Parliament updates: Lok Sabha passes bill to nail fugitive economic offenders; RS gives nod to amendment in prevention of corruption law

Updates of 26 July, 2018 begin here

Kerala floods: IMD functioning not satisfactory, says CPM leader P Karunakaran

In the discussion on the Kerala floods in Lok Sabha, CPM leader P Karunakaran said the functioning of Indian Meteorological Department is not satisfactory. The cyclone warning is not functioning well. We suffered during Ockhi (cyclone) too, said Karunakaran. “Wanting the floods to be declared a national calamity, Karunakaran said Centre should increase compensation and the National Mitigation Fund should be used. Defence stations must have motorised boats and Indian Air Force should be allowed permanent posting in the districts. The state requires a flood warning station,” he added. Members on both sides of the House argue for a bit. 

Congress leader KC Venugopal said despite his ill health, he came to the House to speak about the plight of his people in Alapuzzha.

How to recognise a fugitive economic offender?

Who is a Fugitive Economic Offender? A person is declared an FEO if: (i) an arrest warrant has been issued against him for an offence where the value involved is over Rs 100 crore, and (ii) he has left the country and refuses to return to face prosecution. https://t.co/uFeriux8M3

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 25, 2018

10 percent of black money is outside India, says Congress leader Vivek Tankha

Congress leader Vivek Tankha initiates a debateHe where he says only 10 percent of the black money is outside India. He asked what has the government done to get back the money in India and wanted to know why a threshold of Rs100 crores. “Are we not being strict enough for offenders who fall within Rs100 crore offence?”

Minister of Finance Piyush Goyal presents the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2018 

The effort behind Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2018 is to deter people from running away from India and those who have run away India to force them to come back & submit themselves to the process of law: @PiyushGoyal

— Piyush Goyal Office (@PiyushGoyalOffc) July 25, 2018

Discussion on Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill begins in Rajya Sabha

The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill aimed at preventing culprits from evading the legal process and fleeing the country.

Debate on The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 begins in the #RajyaSabha. #MonsoonSession

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 25, 2018

Rajya Sabha proceedings begin

Rajya Sabha proceedings resume. In Rajya Sabha, home minister Rajnath Singh spoke on the Rohingya issue and said, “We’ve issued orders to all states that no Rohingya should possess Indian documents, so that we can talk to government of Myanmar and EAM Sushma Swaraj can speak with the foreign minister of Myanmar.”

PM chooses to go on foreign tours and skips Parliament sessions: Mallikarjun Kharge

A Parliament Joint Committee should be made, as it was done in Bofors case, to state facts of Rafale Deal. If it is cheaper, then PM should have stated it during #NoConfidenceMotion. Now statements by BJP are just afterthoughts to mask corruption: Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress pic.twitter.com/kiCAJpWrgF

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2018

PM is out on a 5-day tour when the Parliament session is on. The meeting could have been avoided. It was not an inevitable meeting. But, since he has the absolute majority, he chooses to go on foreign tours and skips Parliament sessions: Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress pic.twitter.com/6t66tOP7gC

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2018

Govt has a clear stand on Rohingya issue, won’t be allowed in India: Kiren Rijiju

The govt has a clear stand on Rohingya issue. They are illegal and won't be allowed to thrive in India: Kiren Rijiju, MoS Home pic.twitter.com/4uq3LsHTjz

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2018

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2.25 pm

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

Proceedings resume in Lok Sabha, Speaker asks members to remain within limits

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Proceedings have resumed in the Lok Sabha after a short adjournment, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said it is natural to feel angry over allegations but you should not remain within your limits.

 Fugitive Economic Offender’s Bill to be taken up for discussion soon

The Fugitive Economic Offender’s Bill which was already passed by the Lok Sabha, is likely going to be discussed in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The law will allow authorities to attach personal property of the fugitives with the case against them.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge moves privilege motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi  

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge moved a privilege motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi while Jyotiraditya Scindia moved a privilege motion against defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the motions are consideration.

As sloganeering begins, Lok Sabha is adjourned ill 12.30 pm.

On women’s safety Venkaiah Naidu says ‘Not Bill but political will, administrative skill needed to kill social evil’

In Rajya Sabha on the topic of women’s safety, Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said “What you need is not a new bill but the political will, the administrative skill and you can go for kill of the social evil” during the proceedings after Jaya Bachchan raised the issue in the house.

Digvijaya Singh raises issue of Narmada contamination

In Rajya Sabha, Congres leader Digvijaya Singh brought the issue of contaminated water in the Narmada river while Kerala CPM leader Binoy Viswam said that normal life has been affected for the past many weeks due to flooding. Meanwhile, BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that Bengaluru lakes are dying due to the apathy of the government. He requested Environment Ministry to intervene.

‘PM, home minister and finance minister in both Houses, they have misled nation about 14th Finance Commission’

#EXCLUSIVE | PM, Home Minister and Finance Minister in both Houses, they have misled the nation about 14th Finance Commission. Even BJP minister are now starting to understand the injustice done to Andhra Pradesh: Jayadev Galla, TDP MLA tells @_pallavighosh | #ParlMonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/O8hdAC0YSk

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 25, 2018

On Adarsh Railway Stations, Piyush Goyal says increasing number of stations would cause delay, isn’t feasible

In response to a question on increasing the number of stops in express train routes, railway minister Piyush Goyal said additional stoppages will increase the delay and feasibility would be a big issue. “We will still consider these proposals though,” he told Lok Sabha.

In Lok Sabha, MPs complain of poor phone connectivity, call drops

In Lok Sabha, Kerala Congress leader KC Venugopal mentioned the continuous call drops while TMC leader from West Bengal Arpita Ghose said that no connection of BSNL works in South Dinajpur and many such remote areas. The minister said that he will look into it. He added that Airtel and Jio have completely rolled out 4G services. The government-run BSNL is providing 4G in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, we will expand soon, he said.

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu asks members to adhere to time limit

In Rajya Sabha, YSRCP member Vijaisai Reddy apologised for what happened on Tuesday and told the Chair that he wasn’t given adequate time. “I am sorry for the incident that happened on Tuesday,” he said.  Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said whatever happened on Tuesday was unfortunate. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu asked the members to move on and mentioned that members are not adhering to the time limit.

T Subbirami Reddy to miss rest of session owing to ill health: M Venkaiah Naidu

In Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu told the House that T Subbirami Reddy would not be missing rest of the session owing to ill-health. Since, Reddy is known to bring many amendments to every government Bill, Naidu said no amendments in the rest of the session, in a lighter vein.

Congress MP KC Venugopal gives adjournment notice in Lok Sabha over NEET data leak issue

Congress MP KC Venugopal has given adjournment notice in Lok Sabha over NEET data leak matter. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/z8Gw8RDtZe

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2018

TDP MPs protest outside Parliament for the third day 

#LIVE -- TDP MPs maintain heat on Centre; Protest at Gandhi statue in Parliament. MP Siva Prasad is yet another avatar | #ParlMonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/y9QJyToM9P

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 25, 2018

Centre claiming it has fulfilled 90% of promises made in AP Reorganisation Act ‘is misleading’: Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has asked his MPs to consider moving a privilege motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers. Naidu said Centre claiming it has fulfilled 90 percent of the promises made in Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act “is misleading”.

TDP MP Naramalli Sivaprasad dresses up as freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy in protest

Delhi: TDP MP Naramalli Sivaprasad dresses up as freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy to protest over the demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh. Sivaprasad has earlier dressed up as a woman, a washerman & a schoolboy among others #MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/yjcinnHCcL

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2018

List of Bills to be taken up for discussion in two Houses

Bills listed for consideration in #LokSabha Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, Homeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill.

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 25, 2018

Bills listed for consideration in #RajyaSabha:
Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, Negotiable Instruments (Amend) Bill, National Council for Teacher Education (Amend) Bill.

