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Parliament LATEST Updates: The Lok Sabha passes the Bill banning e-cigarettes and takes up the amendment to the SPG Act. Congress’ Manish Tewari asks why the amendment should not be passed. He quotes a 1989 Cabinet report as to the dangers faced by former Prime Ministers and their families. Rajya Sabha takes up short duration discussion on the economic situation of the country. Deputy Chairperson Harivansh is in the Chair. Congress leader Anand Sharma starts the debate. He points out the GDP is falling, factories are closing down, people don’t have cash, agriculture is in a bad shape. The widening gap between the rich and poor is frightening. In response to Congress’ allegation of economic slowdown, BJP leader Ashwini Vaishnaw in Rajya Sabha said that the state economy is “not facing structural slowdown, its cyclical, and will base out by March, 2020”. After the Security Protection Group cover of the Gandhi family was withdrawn, Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha said, “SPG protection is only for the prime minister and his kin. Security for Prime Minister is extremely crucial.” Minister of State Home Nityanand Rai tells Rajya Sabha that 28 people died in detention centres in Assam. However, none of them died “due to fear or apprehension”, but due to “various illnesses”. There were a total of 988 in detention centres. The Hindu reports, that there is no provision of compensation as they were staying illegally. BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta sought to know how many of these 988 in detention centres were religious minorities — Hindu,Buddhist,Sikh etc. From Bangladesh? Minister didn’t have an answer readily available. In Lok Sabha, health minister Harsh Vardhan cites a Lancet report to puncture holes in the theory that e-cigarettes are “good for health”. The Union health minister seeks to ban, and not regulate, tells Lok Sabha that India, with a demographic that constitutes majority of young people, will not benefit just from regulation. “Countries that have regulated the use of e-cigarettes have seen an exponential growth in the use of these fancy products which quickly grab the attention of a young population.” Union Health Minister Harshvardhan said, “Just to give you an idea of the extent of this problem, let me tell you that in 2011-12 the tobacco menace cost India 12 percent more than the health budget of all the states and centre put together.” Harshvardhan responded to criticism for going the ordinance way to ban e cigarettes. He said that at the time of promulgating the Ordinance a company called Juul was preparing to launch full-fledged in India. He also said that the vaping device manufacturers were using misleading marketing tactics to lure youth into believing that it was a better version of smoking. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor during question hour, raised the issue of government channels publishing unreliable data, and the constant rollbacks and revisions in key reports. Citing examples to make his point, Tharoor said that the chief economic advisor himself questioned the revision of GDP data while pro-government voices have also said that the consumer exchange data was riddled with discrepancies. On the eight day of Parliamentary proceedings, a debate on the state of the economy is expected to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday at 2.30 pm, ahead of the announcement of 2nd Quarter GDP numbers on Friday. Trinamool Congress Derek O’brien to participate in the short duration discussion on behalf of the party in the Upper House. Professor Ram Gopal Yadav, Dr Santanu Sen and Sampatiya Uikey to present the following reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare — 1) 115th Report on the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 and 2) 116th Report on the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019. Further consideration of the Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill, 2019 moved by Anurag Singh Thakur on 26 November. The Bill was moved to amend the Chit Funds Act, 1982, which regulates chit funds and prohibits a fund from being created without the prior sanction of a State Government. The amendments have been made to facilitate the orderly growth of the chit fund sector to remove bottlenecks and enable greater financial access to people. As per the legislation, the prescribed ceiling of aggregate chit fund amount for individuals has been raised from one lakh rupees to three lakh rupees. In the case of firms, the ceiling has been raised from six lakh to 18 lakh rupees. Proceedings in Upper House that took place yesterday The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill on protection of rights of transgenders , which has faced strong opposition from the LGBTQI community, after a motion to refer it to a select committee of the Upper House was defeated. The Lok Sabha had passed the bill on 5 August. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019, seeks to provide a mechanism for social, economic and educational empowerment of transgenders and was moved for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot on 20 November. Replying to a discussion for further consideration of the bill, Gehlot said efforts will be made to incorporate the suggestions presented by members while framing the rules. He said a clause related to medical examination by a panel for a district magistrate (DM) or collector to certify a person as a transgender which was earlier part of the bill, has been done away with, after reservations were expressed by members in this regard. Proceedings in the Lower House on Tuesday The National Institute of Design (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was passed in the Lok Sabha on 26 November by a voice vote. It has already been cleared in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill declares the four national design institutes in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Haryana respectively as institutes of national importance. Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the MPs on the occasion of Constitution Day. The President also inaugurated a digital exhibition through video conferencing. However, the Opposition led by the Congress boycotted the joint sitting of Parliament as a mark of protest against the recent political developments in Maharashtra.
