Parliament LATEST Updates: Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday moved the Arms (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, two days after it was passed in the Lok Sabha.
Listing the changes in the bill, Reddy was quoted by The Hindu as saying that the bill provides a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for manufacturing and carrying illegal arms.
He said, "Sportspersons will be entitled to get licenses for different types of firearms under the bill. A person can have a maximum of two firearms, as against the present norm of three. Those who own more than two firearms will have to deposit the third one with authorities or authorised gun dealers within 90 days for de-licensing once the amendment is approved by the Parliament."
Maharashtra chief minister and chief of former NDA ally, the Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday clarified his party's stand on the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that was passed in the Lok Sabha at midnight on Tuesday with an overwhelming majority.
Uddhav, whose party is in a coalition government with the Congress and NCP, both of whom have vehemently opposed the bill, said, "There’s a perception that whoever votes with central government is a patriot and who voted against is anti-national. We must get out of that illusion. We voted yesterday to absorb various people facing brutalities in other countries but we have asked many questions. Those questions we thought would be answered, ranging from national security, to the rights of locals in various states of India.
“If these queries are not answered, we won’t be supporting CAB in the Rajya Sabha. Every party supporting or opposing it, is asking for clarity in national interest. Clarity must be ensured," he said.
Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that the government of Jammu and Kashmir had reported that "in order to prevent committing of offences involving breach of peace,activities prejudicial to the security of State and maintenance of public order", stone pelters, over ground workers ,separatists, were taken into preventive custody under statutory provisions. Such preventive detentions are being regularly reviewed by relevant statutory authorities.
During attempts of infiltration from across Line of Control from 2005 till 31 October, 2019, 1,011 militants have been killed, 42 militants apprehended and 2,253 militants pushed back or returned due to efficient vigil of security forces, the Lower House was informed.
Since 1990, 22,557 militants have been neutralised in incidents of terrorist violence by security forces till 1 December, 2019.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti issued whip to the lone People's Democratic Party MP in Rajya Sabha Mir Mohammed Fayaz to vote against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
In response to the statement made by US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Ministry of External Affairs said that such comments are "neither accurate nor warranted".
Both the Houses reconvened at 2 pm. Zero Hour continues in the Lower House. RLP member Hanuman Beniwal says the film Panipat should be banned, and that the Jat community in Rajasthan is against it. BJP's Sumedhanand Saraswati agrees. Meanwhile, National General Secretary and national spokesperson of the Janata Dal (United) Pavan K Varma urged Bihar chief minister and party chief Nitish Kumar to reconsider his support to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday. In a tweet, Varma said, "I urge Shri Nitish Kumar to reconsider support to the #CAB in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and against the unity and harmony of the country, apart from being against the secular principles of the JDU. Gandhiji would have strongly disapproved it."
Congress has issued three line whip to its Rajya Sabha members to be present in the House on Wednesday. Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 that was passed by the Lok Sabha will not be tabled in Rajya Sabha today. Since the Bill was passed past midnight, some procedures will have to be completed. Rajya Sabha Secretariat yet to receive the copy of the Bill as passed by the Lok Sabha. The bill is expected to be tabled in Rajya Sabha tomorrow at around 2 pm. Six hours have been allocated for the debate on Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 in Rajya Sabha tomorrow, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu informed the House.
Both the Houses of Parliament have been adjourned till 2 pm.
Trinamool Congress has walked out of Rajya Sabha, The Hindu reports. Addressing reporters, Derek O Brien said, "The West Bengal Governor has withheld the SC &ST Bill that was cleared by the West Bengal Assembly. This is an insult to Indian Constitution, West Bengal Assembly and people of West Bengal".
On orders of Venkaiah Naidu, the Rajya Sabha TV stream was suspended for few minutes as TMC held the protest, The Hindu reports.
Amit Shah also told the Lok Sabha that at least 99.5 percent students sat for exams in the Valley, "but for Adhir Ranjan ji this is not normalcy. At least, 7 lakh people availed OPD services in Srinagar. Curfew and Section 144 has been upliftted from everywhere. But for Adhir ji only parameter for normalcy is political activity. What about local body polls which were held?" asks home minister. "Situation in Kashmir valley is completely normal. I can't make Congress's condition normal, because they had predicted bloodshed after abrogation of article 370. Nothing of that sort happened, not one bullet was fired."
In Lok Sabha, Congress disrupts the proceedings and asks what is Centre's parameter of normalcy? "Jammu Kashmir mein ram rashtra ki sthapana ho chuki hai (Ram rashtra has been successfully established in Jammu and Kashmir)," Congress Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says in Lok Sabha. Amit Shah raises to counter allegations says, "Like the government said, everything in Jammu and Kashmir is completely normal. Unfortunately, I can't normalise Congress. Their conspiracy theories have fallen flat on their faces."