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 25, 2018

TDP moves to file privilege motion against PM, finance minister for ‘misleading the House’ about special category status 

#BREAKING -- TDP moves to file privilege motion against PM Modi and Finance Minister for 'misleading the House' about special category status to Andhra Pradesh; Chandrababu Naidu tells MPs to move privilege motion, directly accusing PM for lying | #ParlMonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/yuMXAM0Cmf

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 25, 2018

Updates for 25 July, 2018 begin here

Lok Sabha passes The Prevention of corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018; House adjourned till 25 July, 11 am

Congress behind delay in Lokpal because it failed to become largest Opposition party, says Jitendra Singh

In the Lok Sabha, Union minister Jitendra Singh addressed the issue of delay in the setting up of Lokpal. “The efforts to set up Lokpal are underway. I always avoid to be political in my replies, but please allow me to say that the cause of delay is not the ruling party but the Congress party. This is because it failed to secure the number of seats to be recognised as the majority Opposition party. We had suggested that let us have the leader of the largest party to be member of the committee,” he said.

Rajya Sabh adjourned till 25 July, 11 am

Rajnath Singh speaks on Centre’s efforts to develop Andhra Pradesh

In Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Our government will fulfill commitment by the current and the former prime ministers. We want all states to progress because we believe that unless they all progress, the country won’t develop. We do politics for the interest of the country, not just to form the government. We are committed to fulfil the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act. Even those incentives not mentioned the Act are being given to Andhra Pradesh. We have fulfilled 90 percent of the promises.”

‘What’s in a name?’: Piyush Goyal on demand for SCS for Andhra Pradesh

“We care for the people of Andhra Pradesh. The Cabinet made special measures to give support to Andhra Pradesh. We received a response from Chandrababu Naidu addressed to Arun Jaitley dated 24 October 2016, where he says ‘I once again thank the Government of India for offering support and assitance to the success of the state of Andhra Pradesh.”’ Goyal said that Naidu, in his letter, mentioned that the state might have received additional funds through the Centre’s efforts.

“What’s in a name? The idea is that the people of Andhra Pradesh get benefitted, and that is what the Modi government is committed to,” he said.

Manmohan Singh asks Centre to honour commitment to Andhra Pradesh; Piyush Goyal responds

In the Rajya Sabha, former prime minister Manmohan Singh spoke in the Rajya Sabha said that he made the commitment of special category status (SCS) while keeping in view that the revenue generated by Hyderabad will go to Telangana. “I made the commitment after consultation with the then Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley. I request the government to honour the commitment made in the August House. Commitments made on the floor of the House have to be honoured and fulfilled. I had expected my distinguished successor to fulfill the commitment I had made after consultation with his colleagues,” he said.

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Modi government is committed to implement the Andhra Pradesh Reoganisation Act in totality. He also quoted Singh’s words on central assistance, but added that the 14th Finance Commission had also increased the share given to states to 42 percent. Goyal said that the commission provided additional funds, and Andhra Pradesh received the revenue deficit gap. “Suppose we consider a SCS, we may have to reassess the revenue deficit gap and this gap would come down substantially,” he said, adding that the state would not have received extra funds with the SCS.

D Raja says Narendra Modi govt should honour promises made by UPA govt
Extending his support for the demand for special status for Andhra Pradesh, CPM leader D Raja said, “I share the agony of the people of Andhra Pradesh. We wanted both states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) to prosper without bitterness. The promises given by then prime minister should be honoured and fulfilled by the present government. I was present when the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act was discussed.”

CPM MP questions delay in Lokpal

As the Lok Sabha discussed The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018, CPM leader Badaruddoza Khan said, “It is a matter of great regret that those expelled by our party on charges of corruption are accepted by other parties. Then how will the corruption be stopped? Our prime minister has zero tolerance, but how will the public trust the government?”

He asked why the Centre was not coming up with Lokpal when other parties had been speaking in favour of it.

Watch: Odisha has been demanding special status since the time of Biju Patnaik, says BJD’s Prasanna Acharya

Sh. Prasanna Acharya's remarks|Short Duration Discussion on Andhra Pradesh Re-Organization Act, 2014: https://t.co/KSGnOzrfU4 via

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 24, 2018

Derek O’Brien says BJP should reflect on why its allies are turning against it

In Rajya Sabha, TMC leader Derek O’Brien blamed BJP’s governance for the issues with its allies. “The Shiv Sena and BJP go back 29 years. Today the Shiv Sena is not with them because of the way the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act has been implemented. I think its for the BJP to reflect why somebody who has been with them through thick and thin are questioning them. The Shiv Sena was your largest ally in 2014. You second largest ally is expressing themselves here, and they also brought the no confidence motion,” he said.

GVL Narasimha Rao slams TDP govt in Andhra Pradesh over development of investment zones

As the Rajya Sabha held short duration discussion on Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act, BJP’s GVL Narasimha Rao said, “Two districts in Andhra Pradesh have got National Investment and Manufacturing Zones. The state government has not moved an inch on this since 2015. I have a letter dated 3 July. Is the state government simply not acting? When you have two investment manufacturing zones, which can transform the area, why are they not being worked upon? Is this not special focus for Andhra Pradesh?

“No other state has five industrial cities and two investment manufacturing zones. Look at the inaction. The central govt has informed 27 July 2017 that they are committed to develop another port city in place of Dugarajapatnam Port. You don’t act, you don’t follow up. You only want to do politics.”

Have to ensure both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh progress: Ghulam Nabi Azad

“We have to ensure that both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh progress. Telangana has the advantage of having the capital city however, Andhra is like a newborn child and it requires the attention of the government,” said Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Govt deceiving people of Andhra Pradesh: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Azad said that the government has mentioned a special package for Andhra Pradesh on several occasions in lieu of special status, However, they have not fulfilled any promises and they are deceiving the people of Andhra Pradesh, he added.

Lucky to be associated politically with Andhra Pradesh: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Ghulam Nabi Azad said that he is lucky to have been associated with Andhra Pradesh politically. He further said that knowing the history of the Andhra people, they deserve full sympathy from the entire nation.

Lok Sabha is adjourned till 2:30 pm

Rajya begins debate on Andhra Pradesh Re-Organisation Act 2014 

As the Rajya Sabha took up short duration discussion on implementation of State Reorganisation Act that led to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, TDP member Ramesh points out the home minister is absent in the House. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked who is going to respond on behalf of the government and Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said Rajnath Singh will.

TDP leader slams Centre for “violation of reorganisation Act”

As proceedings began in Rajya Sabha, TDP leader YS Chowdry (TDP) initiated the debate. He thanked 5 crore people of Andhra Pradesh and criticised Centre’s “blatant violation of reorganisation Act”. He said the promise of Manmohan Singh wasn’t honoured and said BJP ’s political agenda is “all for power.” He also accuses the Centre of violating federal structure of Constitution.

Those talking about lynching incidents are hypocrites, says BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi

Earlier, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi told Lok Sabha that those talking about the lynching incidents are hypocrites and select such incidents for protest. She said that those who are protesting have forgotten the anti-sikh riots of 1984 and the alleged lynching of karsevaks in 2002. Why was there no uproar on the killing of a Dalit boy in Rajasthan for marrying a Muslim girl, she asked.

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

In Lok Sabha, pension issue is raised

Premachandran brought up the issue of pension being paid by the EPFO.In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar assured him the process would be expedited. MB Rajesh (CPM) said abolishment of UGC will increase political control of higher education, academia and free thought. The academia is unhappy with the government’s decision. This is not in sync with federal principles as well as against higher education, he said.

If state govt recommends CBI inquiry into Bihar shelter home incidents, we will do it: Rajnath Singh

If state govt recommends this, we will consider a CBI inquiry: Home Minister Rajnath Singh in reply to Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan in Lok Sabha who demanded a CBI inquiry over the incidents of rape at shelter home in Bihar's Muzaffarpur pic.twitter.com/r0dUIlDPEr

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2018

Mob violence issue raised in In Lok Sabha; Rajnath Singh says biggest lynching incident happened in 1984

TMC leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay brought up the rising incidents of mob violence. “We are for a united India. We cannot tolerate such form of violence,” Bandopadhya said as more members wanted to talk about the issue. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said home minister Rajnath Singh has made a statement in the House on Monday and the same issue cannot be taken up every day.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also raised the recent mob lynching incident in Alwar and CPM leader Mohammad Salim said the mob violence in the name of cow protection or child-lifting rumours should be despised. Salim compared lynching with racist attacks in USA in the name of White Supremacy. In response, home minister Rajnath Singh said govt is concerned about these attacks and the biggest lynching happened in 1984 during anti-Sikh riots.

