Parliament Updates: Epidemic Diseases Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha; House adjourned till 9 am tomorrow

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Epidemic Diseases Bill, Aircaft amendment Bill introduced

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan introduces Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill 2020, Homoeopathy Bill in Rajya Sabha. Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri introduces Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2020 in Rajya Sabha. The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill and Ithe ndian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill were also introduced

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

EIA draft notification 2020 is anti-democracy, says Jairam Ramesh

As Naidu moves to Zero Hour, DMK’s P Wilson raises issues of students suicide’s ahead of the NEET exam conducted on Sunday and calls for scrapping the common entrance test. Congress’s Phulo Devi Netam demands for Chhattisgarhi to be included in the eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Jairam Ramesh brings up the draft EIA 2020 notification. “It is dangerous on four grounds: It is anti-democratic as is does it away with public consent, it is anti-jurispredence, anti-federalism and anti-public health,“the Congress leader said, calling for it to be relegated to cold storage. Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar denied the charges, stating it was done as per SC guidelines.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Opposition objects to cancellation of Question Hour

Trinamool Congress Party’s Derek O’Brien objects to the cancellation of question hour, says it is the heart of democracy. “History shows that it has never happened before in a regular session. It has only taken place during war or the Emergency or during 2-3 day sessions. It is the Opposition’s right and the government’s move strikes at very heart of parliamentary democracy,” he said while moving an amendmentto the motion to suspend Question Hour and Private Member’s Business in this monsoon session proposed by Prahlad Joshi . “People of India have been deprived by removing Question Hour”, says Ghulam Nabi Azad. Motion to carry the amendment is defeated.  Naidu says that it is an extraordinary time and it will lead to crowding.

Then motion to suspend the Question Hour and Private Member Business during Monsoon session in the Rajya Sabha is adopted through voice vote.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Around 30 MPs have tested positive

 Around 30 MPs and more than 50 employees of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19, sources told news agency PTI. All parliamentarians and staff of the secretariats of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha had undergone mandatory COVID-19 tests before the start of the monsoon session. All those who have tested positive have been asked to stay in quarantine and they did not come to Parliament.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Venkaiah Naidu, Tiruchi Siva extend wishes to Harivansh

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu congratulated Harivansh Narayan Singh on “winning hearts in the House”. TRS’s K Keshav Rao, DMK’s Tiruchi’s Siva also congratuled the newly elected deputy chairman. “We expect that he remain as friendly in the Chair as he is the Chamber,” said Siva, while observing that the Parliament is the temple of democracy. He also asked MPs to refrain from using Sanskrit words and use Hindi instead to ensure that most members understand what is being said in the House.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Harivansh Narayan Singh made efforts to ensure productivity and positivity, says Modi

“Harivanshji has made efforts to ensure productivity and positivity is maintained in the Parliament. He is a torchbearer of democracy. He comes from Bihar, the land known for its democratic ethos, the land that has close ties with JP (Jayaprakash Narayan) and Bapu’s Champaran”  said the prime minister.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Narendra Modi congratulates Harivansh Narayan Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The parliament has been convened in circumstances that we have never seen before. It is important to ensure all safety measures are taken”: The prime minister congratulates Harivansh Narayan Singh on his election as Rajya Sabha deputy chairman. “The respect I hold for Harivansh ji, is shared by each member of the House. He has earned this respect. His unbiased role in the Parliament strengthens our democracy,” said Modi. The prime minister added that the House achieved a 10-year high in productivity in the previous year.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Harivansh Narayan Singh becomes Dy chairman 

JP Nadda moves motion in favour JD (U’)s Harivansh  Narayan Singh as Deputy chairman , seconded by Thawarchand Gehlot.Ghulam Nabi Azad proposes the name of Manoj Kumar Jha for Dy Speaker, Anand Sharma seconds the motion. Incumbent Deputy Chairman Harivansh reelected to post after voice vote.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Naidu requests members to bear with ’teething problems’ due to COVID-19 measures

Rajya Sabha speaker Venkaiah Naidu explained the terms of functioning during the Monsoon Session. Naidu says this is the first time in history of Parliament that such measures are in place, “Request members to bear through these ’teething problems’ initially,” he says.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

‘No Imposition, no opposition’: Naidu encourages use of mother tongues along with Hindi

“While encouraging Hindi, we should also encourage use of mother tongues. This is the need of the hours. No language is superior,” said Naidu while giving the slogan of No imposition, no Opposition on the occasion of Hindi Day.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