According to latest report, six hours have been allotted for Rajya Sabha members to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, starting 2 pm. The Bill was passed with 311 votes in its favour in the Lok Sabha on Monday. However, it may not see a smooth ride in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP is not in the majority. Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to move the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, ANI reported.
Shah will introduce the Arms (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday and provides a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for manufacturing and carrying illegal arms, and also seeks to rationalise and facilitate licensing procedures for the use of firearms by individuals.
Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will move the Appropriation (No 3) Bill, 2019 to authorise payment and appropriation of certain further sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2019-20.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to make a statement on India's position regarding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at 3 pm. Additionally, among the issues to be raised during the Question Hour include the achievements of demonetisation, the effectiveness of the Ayushmann Bharat scheme, initiatives to control anaemia, population growth and ATM frauds.
The Rajya Sabha will soon see the introduction of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which was passed amid uproar by the Lok Sabha during the lat hours of Monday night. The Bill looks at providing citizenship to non-Muslim minority communities facing religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanisatan. The BJP has issued a whip to all its MPs asking them to be present during Parliament proceedings on 10 and 11 December.
Meanwhile, in the Lok Sabha, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will move the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019, which looks at amending the Constitution of India.
Issues that will be raised during the Question Hour include the data on farmer suicides, farm incomes and infiltration by militants.
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Updated Date: Dec 10, 2019 18:29:05 IST
Highlights
Parliament latest updates
Make Pakistan a secular republic: Himanta Biswa Sarma to Imran Khan
Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday responded to Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's statement condemning the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.
Khan said, "We strongly condemn Indian Lok Sabha citizenship legislation which violates all norms of int human rights law & bilateral agreements with Pak. It is part of the RSS "Hindu Rashtra" design of expansionism propagated by the fascist Modi government."
Parliament latest updates
This is 'Bhangra' politics, says AIMIM on Shiv Sena's support for CAB
AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the Shiv Sena for supporting the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Referring to the Uddhav Thackeray-led party's coalition government with the NCP and Congress in Maharashtra, Owaisi said, "This is 'Bhangra politics'. They write 'secular', in common minimum programme, but this bill is against secularism and Article 14. It is politics of opportunism."
Parliament latest updates
'Can't always have the same view': NCP on Shiv Sena's support for CAB
With its Maharashtra alliance partner, Shiv Sena, backing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, the NCP on Tuesday said the two are different parties and it is not possible always for them to hold the same view on all issues.
NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik, however, said the parties are committed to ensure that no injustice is meted to anyone on the grounds of religion, caste, language and region in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Congress general secretary Sachin Sawant also said that though the Shiv Sena has backed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) in the Lok Sabha, it was hopeful the Uddhav Thackeray-led party will stick to the common minimum programme (CMP) while governing the state.
Both, the Congress and NCP have vehemently opposed the bill.
Rajya Sabha latest updates
MPs not getting enough time to deliberate on bills, says Congress
Rajya Sabha MP Madhusudan Mistry of the Congress lobbied for more time for the members to be able to deliberate on bills before they are moved in the House by the government.
He said, "It has become a habit of this government to bring to this House, a bill passed in the Lok Sabha and get it passed on the same day, without giving the other members enough time to deliberate upon the bill and move amendments."
Rajya Sabha latest updates
Arms (Amendment) Bill taken up for discussion
Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday moved the Arms (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, two days after it was passed in the Lok Sabha.
Listing the changes in the bill, Reddy was quoted by The Hindu as saying that the bill provides a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for manufacturing and carrying illegal arms.
He said, "Sportspersons will be entitled to get licenses for different types of firearms under the bill. A person can have a maximum of two firearms, as against the present norm of three. Those who own more than two firearms will have to deposit the third one with authorities or authorised gun dealers within 90 days for de-licensing once the amendment is approved by the Parliament."
Lok Sabha latest updates
RJD says Nitish Kumar betrayed people over CAB
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday slammed JD(U) chief and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar over the party's support for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Speaking of the RJD's stand on the contentious bill, Yadav said, "We will strongly oppose the bill. It is a bill that will divide the country."
Parliament latest updates
If queries over CAB not answered, will not support in RS: Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra chief minister and chief of former NDA ally, the Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday clarified his party's stand on the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that was passed in the Lok Sabha at midnight on Tuesday with an overwhelming majority.