After Modi govt came to power in 2014, amount deposited in Swiss National Bank fell by 80% in 3 years: Piyush Goyal

After Modi govt came to power in 2014, the amount deposited in Swiss National Bank has reduced by 80% between 2014 and 2017: Finance Minister Piyush Goyal in Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/djJxxxEcGj

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2018

According to data released by Swiss National Bank, loans and deposits of individual Indians in the bank decreased by 34.5% in the last year compared to the previous year: Finance Minister Piyush Goyal in Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/27wNkV85yy

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2018

Rajya Sabha is adjourned till 2 pm following ruckus

Question Hour begins in Rajya Sabha

As Rajya Sabha took up Question Hour, Narayan Rane wanted to know if Ratnagiri temples will be in the Central list of religious places. Culture minister Mahesh Sharma responds saying the Archeological Survey of India maintains the list. The Ratnagiri temple was constructed in the medieval period and has been periodically renovated which means they are not eligible for the list, he added.

A religious place of worship makes it to the Central list if it is over hundred years old and must not have been renovated, the minister added. Shiv Sena leader Anil Desai also asked if Pandharpur will be added to pilgrimage circuit.

Lynching incidents have been going on for years, Rajnath Singh tells Lok Sabha

We are thoughtful about this. This didn't start only recently, the incidents of lynching have been going on since years. I have said this earlier too, the biggest mob lynching is, what happened in 1984: Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/shJ3mUdOus

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2018

Venkaiah Naidu lauds MPs for smooth conducting of Zero Hour

After Monday’s ruckus and sloganeering, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu lauded the Rajya Sabha MPs for the smooth functioning of the House in Zero Hour. Naidu said around 25 submissions were made during the Zero Hour before the beginning of Question Hour.

RJD leader Manoj Jha raises issue of child sexual abuse in Bihar shelter home

In Rajya Sabha, after Pappu Yadav had raised the issue of rape cases in Bihar’s shelter home, RJD leader Manoj Jha raised the issue on Tuesday.

TDP members continue sloganeering, as members debate MSP issue

Deependra Singh Hooda claimed Centre is tarnishing the name of MS Swaminathan by giving menial hike in the minimum support price which goes in the name of his panel. Hooda also questioned when will the Swaminathan panel recommendations be wholly implemented. Agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh passed the buck to previous UPA governments as Congress members start objecting. Meanwhile, TDP members continued with their protest seeking Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh showing placards, which the Speaker objected.

In Lok Sabha, MoS Gajendra Singh Shekhawat says onus to ensure MSP procurement partly on state govts

Commenting on the minimum support price, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MoS Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, said in the Lok Sabha, “Our government will ensure that all farmers get maximum benefit of the MSP hike. The onus is also partly on the state governments to make sure procurement is convenient for the farmers.” while one member demanded a special package for Bundelkhand farmers, Shekawat said NITI Aayog decides on allocation of funds.

In Rajya Sabha, DMK member Kanimozhi brings up the issue of Thoothukudi police firing

In Rajya Sabha, DMK member Kanimozhi brought up the issue of Thoothukudi police firing saying she was part a delegation that was supposed to pursue an independent inquiry into the incident. However, police and a former judge had stopped the leaders, she said to which AIADMK members objected.

Rajya Sabha Zero Hour begins: TMC leader Shanta Chettri brings up issue of mob violence in name of cow protection

In Rajya Sabha’s Zero Hour, TMC leader Shanta Chettri raised the issue of mob violence in the name of cow protection with many supporting her. Meanwhile, AAP’s Sanjay Singh highlights the satyagraha of Sadhus seeking to clean Ganga. Swami Sanand also known as GD Agrawal is on hunger strike for the past two weeks.

Question Hour begins: Jan Aushadhi centres lack enough manpower or medicines, says BJD MP Tathagatha Satpathy

In Lok Sabha during Question Hour, BJP leader Krit Solanki asked if there will be an increase in number of generic medical stores. Chemical minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the government is working to ensure popularising of generic medicines. Over a lakh people have moved to below poverty line since they are unable to afford healthcare. Solanki asked if the government plans to form a law to curb unaffordable medicines to which the minister said fears on the quality of generic medicines are unwarranted as they are tested by the NABL. 

BJD MP Tathagatha Satpathy said Jan Aushadhi centres do not have enough manpower or medicines. He asked whether the government carry out an awareness campaign to make people aware of the benefits of generic medicines. In response, the chemical minister said the penetration of generic medicines have gone up to seven percent. We are encouraging doctors to write generic names in the prescription, he added.

LS Live : Question Hour
Q-81 : Generic Drugs#MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/DAHSV3CDcr

— Lok Sabha TV (@loksabhatv) July 24, 2018

AITC MPs protest in front of the Parliament over lynching incidents 

Delhi: All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs stage protest in front of Gandhi statue in Parliament over incidents of lynching pic.twitter.com/UVV3APaCN7

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2018

Like Monday, TDP MPs protest in front of Parliament demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs protest in front of Gandhi statue in Parliament over the demand of special status for #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/BiAEmUShaY

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2018

In Lok Sabha, Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill is likely to be discussed with other two Bills

Three Bills listed for discussion and passage in #LokSabha today:
Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill,
Homeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, and
Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-third Amendment) Bill#MonsoonSession

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 24, 2018

Rajya Sabha to resume discussion on the long-pending Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Rajya Sabha is expected to take up the long-pending Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017 for further discussion. Many Opposition parties on Monday opposed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill dubbing it as dilution of the state’s powers and aimed at helping corporates. The Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on 10 April, 2017, was on Monday re-introduced in Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Transport Mansukhlal Mandaviya for debate and passing in the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Business listed in #RajyaSabha today: Bills for passage
Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill
Motor Vehicles Amend Bill.
Discussion on the non implementation of the provisions of Andhra Pradesh Re-organization Act, 2014 also scheduled. #MonsoonSession

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 24, 2018

Meanwhile, Goa BJP leader calls Rahul Gandhi ’loafer’ for winking in the Parliament on 20 July

Goa BJP spokesperson calls Congress President @RahulGandhi a "loafer" for winking in Parliament

Click here to read more: https://t.co/pzkjirMQer pic.twitter.com/baTQvkHd3i

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 24, 2018

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan, RJD MP JP Yadav give Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over rape incidents in Muzaffarpur

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan and RJD MP JP Yadav give Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over the incidents of rape at a shelter home in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur. CPM MP Mohd Salim gives Zero hour notice in Lok Sabha over situation of violence in West Bengal and Tripura. – ANI

Congress likely to move privilege motion against Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal issue today

On the fifth day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on Tuesday, Congress is likely to move a privilege motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal issue on Tuesday. Earlier on Monday, while speaking in the House on the no-confidence motion against the government, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had alleged that Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lied to the nation on the Rafale deal and that she did so under pressure from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also said Sitharaman had herself said earlier that she would disclose the details about the deal, but later cited a secrecy clause.

Gandhi said the French president had clearly conveyed to him that there was no problem in sharing details relating to the Rafale deal worth Rs 58,000 crore. Alleging corruption in the deal, the Congress has been demanding details, including cost of equipment and weapons, but the government has refused to share them citing a secrecy pact with France, he said. –PTI

Updates for 24 July, 2018 begin here

Both Houses adjourned till 11 am, 24 July

Centre has directed states to tell all places of worship to prohibit use of single-use plastic

All states and Union Territories have been asked to communicate to temples, mosques, gurudwaras and churches about the ill-effect of single-use plastic and encourage their staff and visitors not to use those, the government said on Friday.