Parliament Updates: Lok Sabha passes Bill banning e-cigarettes, takes up amendment to SPG Act; Rajya Sabha discusses economic slowdown
Parliament LIVE Updates: The Lok Sabha passes the Bill banning e-cigarettes and takes up the amendment to the SPG Act. Congress’ Manish Tewari asks why the amendment should not be passed. He quotes a 1989 Cabinet report as to the dangers faced by former Prime Ministers and their families. Rajya Sabha takes up short duration discussion on the economic situation of the country. Deputy Chairperson Harivansh is in the Chair. Congress leader Anand Sharma starts the debate. He points out the GDP is falling, factories are closing down, people don’t have cash, agriculture is in a bad shape. The widening gap between the rich and poor is frightening.
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Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Lok Sabha passes bill banning e-cigarettes
The Lok Sabha passes the Bill banning e-cigarettes and takes up the amendment to the SPG Act. Congress’ Manish Tewari asks why the amendment should not be passed. He quotes a 1989 Cabinet report as to the dangers faced by former Prime Ministers and their families.
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Populist schemes like MGNREGA responsible for deteriorating economy
Claiming that series of populist schemes, like MGNREGA deteriorated economy, BJP’s Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “The seeds of this slowdown started in 2011-13 period, when 2G scam and coal scam happened. The Supreme Court canceled the allocation of natural resources which gave a huge economic shock. This was followed by populist schemes, like MGNREGA, which focused on consumption and not investment, weakened our economy.”
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
BJP’s Ashwini Vaishnaw says economic slowdown cyclical in nature, will bottom out by March
In response to Congress’ allegation of economic slowdown, BJP MP Ashwini Vaishnaw in Rajya Sabha said that the state economy is “not facing structural slowdown, it’s cyclical, and will base out by March 2020”.
BJP used only Rs 53,000 crores of Rs 25 lakh crores in agriculture: Anand Sharma in Rajya Sharma
Alleging that the BJP allocated only 53,000 crores in Agriculture in the last five years, Anand Sharma in Rajya Sharma said, “In its manifesto, the BJP said it will invest 25 lakh crores in agriculture in 5 years that means 5 lakh crores each year. But only 53,000 crores was allocated in budget.
“The question is of credibility. Farmers must trust what government says,” said Sharma.
Amit Shah introduces Bill to amend the Special Protection Group (SPG) Act in Lok Sabha
After the Security Protection Group cover of the Gandhi family was withdrawn, Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha said, “SPG protection is only for the prime minister and his kin. Security for Prime Minister is extremely crucial.”
National investment has fallen steeply: Anand Sharma
During discussion on economy in the Rajya Sabha, Congress’ Anand Sharma said, “Industries are not producing and the government is not spending. National investment has fallen steeply. Private sector does not have much to invest.”
Economic slowdown not cyclical, but structural in nature, says Congress’ Anand Sharma
Claiming that the economic slowdown was not due to global conditions, Congress leader Anand Sharma said that the “deepening crisis” was " not cyclical, but structural in nature".
“We are witnessing deep economic crisis specific to India. GDP of country fallen to five percent, lowest in last seven years. The Investment rate has fell by 7 percent, including both public and private investment,” said the Congress leader.