Uddhav, whose party is in a coalition government with the Congress and NCP, both of whom have vehemently opposed the bill, said, "There’s a perception that whoever votes with central government is a patriot and who voted against is anti-national. We must get out of that illusion. We voted yesterday to absorb various people facing brutalities in other countries but we have asked many questions. Those questions we thought would be answered, ranging from national security, to the rights of locals in various states of India.
“If these queries are not answered, we won’t be supporting CAB in the Rajya Sabha. Every party supporting or opposing it, is asking for clarity in national interest. Clarity must be ensured," he said.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Opposition object to Ravi Shankar Prasad's 'only' 296 Anglo-Indians comment
Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, moving the Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to remove the nominated seats for Anglo-Indians in Parliament among other provisions, said that there are "only 296" Anglo-Indians as per the 2011 Census.
He said, "A provision for Anglo Indians is also there, but haven't brought it today in this bill. Only 296 Anglo Indians as per 2011 census."
However, MPs of the Congress, DMK, TMC, and BJD objected to this statement and said that the data provided by the minister was a "gross exaggeration".
Congress' Hibi Eden, supporting the extension of reservation for the SC/ST communities, said, "But the minister has breached proceedings by misleading the house. There are around more than 20,000 Anglo Indians in my constituency alone. They live in pitiable social and economic conditions in the country."
Most of Anglo Indians live in rented houses and in West Bengal, there is a population of 45,000. The total country's population is around 3,47,000. They are facing cultural erosion and how can govt deny this community the right to representation provided by founding fathers of India?" he added.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Lower House takes up discussion on Constitution Amendment Bill
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up the Constitution Amendment Bill, which extends reservation to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes communities in the legislature by another 10 years and removes the provision for two nominated seats for Anglo-Indians in the Parliament.
Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that reservation was given by the founding fathers as a "measure of corrective discrimination", while introducing the bill in the Lower House.
"With subsequent amendments duration was increased. 70 year term ending on 25 January, 2020. Thus, to further improve their lives, Bill brought to increase it for 10 more years. They had to face discrimination due to historical reasons, our duty to protect their rights," he said.
Rajya Sabha latest updates
Piyush Goyal makes arguments in discussion over RCEP
Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, presented the Centre's position in the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership). Addressing Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, Goyal broke down clauses of the country's role in the RCEP.
He also referred to another Congress MP Anand Sharma's concerns over the sanctity of India's 'Look East' policy. He said that the policy was still sacrosanct and valid.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
22,557 militants neutralised in incidents of terrorist violence since 1990, G Kishan Reddy tells Lok Sabha
Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that the government of Jammu and Kashmir had reported that "in order to prevent committing of offences involving breach of peace,activities prejudicial to the security of State and maintenance of public order", stone pelters, over ground workers ,separatists, were taken into preventive custody under statutory provisions. Such preventive detentions are being regularly reviewed by relevant statutory authorities.
During attempts of infiltration from across Line of Control from 2005 till 31 October, 2019, 1,011 militants have been killed, 42 militants apprehended and 2,253 militants pushed back or returned due to efficient vigil of security forces, the Lower House was informed.
Since 1990, 22,557 militants have been neutralised in incidents of terrorist violence by security forces till 1 December, 2019.
Mehbooba Mufti issues whip to lone PDP MP in RS to vote against citizenship bill
Through the Twitter account managed by her daughter after she was detained on 5 August, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti issued whip to the lone People's Democratic Party MP in Rajya Sabha Mir Mohammed Fayaz to vote against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019
She termed the bill "unconstitutional and discriminatory" and said that it will trigger degeneration of India’s cherished pluralistic values and ethos.
US federal body's statement on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 'unwarranted, inaccurate', says MEA
In response to the statement made by US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Ministry of External Affairs said that such comments are "neither accurate nor warranted".
"The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill provides expedited consideration for Indian citizenship to persecuted religious minorities already in India from certain contiguous countries. It seeks to address their current difficulties and meet their basic human rights, the MEA said.
The ministry added that every nation, including the US, has right to "enumerate and validate its citizenry and to exercise this prerogative through various policies".
The US federal body had said that it will ponder sanctions against Home Minister Amit Shah if the bill is passed by the Parliament.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Ban film Panipat: RLP member tells Lok Sabha
Zero Hour continues in the Lower House. RLP member Hanuman Beniwal says the film Panipat should be banned, and that the Jat community in Rajasthan is against it. BJP's Sumedhanand Saraswati agrees.