Minister of State for Environment Mahesh Sharma, in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, said the Environment Ministry has written to the offices that come under its own administrative control, offices of the central government and its departments, major PSUs, corporates and institutions to eliminate single-use plastic products, including water bottles and take away coffee cups.

PTI

Prakash Javadekar speaks on government’s initiatives for better education

Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar thanked MPs for “unanimously” supporting the National Council for Teacher Education Bill. “We are launching Operation Digital board, from which 15 lakh classrooms will benefit,’ he said. He further explained how digitisation would help teachers in explaining topics in classrooms.

Responding to other questions raised in the House, he said, “Girl students will get Rs 200 per month stipend and the teachers teaching these students will special students will also be paid more. There were 80 percent vacancies in engineering colleges. So through TEQIP program, we 1,200 students who graduated from esteemed colleges like IIT have become teachers.”

Noisy scenes leads Venkaiah Naidu to stop telecast of RS proceedings

Noisy scenes created by TDP members in the Rajya Sabha seeking special category status for Andhra Pradesh today saw a visibly upset Chairman M Venkiah

Naidu ordering stoppage of telecast of proceedings for about 15 minutes saying “only voice will go; noise will not go”.

Though the members of the Telugu Desam Party had trooped into the Well during the Question Hour raising slogans in support of their demands, the proceedings continued with Ministers replying to the listed queries.

The TDP had earlier forced an adjournment of proceedings in the Upper House soon after it had assembled for the day. As TDP MPs YS Chowdhary and CM Ramesh raised the issue, the Chairman said he has already told them their notice “has been admitted, it is coming up tomorrow.”

He, however, said that the debate was not permissible under Rule 168. “You know the system. Sense of the House is that House should function and take up business as slated.” Asking the agitating members to return to their seats, Naidu said; “I have only two options — whether I run the House like this or adjourn the House”.

PTI

Government panel to assess separate law for lynching

The Centre will set up a high level committee headed by the Union home secretary. The government has also decided to constitute a Group of Ministers headed by the home minister to consider recommendation of the high level committee. They will submit their recommendation to the prime minister in 4 weeks.

Congress MP Chhaya Verma says vehicles should be given insurance for life-time

In Rajya Sabha, Congress leader Chhaya Verma said that motor vehicles should be insured for life, instead of being insured for a year. “One time insurance will be beneficial for the owners too,” she said.

“License is issued to people up to 60 years of age. Elderly people must be granted with proper fitness certificate,” she said.

Smt. Chhaya Verma's remarks | The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill,2017: https://t.co/ot2Jtl5BPx via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 23, 2018

INLD MP says state-run schools need as much focus as centre-run schools
INLD leader Dushyant Chautala raised the issues faced by schools in Haryana as the Lok Sabha discussed National Council for Teacher Education Bill. “We are bringing this bill to develop the teachers’ training institution, but a government report says that there is a vacancy for 30,000 teachers in Haryana. The Bill focuses on government schools, but we should also focus on state-run schools, he said. 

Citing the poor state of schools in his native village, Chautala said that though the government was providing equipment for better education, there were still issues that needed to be addressed. The status of schools in Haryana is such, that the computers reach the schools but these areas also have deal with lack of electricity. “Somewhere, even you have to provide support accordingly,” he told Education Minister Prakash Javadekar.

RS members can now submit notices for discussion though app

Rajya Sabha members can now submit notices to raise discussions or questions from anywhere with the launch of a new app, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday. The secure e-Notices application can be used to submit online notices for raising issues under rules for Question Hour, Zero Hour, Special Mention, Calling Attention and Short Duration Discussion, he said when the House met for the day.

“However, the existing system of giving physical notices in the Notice Office would also continue,” he said. “I am sure the members will find the new system useful and convenient and will use it extensively.”

Naidu also asked the MPs to contact the concerned officers in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to give notices or find out about the fate of their notices, instead of coming directly to him as he may not have all the information. “Maybe it is lack of information because some members are coming and directly trying to give it (notices) to the Chairman. That is not the practice. There is the Table Office. There are other systems in place. You can give it there,” he said.

PTI

Derek O’Brien demands some RS speakers be allowed to speak on The Motor Vehicles Bill on Tuesday

TMC MP Derek O’Brien raised his concern over the absence of Union minister Nitin Gadkari during the discussion on The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Rajya Sabha. He asked the Chair to allow some of the speakers to speak on Tuesday so that Gadkari listens to atleast some of the “voices” first-hand.

“This is a big issue. The minister is a serious minister. You’re hearing the strong speeches coming in. We want this bill to be debated. Please keep some of these voices, so that the minister can listen tomorrow,” he said.

MoS Mansukh L Mandaviya, who was present in Gadkari’s place, said that he has been noting the suggestions by the MPs and that he would convey them to his minister. O’Brien still protested, to which the Chair said that some of the speakers would naturally spill over to Tuesday due to the time constraint.

CPM’s Elamaram Kareem makes his maiden speech in Rajya Sabha

As Rajya Sabha discusses The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, Elamaram Kareem said he opposes the Bill, alleging that there is a hidden agenda of privatisation in the name of road safety.

“In the name of simplification, the central government is trying to keep all regulations to itself,” he said. He questioned the plan to introduce aggregators, asking how it would bring down the number of accidents, while citing cab aggregators like Ola and Uber.

JD(U) MP demands stricters laws to curb road accidents

JD(U) leader Harivansh said road accidents on the rise since 1970 but the law hasn’t been amended accordingly. “People drive while attending phone calls. In Bihar, after prohibition on liquor, the number of road accidents has declined. The government should ensure that there is a strict law on drunk driving,’ he said.

RS discusses The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017; BJD MP takes up need for states to implement central policies
 

BJD’s Pratap Keshari Deb said When you suggest new things to the bill, you need the state government to implement it. If the policies are formulated by the Centre but not implemented by the state, there is bound to be a clash between the central government and the state government, which will pave the way for corporatisation of the transport sector.

Lok Sabha passes the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill

The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill provides for the filing of cheque bounce cases at the place where a cheque is presented for clearance and not the place of issue. The Bill overturns a Supreme Court ruling, which said the cases have to be initiated where the cheque-issuing branch was located.

Govt brings bill in LS for sports university in Manipur

The government today moved a bill in the Lok Sabha to establish a specialised sports university in Manipur to promote various aspects of sports such as management, technology and coaching.

The National Sports University Bill, 2018, introduced by Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, will replace the ordinance promulgated by the President on 31 May.  

Before the introduction of the bill, the minister withdrew a 2017 bill regarding the Manipur university from the House. The 2018 bill seeks to “establish and incorporate a National Sports University in the State of Manipur, a specialised University first of its kind, to promote sports education in the areas of sports sciences, sports technology, sports management and sports coaching…”.

Besides, the proposed university would also function as the national training centre for select sports disciplines by adopting best international practices and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

​

PTI

Alwar lynching case raised in Lok Sabha during Zero Hour

The lynching of a man in Rajasthan’s Alwar district was on Monday raised in the Lok Sabha by a Congress MP, triggering protests from BJP members. Karan Singh Yadav of the Congress raised the issue during Zero Hour and said it was the fourth such incident in the state.

Those who claimed to be ‘gau-rakshak’ (cow protectors) are behind this murder, he said amid protests by some BJP members — who were not audible — and also attacked the police for wasting time in taking the victim to hospital, leading to his death.

Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill must protect poor and middle class from money lenders: TMC leader

In Lok Sabha, AIADMK’s Vijaykumar said the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill must protect poor and middle class from money lenders. TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee said in cases of wilful offenders it is difficult even to serve summons. The court should be more serious in dealing with the NA Act, he says. Banerjee said that the fast-track courts are not fast at all. It’s the middle class who are suffering due to cheque bounces, Banerjee said.