Widening gap between rich and poor: Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha
Arguing in the Upper House that people don’t have money to buy even small and necessary items, Congress’ Anand Sharma said, “10 percent rich have 4 times wealth as rest 90 percent.”
Rajya Sabha resumes proceedings; Congress’ Anand Sharma raises issue of economic slowdown
Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue of the economic slowdown in the Upper House. “The widening gap between the rich and poor is massive. The GDP has fallen to five percent in the last five years.”
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Harsh Vardhan responds to other Members’ questions on the Bill
Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says that 10 people die every second due to tobacco consumption in India. He says absolute numbers of smokers has gone up. He asks why not ban tobacco instead.
Minister Harsh Vardhan responds. He lists out the steps taken by the government to combat tobacco usage. He makes remarks on the previous Congress government. Chowdhury objects to it.
During the debate on banning e-cigarettes, Harsh Vardhan says he brought the first regulation on tobacco. Chowdhury lists out the laws brought by Congress on tobacco ban and regulation. Chowdhury withdraws the statutory resolution.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Lack of ban on e-cigs will justify new addiction, health minister tells House
Since e-cigarettes have a small consumer base, the ban will be effective, says health minister Harsh Vardhan. A lack of a ban on tobacco cannot justify a new addiction, he says.
28 people died in detention centres in Assam, but no compensation for them as they were staying “illegaly”
Minister of State Home Nityanand Rai tells Rajya Sabha that 28 people died in detention centres in Assam. However, none of them died “due to fear or apprehension”, but due to “various illnesses”. There were a total of 988 in detention centres. The Hindu reports, that there is no provision of compensation as they were staying illegally.
BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta sought to know how many of these 988 in detention centres were religious minorities — Hindu,Buddhist,Sikh etc. From Bangladesh?
Minister didn’t have an answer readily available.
Legislation doesn’t want to criminalise the user, but ban production, trade and distribution of e-cigarettes: Harsh Vardhan
In Lok Sabha, health minister Harsh Vardhan cites a Lancet report to puncture holes in the theory that e-cigarettes are “good for health”. The Union health minister seeks to ban, and not regulate, tells Lok Sabha that India, with a demographic that constitutes majority of young people, will not benefit just from regulation. “Countries that have regulated the use of e-cigarettes have seen an exponential growth in the use of these fancy products which quickly grab the attention of a young population.”
Since e-cigarettes have a small consumer base, the ban will be effective, Harsh Vardhan says. A lack of a ban on tobacco cannot justify a new addiction, he says. It will reverse the good work done to reduce the use of tobacco in the country, the minister added. Intent of the legislation is not to criminalise the user, but banning trade, manufacturing, production and distribution of e-cigarettes will be more effective, the minister says.
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2.00 pm
Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Labour Minister of State, answers a question on the requirement of a skilled labour force. The next question is on lack of facilities in detention centres.
‘Tobacco menace cost India 12% more than combined state, central budget in 2011-2012’
Union Health Minister Harshvardhan said, “Just to give you an idea of the extent of this problem, let me tell you that in 2011-12 the tobacco menace cost India 12 percent more than the health budget of all the states and centre put together.”
Promulgated ordinance to ban e-cigarettes as Juul was starting India operations
Union Health Minister Harshvardhan responded to criticism for going the ordinance way to ban e cigarettes. He said that at the time of promulgating the Ordinance a company called Juul was preparing to launch full-fledged in India. He also said that the vaping device manufacturers were using misleading marketing tactics to lure youth into believing that it was a better version of smoking.
He said that since it is difficult to ban a product once it has larger social acceptance and consumer ban, so it was important to nip it in the bud.
To questions that why was the government not acting against tobacco manufacturers, which is a more perilous product, the minister said, “A lack of ban on tobacco cannot be justification of introduction of new drugs in the market, especially when the target group is youth and children.”
Terrorist operations close to nil in Valley: Rajnath Singh
“Security forces and police are working in coordination and taking appropriate action. Terrorist incidents are close to nil in Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370. Normalcy is fast returning to Jammu and Kashmir,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.
