Parliament Updates: Lok Sabha adjourned after extended discussion on Motion of Thanks on President's address

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Sanjay Raut says ‘We all are andolan jeevi’

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Monday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the prime minister’s use of the term “andolan jeevi”, or those who survive on protests, during his address inthe Rajya Sabha and sought to associate himself with the expression.

The Rajya Sabha MP shared a photograph of him and farmers leader Rakesh Tikait on Twitter and said in Hindi on the micro-blogging site, “Say with pride..we are all andolanjeevi…jai jawan, jai kisaan.”

The photograph was taken when Raut met Tikait at the Ghazipur protest site outside Delhi on 2 February to express solidarity with farmers agitating against the Centre’s new agri-marketing laws.

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Rajasthan BJP MP quotes Barack Obama on Rahul Gandhi

BJP MP PP Chaudhary criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha on Monday. He accused Rahul of “supporting Pakistan and China’s stand on internal issues of India”.

He also quoted former US president Barack Obama’s book on the Congress leader, in which he described Rahul as “a nervous, unformed quality about him, as if he were a student who’d done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject”.

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CPM slams Centre over abrogation of Article 370

CPM MP AM Arif slammed the Centre over the abrogation of Article 370 and reportedly questioned whether the government “will send an all-party delegation to Kashmir”. He also criticised the government’s handling of the farmers’ protests.

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Uproar in Lok Sabha over Mahua Moitra’s remarks

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra’s critical reference to a former chief justice of India created uproar in Lok Sabha on Monday, with treasury members accusing her of violating parliamentary rules and demanding that her remarks be expunged.

RSP MP N K Premachandran, who was in the Chair, said her remarks will be expunged if found objectionable.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal termed her comments against the former CJI, who was not named, as “shameful”.

In her strong-worded speech during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Moitra lashed out at the government for making “hate and bigotry” a part of its narrative and alleged that the judiciary and the media have also “failed” the country.

She alleged that India is facing an “undeclared emergency” and accused the government of dubbing protesting voices from students to farmers and old women of Shaheen Bagh, a reference to anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act agitation in Delhi last year, as “terrorists”.

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Farmers say Modi’s ‘andolan-jivi’ remark is an insult

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, protesting the Centre’s new agri laws, took umbrage to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘a_ndolanjivi_’ remark and said it was an insult to the farmers. The umbrella body of farmers unions said it was the ‘andolans’ (protests) that liberated India from colonial rule and asserted that they were proud to be ‘andolan-jivi’. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appealed to protesting farmers to call off their over two-month-long stir, assuring them of continuing with the purchase of crops at an administered price or MSP.

In the same vein, he also hit out at a new “breed” of agitators — ‘Andolan-jivi’ — in the country who cannot live without a tumult. The SKM “condemns the insult” of farmers by the prime minister, a statement from the organisation issued by its leader Darshan Pal, said.

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Centre should help urgently unorganised sector, says NCP

NCP MP Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil said that the Centre needs to extend immediate help to people who have lost their jobs in the unorganised sector. He said that unemployment has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Employment oppurtunites should be made available to poor workers who lost their jos lockdown,” he said.

He also said that the Marathi language “should be recognised as a national language”.

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BJP challenges authenticity of leaked Whatsapp chats 

 BJP leader Nishsikant Dubey challenged BSP MP Ritesh Pandey’s statement on the leaked Whatsapp chats purportedly between journalist Arnab Goswami and former BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta.

While Pandey expressed concerns over national security, Dubey questioned him about the “authenticity” of the leaked WhatsApp chats.

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BSP slams Centre over farmers’ protest, unemployment

BSP MP Ritesh Pandey took the Centre to task over the two-month-long farmer protest and unemployment in the country.

He said it was “shameful” that farmers were being called “terrorists” by some political leaders. " We should listen to farmers, and roll back the farm laws," he said.