Gandhiji would've disapproved of CAB Bill, says JD(U) leader, urges Nitish Kumar to reconsider support
National General Secretary and national spokesperson of the Janata Dal (United) Pavan K Varma urged Bihar chief minister and party chief Nitish Kumar to reconsider his support to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday. In a tweet, Varma said, "I urge Shri Nitish Kumar to reconsider support to the #CAB in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and against the unity and harmony of the country, apart from being against the secular principles of the JDU. Gandhiji would have strongly disapproved it."
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Congress issues three line whip to RS members to be present in House tomorrow
Congress has issued three line whip to its Rajya Sabha members to be present in the House on Wednesday.
Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 that was passed by the Lok Sabha will not be tabled in Rajya Sabha today. Since the Bill was passed past midnight, some procedures will have to be completed. Rajya Sabha Secretariat yet to receive the copy of the Bill as passed by the Lok Sabha. The bill is expected to be tabled in Rajya Sabha tomorrow at around 2 pm. Six hours have been allocated for the debate on Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 in Rajya Sabha tomorrow, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu informed the House.
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Demonetisation flushed out black money and cutting down terror funding: Centre tells RS
Effects of demonetisation was brought up in Upper House by Samajwadi Party member.
Minister of State Finance Anurag Singh Thakur cites reasons for the demonetisation move including flushing out of black money, counterfeit currency, formalisation of non-economy, cutting down terror funding among others. He cites the improvement in India's rating from Baa3 to Baa2. He also says that digital payments have advanced India as a soft power.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Why hasn't Modi said a single word on Unnao incident, asks Congress
Matters of urgent public importance are undertaken. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of Congress speaks on the increase in incidents of rape in india. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not made a single comment on the Unnao rape case," he says.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Centre has successfully established Ram Rajya in Jammu and Kashmir: Congress
Congress disrupts the proceedings and asks what is Centre's parameter of normalcy? "Jammu Kashmir mein ram rashtra ki sthapana ho chuki hai (Ram rashtra has been successfully established in Jammu and Kashmir)," Congress Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says in Lok Sabha.
Amit Shah raises to counter allegations says, "Like the government said, everything in Jammu and Kashmir is completely normal. Unfortunately, I can't normalise Congress. Their conspiracy theories have fallen flat on their faces."
Rahul Gandhi was present in the House, but he did not speak. To allegations of arresting prominent politicians and leaders in the Valley, Shah said that the J&K administration will decide when to end their detention but also noted that these allegations weren't raised when the Indira Gandhi government detained father of Farooq Abdullah, Sheikh Abdullah. "But we aren't following their footsteps and the leaders will be released soon," Shah told Lok Sabha.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Centre tells LS everything normal in Jammu and Kashmir
Minister of State, home affairs, G Kishen Reddy addressed the Lok Sabha on infiltration of militants. In 2018, 8 lakh incidents of stone-pelting were recorded whereas only 544 have been recorded this year, he says.
Post 5 August, only 190 stone pelting incidents occurred in Jammu and Kashmir. At least, 7,67,470 OPD patients were treated in Srinagar only in September, he adds. "Whatever measure needs to be taken to protect law and order in Jammu and Kashmir will continue to be taken by this government," he says. Rs 4,800 crore has been released for government employees in Jammu and Kashmir, he says.
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
CAB discussion in RS to begin at 2 pm on Wednesday
According to latest report, six hours have been allotted for Rajya Sabha members to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, starting 2 pm. The Bill was passed with 311 votes in its favour in the Lok Sabha on Monday. However, it may not see a smooth ride in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP is not in the majority.
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
RS discusses increase in cases of assault victims being burnt
RJD's Professor Manoj Kumar Jha talks about the increase in cases of assault victims being burnt. With the Nirbhaya fund, can funds be added to upgrade medical expertise and psychological aid for victims as well as rehabilitative surgery, he asked.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
MPs give adjournment notices over JNU clashes, violence against women, children
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over 'brutal lathicharge on Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students by Delhi Police'.
Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over 'violence on women, children, SC/STs in the country'.
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
MPs give Zero Hour notices over rising onion prices, India's position on hunger index
Congress MP Chhaya Verma has given Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over 'unprecedented rise in price of onions in the country'.
Biju Janata Dal MP Prasanna Acharya has given Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over 'alarming position of India in 2019 Global Hunger Index'.
BJP MP RK Sinha has given Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over 'demand of a Padma Award and renaming of Patna University to honour late Mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh'.
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Arms Amendment Bill to be tabled in Rajya Sabha
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will move the Arms Amendment Bill for passage in Rajya Sabha. The 1959 Arms Act allowed a licence holder to have three firearms, while the amendment reduces this number to one
It was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Piyush Goyal to speak on RCEP in Rajya Sabha
Union Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, will make a statement in Rajya Sabha at 3 pm, regarding 'India's position in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
LIVE NEWS and UPDATES
18:18 (IST)
Parliament latest updates
Make Pakistan a secular republic: Himanta Biswa Sarma to Imran Khan
Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday responded to Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's statement condemning the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.
