Parliament Updates: Lok Sabha approves Centre's demand for supplementary grants; both houses adjourned till tomorrow

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Sitharaman says amount transferred to states ’exceeds’ Centre’s gross tax revenue

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that additional resources as part of the first demand for excess grants is being used for “people-centric activity and some of the most critical government schemes like the PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana,” The Hindu reported.

“The MNREGA scheme has been allotted Rs 40,000 crore, with which the total amount touches Rs. 1 lakh crore- the highest ever spent amountt on MNREGA. Opponents should also recognise this, she says, alleging that under the UPA, the funds of MNREGA went to ghost accounts according to a CAG report,” the report said.

She added, “The total transfer to states exceeds centre’s gross tax revenue- it is at 107%,” she adds. The centre has gone much beyond what it had in protecting the States. “61% of grants put in the budget provisions has already been given. There is a frontload.”

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Nirmala Sitharaman replies to arguments against supplementary grants demand

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha responded to the MPs’ concerns regarding the demand for supplementary grants 2020-21.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Rahul Gandhi predicted ’economic tsunami’, says Congress MP

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Friday in the Lok Sabha said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had “predicted the economic tsunami”.

“The burden on the poor has increased with the rise in petrol and diesel prices. The Finance Minister is only focussed on catchy words. Atmanirbhar Bharat is only a rehashed version of Make in India,” he said.

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Lok Sabha sitting extended till 10 pm

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

BSP says COVID-19 ‘blessing in disguise’ for Centre

BSP MP Ritesh Pandey criticised the Centre over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the economy in the Lok Sabha.

“This government has got COVID-19 as a blessing in disguise. The government can now blame all its policy failures on this Act of God. But people shouldn’t forget that failure of once-promising economy is not an act of god but an act of bad governance,” he said.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

BJD says Centre has been pushing money into economy

BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab said,“There is a need to push more money into the economy and the government has been doing that. Government finances are already stressed… India cannot afford to be too fiscally restrained in these distressing times.”

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FM should show us way ‘out of dark tunnel’, says TMC over economy

TMC MP Saugata Roy said that the Centre needs to focus on reviving the economy and that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman “should show the way out of this dark tunnel”.

“Demand-side interventions are required. Government should allocate more funds to schemes like MNREGA. There are formulas available to revive the economy but government is busy selling airports. Finance Minister should show us way out of this dark tunnel,” he said.

Adding that the weak state of economy was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Roy added that the “economy was in a downward spiral even before the pandemic struck”, adding, “We reacted to COVID-19 late. We knew about the virus in January, still we welcomed Donald Trump. Later, we imposed a lockdown abruptly.”

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

DMK objects against Centre’s use of ‘Act of God’ expression

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran said that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was diluting the issue of GST compensation with the ‘Act of God’ remark.

He added, “Demonetisation was a man-made pandemic, and then GST was hurriedly introduced. How can the Centre expect the States to go for additional borrowing? The Centre is accountable for providing GST compensation to the states.

“The Central government’s policy and financial response to the COVID crisis has been lukewarm; the economy has collapsed under the weight of the pandemic. It has not undertaken any economic reforms in the last six years.”

He also demanded a white paper on the economic crisis.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Lok Sabha proceedings extended till 9 pm

The proceedings in the Lok Sabha were extended till 9 pm as the Lower House continued the discussion on the Centre’s supplementary demand for grants 2020-21.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticises Centre over migrant exodus

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury submitted arguments in the discussion for supplementary grants and accused the Centre of a “complete breach of trust” over revenue sharing with state governments.

“There has been a complete breach of trust by the Centre when it comes to revenue sharing with the States. This is completely unacceptable. States are being told to relinquish their rights to collect taxes,” he said.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

BJP says economy is recovering after ‘Unlock’ guidelines

In the discussion for supplementary grants, BJP MP Jayant Sinha claimed that as the number of job demands under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has fallen from 6 crore to lower than 2 crore, “the economy is recovering” due to the ‘Unlock’ guidelines.

Supplementary grants are sought from the exchequer when the authorised grants for government expenditure fall short due to any reason.

Sinha, while arguing in favour of the same, added that, ““We have been able to stabilise the economy, RBI’s role cannot be ignored. The government, in coordination with the RBI, has maintained the credit market well. In India, the rupee has appreciated against the dollar. The world.has confidence in our leadership. Other indicators of economy have shown growth. We know that oil prices in world market are the lowest, so funds have been allocated for creating more oil reserves.”

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Jayant Sinha says ‘huge’ amount of supplementary grants allocated for COVID-19 response

BJP MP Jayant Sinha, submitting arguments in favour for the Centre’s supplementary demand for grants said, “We are seeking supplementary demand for Rs.2.35 lakh crore, in which huge amounts have been allocated for meeting expenses related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The impact of expenses incurred is that right now we are conducting 10 lakh tests per day for Covid-19, work on vaccine candidates are under way, Covid care centres have been set up, ventilators are being manufactured. In 70 days, we have provided 50,000 ventilators. We should praise and thank the frontline workers,” he says.

“Funds are also being allocated for the benefit of MSMEs, thereby protecting employment. For those with distressed assets, Rs.250 crore has been allocated.”

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

BJP MP Jayant Sinha presenting arguments

BJP MP Jayant Sinha has taken up the discussion on the supplementary demands for grants 2020-21. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Centre’s COVID-19 response, he said that the supplementary demands for grants “is a manifesto for atmanirbharta”.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Lok Sabha reconvenes, Anurag Thakur apologises

The Lower House has resumed proceedings at 6 pm, and Speaker Om Birla addressed the MPs and appealed to them to maintain decorum. He added that in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to set an example for people.

He also addressed the Opposition’s allegation during the ruckus that he was favouring MPs of the Treasury Benches, and said that he was not partial towards anyone.

He also asked MoS Anurag Thakur to apologise for the remarks that had caused the ruckus. He had said that the PMNRF fund was made “only for the Gandhi family”. Subsequently, Thakur apologised.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Lok Sabha adjourned till 6 pm

The Lok Sabha reconvened at 5.30 pm but was immediately adjourned as the Opposition continued to raise slogans demanding an apology from MoS Anurag Thakur for his remarks against the Gandhi family.

The Chair appealed to Opposition MPs to pay heed to COVID-19 precautions and to allow House proceedings to continue, failing which, the House was adjourned till 6 pm.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Lower House adjourned for third time till 5.30 pm

The Lok Sabha was adjourned almost immediately after resuming at 5 pm as the Opposition continued its slogans demanding an apology from MoS Finance Anurag Thakur for his remarks against the Gandhi family during the discussion on PM CARES fund.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

House adjourned till 5 pm amid ruckus

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Lok Sabha reconvenes, Oppn demand apology from Anurag Thakur

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attempted to introduce the ‘​The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020’ soon after the Lok Sabha reconvened, however, the Opposition benches raised slogans against MoS Finance Anurag Thakur.

They demanded an apology from Thakur for his comments on PMNRF and the Gandhi family.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Lok Sabha adjourned after ruckus over Anurag Thakur’s remarks

The Lower House has been adjourned for 30 minutes after the Opposition MPs took objection to BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s remarks on PM-CARES.

Thakur, MoS Finance, in response to Opposition’s arguments over PM-CARES said that the MPs questioning the fun were only “against every move the government takes”. “Your intentions are wrong,” he said, after which MPs raised objections.

Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, among others, slammed Thakur for “politicising the issue”, The Hindu reported

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Nirmala Sitharaman introduces Taxation and Other Laws Bill

Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, AM Arif, Sougata Roy oppose the introduction of the Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020.

