Parliament Updates: BSP's Shyam Singh Yadav says farm laws should be repealed; LS session extended till 12.30 am

BSP MP says farm laws should be repealed

BSP’s Shyam Singh Yadav says if prime minister is pradhan sevak, he should meet farmers, heed to their demands and repeal ‘black laws’. He says other things have been added to health budget. He also bring up the plight of migrant workers in the coronavirus induced lockdown. If the prime minister says MSP was, is and will remain then what is the problem in bringing it as a legal provision, he asks.

BJP’s Diya Kumari terms Budget ’extremely progressive and holistic’

BJP MP from Rajasthan’s Rajasamand Diya Kumari calls it an “extremely progressive and holistic union Budget”.She says there are around 25 countries waiting in line for the Made in India vaccines. Kumari welcomes the Jal Jeevan Mission and it will help Rajasthan in a big way. Poshan Abhiyan will help women and children. She hails Prime Minister Narendra Modi as biggest social reformer of our times and also points to the increased representation of women in the Parliament.

Shriranga Barne raises issues of GST, MPLADS funds

Shiv Sena’s Shriranga Appa Barne says Maharashtra pays the highest amount of tax to the Centre but Rs 25,000 crore GST compensation is still pending, he claimed. He brings up the issues of the suspension of MP-LADs funds and says that if the funds were started, it will help MPs work in the respective areas.

BJP’s Giriraj Singh criticises Congress

BJP MP Giriraj Singh pointing to the vacant Opposition benches flays the Congress. When BJP member Ganesh Singh was speaking on the budget, Giriraj Singh pointed at the nearly empty benches of the Opposition and said it showed the “double standards” of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. 

K Suresh, who was in the Chair, said he was present in the House.  At this, Giriraj Singh said Suresh was sitting in the House as a presiding officer and not as a (Congress) member

Hema Malini terms budget ‘ambitious, bold and self-reliant’

Atmanirbhar Bharat budget is bold, ambitious and self reliant, says BJP MP Malini. For first time, health care allocation has been proposed to be increased by 137 percent, she claims and congratulates finance minister for increasing allocation for women and child development. She claims there are many beneficial provisions for farmers in Budget and asks how then can the prime minister be against farmers. She requests the finance ministry to make provisions in the budget for pensioners.

Navneet Rana asks finance ministry to restore MP LADS funds

Independent MP Navneet Kaur Rana says the Budget exceeds expectations and welcomes it. Rana demands biosafety level three lab for Maharashtra and special hospital for women from minority groups in her district. She requests for one Sainik school from the 100 proposed in Vidarbha’s Amaravati district. She also requests the Finance Ministry to restore MP-LADS funds this year.

‘Only corporates will become aatmanirbhar’: CPM MP

CPM’s AM Ariff says the Centre is taking credit for the achievements of the states. Government is saying Make In India, but after reading Budget,“it is better to say Sell out India,” he alleges. Participating in the discussion on the Budget, Aariff says, “Only corporates will become Aatmanirbhar.” There was nothing about the rising prices, petrol prices are touching Rs 100, he claims. The only area which is strong is minimum government, he claims.

Tejasvi Surya hails Budget

Modi govt has built one-third of national highways in India in last six years, claims Tejasvi Surya. A 371 percent increase achieved in electrification in comparison to UPA, the BJP MP claims. Surya also lauds the DBT scheme.

“This budget will be remembered as that which finally puts India into a double-digit growth path. It makes highest allocation ever for infrastructure development  and  capital asset creation. It promises to create the infrastructure needed for 21st century India,” ANI quotes him as saying. Surya thanks finance minister for  “futuristic, forward-looking” budget.

Modi govt which gets things, says Tejasvi Surya

BJP’s Tejaswvi Surya praises India’s handling of COVID-19 pandemic. He says the Budget will help the country, with 19 percent increase in defence budget. He alleges that the country’s growth was held back till now by design. The prime minister has tried to reverse these policies to transform India’s political economy, The Hindu quotes him as saying. He says that this budget acknowledges disinvestment and promotes private investment for economic growth.

Countering the Oppositions criticism, he asks the Congress, “If you consider badly performing PSUs as family silver, why were you so eager to sell temple gold?”.

He lists long pending reforms done by the govt, including corporate tax rates, recapitalising public sector banks, lowering tax rates,. This is a government which gets things done, he says. These reforms have enabled to lift a high number people out of poverty, he claims. Surya further claims that the NDA government lifted the highest number of people out of poverty in the shortest amount of time. “This is how garibi hatao is done and not by sloganeering,” he says.