In Lok Sabha, BJP leader Shivkumar Udasi tells Shashi Tharoor change is a continuous process

In response to Tharoor on Negotiable Instruments Laws (Amendment) Act, Shivakumar Udasi of BJP said change is a continuous process. This Bill is the first step and many more amendments are likely in future, he said. Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised Point of Order and said that no Minister is present in the House when the Bill is being discussed. “Don’t your ministers have confidence in your government,” he asked.

Insolvency amendment bill to benefit one industry, Opposition told Lok Sabha today

The amendments to the insolvency law which empowers home buyers to be recognised as financial creditors was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday, even as Opposition parties objected to certain changes in the Act alleging that these intended to “help one industry”. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018, was introduced by finance minister Piyush Goyal. The bill replaced the Ordinance which was approved by the Union Cabinet in May.

The amendments to the IBC is intended to give relief to the home buyers by recognising their status as financial creditors, thus giving them due representation in the Committee of Creditors (CoC) and making them an integral part of the decision-making process. The bill also proposes to reduce the minimum voting threshold for the CoC to 66 per cent, from 75 percent for key decisions: a provision which was opposed by BJD member Bhartruhari Mahtab.- PTI

What is a Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2018?

#RajyaSabha taking up Specific Relief Amendment Bill: Quick look at what the Bill does https://t.co/WhhZSHbbbL

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 23, 2018

The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2018 is introduced in Rajya Sabha

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduces The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2018 in Rajya Sabha.

Demonetisation was a bad idea implemented badly: Shashi Tharoor 

In Lok Sabha, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the credibility of cheques is just significant for corporate people but also for others. Bringing up the issue of cheque-wapsi in a cashless economy, Tharoor said that under the Negotiable Instruments Laws (Amendment) Act, raised various concerns regarding payments of cheques in the country. Asking if the bill is the only version that can be provided for MSMEs, Tharoor said, “Demonetisation was a bad idea implemented badly, and GST was a good idea implemented badly. "

Culture minister Mahesh Sharma tries to explain ancient monuments bill; Opposition still keen on sending it to Select Committee

Culture minister Mahesh Sharma explains the salient features of the ancient monument amendment Bill but Opposition still insists on sending the Bill to Select Committee.

Lok Sabha reconvenes, takes up Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill

Lok Sabha proceedings begin, House takes up Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill. It inserts a provision allowing a court trying an offence related to cheque bouncing, to direct the drawer (person who writes the cheque) to pay interim compensation to the complainant. 

The Bill aims to insert a provision which allows a court trying an offence related to cheque bouncing, to direct the drawer to pay interim compensation to the complainant.

Congress leaders suggest sending ancient monuments Bill to Select Committee

As the discussion on the ancient monuments bill begins, Congress member Jairam Ramesh said the Bill has typographical errors while Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said that certain clauses need clarification, so the Bill must be sent to the Select Committee. However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel said the Bill has already been approved and passed by the Lok Sabha so it should be discussed and amendments made.

Members of Opposition in #RajyaSabha urge that the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological bSitrs and Remains Amend Bill urge that the Bill be sent to a #SelectCommittee. pic.twitter.com/sK8O6iKPac

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 23, 2018

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill being taken up in Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha convenes, begins discussion on ancient monuments bill.

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill being taken up in #RajyaSabha. LoP, Ghulam Nabi Azad proposes that the Bill be sent to a Select Committee for examination.

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 23, 2018

BJP members move privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi in retaliation; speaker says she will examine it

A notice for a privilege motion has been moved against Congress President Rahul Gandhi by some BJP members in the Lok Sabha, which Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said she will examine. Four BJP members — Nishikant Dubey, Anurag Thakur, Dushyant Singh and Prahlad Joshi — have submitted the privilege notice against Gandhi accusing him of “misleading” Parliament by making “false” allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. As soon as the Question Hour got over, Dubey said a privilege motion has been moved by his party. “Whenever Rahul Gandhi speaks, it only helps in increasing the votes of BJP,” he said.

Amid protests by Congress members, Mahajan said “I will look into it and then let you know”.- PTI

Rajya Sabha members can now submit notices for discussion though online app

Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday announced that lawmakers of the Upper House can now submit notices for discussion and question hour online through a new app.

Members can submit notices for raising questions, zero hour mentions, special mentions, call attention and short duration discussion through the app, he said when the House met for the day. He, however, said the requirement of giving a physical notice has not been done away with. – PTI

214 Eklavya schools with 65,000 students functioning, says govt

As many as 284 Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been sanctioned by the government so far and 214 of them were functioning in the country, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said on Monday. Oram said a total of 65,231 students were enrolled in these 214 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).

“As per the budget announcement for 2018-19 by the year 2022, every block with more than 50 percent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal people, will have an EMRS,” he said during Question Hour in Lok Sabha. – PTI

Congress MPs object to officer taking notes from gallery

The Congress members on Monday took strong objection to an officer allegedly taking notes of the debates in the Lok Sabha from the Officers’ Gallery and said he was carrying out “surveillance” on Opposition members, prompting the Speaker to give an assurance that she would look into the matter.

During the Question Hour, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge brought the attention of Speaker Sumitra Mahajan that an officer was standing in the Officers’ Gallery, taking notes of the debates and even counting the number of MPs present in the Opposition benches. “It is surveillance. Who is he? Why is he taking notes? He is counting the number of MPs,” Kharge said amidst vociferous protests by his party MPs. – PTI

Lok Sabha session adjourned till 2 pm

The proceedings of Lok Sabha have been adjourned till 2 pm.

YSRCP leader raises issue of Special Category status to Andhra Pradesh

In Lok Sabha, YSRCP leader Renuka Butta raised the issue of Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh and alleged that the Centre changed the goal post from SCS to special package to special purpose vehicle. She requested the Centre to support the state. RJD leader Pappu Yadav also brought up the issue of child sexual abuse in a hostel in Bihar and demanded a CBI probe into it.

Congress leader Anand Sharma brings up Rafale issue, says PM changed the deal

Bringing up the Rafale deal, Congress leader Anand Sharma alleges PM Narendra Modi had knowledge of the understanding between India and France for 126 aircraft. He said, “Our PM arbitrarily, without any sanction from the Cabinet Committee of Security, changed the Rafale Deal, where the price was much higher per unit of aircraft. The PM must confirm or deny in the Parliament that after returning from France the Deal was changed without informing the Cabinet Committee of Security.”

Rajya Sabha is adjourned, will meet at 2 pm

Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Venkaiah Naidu, said that he wanted to ensure smooth conduct of Question Hour which is why he decided to go on amid the sloganeering. Following which, the session was adjourned till 2 pm.

Before the adjournment, Chhattisgarh MP Chhaya Verma had brought up the issue of open defecation saying while many villagers are declared open defecation free, but the practice continues. She wanted to know what steps were taken on corruption charges in implementing schemes to eradicate open defecation in Chhattisgarh. Responding to this, the minister said an inquiry will be taken up.

Congress to move privilege motion against PM, defence minister for ‘misleading Parliament on Rafale deal’

Meanwhile, Congress will move a motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for “misleading the Parliament on Rafale deal.” This comes after former defence minister AK Antony said that incumbent Nirmala Sitharaman is misleading the country on Rafale deal. He said the minister’s claims on secrecy were wrong as the government cannot keep the prices a secret.

Jyotiraditya Sinha brings up the issue of rising rapes

In Lok Sabha, Jyotiraditya Sinha brings up the issue of rising rapes in the country. Mentioning the NCRB data, Scindia says over 40,000 cases of rapes have been reported. Don’t politicise serious issues, Speaker tells members.

The National Sports University Bill, 2017 withdrawn

The National Sports University Bill, 2017 introduced by Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh and The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2015 have been withdrawn from the Lok Sabha.

As sloganeering continues in Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu continues with Question Hour

In Rajya Sabha,environment minister Harsh Vardhan answers questions on man-animal conflict. BJP leader from West Bengal Rupa Ganguly asks about tackling poaching and locals killing wildlife. Lower level staffs are being trained to tackle such instances, Dr. Harsh Vardhan says that the lower level staffs are being trained to handle these situations.