Khan said, "We strongly condemn Indian Lok Sabha citizenship legislation which violates all norms of int human rights law & bilateral agreements with Pak. It is part of the RSS "Hindu Rashtra" design of expansionism propagated by the fascist Modi government."
17:33 (IST)
Parliament latest updates
This is 'Bhangra' politics, says AIMIM on Shiv Sena's support for CAB
AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the Shiv Sena for supporting the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Referring to the Uddhav Thackeray-led party's coalition government with the NCP and Congress in Maharashtra, Owaisi said, "This is 'Bhangra politics'. They write 'secular', in common minimum programme, but this bill is against secularism and Article 14. It is politics of opportunism."
17:19 (IST)
Parliament latest updates
'Can't always have the same view': NCP on Shiv Sena's support for CAB
With its Maharashtra alliance partner, Shiv Sena, backing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, the NCP on Tuesday said the two are different parties and it is not possible always for them to hold the same view on all issues.
NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik, however, said the parties are committed to ensure that no injustice is meted to anyone on the grounds of religion, caste, language and region in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Congress general secretary Sachin Sawant also said that though the Shiv Sena has backed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) in the Lok Sabha, it was hopeful the Uddhav Thackeray-led party will stick to the common minimum programme (CMP) while governing the state.
Both, the Congress and NCP have vehemently opposed the bill.
17:16 (IST)
Rajya Sabha latest updates
MPs not getting enough time to deliberate on bills, says Congress
Rajya Sabha MP Madhusudan Mistry of the Congress lobbied for more time for the members to be able to deliberate on bills before they are moved in the House by the government.
He said, "It has become a habit of this government to bring to this House, a bill passed in the Lok Sabha and get it passed on the same day, without giving the other members enough time to deliberate upon the bill and move amendments."
17:07 (IST)
Rajya Sabha latest updates
Arms (Amendment) Bill taken up for discussion
Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday moved the Arms (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, two days after it was passed in the Lok Sabha.
Listing the changes in the bill, Reddy was quoted by The Hindu as saying that the bill provides a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for manufacturing and carrying illegal arms.
He said, "Sportspersons will be entitled to get licenses for different types of firearms under the bill. A person can have a maximum of two firearms, as against the present norm of three. Those who own more than two firearms will have to deposit the third one with authorities or authorised gun dealers within 90 days for de-licensing once the amendment is approved by the Parliament."
16:48 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
RJD says Nitish Kumar betrayed people over CAB
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday slammed JD(U) chief and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar over the party's support for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Speaking of the RJD's stand on the contentious bill, Yadav said, "We will strongly oppose the bill. It is a bill that will divide the country."
16:39 (IST)
Parliament latest updates
If queries over CAB not answered, will not support in RS: Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra chief minister and chief of former NDA ally, the Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday clarified his party's stand on the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that was passed in the Lok Sabha at midnight on Tuesday with an overwhelming majority.
Uddhav, whose party is in a coalition government with the Congress and NCP, both of whom have vehemently opposed the bill, said, "There’s a perception that whoever votes with central government is a patriot and who voted against is anti-national. We must get out of that illusion. We voted yesterday to absorb various people facing brutalities in other countries but we have asked many questions. Those questions we thought would be answered, ranging from national security, to the rights of locals in various states of India.
“If these queries are not answered, we won’t be supporting CAB in the Rajya Sabha. Every party supporting or opposing it, is asking for clarity in national interest. Clarity must be ensured," he said.
16:32 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Opposition object to Ravi Shankar Prasad's 'only' 296 Anglo-Indians comment
Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, moving the Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to remove the nominated seats for Anglo-Indians in Parliament among other provisions, said that there are "only 296" Anglo-Indians as per the 2011 Census.
He said, "A provision for Anglo Indians is also there, but haven't brought it today in this bill. Only 296 Anglo Indians as per 2011 census."
However, MPs of the Congress, DMK, TMC, and BJD objected to this statement and said that the data provided by the minister was a "gross exaggeration".
Congress' Hibi Eden, supporting the extension of reservation for the SC/ST communities, said, "But the minister has breached proceedings by misleading the house. There are around more than 20,000 Anglo Indians in my constituency alone. They live in pitiable social and economic conditions in the country."