The Bill, replacing an ordinance, extends the deadline for paying taxes and duties in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bill also seeks to provide the same tax treatment to PM CARES Fund as available to Prime Minister National Relief Fund. Opposition MPs question the need for a new fund, and why is it not being audited by CAG, if it is a public fund.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Congress opposes Taxation and Other Laws Bill

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor oppopsed The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020, introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Members can raise issues during zero hour: Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that he won’t allow any adjournment motions but, assured members that the issues can be raised during Zero Hour.

Lok Sabha session begins

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Bills to be discussed in Lok Sabha today 

Bill to be introduced 

The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020

Bills for consideration and passing

1. The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020
2. The Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020
   The Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Dushyant Chautala must support farmers or face defeat in future: Digvijaya Singh 

Congress senior leader Digvijaya Singh “warned” Haryana Deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala to refrain from supporting the BJP on the Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill or face a “bid defeat in future”.

“I want to congratulate Harmisrat Singh Badal for resigning from govt in support of farmers and would warn Dushyant Chautala not to support BJP on these anti-farmer bills, otherwise he will suffer big defeat in future. He should support farmers, said Singh.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

Farmers misled by middle-men, says Nadda on Essential Commodities Act 

BJP chief JP Nadda on Friday said the Essential Commodities Act is being regulated as there was a rise in the volume of commodities. “We won’t buckle under pressure politics. We will do what is right for farmers. Farmers are being misled by middle-men and vested interests about reforms,” said Nadda. 

The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 which seeks to deregulate food items, including cereals, pulses and onion is a move aimed at transforming the farm sector and raising farmers’ income.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

House adjourned till tomorrow

The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 9 am on Saturday.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

House passes bills governing salaries of MPs, ministers

The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020 were passed by voice vote.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

Bill not just to save money, matter of principle: MoS Home

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi addressed DMK MP’s criticism of the bill, reminding him that charity begins at home. “We have to be role models for our country. The saving from the bills is not Rs. 6 crore, it is at least Rs. 53.83 crore,” he said.

MoS Home Affairs G Kisan Reddy said that the idea of this Bill is not just to save money, it is also a matter of principle.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

Ghulam Nabi Azad says MPLAD funds belong to poor

Like many other MPs, Congress’ Ghulam Nabi Azad also sought the restoration of MPLAD funds, stating that the suspension period of these vital funds be modified from two years to one year and be slashed by 50 percent and not 100 percent.

“MPLAD is not our money but belongs to the poor. It is the only kind of fund that is equally distributed. You do not build palaces but small houses. You build ambulances to help those who are ill. You build small roads to connect one village to another. You build community centres. Work which is not carried out by the Centre is done by the MPLAD. Why have we assumed that coronavirus is here for two years and cancelled the funds?” he asked.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

MPs continue debate on Bills governing salaries and allowances

While voicing support for the Bill, YSRCP MP V Vijayasai Reddy asked for MPLAD funds to be restored.

Despite his support, AAP MP ND Gupta said the bill sends a message to the citizens that the MPs’ salary had to be forcibly reduced to get them to contribute. He added that the contibutions could have been made voluntary, and that it would have saved the House a considerable amount of time.

Nominated BJP MP Rakesh Sinha called the Opposition ‘Frankenstein’s monster’, adding that they oppose every measure regardless of its relevance.

BSP MP Veer Singh asks that the details of the migrants who were affected by the lockdown be made public and the funds for their assistance be increased.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

Concept of MPs’ salaries worng, not a 9-5 job: BJD MP

DMK MP P Wilson said the savings made from passing this Bill is less than the amount spent in the process of passing it in the Parliament Houses. “The government is spending Rs 6 crores to save Rs 4 crore,” he said.

He also called for the MPLAD fund suspension be lifted. He added that it is astonishing that the government thought it appropriate to suspend the MPLAD fund while the multi-crore Central Vista project is still on.

TMC’s Dinesh Trivedi said the concept of salary for MPs itself is wrong as it is not a 9 to 5 job. “The credibility of Parliament is in danger. The country is going through a huge crisis. There cannot be a supporter and an opposition. The country is not looking for your salary cut but direction and survival," he said.

BJD’s Prasanna Acharya also reiterated the need to restore MPLAD funds. “If we are not given the money, no one knows where it is going,” he said.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

MPs support Bill proposing salary cut, oppose suspension of MPLAD funds

Congress MP Rajeev Satav speaks in favour of the Salaries and Allowances Bill, says willing to work for Re 1 if that would aid COVID-19 response. He also asked for the Central Vista project be suspended until the coronavirus pandemic ends.

He also said that the attempt to suspend MPLAD is wrong and criticises the government’s handling of the economy. He says that there is no accountability for PMCARES and many other programs.

In response, BJP’s Shwait Malik said the Opposition should not politicise COVID-19.The funds are being used wisely, and for coronavirus response.

Samajwadi Party MP Vishwambar Prasad Nisha supported the salary cut but objected to the suspension of MPLAD funds. The money is used to help people in constituencies, without which the hands of MPs are tied, he said. He added that the government should not use this pandemic to sneak in such measures.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

House discusses Bills on salaries of MPs, allowance of ministers

MoS Home G Kishen Reddy moves the motion for discussion on the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, on behalf of Home Minister Amit Shah.

The discussion on the Bill is clubbed with that of Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill. The Bills call for a 30 percent reduction in salaries of MPs and 30 percent reduction in the sumptuary allowance of ministers to aid in COVID-19 response.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

House passes two medical Bills

The Rajya Sabha passed the Homeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill by voice vote.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

Nothing abnormal about ordinance route: Harsh Vardhan

Responding to questions raised by MPs during the debate on homeopathy and Indian system of medicine bills, Union health minister Harsh Vardhan said there is nothing abnormal about the ordinance route. Since the independence, whenever there has been need, an ordinance has been moved, he said.

In response to the statements that the Modi government is trying to ruin health sector of the country, Vardhan said “Whenever history will be written about health reforms of India, PM Modi will remembered fondly.”

The Minister also objected to the use of the term “quackery” in reference to certain ancient Indian medical system. He said that yoga and naturopathy need a separate national medical commission, and added that the National Medical Commission for modern medicine will be functional soon.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

Opposition MPs hit out at Centre’s ‘ordinance route’

Echoing the sentiment against the ordinance route taken by the Centre, RJD’s Manoj Kumar Jha said, “This is not a government, this is an ordinance factory.”

He said that the Bill needs to be balanced and though the Prime Minister and BJP keep using the term cooperative federalism, there have been no signs of the same so far in their functioning. “There are many fake medicines being sold in markets in the name of Indian medicine,” he added, requesting the government to find a way to address that as well.

Congress’ L Hanumanthaiah cited different ordinances that were brought in by the government, raising the question, “What is the necessity of so many ordinances even when the Parliament is running?” He said that the current amendments proposed are stop-gap measures.

AAP’s Sanjay Singh said the government is misleading the country and trying to finish everything at the roots. He also pointed out that the amount set aside for homoeopathy in the AYUSH ministry budget is too small, says AAP MP.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

DMK’s Tiruchi Siva calls Bill attempt to dilute federalism

Opposing the Bill, DMK’s Tiruchi Siva said it is an attempt to strike at the roots of federalism. “From the day they (Centre) assumed office, most bills passed have taken away powers of state government,” he said.

“Standing Committee has very clearly stated that there is no representation of State Medical Councils in the Advisory Council. So, it is recommended that there should be a provision for representation of elected members of State Medical Councils,” he said.

Rajya Sabha Latest Updates

Govt indirectly promoting quackery: TMC’s Santanu Sen

Speaking on the deplorable condition of homeopathy centres, TMC MP Santanu Sen told the Rajya Sabha, “What can be expected from a government that says that drinking cow urine can cure disease or COVID-19? They are indirectly promoting private medical colleges and quackery.”

Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav said there are diseases for which there is no cure in allopathy, but there is a cure in Ayurveda. Supporting the Bill, he said that the present amendments have limited scope, and are just to extend the tenure of the Board of Governors.