COVID-19 worst disaster in 100 yrs, says Venkaiah Naidu

“COVID-19 is the worst disaster to have hit mankind since the Spanish Flu 100 years ago. Despite having the second largest population, India has managed to manage the pandemic,” said RS chairman Venkaiah Naidu. The vice-president also appreciated the work done by frontline workers like doctors, health care workers and sanitation workers.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Rajya Sabha observes silence for victims of floods

The Rajya Sabha members hold a moment of silence for those who had died in rainfall and landslide-related incidents across various states in the country.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

House adjourned till 4.40 pm

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

RS Chairman reads out obituary references

Rajya Sabha chairman and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu reads out obituary references. Naidu pays tributes to former president Pranab Mukherjee who passed away on 31 August.

Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates

Rajya Sabha begins proceedings, new members take oath

The Rajya Sabha proceedings begin for the first day of the Monsoon Session. New members including JMM’s Shibu Soren and LJD’s Shreyams Kumar take oath.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

17 MPs test positive for COVID-19 during mandatory testing before session, says report

Seventeen members of Parliament have tested positive for coronavirus in the mandatory tests carried out before the monsoon session started this morning.  
The Lok Sabha members were tested at the Parliament House on September 13 and 14, sources told NDTV .

Raj Sabha LATEST Updates

Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha to begin shortly

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Formed 16-member committee to study ancient Indian culture: Prahlad Patel

The government has formed an expert committee for conducting a study on the origin and evolution of Indian culture dating back to around 12,000 years ago, Union minister Prahlad Patel informed Parliament on Monday.

In a written reply in Lok Sabha, Patel said the 16-member committee will include KN Dikshit, Chairman, Indian Archaeological Society, New Delhi, and former Joint Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, among others.

“A committee has been set up for conducting a holistic study of origin and evolution of Indian culture since 12,000 years before present and its interface with other cultures of the world,” the Union minister of State for Tourism and Culture said.

-PTI

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Sougata Roy’s remark expunged from House record

A remark on Sitharaman by TMC MP Sougata Roy on Monday was expunged by the House. Reacting to the remark, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said: “Commenting on attire, being a senior member, what is he talking about? He should apologise unconditionally. It is an insult to the womenfolk.” 

Commenting on personal attire...Being a senior member, what is he talking? He should apologise unconditionally. It is an insult to womenfolk: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on TMC MP Saugata Roy's remark on FM Sitharaman, in Lok Sabha.

Remark expunged from record. pic.twitter.com/8cgyhodnke

— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2020

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

No data available on migrant deaths during lockdown, says Centre

There is no data available on the number of migrant workers who had lost their lives during the coronavirus-induced lockdown, the Centre informed Parliament on Monday.

As per Hindustan Times , the response by Union Ministry of Labour and Employment on a question raised in the Lok Sabha seeking information on whether the government was aware that several migrant workers had lost their lives while trying to return to their native places and if state-wise details of the toll was available.

Lok Sabha LATEST Updates

Demand for division on motion not allowed by govt, claims Asaduddin Owaisi

As per The Hindu, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, assures that the members of the Lower House they will get opportunity to raise questions. On Owaisi’s demand for division, the speaker said that it is rejected on technical grounds.

I had demanded a Division but unfortunately it was not allowed, asking for a Division on a Motion is a Members right and it also shows which parties are supporting /opposing the Modi government https://t.co/xXCHtWt50K

— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) September 14, 2020

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow

After the House passed the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2020 and National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2020 by voice vote, the proceedings were adjourned till 3 pm, Tuesday.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

States given no say in National Commission for Homeopathy Bill: TMC MP

Trinamool Congress MP Pratima Mondal said The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2020 says all members will be appointed by the Centre, leaving no say for the states. She also requested the Centre to encourage collaboration with other institutes.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Indian medicines came handy during pandemic, says Shiv Sena’s Arvind Sawant

Shiv Sena’s Arvind Sawant said during the discussion on The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2020 that after NEET, students choose Indian medicine when they can’t secure a MBBS seat. “In pandemic times, we saw how Indian medicines came handy. They must be encouraged,” he added.

Owing to the paucity of time, many MPs laid their speeches on the table.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Shashi Tharoor points out eight issues in the Indian System for Medicine Bill

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan sought to take up The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2020 and The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2020 for discussion.