As Rajya Sabha resumes, members raise slogans

As Rajya Sabha resumes, Question Hour is in progress. MoS Defence Subhash Bamre answers questions about welfare measures taken for defence personnel and their families.Members keep raising slogans but Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu asks the proceedings to continue in front of camera.

Criminal Law Amendment Bill introduced replaces ordinance in force

Criminal Law Amendment Bill introduced in #LokSabha. Bill replaces ordinance in force. To know about the Bill: https://t.co/AJiAXzVRyr#MonsoonSession

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 23, 2018

Alappuzha member KC Venugopal raises the issue of Kerala floods

In Lok Sabha, Zero Hour proceedings began as TRS member Jithender Reddy thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging the efforts of Telangana government during his speech in no-confidence motion. He also requested the Centre to continue its support to Telangana. Meanwhile, Alappuzha member KC Venugopal raised the issue of Kerala floods. Most of the State Lok Sabha members are in Kerala now to aide in relief efforts.Venugopal wanted the Centre to declare the floods in Kerala as a national calamity. In response, Parliamentary Affairs minister asks Kerala MP to not politicise the issue of human suffering.

Piyush Goyal introduces Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) bill

Piyush Goyal introduced Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) bill, 2018 in Lok Sabha while Kiren Rijiju introduces Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

Proposal of Amendment to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006  to be reintroduced in Lok Sabha

Proposal of Amendment to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006  to be reintroduced in Lok Sabha. The National Sports University Bill, 2017 and The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment)Bill, 2015 have been withdrawn from the Lok Sabha.

During Question Hour in Lok Sabha, TMC leader Sugata Bose asks if govt intends to demoralise best institutes in India

During Question Hour in Lok Sabha, TMC leader Sugata Bose asked, “Does not a single State or Central University have the potential to become an institute of eminence? Will the MHRD give substantive autonomy to all State and Central Universities? Saugata Roy (Trinamool Congress) quotes a report and asks on what basis a journal is prescribed. He added,” Is it the Government’s intention to demoralise the best educational institutes in the country?"

We are not converting UGC into a bureaucratic body: Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar 

Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar addressed Lok Sabha on the question of Higher Education Commission of India. He said, “We are not converting UGC into a bureaucratic body. It will be autonomous. We will only change the name. The UGC has to concentrate on quality of education and maintenance of standards.”

Congress leader Rajeev Shankarrao Satav from Hingoli raises questions on data of EPF account

Labour minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar says that since September, people have been getting their pension on time. Gangwar also says that all increments on the pension is usually done keeping in mind the different sections of society.

YSR Congress Party  Kothapalli Geetha asks status about seven schools in Andhra Pradesh

In the Lok Sabha, YSR Congress Party Kothapalli Geetha asks status about seven schools in Andhra Pradesh to ensure funds do not return to the Union govt. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan says that 14 schools are already there in Andhra Pradesh.

Ruckus breaks out in Lok Sabha following Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s comment

TDP MP Naramalli Sivaprasad dresses up as Annamayya to protest over demand for AP special status 

Delhi: TDP MP Naramalli Sivaprasad dresses up a Annamayya, a devotee of Lord Balaji to protest over demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh. Sivaprasad had dressed up as a women, washer-man & a school boy among others during the Budget session of the Parliament. pic.twitter.com/rhKGxXq2R5

— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2018

TDP MP Jayadev Galla says PM didn’t bother to answer any of our questions so we are protesting

On TDP’s protest, party MP Jayadev Galla said, “We had been moving the no-confidencee motion for entire second half of Budget Session. Finally, the discussion took place but PM didn’t bother to answer any of our questions,we heard the same statements, so nothing has changed for us, no option rather than to protest.”- ANI

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm after uproar in the House on Anand Sharma’s comment on Central Investigation agencies

The central investigation agencies have a role to perform under the constitution
they are not instrument to use for the  govt of the day for political vendetta or persecute senior government officials ,there cannot be any discrimination, Congress leader Anand Sharma says in Rajya Sabha leading to a ruckus.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12:00 noon after uproar in the house on Anand Sharma's comment on Central Investigation agencies pic.twitter.com/gedSgwnOAT

— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2018

Rajya Sabha adjourned amid ruckus 

After MPs arrive late to Rajya Sabha Venkaiah Naidu issues a warning. Later, following Congress leader Anand Sharma’s comment, Rajya Sabha is adjourned.

MP N Sivaprasad comes to the House dressed as Annamayya, a devotee

#BREAKING - TDP MP YS Chowdary has given a notice in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the AP Reorganisation Act. Meanwhile, MP N Sivaprasad has come to the House dressed as Annamayya, a devotee of Lord Balaji | @Arunima24 with the update pic.twitter.com/7OakTKk197

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 23, 2018

BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe gives notice for suspension of business in Rajya Sabha on Monday

BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe gives notice for suspension of business in Rajya Sabha today to take up the issue of flood and other natural calamities due to heavy rain in several parts of country. pic.twitter.com/Y7qfWPHzQx

— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2018

 We will raise lynching issue in the Parliament today: Mallikarjun Kharge

On the issue of lynching and cow vigilantism, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, “The government is encouraging such incidents in the country. This government does not want the situation in the country to improve. We will raise the issue in the Parliament today.”

Before the session begins, Congress MPs from Punjab protest over unemployment

#Delhi: Congress MPs from Punjab protest over unemployment in front of Parliament #MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/pyAEUgN5Lm

— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2018

TDP MPs protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament over special category status to Andhra Pradesh

While TDP MPs protest in front of the Parliament, TDP MP YS Chowdary has given notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 to discuss AP Re-organisation Act. 

#Delhi: TDP MPs protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament over special category status to Andhra Pradesh and implementation of AP re-organizing Act #MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/5fxr8r0Ul9

— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2018

Updates for 23 July, 2018 begin here

Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day

Rajya Sabha passes The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013

Lok Sabha adjourned till 11.00 am tomorrow

Lok Sabha passes The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018

Piyush Goyal brings up the issue of ruckus in Parliament in Budget Session

In the Lok Sabha, Piyush Goyal says that it was important to issue an ordinance on the repeated ruckus being created in the Lok Sabha. He also goes onto say that this is the first time in the history of the Parliament that the Speaker has had to face insults and such misbehaviour.

Motor Vehicles Act Bill will not be taken up today; will be taken up on Monday

In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman says that the Motor Vehicles Act Bill will not be taken up on Thursday but instead will be taken up on Monday. However, there is a dissension among a couple of parliamentarians who think it should be taken up today.

Congress protests as BJP MP says CBI will chargesheet ex-FM

Congress and BJP members on Thursday sparred in the Lok Sabha after a ruling party member claimed that the CBI was going to chargesheet a former finance minister in a criminal case involving fugitive economic offender Vijay Mallya.

When BJP’s Nishikant Dubey made the statement, Leader of the Congress Mallikarjun Kharge immediately questioned as to how was he aware of the impending CBI action and said it indicated that the agency was acting in a “pre-planned” manner.

No compromise on security on passport application mobile app: Sushma Swaraj

There has been no compromise on security aspects with regard to passport applications through the new mobile app and any attempt to get fake passports made from cyber cafes will be rejected, External Affairs Minister​ Sushma Swaraj said today.

Replying to a query during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Swaraj said “all security measures” were being followed and once the data centre receives the application, it will be automatically deleted from the sender’s mobile. Likewise, the data centre automatically rejects fake applications filed through cyber cafes etc, she said, adding that all security measures which are adhered to in advanced nations were being followed here.

Rajesh Ranjan creates ruckus in House, Speaker pulls him up

Jan Adhikar Party member Rajesh Ranjan on Thursday created a ruckus in the Lok Sabha by hurling papers towards treasury benches and was reprimanded by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who asked him to apologise. As soon as the House took up the Question Hour, Ranjan who is also known as Pappu Yadav, rushed to the Well shouting slogans.

He was wearing an apron with words “yachna nahin_, rann_ hoga” (No more pleas, there will be war now), seeking special category status for Bihar.

Digvijaya Singh questions appointments in CBI, says govt lacks the intention to act on corruption

Participating in a debate on the amendment in the prevention of corruption bill, Digvijaya Singh said that the government clearly lacks the will to act against corruption because they have appointed people accused of corruption in top ranks of CBI. He said that the government is silent on key issues of corruption including the Vyapam scam.

Tathagatha Sathpathy questions need for new law on fugitive offenders, says first fix lacunae in CrPC provisions 

Addressing Minister in-charge of financial Piyush Goel BJD MP Tathagatha Sathpathy said that all the provisions in the new bill are covered in one shape or another under various sections of CrPC. He said that the provision gives too much authority to investigative agencies and the law is riddled with nook and corners that can be misused for persecution and vendetta.

AAP to support no-confidence motion tomorrow 

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) issued a whip to all its Lok Sabha MP, directing its members to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion.

Lok Sabha debates Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2017

Shiv Sena to vote against no-confidence motion on Friday; AAP to vote in favour

According to ANI , Shiv Sena has issued a whip for the no-confidence motion so that its MPs are directed to support the Narendra Modi government during the voting on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party has issued a whip for Friday and has told its MPs to vote in favour of the motion.

Anand Sharma says ‘investigating agencies being misused’

“The truth is that your agencies are being misused. Are there two laws in the nation? One implemented from the political point of view for political rivals and the other for your own people on whom there are serious allegations? Can there be parallel registrations by different agencies for the same offence? You send them to CBI, then after their hospitality, ED starts (their probe), then you have to go for another bail,” Congress leader Anand Sharma said in Rajya Sabha.

“We don’t want India to be converted into a surveillance state. The multiple registrations must stop. In four years, you must also educate all of us and inform the House. We have no ill-will against anyone. Please tell us how many of the real corrupt have you booked and give a list to the House.” Chairman Venkaiah Naidu praised Sharma’s democratic spirit in the House.

Palaniswamy justifies AIADMK’s decision to back no-confidence motion

Tamil Nadu chief minister EK Palaniswamy told reporters on Wednesday that AIADMK won’t support the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha since it was moved because of the demand for special status for Andhra Pradesh. He said, “We in Tamil Nadu struggled for 22 days in Parliament for Cauvery Mgmt Board issue. We stalled proceedings. Who came to us? Which state came forward and helped in our cause?”

We haven't brought this. It is Andhra's issue & they brought this. We in Tamil Nadu struggled for 22 days in Parliament for Cauvery Mgmt Board issue. We stalled proceedings. Who came to us? Which state came forward & helped in our cause?: TN CM E.K Palaniswami #NoConfidenceMotion pic.twitter.com/mJosY1xbIv

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018

Rajya Sabha discusses Prevention of Corruption Amendment Bill, 2013

Speaking in Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Anand Sharma said that the society and country are not satisfied with Centre’s initiatives against corruption. “Frauds are taking place in banks. There are people like Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi who are stealing money from banks and getting out of the country. Prevention of Corruption Act is enough for investigation. The prime minister promised to bring black money back from Swiss banks. But that amount didn’t come back and instead more money got out of the country.”

Congress stages walkout in LS: Shashi Tharoor hits out at Centre over mob lynching incidents

Congress staged walkout from Lok Sabha protesting against Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement on mob lynching incidents. Speaking on this, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said: The home minister’s statement in Lok Sabha on mob lynching was not satisfactory at all, that is why we staged a walkout from the House. This is not a game of ping pong that states and Centre keep shifting responsibilities. 

“The real question is, what is the central government doing to control mob lynching? The prime minister does not respond when a person is killed or lynched. His silence is a license for people to continue with such acts.”

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2.10 pm

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

Trafficking of girls increased drastically after Child Labour Act was amended, says Jaya Bachchan

Citing the Thomson Reuters report on India being the most dangerous country for women, Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan said in Rajya Sabha, “It’s very shameful. From the time Child Labour Act has been amended due to policy on ease of doing business, the trafficking of girls has increased drastically. I want to ask: Can you tell us detail about the report on Kathua incident, will government give white paper in the Parliament on the status of crime against women?”

Minister of State for Ministry of Women and Child Development Virendra Kumar responded by quoting figures from 2015-16 about the rape cases in other countries. Bachchan lashed out asking what the Indian government was doing for the safety of women, which led to a ruckus.

Condemn mob lynchings in all forms, says Rajanth Singh

Union home minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha: “Its not like lynching has been happening only in the last few years. But, whoever is killed, it is a worry for all governments. I condemn mob lynchings of and in all forms. These happen on the basis unverified news, suspicions but its the Centre’s responsibility to conduct an effective probe.

Despite law and order being a state subject, Centre cannot keep quiet. Twice, the Centre issued an advisory. Through social media, the way fake news is propagated, these kinds of incidents take place. We have asked social media service providers to install checks in their system to prevent such incidents. Such incidents are unfortunate and I request state governments to take appropriate actions against the culprits.”

Strength in Lok Sabha reduces to 533 with Baijayant Panda’s resignation

The effective strength of Lok Sabha has reduced to 533 with two more seats falling vacant, sources in Parliament said on Thursday, after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan accepted BJD MP Baijayant Jay Panda’s resignation and Jose K Mani of Kerala Congress (M) was nominated to Rajya Sabha.

Mani quit the lower house after being nominated to Rajya Sabha. The developments come as Parliament is set to take up on Friday the Opposition sponsored no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government.

As Parliament's monsoon session begins, i say adieu, after 18 yrs, 3 months, 2 wks & 1 day

Met Hon' Speaker y'day & said i cannot represent my former party anymore, it has strayed too far from its original principles

& so, requested her to accept my resignation from Lok Sabha🙏

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) July 18, 2018

Centre should bring in measures to reduce attacks against people with different views: Congress MP KC Venugopal

KC Venugopal, Congress MP in Lok Sabha: “I would like the govt to do something to reduce the attacks against people who have a difference in opinion. Targeting people with different opinion has become the order of the day. Swami Agnivesh was brutally attacked and no case was registered. Union MoS Jayant Sinha went and garlanded convicts. The MCI is one of the most organisations, and even that is being targeted by the Union government.”

Punjab has turned in to ‘drug basket’ today, says BJP MP Shwait Malik

Shwait  Malik, BJP MP in Rajya Sabha said: “Our sons, daughters are dying in Punjab due to the drug crisis in the state. The state of law and order is miserable. What was earlier the ‘food basket’ has today become the ‘drug basket’ of the country. The condition in Punjab is deplorable. I request the prime minister and the Centre to take action on the issue.”

AIADMK questions govt on NEET questions in Tamil; Javadekar says next year, students can write from the states they belong to

Vijila Satyanath, AIADMK MP in Rajya Sabha: “Students of Tamil Nadu who wrote NEET in the Tamil medium, it was found that nearly 40 questions were framed incorrectly. Why is there ambiguity from the CBSE? Students went to Sikkim, Rajasthan, Ernakulam to write the exams. There was a lot of confusion and mental stress. One person also died. The Union government has to increase the number the seats.”

In his reply, Union education minister Prakash Javadekar said: “Since this matter is in the court, I won’t say much. This translation was done by Tamil Nadu officials, but next year we will take measures. We have also decided that students will write their exams from the state/district they belong to. They do not have to travel far off distances to write the exam.”

Bills for consideration in Rajya Sabha

For introduction: The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2018

For consideration and passing: 

– The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013

– The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2017

– The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill 2018

Bills for consideration in Lok Sabha

– The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018

– The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2017

– The Constitution (One hundred and twenty third Amendment) Bill, 2017

‘Maro jawan, maro kisaan’: BJD MP Prasanna Acharya in Rajya Sabha

BJD MP Prasanna Acharya said that nearly 500 jawans committed suicides in the country, comparing it to farmer suicides across states. “In most of the cases, one of the reasons is that they are posted in places far away from their homes, and allegations about bad quality of food. The condition is now, ‘Maro jawan, maro kisaan’,” he said.