Vaccination would be made free in Maharashta if GST compensation given, says Supriya Sule 

 “Nirmala Sitharaman promised free vaccination in Bihar. Are they doing it there? If they are, then why not in Maharashtra?” questions Supriya Sule. “GST compensation is pending to Maharashtra, if given, vaccination would be made free,” says Supriya Sule. Several social sector programmes in Maharashtra stuck because GST funds not given, she alleges. According to The Hindu , Sule claims that the finance minister has taken away Rs 12 crores from MPs (MPLAD fund).

Aadhar, GST U-turns of govt, says Supriya Sule

NCP’s Supriya Sule says V shaped economy is something new which we have heard under this government. Whole world is going through challenge due to COVID 19 but India suffering to several decisions of the govt, she charges. Sule says the government made U-turns too.

Gujarat chief minister had objected to GST, when it was proposed by Manmohan Singh, she claims. She also says that thousands of workers who went back from cities to villages during COVID pandemic and survived because of the MGNREGA, which was brought in by the UPA.

Aadhar, GST are U-turns of govt, she claims. Aadhar was rejected by them and today they are praising these schemes. “The governemnt has taken a U-turn on the PMC bank case. affecting poor people. The govt is doing nothing to help them,” she alleges.

Sule says the prime minister should invite farm leader for tea to resolve deadlock..

Big ticket projects given to poll bound states, alleges TRS MP

TRS’s Gaddam Ranjith Reddy says the Centre has not accepted 15th Finance Commissions recommendation of state specific allocations. He asks how a high revenue state like Telangana can be ignored and alleges that all big-ticket projects have been given to poll-bound states. He stresses on the importance of MSP and asks the government to abide by the reccomendations of the Swaminathan Commision in this regard. He requests the finance minister to consider certain projects in Telangana and for MP LADS funds.

Lok Sabha sitting extended till midnight

Rajnath Singh to speak about situation in eastern Ladakh tomorrow

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will make a statement in Rajya Sabha tomorrow regarding the ‘Present Situation in Eastern Ladakh’, said the Raksha Mantri’s Office on Twitter. The militaries of China and India have been engaged in a tense standoff in eastern Ladakh since early May last year. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic-level talks to resolve the face-off. The Chinese defence ministry on Wednesday said troops of China and India at the south and north banks of the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh have started synchronised and organised disengagement.

Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh will make a statement in Rajya Sabha tomorrow regarding ‘Present Situation in Eastern Ladakh’.

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) February 10, 2021

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Mahua Moitra asks for permission to ask a question on privilege motion

TMC’s Mahua Moitra asks for permission to ask a question on the privilege motion against her but is stopped from doing so, according to The Hindu.

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India among the top 5 economies of the world: BJP Meenakshi Lekhi

Participating in the discussion, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Meenakshi Lekhi earlier today said due to the efforts of the Narendra Modi government, the country has come out of the “fragile five” economies.

Today, India is among the top five economies in the world, she said, adding that the finance minister is now talking about a double-digit growth rate.

The economy is projected to grow at 11 per cent during 2021-22 after a likely contraction of 7.7 percent in the current financial year as a result of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

After saving lives, the focus is now on promoting livelihood, which the budget has tried to do, Lekhi said, adding that the allocations for most of the sectors have been doubled.

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BJP moves breach of privilege motion against TMC’s Mahua Moitra 

BJP’s PP Chaudhary has moved a privilege notice against Trinamool’s Mahua Moitra for her speech during the Motion of Thanks debate and cites article 121 of the Constitution, reports The Hindu.

Meanwhile, levelling allegations against the Trinamool Congress, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey demanded that TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s membership be cancelled over her ‘questionable’ remarks.

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Over 17,000 FIRs lodged in 2020 for incidents of crime on trains: Piyush Goyal

More than 17,000 FIRs were registered in the country in 2020 for incidents of crime on trains, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal informed Parliament on Wednesday, reports PTI.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Goyal said 54,552 FIRs were registered in 2019, while in 2018, 55,780 cases were filed. In 2020, when no train services were operational for most of the year, only 17,125 FIRs were registered.

“Policing on Railways being a State subject, prevention of crime, registration of cases, their investigation and maintenance of law and order in Railway premises as well as on running trains are the statutory responsibility of the state governments, which they discharge through Government Railway Police (GRP)/District Police,” Goyal said.

However, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) supplements the efforts of the GRP to provide better protection and security of passenger areas and passengers and for related matters.

“Whenever any information about the status of crime on Railways is sought, state GRP is requested to provide the information,” the minister said.

He also said CCTV cameras have been provided in 2,931 coaches of trains and 668 railway stations for strengthening passenger-security measures.

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‘Spend it like Sitharaman’, says TMC in jibe at FM

Saugata Roy of Trinamool Congress  said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, “I think this Budget is not good for this country.” Referring to MoS (Finance) Anurag Thakur as “merely the Hindi translator”, Saugata Roy questioned whether he has any role in actual policymaking.

“Spend it like Sitharaman,” Roy said in a jibe aimed at the Finance Minister. “Fiscal prudence has been thrown out of the window,” the Trinamool Congress MP added. He also called FM Nirmala Sitharaman “the great dismantler” while accusing her of dismantling PSUs.

He also said thatNirmala Sitharaman is selling of the assets of the country.

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Forced to walkout in LS as PM did not say anything to satisfy concerns over farm laws: Congress

After its members walked out of Lok Sabha during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech, the Congress on Wednesday said its leaders were forced to do so as the PM did not say anything to satisfy its concerns over the farm laws.

“We thought the prime minister will talk about some important steps for the welfare of the farmers. Over 206 farmers have lost their lives, but the prime minister is not willing to say anything about it,” Congress’ leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told reporters outside Parliament.

“He was talking about what his government has done for farmers and in that he also said the farm laws would benefit some people… But I said why are you bringing a law which is not beneficial for all. You say all is well, if that is so, what is the need to bring the laws,” Chowdhury said.

He is the prime minister of all, and all farmers want that these farm laws to be withdrawn, the Congress leader said. “Six letters — REPEAL. You have already said it can be suspended for 18 months, so if you can suspend it for 18 months, why can’t it be withdrawn,” he asked.

The Congress leader said the laws should be withdrawn and new ones should be brought only after thorough consultation with the farmers.

“We don’t just oppose for the sake of it, we oppose as we cannot see farmers in such a state. What kind of country are you building where nails are put on the ground, barbed wires are put near protest sites,” he said, criticising the government.

“We believed that the prime minister will take note of what we are saying and will say something to satisfy our concerns (on the farm laws), but nothing of that sort happened, so we were forced to walk out,” he said.

-PTI

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World went through ‘bio-warfare’, says BJP’s Meenakshi Lekhi

Responding to Shashi Tharoor’s remarks on the Union Budget on Wednesday, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi congratulated the Centre for focusing on saving lives. “When we talk about double-digit growth, this was the first budget of this decade and it is a roadmap,” Lekhi said.

She added, “I go to people like Gita Gopinathan for data on the economy but the Opposition goes to Mia Khalifa or Rihanna.” The BJP MP also accused the Opposition of “weaponising children” in a veiled reference to Greta Thunberg, reports India Today.

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Unfortunate that PM did not mention farmers deaths: SAD leader

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Hasimrat Kaur Badal says it is unfortunate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not mention the 150 people who died during farmers’ protest against the agricultural reforms, reports ANI.

“I think the need of the hour is to listen to what farmer wants,” she said outside the Parliament. “PM said that in Punjab, ministers went and spoke to farmers. I wish he’d tell which farmer was spoken to because as far as I recall, the only minister who went to Punjab called farmers hooligans.”

It is unfortunate that he said nothing for the 150 people who died (during farmers' agitation). Where would the ministers have gone in Punjab when they couldn't go to the borders of Delhi in the last 75 days?: Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP https://t.co/QqoXhQ6I9H

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2021

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Contribution of this budget is ‘Na Jawan na Kisan’: Shashi Tharoor

Congress MP in Shashi Tharoor in the Lower House said that the government has come out with a budget which deceives people with respect to the allocation in defence and health sectors. “Lal Bahadur Shastri had said ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. The contribution of this budget is ‘Na Jawan na Kisan’.” he adds.

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Indians repeatedly disappointed by govt’s public policy, says Shashi Tharoor

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday, while discussing the Union Budget, said that Indian citizens have been repeatedly left disappointed by the government’s mediocrity in public policy, reports The Hindu.

“No relief in tax rates for middle class,” he continues. “As for the poor, young, aspirational they too have been failed. MGNREGA allocation slashed by 35% at a time of record unemployment levels. Education budget sees a 6% cut. Sainik Schools are in desperate shape.”

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No proposal to change FDI rules for e-commerce: Som Parkash

There is no proposal to bring in changes in FDI (foreign direct investment) norms for the e-commerce sector, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Parkash also said there is no proposal at present to establish an e-commerce regulator, reports PTI.

“There is no proposal to bring in changes to FDI investment rules for e-commerce sector in India, at present,” he said.

To a query on prices of steel and cement, Parkash said complaints regarding cartelisation by cement companies have been received and Competition Commission of India (CCI) is the appropriate authority to deal with such types of complaints.

CCI has received seven complaints related to the steel sector, which are under examination.

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Budget did little to reassure farmers on MSP: Shashi Tharoor

On Agriculture, Shashi Tharoor says the budget does little to reassure farmers on MSP. “A quarter of the budget for MSP has been cut Even worse is the plight of fishermen. This budget has denied them any relief. No fiscal support, no diesel subsidy. The Centre has also ignored thousands of tea workers in Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” he alleged.

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Shashi Tharoor says Centre has deceived people with the latest Union budget

Talking on the Union Budget 2021-22, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday started his speech by talking about the performance of the Indian cricket team. “Inspirational captaincy is absent,” Tharoor said in an apparent reference to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech.

“You cannot cross the sea by merely staring at the water,” Shashi Tharoor said quoting Rabindranath Tagore. Reiterating the Congress party’s stance, Shashi Tharoor alleged that the Budget benefited a few industrialists close to the government.

“The govt has come out with a budget which deceives people with respect to the allocation in defence and health sectors. Lal Bahadur Shastri had said ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. The contribution of this budget is ‘Na Jawan na Kisan’” he said.

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Lok Sabha passes motion to thank President’s address

Voting on Motion of Thanks to the President to both Houses of Parliament. The motion has been passed.

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PM urges protesting farmers to discuss their issues with govt

“Our government will continue to work for the ‘agenda of the country’,” Modi says. “I urge the protesting farmers to discuss their problems with the government.” With this, the prime minister concluded his address.

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Such ‘divided’, ‘confused’ party can do no good: PM’s dig at Congress

In a sharp dig at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said its Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha units move in opposite directions and asserted that such a “divided” and “confused” party can neither do any good for itself nor can it think of any solutions for the country’s problems.

PM Modi’s remarks came amid a walkout by members of the Congress in Lok Sabha, including former party chief Rahul Gandhi, when he was speaking on the three farm laws during his reply to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President for his address.

“The condition of the Congress party, a very old party which ruled the country for about six decades, has now become such that its Rajya Sabha unit moves in one direction while the Lok Sabha unit moves in another direction,” Modi said.

Such a “divided” and “confused” party can neither do any good for itself nor can it think of any solution to the country’s problems, Modi said.

“Nothing can be more unfortunate than this. The Congress is also there in Rajya Sabha, their senior leaders are there, they debate with a lot of enthusiasm and express their views. On the other hand, there is the other section of the Congress (in Lok Sabha)…. Time will tell,” the prime minister said.

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When ‘aandolan jeevis’ call hijack protests, it pollutes intention of farmers: PM

“When ‘aandolan jeevis’ disrupt innocent protests and call for the release of those jailed during the demonstrations then it pollutes the intention of the farmers protest,” Modi says. “Some even destroyed mobile towers in Punjab.”

“I consider the Kisan Andolan to be Pavitra.  But, when Andolanjeevis hijack Pavitra Andolans, showcase photos of those jailed for serious offences, does it serve any purpose? Not allowing toll plazas to work, destroying telecom towers- does it serve a Pavitra Andolan, said PM  Modi

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Wealth creators important for country: PM Modi in LS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha said the private sector is as important as the public sector for the development of the country. It is not right to malign them. “Wealth creators are important for the country,” he said.

“To use improper words against the private sector may have got votes for a few people in the past but those times are gone. The culture of abusing the private sector is not acceptable any longer. We cannot keep insulting our youth like this,” Modi said.

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PM highlights importance of private sector in India

“Public sector is essential but at the same time, the role of the private sector is also vital. Take any sector- telecommunications, pharmaceuticals – we see the role of the private sector. If India is able to serve humanity, it is also due to the role of the private sector,” said prime minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha.

“I want to remind the Congress that while the public sector is important the private sector is just as important. Increased mobile production, cheapest data available in India. Pharma industry is also largely private,” adds Modi.