Shashi Tharoor said he has reservation on The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2020 and pointed out eight issues. The Bill ignored many standing committee recommendation and excluded Yoga and Naturopathy, Tharoor said. He also asked why a separate Bill is needed, when its provisions can be added to the Indian System of Medicine Bill itself.

Additionally, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said that an appellate panel will be needed as the government cannot be creating the commission and governing it. He also questioned the absence of a mechanism to train teachers and screen certified practitioners. “The Bill could encourage quakery. How can someone who didn’t study allopathy prescribe its medicine”: Tharoor asked.

Apart from more provision on research, Tharoor said that there should also be standards to get recognition worldwide.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

TMC, Congress oppose bringing cooperative banks under Centre’s control

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced The Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and also sought to introduce the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Saugata Ray and Shashi Tharoor opposed bringing cooperative banks under the control of Centre.

Tharoor added that it is beyond the legislative control of the House to bring a Bill on a State list. He points out the issue is sub-judice and should be referred to the Standing Committee.

Sitharaman pointed out that the RBI regulates cooperative banks and this Bill only seeks to extend banking regulation to cooperative banks and not all cooperatives.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Farmers Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill introduced

Narendra Singh Tomar sought to introduce The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Saugata Ray and Shashi Tharoor opposed the Bill, while Shashi Tharoor asked why it was necessary to bring an ordinance when it had nothing to do with COVID-19 pandemic.

Gaurav Gogoi said the government is grabbing the rights of farmers and handing it over to corporates and claimed the government had deliberately removed MSP from the Bill. The Bill was introduced through voice vote.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill ignores unmarried, LGBT couples: Shashi Tharoor

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan sought to introduce The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020.

Opposing the Bill on six grounds, Congress’ Shashi Tharoor said it discriminates against unmarried and LGBT couples and women who never gave birth. The Bill’s provisions compromise the privacy of donors and is silent on penalisation and offenses. “It promotes arbitrariness and contradicts the surrogacy Bill,” the Thiruvananthapuram MP said.

The Bill was introduced through voice vote.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill introduced

The Centre moved the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020. While Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury opposed the Bill saying it is against the principles of cooperative federalism, the party’s MP Gaurav Gogoi said it will only increase hoarding.

MoS Consumer Affairs Raosaheb Danve said the ordinance was needed as farmers were bearing the brunt of the lockdown, adding that the ordinance was brought after a high-power committee of six Chief Ministers approved it.

The House voted for introduction of the Bill.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill withdrawn

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a motion to withdraw the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Opposing the motion, NKKP Premachandran said an ordinance was promulgated after Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 could not be passed in Budget Session. He said it is a clear case of misuse of power.

Sitharaman said the ordinance was brought to save cooperative banks that were severely stressed. She added the a fresh Bill is being brought, which incorporates the provisions of the Bill that are being withdrawn. The Bill was withdrawn through voice vote.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Ravi Kishan urges Centre to end drug trafficking

BJP’s Ravi Kishan pointed out during the Lok Sabha proceedings that the problem of drug trafficking and addiction is on a rise and has reached the entertainment industry. “A conspiracy is being hatched to destroy country’s youth, our neighbouring countries are contributing. Smuggling of drugs from Pakistan and China is done every year. It is brought via Punjab and Nepal,” he said.

Referring to the NCB investigation against Rhea Chakraborty, Kishan said several people have been apprehended. “I urge the Centre to take strict action, apprehend the culprits soon, give them a befitting punishment and bring an end to conspiracy of neighbouring countries,” he said.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Centre not talking about economy and unemployment: NCP’s Supriya Sule

NCP’s Supriya Sule said that the biggest challenge in the country is the state of the economy and unemployment. “This is a global scenario and we’re not the only country going through it. But it should be priority of government. I don’t see this government at the Centre talking extensively either about the economy or unemployment challenges. We should put it on priority,” she said.

Shiv Sena’s SA Barne sought more funds to Maharashtra to fight COVID-19.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

House starts discussion on bills pertaining to farm sector

Three key Bills pertaining to the farm sector will be introduced in the Lok Sabha, including the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Prices Assurance and Farm Services Bill and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill. All three will replace ordinances.

Three labour Bills are also up for consideration and passage — the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, the Industrial Relations Code and the Code on Social Security.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Lockdown has helped in ramping up health infrastructure: Harsh Vardhan

Health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan informed the Lok Sabha that the nationwide lockdown has helped the country to prevent the aggressive progress of COVID-19. He said there has been 36.3 times increase in beds and 24.6 times increase in ICU beds since the outbreak.

He also listed out steps taken by the government before the lockdown to curb the spread of the virus, pointing out that international flights were stopped and passengers were thoroughly screened.

His praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for successfully managing the coronavirus outbreak was met with objections from the Opposition benches.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

India reporting among the lowest deaths per million: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the government’s endeavour to manage the coronavirus pandemic has been able to limit cases and deaths per million to 3,328 and 55 respectively. He added that this rate is among the lowest in the world as compared to similarly-affected countries.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Over 1 lakh cases reported in 13 states, Harsh Vardhan informs Lok Sabha

Maximum cases and deaths due to the coronavirus pandemic have been primarily reported from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, Bihar, Telangana, Odisha, Assam, Kerala and Gujarat. Health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan told the Lok Sabha that these states reported more than 1 lakh cases.

Cancelled Question Hour dangerous for democracy: TMC’s Derek O’Brien

In a video shared by him on Twitter, TMC MP Derek O’Brien said that the canellation of Question Hour and slashing of Zero Hour is dangerous for democracy. “This government continues to mock the Parliament. They want to rush bills without any scrutiny and create an ordinance raj like never seen before in the last 70 years,” O’Brien tweeted.

A #New series #InsideParliament The world & our glorious nation must know, how this Govt continues to mock #Parliament. Dangerous for Democracy, cancelled #QuestionHour, slashed Zero Hour, no scrutiny of Bills & creating an ordinance raj like one never seen before in last 70 yrs pic.twitter.com/ASZAbrxxhQ

— Derek O'Brien | ডেরেক ও'ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) September 13, 2020

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Idukki landslide, online education for poor students among issues raised during Zero Hour

Congress’ Dean Kuriaskose brings attention to the devastation cause by landslide in Kerala’s Idukki district.

Congress’ Manish Tewari raises issue of discrimination against the Punjabi language in Jammu.

BJP’s Sanjay Seth mentions the issue of religious conversion of Adivasis in Jharkhand. 

Apna Dal’s Anupriya Patel says educational channels do not reach poor students amid lack of availability of technical equipment. She urges the government to ensure access of online education for them.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Future doctors of India have committed suicide: DMK’s TR Balu

Drawing attention to the plight of 12 NEET aspirants in Tamil Nadu who died by suicide, DMK MP TR Balu said they had cleared Plus 2 in the state board and NEET is conducted only as per CBSE syllabus. “Within a month after Plus 2 result, they have to enter into NEET exam and they are clueless. Without knowing any subject matter of CBSE syllabus, they are helpless and committing suicide. Future doctors of India have committed suicide,” he said.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Government is ready for discussion, says Pralhad Joshi

Responding to the voices raised by the Opposition against the cancellation of the Question Hour, Parliamentary Affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said that at a time when Assemblies aren’t ready to meet for a single day, the Monsoon Session is being convened in an extraordinary situation. “There are so many ways to question the government, we are ready for discussion,” he said. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, urging MPs to cooperate, said leaders of most parties had areed to not holding the Question Hour and slashing the duration of Zero Hour to 30 minutes.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Opposition raises storm over scrapping of Question Hour

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury opposed the motion seeking scrapping of Question Hour. “Question hour is golden hour and suspension of it giving an excuse of extra ordinary situation is unacceptable,” he said.

Meanwhile, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that it is shameful if the Question Hour is not taken up, seeking division of the House on the motion. 

Congress’ Manish Tewari cites Rule 32 to say that even though the Speaker has the power to suspend Question Hour, the House has to unanimously take the decision as it is the only way the government way can hold the government accountable.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Monsoon Session commences: Safety protocol in place