Most of Anglo Indians live in rented houses and in West Bengal, there is a population of 45,000. The total country's population is around 3,47,000. They are facing cultural erosion and how can govt deny this community the right to representation provided by founding fathers of India?" he added.
16:15 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Lower House takes up discussion on Constitution Amendment Bill
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up the Constitution Amendment Bill, which extends reservation to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes communities in the legislature by another 10 years and removes the provision for two nominated seats for Anglo-Indians in the Parliament.
Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that reservation was given by the founding fathers as a "measure of corrective discrimination", while introducing the bill in the Lower House.
"With subsequent amendments duration was increased. 70 year term ending on 25 January, 2020. Thus, to further improve their lives, Bill brought to increase it for 10 more years. They had to face discrimination due to historical reasons, our duty to protect their rights," he said.
16:00 (IST)
Rajya Sabha latest updates
Piyush Goyal makes arguments in discussion over RCEP
Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, presented the Centre's position in the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership). Addressing Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, Goyal broke down clauses of the country's role in the RCEP.
He also referred to another Congress MP Anand Sharma's concerns over the sanctity of India's 'Look East' policy. He said that the policy was still sacrosanct and valid.
15:44 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
22,557 militants neutralised in incidents of terrorist violence since 1990, G Kishan Reddy tells Lok Sabha
Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that the government of Jammu and Kashmir had reported that "in order to prevent committing of offences involving breach of peace,activities prejudicial to the security of State and maintenance of public order", stone pelters, over ground workers ,separatists, were taken into preventive custody under statutory provisions. Such preventive detentions are being regularly reviewed by relevant statutory authorities.
During attempts of infiltration from across Line of Control from 2005 till 31 October, 2019, 1,011 militants have been killed, 42 militants apprehended and 2,253 militants pushed back or returned due to efficient vigil of security forces, the Lower House was informed.
Since 1990, 22,557 militants have been neutralised in incidents of terrorist violence by security forces till 1 December, 2019.
15:29 (IST)
Shiv Sena will not support Citizenship (Amendment) Bill till govt clears doubts, says Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said Shiv Sena will not give support to the Citizenship Amendment Bill unless things are clear.
"Anyone who disagrees is a 'deshdrohi' is their illusion. We have suggested changes in Citizenship Amendment Bill we want in Rajya Sabha. It is an illusion that only BJP cares for the country," he said.
14:57 (IST)
Mehbooba Mufti issues whip to lone PDP MP in RS to vote against citizenship bill
Through the Twitter account managed by her daughter after she was detained on 5 August, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti issued whip to the lone People's Democratic Party MP in Rajya Sabha Mir Mohammed Fayaz to vote against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019
She termed the bill "unconstitutional and discriminatory" and said that it will trigger degeneration of India’s cherished pluralistic values and ethos.
14:53 (IST)
US federal body's statement on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 'unwarranted, inaccurate', says MEA
In response to the statement made by US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Ministry of External Affairs said that such comments are "neither accurate nor warranted".
"The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill provides expedited consideration for Indian citizenship to persecuted religious minorities already in India from certain contiguous countries. It seeks to address their current difficulties and meet their basic human rights, the MEA said.
The ministry added that every nation, including the US, has right to "enumerate and validate its citizenry and to exercise this prerogative through various policies".
The US federal body had said that it will ponder sanctions against Home Minister Amit Shah if the bill is passed by the Parliament.
14:39 (IST)
Hindu refugees from Pakistan celebrate passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in LS
Even as the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 by the Lok Sabha on Monday invited the Opposition's ire, Hindu refugees from Pakistan celebrated the development in Delhi.
This comes amid an 11-hour bandh by all North-Eastern states, excluding Nagaland, in protest of the bill, which will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, according to ANI.
14:16 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Ban film Panipat: RLP member tells Lok Sabha
Zero Hour continues in the Lower House. RLP member Hanuman Beniwal says the film Panipat should be banned, and that the Jat community in Rajasthan is against it. BJP's Sumedhanand Saraswati agrees.
14:11 (IST)
CAB against basic democratic framework of our country: Amarinder Singh
Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh objected to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which was passed by Lok Sabha on Monday. Tweeting his objection, Singh said, "I am surprised this comes at a time when the country is reeling under economic crisis & all this energy, time & resources should be directed in finding a way to fix the economy."
14:04 (IST)
Gandhiji would've disapproved of CAB Bill, says JD(U) leader, urges Nitish Kumar to reconsider support
National General Secretary and national spokesperson of the Janata Dal (United) Pavan K Varma urged Bihar chief minister and party chief Nitish Kumar to reconsider his support to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday. In a tweet, Varma said, "I urge Shri Nitish Kumar to reconsider support to the #CAB in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and against the unity and harmony of the country, apart from being against the secular principles of the JDU. Gandhiji would have strongly disapproved it."