“Employment is a big issue in the country and despite promises, the Centre is not holding a discussion on the topic. During lockdown unemployment has become more acute. People in the unorganised sector need help from the government,” he added.

He also noted that some businessmen became wealthier in the duration of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. “When the entire country was tackling the pandemic, the richest man in Asia was making a profit. The economic divide in our country is hard to miss. While many rich students had access to PCs and laptops attending classes remotely, poor children had a hard time,” he added.

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BJD calls for better health infra in Odisha

BJD MP Pinaki Mishra said, “We need more AIIMS in Odisha to ramp up health infrastucture to tackle the pandemic. The only way to improve health infrastucture is through decentralisation.”

He also made an appeal for the Women’s Reservation bill to be passed as soon as possible.

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‘Swaminathan Commission recommendations must be implemented in spirit’

Odisha MP Pinaki Mishra urged the Centre to bring in a law about the provision of minimum support price (MSP) to allay the fears of the protesting farmers. He also said that the government must implement the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission.

“If the government is serious about its assurances in implementing the MSP, it should make an effort to implement the recommendations of the Swaminath Commission not just in letter but also in spirit,” he said.

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JD(U) lauds Narendra Modi over Centre’s COVID-19 action

JD(U) MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and said that the protocols has brought the virus “fully under control” in India.

He claimed that Modi took the “right decision” of imposing a lockdown. “Without bothering about the Economy, PM did it and because of this decision that COVID-19 is fully under control. They were criticising the PM even when we were fighting,” he said.

He added, “The PM consulted the States at every stage when he needed to open the lockdown. PM ran thousands of trains to transport migrants.  The Prime Minister is deserving of thanks for the way he controlled COVID-19.”

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Lok Sabha proceedings extended till midnight

The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were extended till 12 am on Monday as the Lower House discussed the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address.

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Govt passed farm laws sitting in AC halls: Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena MP, Pratap Rao Jadhav addressing Lok Sabha, said that the farm laws were passed in AC halls without taking the feelings and concerns of real farmers and said that his party has been asking for a separate budget for farmers.

“When everyone was in lockdown, our farmers were toiling,” he said, adding “We passed these laws by sitting in an AC hall. How many of you have ploughed in the fields?”

The Shiv Sena MP said that the government should consider the criticism for the farm laws rather than calling the farmers as ‘anti-national’

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Why is govt missing CAA deadlines?: Moitra asks Centre

Citizenship Amendment Act was passed in 2019 in this House on the pretext of granting citizenship to persecuted Hindus & other minorities in neighbouring countries, said TMC MP Mahua Moitra. 

“At the same time, it threw into abusive insecurity millions of Indians who had been living in this land for generations. But the rules by which this act will be implemented were not yet prepared by December 2020, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs,” she added.

“The deadline has yet again been extended till April 2021. If indeed this govt cared so much for those persecuted in the neighbouring countries, why does it miss the deadline to notify these rules?”

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India is a state of undeclared emergency, says TMC MP

TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Monday raked up the issue of leaked WhatsApp chats, attackinG the press and said that India is in a state of undeclared emergency. “The coward is brave, only armed with power and authority. You are not courageous but a coward,” Moitra told the Centre in the Lower House.

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Judiciary stopped being sacred the day CJI was accused of sexual harassment: Mahua Moitra

TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Monday said that Indian judiciary stopped being sacred the day chief justice was accused of sexual harassment, proceed over his own trial and accused himself and went on to accept Rajya Sabha position along with Z+ security cover.

The BJP went on to to expunge her remarks as, it argued that any remarks cannot be made against a person of high authority.

However, the TMC argues it was against a former CJI and was not named.

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Mahua Moitra pulls up Centre for slapping sedition charges against journalists

BJP government has turned propaganda and into a cottage industry, said TMC MP Mahua Moitra in Lok Sabha. She questioned the government for slapping sedition against journalists, and trying to take over state governments by “hook or crook”. 

She also heavily criticised MEA’s response to Greta Thunberg and Rihanna’s comments on the farmers’ protest.

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Central government should repeal the three farm laws: DMK MP TR Baalu

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP TR Baalu says the government should repeal farm laws, reports The Hindu.

He said the Central government should repeal the three farm laws for the betterment of the nation. He expressed his disapproval over spending huge amounts of money for construction of a new Parliament instead of helping farmers and poor sections of the socitey.

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BJP misled Sachin Tendulkar, Lata Mangeshkar, says Adhir Chowdhury

Adhir Chowdhury claims that the Bharatiya Janata Party misled celebrities such as Sachin Tendular and Lata Mangeshkar for futhering their propaganda against the farm law protests. “When you couldn’t break the agitation [farmers’ protest] by force, you conspired to break it,” says Chowdhury.

He asks if our country is so so weak that a 18-year-old girl (Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg) has become a threat.

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House must debate on TRP scam extensively: Congress MP

“The House must debate TRP scam and the Balakot strike. How did the media find out before everyone else,” Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said in the Lower House.

He raised Arnab Goswami’s WhatApp chat leaks, saying it is a matter of national security. He emphasied on the TRP scam and the need to investigate it extensively.

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Republic Day violence conspiracy by govt: Adhir Chowdhury

The leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned how did the January 26 violent protests could have happened.  “When there is Home Minister Amit Shah, how could this happen. This was a well-organized conspiracy by the government. If the government is not involved on 26 January, then set up a Joint Parliamentary Committee. When the route of the tractor was prepared by you, how can you not take responsibility?” 

“26 January is a day in which maximum security in deployed. Then how such an incident could take place?” he asked.

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Centre declaring war against Muslims, farmers: Adhir Chowdhury

“You (govt) are declaring war against Musalmaan (Muslims) and Kisan (farmers) now,” Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said in the Lower House on Monday. “Our PM can speak to the whole world but doesn’t have time to apeak with farmers,” he said.

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BJP bereft of any national icon: Adhir Chowdhury

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday said VD Savarkar didnt stand up to British rule and the BJP is using Subhas Chandra Bose’s name to garner votes in the upcoming West Bengal elections. “BJP party is bereft of any national icon,” he added.

“Since there’s not national icon in BJP, the leaders look for great personalities to take advantage of before each elections,” the Congress MP noted.

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Congress MP says Indian civilization encourages debates, dissent, dialogue

Indian tradition starts with enquiry, doubt, challenge, said Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. “Our civilsation is an unending celebration of pluralism. Plurality accomodates differences. We should not be afraid of any debate, dissent, dialogue… it reflects in our civilation.”

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Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury takes dig on President over his speech

As per The Hindu, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday said “We wanted to run the winter session. If the government had run the winter session, we could have spoken on the farmers’ agitation. The President had delivered a 27 page speech. It used quotes from Assam’s Ambika Rai Chowdhury, Kerala’s Vallathur and Bengal Jatindra Nath Tagore. Don’t know if it’s a coincidence that all these States are headed for election,”

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Some part of Bengal are ‘mini Pakistan’: Locket Chatterjee

BJP MP Locket Chatterjee says the Opposition stays silent when crimes against women take place in West Bengal. She highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has protected the dignity of women creating jobs for them. “He has protected the dignity of minority women by passing the Triple Talaq Act,” she adds.

Chatterjee hits out West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and says that some parts of the state are still “mini-Pakistan”.

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BJP MP Locket Chatterjee hits out at Mamata Banerjee-led govt in Bengal

BJP MP Locket Chatterjee while speaking in the Lok Sabha slammed the TMC led West Bengal government “In West Bengal the free rations from the centre did reach but had a name change once it reached the state. The good quality rice also changed the moment it reached West Bengal, going into the pockets of TMC leaders.”

She also detailed many welfare programmes of the Central government and criticised Mamata Banerjee government for calling Shramik Express carrying migrant workers home as “Corona express”.

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Govt says emergency procurement of certain arms undertaken by armed forces

Emergency procurement of certain arms and equipment have been undertaken by the armed forces to beef up combat potential in view of the eastern Ladakh border standoff, the government said in Rajya Sabha on Monday, reports PTI.

Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said the armed forces are procuring terrain and weather-specific equipment to thwart the likely threat from India’s “Northern adversary”, in a clear reference to China.

To a specific query, the minister also said no special allowance is given to families of the armed forces personnel who are posted along the border with China.

“On the basis of the threat perception and technology available, the armed forces are procuring terrain and weather-specific equipment to thwart the likely threat from our Northern adversary,” he said in a written reply.

“In the current standoff, emergency procurement for certain arms and equipment have been undertaken by the armed forces to beef up their combat potential,” Naik said.

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Cannot keep quiet and witness farmers’ distress: Adhir Rajan Chowdhury

Responding to Rajnath Singh’s appeal, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the Lower House could not keep quiet and witness the distress of farmers in Delhi, Haryana, as they continue to protest in dire conditions including extreme cold. “We just wanted the House to debate the contentious farmers’ issue for 2-4 hours. This is not a personal motive. We wanted a separate discussion on the farmers’ issue for the farmers and the government to debate the farmer’ issue separately after the motion of thanks,” he said.

“But the government was trying to crush our voice with its numerical majority in the House. We will continue to demand a separate discussion,” he added as per The Hindu.

He also said the Opposition wanted an assurance from the government for a standalone discussion on the farmers’ issue either after the debate on Motion of Thanks or after the discussion on Budget.

​

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Rajnath Singh urges Opposition to maintain decorum of LS

The stalemate in the Lok Sabha is expected to break on Monday paving way for the house to resume functioning, sources in the government told Indian Express. In order to pacify the Opposition, which has been disrupting the proceedings for the last four days, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke in LS, urging Opposition to maintain the decorum of Lok Sabha.

“I ask with folded hands with great courtesy that the debate on the Motion of Thanks should be debated and cleared in the Lok Sabha too. You can say all you wish to say in the debate, including on the farm bills,” the Union defence minister was quoted by The Hindu as saying.

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Lok Sabha session resumes

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Pakistan’s mischief now limited to border: Rajnath Singh tells RS

The Indian Army has limited Pakistan’s mischief to just the border, giving a befitting reply to their misadventures, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, reports PTI.

“Now Indian Army has restricted Pakistani mischief to the border. No praise is enough for the actions taken by the Army, BSF and other security forces in containing (Pakistan sponsored terrorist activities),” he said while replying during the Question Hour.

The minister stressed that there was no question of any lethargy while dealing with ceasefire violations by the neighbouring country.

Asked why the government was “lethargic” and not taking stern action to stop the ceasefire violations, Singh said, “There is no question of lethargy. I want to make it clear that our Army has taken effective steps. They have done earlier also and I am not saying the Army is taking action after our government came to power.”

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Won’t allow business over hunger, need law on MSP: Rakesh Tikait

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said business over hunger will not be allowed in the country and once again demanded a law on minimum support price (MSP) for crops along with the repeal of new contentious agri-marketing laws.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union spokesperson’s comments came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in the Rajya Sabha during which he assured “MSP was there. MSP is there. MSP will remain in the future”, reports PTI.

As per The Tribune, the farm leader said, “They (Centre) are complicating the matter, when did we say that the MSP system is ending, we only want a law on it.”

“Desh mein bhook pe vyaapaar nahi hoga. Bhook kitni lagegi anaaj ki keemat utni hogi. Desh mein bhook se vyaapaar karne walon ko baahar nikaala jaaega (There will not be business over hunger in the country. If hunger goes up, price of crops will be decided accordingly. Those wanting business over hunger will be driven out of the country),” he told reporters.

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Lok Sabha adjourned till 5 pm amid din over farm laws

Before adjourning the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla said that MPs are not elected to shout slogans or show placards. “We have been elected to take part in discussions,” he said

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Despite pandemic, nobody was deprived of education: Prakash Javadekar

Minister Prakash Javadekar takes questions on Online Education. “Practical, small Mohalla schools, with 10 to 20 students catered to the underprivileged children during the pandemic”, said Javadekar in Lok Sabha. “There are educational TV channels and Diksha platform where teachers generate content and put out for students”, he added.

Despite the pandemic, nobody was deprived of education, he said

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Opposition leaders continue to disrupt LS’s proceedings

Lok Sabha session starts. As BJP MP Prathap Sinha from Mysore speaks, Opposition leaders continue to disrupt the proceedings by raising slogans against the contentious farm laws.

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Lok Sabha reconvenes

Lok Sabha proceedings begin amid din from sloganeering Opposition MPs

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Centre brings bill to replace ordinance facilitating regularisation of unauthorised colonies in Delhi

The government introduced a bill in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, which seeks to replace the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020.

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri introduced the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the Upper House of Parliament.

The ordinance was promulgated by President Ram Nath Kovind on December 30, 2020. It amended the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011.

The 2011 Act was valid till December 31, 2020. The Ordinance extended the deadline to December 31, 2023.

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Defence expenditure rising since 2018: Centre to RS

The government on Monday informed the RajyaSabha that expenditure on Defence in proportion to the country’s GDP has been increasing in the last 3 years, reports Maadhyam

#ParliamentQuestion

Govt informs #RajyaSabha that expenditure on #Defence as proportion of #GDP has been increasing
-2.10% in 2017-18
-2.13% in 2018-19
-2.23% in 2019-20

It also informs that there is no lack of protective clothing for #defence personnel #sansadwatch pic.twitter.com/l3UBBzPhKY

— Maadhyam (@_maadhyam_) February 8, 2021

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Lok Sabha schedule for the day

– Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address

Highlights of the President’s Address 2021

– General Discussion on the Union Budget for 2021-2022

Bill for Consideration and Passing

– Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021

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RS passes Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill

The Rajya Sabha on Monday cleared The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 that seeks to replace the ordinance to merge the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) cadre of civil services officer with the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre.
The bill was introduced in the Upper House of the Parliament last week.

Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said the Constitution of India is now fully applicable on Jammu and Kashmir, and that the bill will enable availability of officers in Jammu and Kashmir who have experience of running union territory administration.

He said around 170 central laws are being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the bill will increase the strength of officers in the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Leh

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Really sad, bids to make Chair dysfunctional won’t succeed: Venkaiah Naidu 

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday expressed sadness when his non-partisan approach was questioned by an MP, but said he would not be cowed down by attempts to make the Chair dysfunctional, PTI reported.

When the Rajya Sabha met for the day, Vijai Sai Reddy of the YSR Congress sought to raise certain remarks made by a TDP member a few days ago and demanded action.

Without naming anyone or pointing to the remarks, Reddy raised the issue through a point of order. He said objectionable parts should be expunged from the records.

Naidu said this was not a point of order issue and the member should write to him. He promised to examine the record and expunge anything that is found objectionable.

Cases of violence by terrorists have reduced: MoS Home

MoS Home G Kishan Reddy informed the Rajya Sabha that 157 terrorists were neutralised in 2019 and 221 were eliminated in 2020. There were 594 cases of terrorist violence in 2019, that reduced to 244 in 2020.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till Tuesday

Rajya Sabha passed The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

The House was adjourned till 9 am on Tuesday.

Jammu and Kashmir moving ahead in right direction: G Kishan Reddy

MoS Home G Kishan Reddy informed the Rajya Sabha that 100 percent electrification has been achieved in Jammu and Kashmir, including in border villages. The region is now open defecation free and will receive piped water by 2022.

Reddy said that ceasefire violations are increasing because Jammu and Kashmir wants development and is not asking for restoration of Article 370, which is why Pakistan is getting restless. “In 2019, over 2,000 incidents of stone pelting were reported, while in 2020, only 327 such incidents were reported. Jammu and Kashmir is moving ahead in the right direction,” he said.

Train will chug into Kashmir by 2022: MoS Home G Kishan Reddy

Responding to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, MoS Home G Kishan Reddy said, “In the last two years, speedy development has happened in Jammu and Kashmir. Revolutionary, historical decisions have been taken for development of the area. Foremost is the municipal polls in rural and urban bodies. Post independence for the first time Block Development Council elections were held,” he said.

“We have given Rs 1,000 crore under MNREGA for developmental work. All Gazette officers have been told to follow back to villages programmes. Programme on same lines is followed for the urban areas. A train will chug into Kashmir by 2022. He lists the rail-related projects planned for the region. Elevated Light Rail System will be completed in four years,” Reddy added.

TMC, Congress MPs give adjournment notices in LS over farmers’ issues

Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over the ‘alleged repression of farmers by Police through barricading and fencing’.

Congress MPs Manish Tewari, Jasbir Gill and CPM MP AM Arif gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha and demand the repealing of three farm laws in the wake of farmers’ agitation.

PDP MP rebukes Centre’s claim of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir

PDP MP Mohammad Mir Fayaz said the government claims normalcy has returned to the region, asking, “If that is true, why not bring a Bill to restore Statehood, instead of this Bill?”

“We were told on 5 August, 2019 when our state was demoted to a UT, we were told that statehood will be restored soon. Our PM hailed the fact that municipal elections were done. If everything is normal then, I wish today instead of this bill, the govt could have brought in bill to restore the statehood.”

“You speak on DDC elections, but counting has been halted in two seats even now,” Fayaz said.

Article 370 gave people of J&K freedom: BJP MP

BJP MP Dushyant Gautam said three families have ruled Jammu and Kashmir for the last many decades, made possible due to the provisions of Article 370. 

“In the recent municipal elections, the Jammu and Kashmir residents felt that they finally had the freedom to chose their representatives,” he said

Gautam recalled the Republic Day violence and hit out at the Congress for supporting them. “It is unfortunate that a Congress leader went to visit the family of one man, who died while doing a ‘stunt’ and did not visit dozens of policemen who were injured on 26 January,” he said.

Ghulam Nabi Azad demands statehood be restored to Jammu and Kashmir

Ghulam Nabi Azad said Article 370 had only two conditions — outsiders couldn’t buy land or can’t work there. 

“It is because the state is mountainous and most of the land is forest. Even I couldn’t afford to buy land there,” he said, urging the government to restore statehood and conduct elections as soon as possible.

“It is a border state and our enemy is sitting on our heads from both ends – Pakistan and China. Any intelligent person can see that one can fight Pakistan and China later but one should mend the relationship with Jammu and Kashmir,” Azad said.

Congress MP moves adjournment of the business motion to discuss COVID pandemic

Congress MP Hibi Eden Monday asked for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of Rajya Sabha.

“I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely the ongoing spread of the new coronavirus has become one of the biggest threats to the global economy and financial markets,” the MP stated.

“I would like to highlight certain areas that the government must pay attention in order to comprehensively address the present reality. In the wake of the spreading of COVID-19 virus, the Kerala Tourism Sector is suffering extensive loss. The current situation affected those working in such sectors, as well as entrepreneurs, small and medium business and those that have been employed by them. For those people who are working in these sectors, the pandemic will affect not just their incomes but also their ability to address recurring costs such as monthly installments on existing loans. And it is vital that the government looks into a range of interventions such as offering a temporary aid, resource packages and postponement of GST payments for Tourism sector in Kerala. The government needs to give special packages to the tourism sectors. The survival of businesses throughout the tourism ecosystem is at risk without continued government support,” he said.

No new industries set up in J&K after conversion to UT: Ghulam Nabi Azad

MoS (Home) G Kishan Reddy moved The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2021.for consideration and passing. The Bill seeks to replace an ordinance to merge Jammu and Kashmir cadre of IAS, IPS and Indian Forest Service with Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram Union Territory cadre.

Speaking during the discussion on the Bill, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad recalled the government’s assurance that Statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir. “Are you going to keep it an UT permanently? I want to ask Home Minister Amit Shah if the present cadre was working well, why is there a need for the merger?” he asked.

Stating the Centre’s claim to convert the state into a Union Territory to ensure development, Azad said no one from outside puts up an industry there and even in Jammu only two districts get industry. He went on to says that no new industries have been set up in Jammu and Kashmir. “In fact, 7,107 industries have shut down in Jammu and Kashmir and new industries have not come,” he said.

Azad went on to say that the roads are in terrible shape, ceasefire violations have increased and there are issues with water supply. “The responsibility of an elected representative cannot be replaced by an executive. If there was an elected government then it could have improved the situation,” he said.

Modi warns against ‘Foreign Destructive Ideology’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s strength has been to find solutions to challenges. “There are some people that want India to be unstable, we have to recognise such people. We should not forget what happened to Punjab during partition and 1984 riots. Innocents were hacked to death in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East violence took many lives. Who are the powers behind this?” he said.

“Some people are feeding wrong things in the minds of Sikh people. This country is proud of the Sikhs. What have they not done for this country? However much we praise them is not enough,” he said.

“There are some people who make a living out of protests. There is another FDI coming to the country which has to be discouraged. It is called Foreign Destructive Ideology,” Modi warned the opposition that such people might harm their governments too.

All government have stood for agricultural reforms: Modi

Reading out a quote by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Narendra Modi said, “Those taking a U-Turn (farm laws) will perhaps agree with him. ‘There are other rigidities because of marketing regime set up in 1930s which prevent our farmers from selling their produce where they get highest rate of return. It is our intention to remove all those handicaps which come in the way of India realising its vast potential at one large common market’.”

Modi also said that Sharad Pawar and those from Congress have stood for agricultural reforms. “Whether they were able to do it or not, but everyone has advocated that it should be done,” he said.

Modi appealed to people protesting farm laws at the Delhi borders, adding, “We want to assure that MSP system won’t be done away with.”

“We are always open for talks with farmers. I have said this in past and saying it again. We have to convince the agitators. Someone has to do this work. We are open for talks with the agitators — send the old people home,” Modi said in Rajya Sabha.

India has invited record FDI despite recession: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that at a time when the world is facing recession, we have invited record FDI. “We are marching towards double digit growth. We are the leaders in smart phones. We have record numbers of start-ups and unicorns,” he said.

“The world saw India’s capability through surgical strikes and air strikes. My government is committed towards the welfare of the poor. We will eradicate poverty,” he said.

Modi says need of the hour is to improve lives of small farmers

Speaking on the farmers’ protests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the agitation has been talked about, but not the reason behind it. “I would like to appreciate the contribution of Shri HD Devegowda Ji on the discussions relating to agriculture in the house. His words have added great perspective to the debate. He himself has a strong association with the agriculture sector," he said.

Quoting Chowdhury Charan Singh on small farmers, Modi said 68 percent of farmers are small and marginal farmers and over 12 crore farmers have less than 2 hectares of land. “Don’t we have a responsibility towards the 12 crore farmers? This question of Charan Singh still exists, shouldn’t we find a solution? Loan waivers don’t benefit small farmers as they don’t approach banks for loans. Such farmers don’t even have a bank account,” he said.

“Everybody is aware of whether farm loan waiver is for political reasons on in the interest of farmers. Nobody thought for the small farmers. After 2014, we took some steps in their interest,” Modi said.

Our democracy is a human institution: Modi

Calling the Indian democracy a human institution and not a western institution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the Rajya Sabha that it is essential to warn citizens about the attacks on India’s nationalism

“India’s nationalism is neither narrow now selfish and not even aggressive. This is inspired by the values of ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’. This quotation was given by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose,” he said.

TMC MPs stage walkout, Modi hits out at Opposition speeches

Trinamool Congress MPs walked out of the Rajya Sabha as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech continued. Modi referred to Derek O’Brien’s comments during the discussion on Motion of Thanks on the President’s address.

“He (O’Brien) had chosen good words – Freedom of Speech, intimidation. When I was listening to him, I was wondering if he is talking about West Bengal or the country,” he said.

In a veiled dig at Congress MP Pratap Singh Bajwa’s address, Modi said, “He was speaking in such detail that I thought he will reach Emergency (period) shortly and speak on it, he is just one step away from it. But he didn’t go there. Congress disappoints this country a lot.

Dubbed ’third world country’, India helping world with COVID vaccine: Modi

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country which was counted in the Third World is developing COVID vaccine for the world.

“It is a proud moment for the country that the largest inoculation drive is being conducted in this country. The credit to win this war goes to the people of India, not an individual or any government,” he said.

He said that even the poorest in the country have participated in the battle against COVID, urging people to not indulge in things that weaken the country, he says.

“India emerged as pharmacy of world during pandemic, delivered medicines to 150 countries,” Modi said, adding that India’s strength is its federal structure.

World expects India to contribute to planet’s betterment: Modi

Thanking over 50 MPs for expressing their views in the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. “Even family members couldn’t help each other. The world was worried on how India would tackle the crisis,” he said, calling the virus an “unknown enemy”.

“The eyes of the world are on India. There are expectations from India and there is confidence that India will contribute to the betterment of our planet,” Modi said.

Narendra Modi lauds President’s address, hits out at Opposition boycott

Replying to the Motion of Thanks to President Ram Nath Kovind’s address to the Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the address was an important step towards realising the Aatmanirbhar Bharat goal even as the world faces unprecedented challenges.

“It would have been nice had everyone had listened to President Kovind’s address. However, the address was so powerful that those who didn’t hear it also realised its importance,” he said, hitting out at the Opposition for boycotting the address.

India is a land of opportunities, he said, adding that the 75th year of Independence should be celebrated as a festival of inspiration.

National Clean Air Programme to be implemented in several cities, says Prakash Javadekar

Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar said National Clean Air Programme will be implemented in several cities across India, in response to a question on air pollution by Dr Amar Patnaik, 

Javadekar further said air pollution in every city is different because of a variety of factors. “Delhi suffers from air pollution, especially in winters, while Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore do not suffer from air pollution as severly as Delhi because of wind flow and the type of soil found in those cities,” he said.

Lok Sabha to discuss Union Budget

in the Lok Sabha, a general discussion on the Union Budget is scheduled to take place today.

Telecom and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will move that the Bill to further amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, be taken into consideration and passed.

Bills likely to be moved in Rajya Sabha

MoS G Kishan Reddy is expected to move the Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri will move for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws Second Act, 2011.

MPs give suspension of business notice over Uttarakhand floods, TRP scam

CPI MP Binoy Viswam gave a suspension of business notice under rule 267 in Rajya Sabha over the flash floods in Chamoli, Uttrakhand. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also gave a suspension of business notice under rule 267 in Rajya Sabha to discuss the investigation of TRP scam.

Entire country is concerned about Uttarakhand floods: Venkaiah Naidu

Earlier in the day, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu spoke in the Rajya Sabha about the Uttarakhand flash floods. The Hindu quoted him as saying, “As far as the issue of Uttarakhand is concerned, the entire country is concerned. Today morning, I spoke to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, and he said all efforts are on.”

Modi to speak in Rajya Sabha soon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to speak in the Rajya Sabha at 10.30 am. He will deliver his response to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.