• Entry only to those having a negative COVID-19 report and compulsory wearing of masks. Those entering the premises will have to be tested not more than 72 hours before the session.
• Over 4,000 people including MPs and staff have been tested for COVID-19.
• Most parliamentary operations have been digitalized, entire premises sanitised and doors made touch-free.
• Between the sittings of the two Houses, the entire complex will be sanitised.
• Arrangements have been made to sanitise various parliamentary papers as well as footwear and cars of MPs, officials said.
• Touch-free security and thermal scanning.
• A new seating arrangement following social distancing guidelines has been prepared. The MPs will also be allowed to address the Chair while seated.
• The air of air conditioners will be exchanged six times every day to avoid any possible infection.
• The DRDO will also provide multi-utility COVID-19 kits to all MPs. Each kit will contain disposable masks, N-95 masks, sanitisers, face shields, gloves, a touch-free hook to open and close doors and tea bags to enhance immunity.
• Ultraviolet boxes to sanitise various parliamentary papers handled by the presiding officers and members.
• Touchless sanitisers will be kept at 40 different places within the Parliament House complex.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Monsoon Session of Parliament: Quick facts

• The Monsoon Session will be held in 18 sittings till 1 October.
• The sittings for the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha will be held in four-hour shifts. While the Rajya Sabha will function from 9 am till 1 pm, Lok Sabha proceedings will be conducted between 3 pm and 7 pm. 
• On 14 September, only the Lok Sabha members will convene for the session in the morning shift and the Rajya Sabha in the evening shift.
• Proceedings will be held for both Houses on Saturday and Sunday too.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Govt is accountable to Parliament: Shashi Tharoor on India-China border row

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the nation needs to be taken into confidence by the government when it comes to the India-Chian standoff. “The government is accountable to the Parliament, Whe nhave they reported to us on the talks between the defence and foreign ministers from the Indian and Chinese sides?” he asked, adding that it the question of support for the Indian military is “beyond debate”.

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

WATCH: Hope MPs express unequivocal support for soldiers at borders, says Modi

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Monsoon Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it is the responsibility of the House that when the soldiers are fighting on the border, the members also pass an unequivocal message in their support. “We must assure them through the medium of the House and its members that we are standing beside them,” he said.

#WATCH: I believe that all members of the Parliament will give an unequivocal message that the country stands with our soldiers: Prime Minister Narendra Modi #MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/GubB0uHkUg

— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2020

Lok Sabha Latest Updates

Farooq Abdullah in Parliament for first time since Article 370 abrogation

Lok Sabha MP and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah is attending the Monsoon Session, his first Parliament appearance after the abrogation of provisions of Article 370.

The National Conference president is likely to be in focus since he was under detention during the last two sessions, during which several opposition leaders had demanded the government allow him to attend the proceedings. The veteran politician from the Kashmir valley is keen to raise the Jammu and Kashmir issue during this session, NC leaders told PTI.

Nirmala Sitharaman to table three Bills

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will introduce three Bills, besides seeking parliamentary approval for additional expenditure on the first day.

These three Bills — the Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, the Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill and the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill — are part of 34 Bills for introduction, consideration and passage during Monsoon Session.

A discussion on the GST Compensation shortfall is also expected during the session.

Congress, DMK, CPM MPs give adjournment notices

Congress MPs Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and K Suresh have given an Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha over the Chinese incursion in eastern Ladakh.

DMK and CPM members have given Adjournment Motion notice over the suicide of 12 teenage students due to NEET.

RSP’s N Premachandran has given an Adjournment Motion notice over the ‘inclusion of names of prominent leaders in Delhi Police chargesheet on Delhi riots’.

Ahead of session, Modi stresses on COVID-19 protocol

Ahead of the 18-day Monsoon Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Parliament session is being held in distinct time, where the choice is between coronavirus and duty. He said that the decision to hold Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha sessions at different times and on all days was accepted by all MPs.

“We want that a vaccine be developed at the earliest from any corner of the world, our scientists succeed and we succeed in bringing everyone out of this problem,” Modi said. He also said that he hopes all MPs “will give an unequivocal message that the country stands with our soldiers”.

Sanitisation work undertaken at Parliament Complex

Frequent sanitisation of the entire parliament complex will also be carried out, while arrangements have been made to sanitise various parliamentary papers as well as footwear and cars of MPs, officials said. Frisking of people will also make way for touch-less security scanning, while thermal scanning will also be totally touch-free.

It has also been decided that air of air conditioners will be exchanged six times every day to avoid any possible infection. 

#WATCH Delhi: Sanitization work being undertaken in the Parliament premises ahead of the commencement of #MonsoonSession today. pic.twitter.com/yTP956Uyq9

— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2020

DMK MPs stage protest ahead of Monsoon Session

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MPs TR Balu and Kanimozhi staged a protest against the conduct of the NEET examination ahead of the Monsoon Session, the first shift of which is slated to commence at 9 am.