13:36 (IST)
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Congress issues three line whip to RS members to be present in House tomorrow
Congress has issued three line whip to its Rajya Sabha members to be present in the House on Wednesday.
Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 that was passed by the Lok Sabha will not be tabled in Rajya Sabha today. Since the Bill was passed past midnight, some procedures will have to be completed. Rajya Sabha Secretariat yet to receive the copy of the Bill as passed by the Lok Sabha. The bill is expected to be tabled in Rajya Sabha tomorrow at around 2 pm. Six hours have been allocated for the debate on Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 in Rajya Sabha tomorrow, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu informed the House.
13:08 (IST)
Both Houses adjourned till 2 pm
Proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned till 2 pm. Houses to reconvene post lunch.
13:02 (IST)
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Demonetisation flushed out black money and cutting down terror funding: Centre tells RS
Effects of demonetisation was brought up in Upper House by Samajwadi Party member.
Minister of State Finance Anurag Singh Thakur cites reasons for the demonetisation move including flushing out of black money, counterfeit currency, formalisation of non-economy, cutting down terror funding among others. He cites the improvement in India's rating from Baa3 to Baa2. He also says that digital payments have advanced India as a soft power.
12:45 (IST)
Today in Rajya Sabha
Bill for Consideration and Passing
- Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019
The House will also calling the attention of the Minister of Jal Shakti to the need for completion of National Irrigation Projects to tackle emerging water crisis and to transfer 'Water' to Concurrent List from State List.
12:44 (IST)
Today in Lok Sabha
Bills for Consideration and Passing
- Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019
- International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019
The House might also discuss crop loss due to various reasons and its impact on farmers.
12:42 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Why hasn't Modi said a single word on Unnao incident, asks Congress
Matters of urgent public importance are undertaken. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of Congress speaks on the increase in incidents of rape in india. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not made a single comment on the Unnao rape case," he says.
12:26 (IST)
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
TMC walks out of Rajya Sabha; Naidu suspends RS TV stream for those minutes
Trinamool Congress has walked out of Rajya Sabha, The Hindu reports. Addressing reporters, Derek O Brien said, "The West Bengal Governor has withheld the SC &ST Bill that was cleared by the West Bengal Assembly. This is an insult to Indian Constitution, West Bengal Assembly and people of West Bengal".
On orders of Venkaiah Naidu, the Rajya Sabha TV stream was suspended for few minutes as TMC held the protest, The Hindu reports.
12:14 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
It's not normalcy for Congress even though no bullet was fired in Valley: Amit Shah hits out at Congress
Amit Shah also told the Lok Sabha that at least 99.5 percent students sat for exams in the Valley, "but for Adhir Ranjan ji this is not normalcy. At least, 7 lakh people availed OPD services in Srinagar. Curfew and Section 144 has been upliftted from everywhere. But for Adhir ji only parameter for normalcy is political activity. What about local body polls which were held?" asks home minister.
"Situation in Kashmir valley is completely normal. I can't make Congress's condition normal, because they had predicted bloodshed after abrogation of article 370. Nothing of that sort happened, not one bullet was fired."
12:09 (IST)
Question Hour concludes in Lok Sabha
The next question pertains to farm incomes. Jayadev Galla, TDP, says there is no data beyond 2013 to show how policies have impacted government's policies on farmers' income.
Question Hour concludes.
11:59 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Centre has successfully established Ram Rajya in Jammu and Kashmir: Congress
Congress disrupts the proceedings and asks what is Centre's parameter of normalcy? "Jammu Kashmir mein ram rashtra ki sthapana ho chuki hai (Ram rashtra has been successfully established in Jammu and Kashmir)," Congress Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says in Lok Sabha.
Amit Shah raises to counter allegations says, "Like the government said, everything in Jammu and Kashmir is completely normal. Unfortunately, I can't normalise Congress. Their conspiracy theories have fallen flat on their faces."
Rahul Gandhi was present in the House, but he did not speak. To allegations of arresting prominent politicians and leaders in the Valley, Shah said that the J&K administration will decide when to end their detention but also noted that these allegations weren't raised when the Indira Gandhi government detained father of Farooq Abdullah, Sheikh Abdullah. "But we aren't following their footsteps and the leaders will be released soon," Shah told Lok Sabha.
11:53 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Centre tells LS everything normal in Jammu and Kashmir
Minister of State, home affairs, G Kishen Reddy addressed the Lok Sabha on infiltration of militants. In 2018, 8 lakh incidents of stone-pelting were recorded whereas only 544 have been recorded this year, he says.