Govt misleading House on normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir
“There are terrorist attacks in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Where is normalcy is J&K? Government is misleading the House. Government should make a statement,” Congress MP S Kodikunnil said.
Rajya Sabha latest update:
Upper House discusses labour laws and difficulties faced due to trade union strikes
The Upper House discussed the problems faced by the working call, with various members touching upon issues like repeated strikes by workers and the government holding strikes illegal. The minister said that the government is overhauling the system to address these concerns and all suggestions are welcome.
Speaker congratulates MPs on completion of Question Hour
Speaker says the House has completed all 20 questions today. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi also congratulates the Speaker and the House.
Govt seeks to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Amendment Bill from LS; TMC opposes move
The government asked the Speaker’s permission to withdraw a bill o amend Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Amendment Bill from Lok Saha. However, TMC MP Sougata Roy opposed this move on a technical ground. He said that the government is required to give a reason before withdrawing any bill. He said the government cannot present and withdraw bills as it pleases.
Speaker, however, waived off this argument and said that Home Minister Amit Shah had already provided explanation to the house in August.
Lok Sabha latest update:
Farmers’ delegation to meet Union Agriculture Minister, discuss crop losses in Jammu and Kashmir
A delegation of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh (RKMM), will meet Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture Minister over the losses suffered by the farmers of Jammu and Kashmir due to snowfall and rains, the farmers’ body said. Reportedly, the delegation was scheduled to meet the Agriculture Minister on Tuesday, but the meeting got postponed to Wednesday.
Lok Sabha latest update:
Tharoor recommends review of India’s statistical data collection, report generation by panel of experts
Tharoor said that the country’s statistics image is being affected worldwide. He asked if the government would agree to a panel of experts to look into the methods employed. MoS Rao Inderjit Singh said the government is happy to have inputs, but will have to take the decision on its own.
Lok Sabha latest update:
Shashi Tharoor pans govt on constant revision of statistical data, says India’s credibility at stake
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor during question hour, raised the issue of government channels publishing unreliable data, and the constant rollbacks and revisions in key reports. Citing examples to make his point, Tharoor said that the chief economic advisor himself questioned the revision of GDP data while pro-government voices have also said that the consumer exchange data was riddled with discrepancies.
Lok Sabha latest update:
Speaker rejects Congress’ adjournment notice on disinvestment of Public Sector Undertakings
The Congress party had given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over ‘indiscriminate disinvestment of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)’. However, the Speaker said the issue was not so urgent that all agenda be suspended to take it up. He said a discussion will take place at an opportune time.
Rajnath Singh takes question on recruitment in Army in Lower House
On being asked recruitment in Army, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha said, “There are 73 Army recruitment centers in the country. With each recruitment centre a certain number of districts are associated.”
Congress raises issue of Karnataka flooding and drought situation
In Rajya Sabha, Congress’ BK Hariprasad raised the issue of flooding and drought situation in Karnataka.
Matters to be taken in the Lok Sabha today
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Bill, 2019.
The Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
The Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019.
Question Hour underway in Lok Sabha
On the eighth day of Parliamentary session, Question Hour in Lok Sabha begins with recruitment in army.
Opposition gives notice on economic situation in Rajya Sabha
The Opposition parties have given a notice in Rajya Sabha to hold a debate on ’the economic situation in the country’ on Wednesday.
Derek O’brien to represent TMC in Upper House
Trinamool Congress Derek O’brien to participate in the short duration discussion on economic situation on behalf of the party in the Upper House.
Derek O’brien to represent TMC in Upper House
Trinamool Congress Derek O’brien to participate in the short duration discussion on economic situation on behalf of the party in the Upper House.
Debate on economic situation to be taken up in Rajya Sabha
On the eight day of Parliamentary proceedings, a debate on the state of the economy is expected to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday at 2.30 pm, ahead of the announcement of 2nd Quarter GDP numbers on Friday.