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Reform necessary in Agriculture sector: PM

“It will benefit no one to stop working for fear of failure,” the PM said adding that farming has evolved alongside India’s history. He said that India’s festivals and greetings have evolved in the context of farming.

“There is a need for investment in farming,” said the Prime Minister adding we cannot deal with 21st century agriculture with 18th century mindset.

Modi said, “Till the time we could not bring investment and new technologies to our agriculture, we will not be able to make our farming sector strong. We need to go beyond growing only wheat and paddy.”

Praising the government’s Kisan Rail initiative, the PM quoted farmer leader Chaudhary Charan Singh to say, “The entire country should be treated as one agricultural market.”

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No problem in making changes in laws if there are shortcomings: PM Modi

“We offered to discuss clause by clause three farm laws; If there are any shortcomings, there is no problem in making changes”, said PM Modi.

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Opposition stages walkout during PM’s address

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi replies to the motion of thanks to the President’s address and addressing the House over the new farm laws, Congress stages walkout from the Lok Sabha raising slogans to repeal farm laws.

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PM says farm laws ’not coercive’, add options not restrictions for farmers

“These attempts to shout and create chaos is part of a well-thought political conspiracy,” said PM Modi in Lower House. “…but you [Opposition] cannot earn people’s trust this way.”

“This uproar is a pre-planned strategy to keep the truth behind the real situation of the three laws hidden. I want to ask farmers has anything been snatched that was available earlier? What has happened is an alternative option has been provided. That is the arrangement under the new laws,” said Modi.

“These laws are not coercive. They only offer options. There are no restrictions on the old Mandis. And the current budget gives additional funds for modernisation of mandis,” the Prime Minister stated.

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Opposition creates an uproar in LS as PM speaks about farm laws 

Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha said that the government bought in three laws regarding agriculture. “This was part of a response to the crisis facing agriculture sector. We made an honest effort to address the problems in the sector.” he said.

Opposition MPs create an uproar in the Lok Sabha as Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks on Farm Laws during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.

The prime minister says that debates about the new farm laws could have focussed on the Centre’s intent in introducing them. “As far as protests are concerned, the farmers sitting at Delhi’s borders have the wrong impression.”

Opposition MPs create an uproar in the Lok Sabha as Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks on Farm Laws during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. pic.twitter.com/mUHLXjw2kS

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2021

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Indian economy to witness double-digit growth: Narendra Modi

“You will be surprised that many couldn’t as their systems were jammed. In India however, reached relief and rations to 75 crores Indians for 8 months. ₹2 lakh crores was dispersed to people via Jan Dhan, Aadhar and digital payments,” the prime minister said. “Let us also recall who it was who went to Supreme Court against Aadhar?” he questioned.

“The result of this is that tractors, automobiles are registering high sales. GST collections are breaking records. Analysts have said we will have double digit growth,” Modi said, reports The Hindu.

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Atmanirbhar Bharat will place India at centre stage in post-Covid world, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday said that the post-COVID world is turning out to be very different. “In such times, remaining isolated from global trends will be counter-productive. We will have to emerge as a strong player. That is why, India is working towards building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. We need to be self-sufficient like we become in pharma industry.” he said.

“Today we can hear ‘vocal for local’ in every corner of India. People look for local. This sense of self-respect is working a lot for Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he added.

Today we can hear 'Vocal for Local' in every corner of India. People look for local. This sense of self-respect is working a lot for Aatmanirbhar Bharat: PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha https://t.co/0WwHTsjVR9

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2021

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Successful fight against COVID-19 credited to 130 crore Indians, says PM

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, replying to the President’s address on Wednesday, “It is a matter of pride for India that after the outbreak of the coronavirus…in the fight against an ‘unknown enemy’…the discipline of 130 crore Indians saved us. The credit goes to 130 crore Indians.”

“If you don’t accept your child at home, no one in the society will accept your child,” the Modi said.

Responding to Congress MP Manish Tewari, PM Modi said, “Doctors and nurses appeared in the form of god. The sanitation worker, ambulance worker appeared in the form of god.”

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Way to new world order is through self-reliance, says PM Modi

“Today, in a post-coronavirus world, a new world will come about,” the prime minister said in the Lower House. “In this situation, India has to become a strong player. To find its place in the new world order, India needs to become a strong player…and the way to do that is a self-reliant India.”

We're knocking at the doors of 75 yrs of independence. It's a matter of pride for every Indian & an occasion to move forward. We may be in any corner or belong to any strata of society but we must make a new resolve that where do we want to take India at 100 years of freedom: PM pic.twitter.com/frKA4Tz7Te

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2021

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President’s address showcased India’s ‘Sankalp Shakti’: Modi in LS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha on Wednesday said that the speech by President showcased India’s ‘Sankalp Shakti’. His words have boosted the spirit of confidence among the people of India.

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PM terms Presidents address as ‘inspiring’

Addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday on the motion of thanks to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The President’s address represents how the country set a roadmap for itself in the most difficult of times.”

Calling President Ram Nath Kovind’s address as “inspiring”, the prime minister congratulated MPs for participating in the discussion that continued beyond midnight. “I would like especially to thank our women MPs in particular because their participation was more.”

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PM begins his reply to the motion of thanks on President’s address in LS

Speaking in the Lok Sabha. https://t.co/23xHQXbIxH

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 10, 2021

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PM to address Lok Sabha shortly

Narendra Narendra Modi arrives at the Lok Sabha. He will reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, in the Lower House shortly.

PM Narendra Modi arrives at the Lok Sabha.

PM Modi to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, in the House shortly. pic.twitter.com/ahGeJCNilb

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2021

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Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury highlights VK Singh’s comments on LAC

Lok Sabha assembles. Speaker Om Birla is in the Chair. Congress floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury again brings up former minister VK Singh comments on LAC aggression. “If you have transgressed the LAC, it is okay. You don’t have to brag about it,” he says.  Why are we giving the Chinese the opportunity to weaken our diplomatic position?" he asked as per The Hindu

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Lok Sabha proceedings begin

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International passenger traffic fell by 90.56% in March-Dec 2020: Govt

International passenger traffic fell by 90.56 per cent to 18.55 lakh in March-December period of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to the corresponding period of 2019, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Wednesday, reports PTI.

Moreover, domestic passenger traffic fell to 3.77 crore in March-December period of 2020 from 11.99 crore in the corresponding period of 2019, the minister said.

Scheduled international passenger traffic continues to remain suspended in India since March 23, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, special international flights have been operating since July 2020 under air bubble arrangements formed with various countries.

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Rahul Gandhi to be first Congress speaker in Lok Sabha’s budget debate today

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will lead the Congress during debate on the Union Budget and will be the first speaker from his party in the discussion likely to be taken up by Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The discussion on union budget 2021-22 is slated to be taken up after reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s Address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Wayanad MP has been critical of the Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 and said that the budget proposals will adversely impact the common man.

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Centre, states owe Air India Rs 498 crore: Hardeep Singh Puri in RS

The Centre and states owe Air India Rs 498.17 crore as on 31 December, 2020 for VVIP travel, evacuation operations, travel of foreign dignitaries among other services, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Wednesday.

The governments in states and at the Centre owe the airline Rs 84.57 crore for VVIP travel, Rs 12.61 crore for foreign dignitaries’ travel, Rs. 9.67 crore for evacuation operations and Rs 391.32 crore as other outstanding dues, the minister told Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question.

The national carrier incurred a provisional loss of Rs 7,982 crore in 2019-20 as compared to the net loss of Rs 8,556 crore in 2018-19, Puri said.

The government is currently in the process to sell its entire stake in debt-ridden airline.

“The total amount of outstanding dues owed by the Central and State Governments to Air India for VVIP travel, evacuation operations, foreign dignitaries travel and other outstanding dues as on 31.12.2020 is Rs. 498.17 crore,” Puri stated.

-PTI

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High Court monitoring CBI probe into Hathras case as directed by SC: Govt to RS

The Centre informed Parliament on Wednesday that the Allahabad High Court is monitoring the CBI probe into the rape-and-murder case of a 19-year-old woman in Hathras in Uttar Pradesh as directed by the Supreme Court, reports PTI.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said the apex court had observed that since the Uttar Pradesh police was divested of the probe and the central agency is carrying out the investigation, there would be no room for apprehensions at this stage.

He said the investigation into the Hathras rape-and-murder case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the recommendation of the state government through a gazette notification of 10 October, 2020.

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2021 Budget got positive response from industry, sensex: Sushil Modi

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushil Modi says this year’s Budget received a positive response from the industry and Sensex, reports India Today. He said that despite a 23% drop in revenue collection, the government has not imposed any new tax in the Budget.

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Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day

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PM to address Lok Sabha at 4 pm today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address around 4 pm today, according to the PMO’s tweet. On Monday, in the Rajya Sabha, Modi had said the newly-passed farm laws should be given a chance and that the MSP system is here to stay.

At around 4 PM today in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister @narendramodi will reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 10, 2021

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Parliament passes bill to provide greater autonomy to 12 major ports

The Major Ports Authority Bill, 2020 was passed through ballot votes with 84 in favour and 44 against it in the Rajya Sabha.

The Lok Sabha had on 23 September, 2020 passed the bill. Allaying fears of members, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Mansukh Mandaviya categorically said it was not intended towards privatisation of major ports and rather aimed at boosting their decision-making powers in order to compete with private ports.

The bill aims to provide for regulation, operation and planning of major ports in India and to vest the administration, control and management of such ports upon the boards of major port authorities and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration.

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State govt examining committee report on Clause 6 of Assam Accord: MHA

A committee, set up by the Centre for putting forward recommendations for the implementation of Clause 6 of the 1985 Assam Accord, has submitted its report to the state government and it is under examination, Parliament was informed on Wednesday, reports PTI.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said, “The High Level Committee for implementation of Clause 6 of Assam Accord, headed by Hon’ble Justice (Retd) B K Sharma, has submitted its report to the Assam government. The recommendations are under examination of the state government.”

The committee was set up for giving recommendations for the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord that came at the culmination of a six-year-long movement (1979-85) against illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

Clause 6 reads: “Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.”

According to the terms and conditions of the committee, it will “assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people”.

“The committee will recommend the appropriate level of reservations in employment under the government of Assam for the Assamese people,” according to a home ministry notification.

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Rajya Sabha proceedings extended till 3 pm

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Agitating farmers not summoned by NIA: Govt tells Rajya Sabha

Farmers participating in the ongoing protests against newly enacted three agri laws were not summoned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the government told Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, reports PTI.

Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been protesting at Delhi borders for more than two months, demanding a complete repeal of three farm laws enacted in September 2020.

“No sir,” Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to a query whether the NIA summoned farmers, participating in the ongoing farmers’ protests. NIA probes terror-related crimes. The question was asked by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and two other members.

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Over 1,940 people arrested under UAPA in 2019: MHA in Rajya Sabha

As per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report 2019, 1,948 people were arrested under UAPA that year. Total number of persons arrested and persons convicted in 2016 and 2019 under UAPA are 5,922 and 132 respectively, said MoS (Home) G Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

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BJP does vote-bank politics in Budget and ’note-bank’ politics off-Budget: Sibal 

Speaking on the Union Budget, Congress leader Kapil Sibal Wednesday said while the NDA government accused its predecessor UPA government of doing vote bank politics, they themselves have done the same in the Budget this year by awarding infrastructure projects to the poll-bound states.

“You say Congress did vote-bank in budgets. What has BJP done? National highway budget for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu. BJP does vote-bank politics in Budget and ’note-bank’ politics off-Budget,’ the Congress leader said.

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‘Can Indians be atmanirbhar after COVID-19?’ asks Kapil Sibal 

Citing economic indicators in a pre-pandemic situation, Congress’ Kapil Sibal said, “Can Indians be atma nirbhar after COVID-19? You have forgotten the people of India in this Budget. How does this government justify what it has done?”

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Debate on Union Budget begins

Speaking on the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said, “The minister spoke of self-reliant India and we all want that. But are we moving towards that? Are farmers, Dalits, minorities, MSME sector self-reliant? You will have to answer this question.”

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At least 96 arrests in 93 sedition cases in 2019: Centre tells RS

As many as 93 cases of sedition were registered in different parts of the country in 2019 in which 96 people were arrested, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said chargesheets were filed against 76 people while 29 were acquitted by the courts in 2019.

The highest number of 22 sedition cases in 2019 was registered in Karnataka where 18 people were arrested, he said in a written reply to a question.

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Rajya Sabha votes on Major Ports Authorities Bill

Minister Mandaviya moved  that the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2020 be passed. “We developed the Kolkata port on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. We paid the liabilities for all pensioners. The loss making port is now profitable. This is because of reforms,” he said, illustrating the benefits of the model.

“The Narendra Modi government believes in the federal structure and state government representatives will not be removed,” he added.

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Opposition oppose Major Ports Authorities Bill, says reduction in SC and ST representation 

Expressing objection to the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2020, NCP’s Fauzia Khan on Wednesday said “there is an example of deliberate disintegration of the federal structure in this Bill”.

Ramji of BSP said there is no provision in the Bill for SC and ST port employees to raise their voice. “They should be represented on the Boards,” he said.

Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD said: “No political establishment is forever so whenever you make a legislation, don’t look at the prevalent media channels, look at how it will be seen by history, he says. The Bill reduces participation of states and does not include representative of labour unions.”

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Congress MP gives notice in LS to discuss rising cases in Kerala

Congress MP K Suresh has given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha demanding to discuss the “alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in Kerala”.

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Frame rules to give Indian consultancy firm preference in contracts: Demand in RS

A demand to frame rules giving Indian consultancy companies preference in contracts on the lines of the new US federal spending policy was made in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Raising the issue through a zero hour mention, BJP’s Vinay P Sahasrabuddhe said the new US President Joe Biden last month asked federal agencies to purchase products and services produced in America.

The government of India, too, should frame a new policy giving preference to Indian consultancy firms over foreign entities. Local consultancy often lose out to foreign firms due to eligibility criteria requiring certain experience, he said.

Consultancy, he said, is a big industry that is dominated by foreign agencies.

– PTI

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Pilot project for new Indo-Pak border fencing completed last March: Centre 

Pilot project for new design modular fencing on Indo-Pak border in Punjab has been completed in March 2020, said MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

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Rules under Citizenship Amendment Act are under preparation: Nityananda Rai

The Rules under the Citizenship Amendment Act are under preparation. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have granted an extension up to 9 April 2021 and 9 July 20201 respectively, said MoS Home Nityananda Rai in Rajya Sabha.

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Major Port Authorities Bill taken up in RS 

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya moves the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2020 for consideration and passing.

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Cong MP gives notice in Lok Sabha over VK Singh’s statement

Congress leader Manish Tewari gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over BJP leader and former army chief VK Singh’s statement on LAC transgression.

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Education of girl child impacted during pandemic: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Pointing out that the education of young girls was impacted during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said “The period saw an increase in child marriages. As per an RTI reply, the child helpline recieved,324 distress calls. I request Women and Child Development Minister to collect data on child marriages, mobilise anganwadi workers on mission mode so that the girls can go back to school.”

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BJP issues three-line whip to its MPs to be present in LS today

The Bharatiya Janata Party has issued a three-line whip to its Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the House on  Wednesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address.

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KC Venugopal raises question on rising petrol prices 

Speaking on the prices of petrol hitting a new record high on Tuesday, Congress MP KC Venugopal in Rajya Sabha asked why the price of petrol is at an all time high despite crude prices being at an all time low.

“How many times has the Centre increased excise duty?” asked Venugopal.

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Opening up air routes to over 80% depends on decisions by air carriers: Hardeep Puri

“Our decision to raise the frequency of commercial flights beyond 80 percent depends on the behaviour of the virus and commercial decisions to be taken by the air carrier,” said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri.

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Increase time for debate on Budget: Jairam Ramesh

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh Tuesday sought to increase the time allotted for discussion on Union Budget in the Rajya Sabha from 10 hours to 12 hours.

“There is a lot of interest among the members in discussing the Budget. I suggest that the time to debate the Budget be increased from 10 hours to 12 hours,” said Ramesh in Rajya Sabha.

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Debate on Budget in Rajya Sabha likely today 

The discussion on Union Budget is listed after consideration of Major Ports Bill in Rajya Sabha, on Wednesday. In Lok Sabha, it is listed after the ongoing discussion on Motion of Thanks on the President’s address.

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Reports to be presented in RS today:

1. Reports of the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural gas

2. Reports of the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution

3. Reports of the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce

Rajya Sabha convenes for the day

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Bills for consideration and passing in RS:

1. The Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020

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Rahul Gandhi to speak in Lok Sabha today 

Rahul Gandhi will lead the Congress attack during debate on the Union Budget and will be the first speaker from his party in the discussion likely to be taken up by Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The discussion on union budget 2021-22 is slated to be taken up after reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s Address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Wayanad MP has been critical of the Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1 February and said that the Budget proposals will adversely impact the common man.

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PM’s reply to motion of thanks to President’s address likely in LS today

Sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to reply to the debate on Wednesday evening. Lok Sabha usually sits between 4 pm and 9 pm but the timing was increased as members were willing.

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RECAP: LS sits till 1 am as members participate in debate on Motion of Thanks

Sitting past midnight, Lok Sabha members participated in the debate on Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. After most of the participants had made their point, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House at 1 am Wednesday.

President addressed the joint sitting of Parliament on 29 January in the beginning of the Budget Session. .