Post 5 August, only 190 stone pelting incidents occurred in Jammu and Kashmir. At least, 7,67,470 OPD patients were treated in Srinagar only in September, he adds. "Whatever measure needs to be taken to protect law and order in Jammu and Kashmir will continue to be taken by this government," he says. Rs 4,800 crore has been released for government employees in Jammu and Kashmir, he says.
11:43 (IST)
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Need to protect Aravallis to safeguard environment of Delhi-NCR: Rajya Sabha told
Indian National Congress' Kumari Selja speaks on the necessity to protect the Aravallis in order to safeguard the environment of the Delhi-NCR region. Nominated Member KTS Tulsi speaks on the issue of manual scavenging. Lack of employment causes poor families to take up such jobs under contractors who provide no safety measures, he says.
11:37 (IST)
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
CAB discussion in RS to begin at 2 pm on Wednesday
According to latest report, six hours have been allotted for Rajya Sabha members to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, starting 2 pm. The Bill was passed with 311 votes in its favour in the Lok Sabha on Monday. However, it may not see a smooth ride in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP is not in the majority.
11:36 (IST)
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
RS discusses increase in cases of assault victims being burnt
RJD's Professor Manoj Kumar Jha talks about the increase in cases of assault victims being burnt. With the Nirbhaya fund, can funds be added to upgrade medical expertise and psychological aid for victims as well as rehabilitative surgery, he asked.
11:29 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
MPs give adjournment notices over JNU clashes, violence against women, children
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over 'brutal lathicharge on Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students by Delhi Police'.
Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over 'violence on women, children, SC/STs in the country'.
11:22 (IST)
US federal body ponders sanctions against Amit Shah is Parliament passes citizenship bill
A federal US commission on international religious freedom has said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is a "dangerous turn in wrong direction" and sought American sanctions against Home Minister Amit Shah if the bill is passed by both Houses of the Parliament.
In a statement issued on Monday, the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said that it was deeply troubled over the passage of the Bill in Lok Sabha.
"If the CAB passes in both Houses of parliament, the US government should consider sanctions against Home Minister Amit Shah and other principal leadership," the commission said.
11:17 (IST)
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
MPs give Zero Hour notices over rising onion prices, India's position on hunger index
Congress MP Chhaya Verma has given Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over 'unprecedented rise in price of onions in the country'.
Biju Janata Dal MP Prasanna Acharya has given Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over 'alarming position of India in 2019 Global Hunger Index'.
BJP MP RK Sinha has given Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over 'demand of a Padma Award and renaming of Patna University to honour late Mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh'.
11:14 (IST)
MPs stage protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
Lawmakers from Left parties staged protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill within the Parliament complex.
The Bill looks at providing citizenship to non-Muslim minorities facing religious prosecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
11:09 (IST)
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday
The contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill will be table in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, sources told ANI.
The Bill was passed with 311 votes in its favour in the Lok Sabha on Monday. However, it may not see a smooth ride in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP is not in the majority.
11:03 (IST)
States in North East observe shutdown after Lok Sabha passes Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
States in the North-East, except Nagaland, announced an 11-hour shutdown, following a call by the North-East Students’ Organisation (NESO), an umbrella body of influential students’ bodies of the region.
The shutdown began at 5 am and will end at 4 pm. It is being observed in protest against the imposition of the contentious Bill's provisions in the North East.
10:51 (IST)
Citizenship Bill patently unconstitutional, battleground to shift to Supreme Court, says Chidambaram
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram described the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill as "patently unconstitutional" and said with its passage in Parliament, the battleground will shift to the Supreme Court. He claimed that the elected lawmakers were abdicating their responsibilities in favour of lawyers and judges.
"CAB is unconstitutional. Parliament passes a Bill that is patently unconstitutional and the battleground shifts to the Supreme Court. Elected Parliamentarians are abdicating their responsibilities in favour of lawyers and judges!," Chidambaram said in a tweet.
His tweet comes a day after the Lok Sabha passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, with 311 votes in its favour.
10:49 (IST)
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Arms Amendment Bill to be tabled in Rajya Sabha
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will move the Arms Amendment Bill for passage in Rajya Sabha. The 1959 Arms Act allowed a licence holder to have three firearms, while the amendment reduces this number to one
It was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday.
10:41 (IST)
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Piyush Goyal to speak on RCEP in Rajya Sabha
Union Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, will make a statement in Rajya Sabha at 3 pm, regarding 'India's position in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership