been adjourned for the day to meet at 11 am on Tuesday, 2 August.
'Govt Trying to Feed Us Uncooked Food': TMC MP
TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, slammed the Centre over price rise and said:
"The government is trying to get us into the habit of eating uncooked food."
"Government should understand how cylinder price rise is impacting the common man. The prices have increased for 4 times in the last few months. How will the poor spend Rs 1100?" she asked.
'GST is Harrassment': BSP MP
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Sangeeta Azad, hitting out at the Centre, said that "amid rising unemployment, imposing GST on food items is unacceptable."
"Further, in between Covid and monkeypox concerns, imposing GST on various aspects in the healthcare sector is equivalent to harrassment of the common man," she added.
BJD MP Slams Govt for "Lazy Taxation"
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Pinaki Misra attributed the deteriorating economic situation to "lazy taxation" by the finance ministry.
"The current situation calls for more prudent economics, rather than and Pardon me saying so Finance Minister... lazy taxation," he said.
Further, adding to the conversation around impact of price rise on households, he said:
"Price rise is making housewives and youth cry tears of blood."
'Nirmala Ji, You Run a Household Too...': NCP's Supriya Sule
NCP's Supriya Sule, taking a dig at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, said:
"Nirmala ji, you're a woman and you run a household too. You must be aware of how price rise is affecting everyone."
She was, however, shut down by the house chair.
'Gaumata Will Curse This Govt': CPI (M) MP
CPI (M) MP A.M. Ariff, while ridiculing the Centre over price rise and GST, said that the government was "dishonouring the Gaumata it so respected by imposing 5 percent GST on curd, paneer etc."
"No doubts gaumata will curse this government. Only cowdung and urine are left out of GST. I humbly request the government to bring them within its purview in the next round," he added.
Nirmala Sitharaman to Address Lok Sabha at 7 PM
Amid the ongoing price rise discussion in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will respond to the Opposition's criticism at 7 pm in the Lower House.
'Inflation is Corruption': Owaisi on Price Rise
AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, equating inflation to corruption, slammed the central government on price rise and GST.
"The starving man is questioning the Modi government about why his family is sleeping without food at night. For those going hungry, inflation is corruption," he said.
Further, launching an attack on PM Modi, he said:
"Jo kehta tha taare tod kar launga, usne aasmaan hi gira diya. (He who promised us stars, has dropped the sky on us.)"
FM Nirmala Sitharaman To Speak on Price Rise in LS Shorty
Nirmala Sitharaman is set to address the price rise discussion in the Lok Sabha shortly.
'Never Seen a Calamity of This Kind': FM Sitharaman
"Looking at India today, compared to what is happening in the rest of the world. Whether it was in 2008 or before that, we've never seen a calamity of this kind. We've never seen a pandemic of this kind," Finance Minister Sitharaman said.
"I fully credit the people of India that we were able to stand up against this adversity," she said.
'India Remains Fastest-Growing': Sitharaman
Talking about the reports of the World Bank and other organisations, Sitharaman said, "India has been reduced in terms of the growth it was expected to achieve, but still we remain the fastest-growing. If it was with 8.2 percent (earlier), now it may be 7.4 percent."
"Even as the entire globe's growth is being reviewed, re-assessed, re-estimated, each time, we remain at the highest," she said.
"So, it is important for us to appreciate as Indians that our people have gone through this pandemic, and after that the way global value chains have hit us, but in spite of that, because of the various steps taken by the government and also by the Reserve Bank of India, we are remaining much better than most countries."
This statement was followed by protests by the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
'Opposition Should Feel Proud of India, Its People': Sitharaman Amid Ruckus
"So, when globally the situation is really like this, and agency after agency is assessing the situation by country, and repeatedly in their assessment, India has remained highest, I think this House, irrespective of party differences, will have to feel proud of the country and its people," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during her address in the Lok Sabha.
"State governments have helped..." she was saying as she was interrupted by members of the Opposition countering her statements.
'Not That India Doesn't Have Problems...': Nirmala Sitharaman
"It is not that the country doesn't have problems. We have to work together to do it and we are trying to do it. But even as we are trying to do it, and even as the global agencies say other countries are suffering but India is like this, it is a moment that we will all have to be true to ourselves...," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha.
She was then interrupted by Opposition members saying 'Wow', which she took exception to. "There's nothing about 'wowing' here," the minister said.
"I'm convinced of every input given (during the discussion on price rise in the Lok Sabha), and I think is my duty to respond," Sitharaman said.
After facing interruptions and criticism about her address from TMC MP Saugata Roy, Sitharaman told him, "Please try to recall the glorious days when you were trying to talk to me about onions."
'No Question of India Getting Into Recession': Sitharaman
"The GDP of the US fell 0.9 percent in the second quarter, followinf a 1.6 percent decline in the first quarter, marking a start of they themselves call an unofficial recession," Finance Minister Sitharaman said.
"There is no question of India getting into recession or stagflation," she added.
"A Bloomberg survey done by economists said that there was zero probability of India slipping into recession," the minister said.
'GST Collections Over 1.4 Lakh Cr for 5th Month': FM Sitharaman
"Today morning, we announced GST collection for entire month of July. In July 2022, we garnered the second highest level ever since the introduction of GST – which is Rs 1.49 lakh crores. This is the fifth consecutive month that collections have been above Rs 1.4 lakh crore," Finance Minister Sitharaman said.
Congress MPs Stage Walkout Amid Finance Minister's Address
Congress MPs walked out of the Lok Sabha as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman speaks on price rise in the House.
Economy Showing 'Very Positive' Signs: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
The Indian economy is showing "very positive" signs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. Here are some other remarks made by her in the Lok Sabha:
"India's eight infrastructure sectors, all of them grew in double digits for a second consecutive month in June."
"The gross NPAs of banks are at a six-year low of 5.9 percent. India's debt to GDP ratio at 56.21 percent in FY22, much lower than many nations."
"Prices of edible oils have corrected sharply following steps taken by government."
"We expect the industry to invest Rs 2-3 lakh crore in two years on 5G and 4G."
"India has sufficient forex reserves; economic fundamentals are perfect."
'Have Kept Inflation Within 7 or Below': Finance Minister
Citing several global factors including the Russia-Ukraine war, Sitharaman remarked, "We have kept the inflation well within seven or even below, and that has got to be recognised."
"Efforts are being made to reduce retail inflation below 7 percent," she said.
Differentiating India from its vulnerable neighbours, Raghuram Rajan further added that "New Delhi is less indebted", calling it a good sign, she said.
'Raghuram Rajan Said RBI Had Done a Good Job': Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had praised the central bank, saying that it had done a "good job" increasing foreign exchange reserves in India, and "insulating India from problems being faced by neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka."
Differentiating India from its vulnerable neighbours, Rajan further added that "New Delhi is less indebted" and called it a good sign, the finance minister said.
Sitharaman's Speech 'Disappointing': Manish Tiwari
Congress leader Manish Tiwari called Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's reply in Lok Sabha over price rise "disappointing".
"Finance Minister's reply was disappointing. Attitude of govt is there is no inflation in country, people are not suffering. Everything is hunky dory. If that's your response to concerns of Opposition articulating the voice of 140 crore people in the country, why listen?" he said while speaking to ANI.
'No GST On Crematorium, Funeral Services'
The Finance Minister said that no GST had been levied on crematoriums, funerals, burials, or mortuary services.
Both Houses of Parliament Adjourned
Both Houses of Parliament have been adjourned and will convene again at 11 am on Tuesday.