AAP, CPM condemn attack on Swami Agnivesh

CPM MP TK Rangarajan says that the House must condemn the attack on Swami Agnivesh. Sanjay Singh, AAP MP said: “The attack shows those who spread hatred and violence, the government provides protection.”

Congress to gherao govt on issue of mob lynching, RTI, says report

Congress to gherao government on the issue of MSP and lynching in Lok Sabha, and RTI Act in Rajya Sabha, CNN-News18 quoted sources as saying.

Ruckus in Lok Sabha

MPs continued to jeer and protest in the Lower House, even as Union MoS Jayant Sinha spoke on civil aviation. Speaker Mahajan said, “Don’t pull out a new trick from the bag to disturb the House.” Chants were against the Narendra Modi government and Sinha over the garlanding row. 

Sinha sparked a political row after he garlanded eight men convicted of hacking to death cattle trader Alimuddin Ansari in June last year in Hazaribagh on the suspicion that he was carrying beef in his car.  A fast-track court has found 11 persons guilty in the case and sentenced them to life in prison in March. Eight of them secured bail from the Jharkhand high court in June.

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha to vote against no-confidence motion

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha will vote against the #NoConfidenceMotion (file pic) pic.twitter.com/SFoPa7cmQ2

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018

Identified Hima Das months before she won gold medal: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

Assam MP Gaurav Gogoi asks about athletics federation’s comment on Hima Das’ English-speaking skills and the Target Olympic Podium scheme. To this Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore says, “Under the Target Olympic Podium scheme, Hima Das was identified months before she won the gold medal recently. We have also increased the salaries of coaches, physiotherapists by 100 percent. We also identified incentives for grass-roots level, medium-level, and high-level coach.” He also added he cannot comment on every little thing, in response to the athletics federation’s comment.

Congress MPs protest on Parliament premises, demands rights for farmers

Congress MPs protest in Parliament premises, demanding rights for farmers. #MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/oXqAEA81OF

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018

Rahul Gandhi likely to address Parliament tomorrow, says report

According to CNN-News18, Congress president Rahul Gandhi is likely to address the Parliament on Friday over the no-confidence motion. One hour has been allotted to the Congress where leaders like Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge will speak. 

#BREAKING -- Congress President @RahulGandhi likely to speak tomorrow over the #NoConfidenceMotion. One hour allotted to Congress. Rahul, Mallikarjun Kharge and another leader to speak: Sources | @_pallavighosh with more details. #NoConfidencePolitics pic.twitter.com/vzM6koRCbi

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 19, 2018

Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in session now; protests in Lower House

Protests and loud chants greeted Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Thursday. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu congratulated Hima Das for scripting history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the Gold medal in the women’s 400m final race in the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Finland.

Rahul Gandhi says RTI Act shouldn’t be amended

“Every Indian has the right to know the truth. The BJP believes the truth must be hidden from the people and they must not question people in power. The changes proposed to the RTI will make it a useless Act. They must be opposed by every Indian,” Congress president Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter. 

The government on Wednesday said it is considering a proposal to amend the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 to frame rules on salaries and services of Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs).

Every Indian has the right to know the truth. The BJP believes the truth must be hidden from the people and they must not question people in power. The changes proposed to the RTI will make it a useless Act. They must be opposed by every Indian. #SaveRTI pic.twitter.com/4mjBTwQnYK

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 19, 2018

YSRCP MPs hold protest demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh outside Parliament building 

YSRCP MPs stage protest in Parliament premises demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. #MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/ScKBXckZpN

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018

Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha sessions to begin shortly at 11 am

Modi govt has majority inside and outside Parliament: Union minister Ananth Kumar

Union minister Ananth Kumar said that the Congress has miscalculated and claimed the Narendra Modi government had the numbers both inside and outside the Parliament. “Sonia ji’s maths is weak. They had calculated similarly in 1996. We know what happened then. Their calculation is wrong yet again. Modi government has majority both inside and outside the Parliament. NDA will vote against the no confidence motion. NDA+ will also support us,” Union parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar said.

Whatever Uddhav Thackeray directs us to do, we will do: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on no-trsut motion

Speaking to ANI , Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that the voice of Opposition should be heard first even if it only one person. “In a democracy, voice of the Opposition should be heard first even if it consists of one person. Even we (Shiv Sena) will speak when it is required. During voting, whatever Uddhav Thackeray directs us, we will do,” he said on the issue of the no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government on Friday.

Congress gives adjournment notice in Lok Sabha over mob lynching

The Congress has given an adjournment notice in Lok Sabha over the issue of mob lynching on Thursday, reported ANI.

On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha was informed that the government does not maintain specific data on lynching incidents in the country. Meanwhile, BJP MP in Lok Sabha, Meenakshi Lekhi blamed the economic disparity for such incidents. She said various incidents showed that the root of the crime stemmed from economical disparity in the society.

DMK supports TDP’s no-confidence motion

“In spite of having no option to vote for no confidence motion in Parliament, DMK supports the no confidence motion brought by TDP. We request AIADMK also to support no confidence motion in Parliament,” says DMK working president MK Stalin

In spite of having no option to vote for #NoConfidenceMotion in Parliament, DMK supports the no confidence motion brought by TDP. We request AIADMK also to support no confidence motion in Parliament: MK Stalin, DMK Working President. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/mKnjXUQKY2

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018

Mamata tells party MPs to stay in Delhi for no-confidence motion; whip issued

 With Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee instructing all Lok Sabha members of her party to stay put in New Delhi and support Friday’s no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government, the party on Wednesday issued a whip to all its MPS to be present in the House during the discussions. – IANS

BJP reaches out to TRS, Shiv Sena for support

The BJP has reached out to the TRS, BJD and Shiv Sena for support ahead of the no-trust vote to take place on Friday, reported CNN-News18. The Shiv Sena is reportedly holding a meeting on Thursday to deliberate on the issue.

RECAP: Swami Agnivesh attack for expressing dissent against intolerance, says Shashi Tharoor

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday said that Swami Agvinesh was attacked for expressing dissent against rising intolerance. “We cannot and should not stand by as communal violence, mob-lynching and hooliganism replace rule of law and rights guaranteed by our Constitution.”

“I strongly urge the Prime Minister to break his silence on the behaviour of his own party men and take action against these anti-national elements and anti-Indian elements who seek to abridge the freedom of speech in our democracy,” Tharoor said.

Activist Swami Agnivesh was attacked by a Hindu fringe group in Jharkhand’s Pakur on Tuesday, media reports said.

RECAP: Shashi Tharoor blames right-wing activists for attacks, demands Modi’s intervention

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday accused right-wing activists for death threats as also vandalising his office and demanded the prime minister’s intervention in dealing with such anti-national elements.

“I am sorry to raise before this House the attack on my constituency office in Thiruvananthapuram and the death threats that I received from members of the ruling party in response to my criticism of far right extremism.”

“This is not just an attack on constitutionally-sanctioned MP’s office but also a larger attempt by incendiary elements and their digital equivalents to destroy the idea of India as a pluralistic and accepting democracy,” Tharoor said.

TDP MP Diwakar Reddy says he won’t attend Parliament session

Speaking to ANI, TDP MP JC Diwakar Reddy said that he was fed up with the party and Centre and said he was not going to attend the session. “I’m not going to attend Parliament session. You can say that I violated the party whip. I’m fed up with the Centre and our TDP government. I’m fed up with the whole political system,” he said.

I'm not going to attend Parliament session, you can say that I violated the party whip. I'm fed up with the centre & our TDP govt. I'm fed up with the whole political system: JC Diwakar Reddy, TDP MP to ANI pic.twitter.com/QTZBUrs8rW

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018

BJP confident of support from 314 MPs

Ahead of the no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government on Friday, the Bharatiya Janata Party has expressed its confidence in having the support of 314 MPs in the Lok Sabha, reported   The Times of India .

As per the party’s floor managers, the government is likely to receive support from small parties outside the NDA including Anbumani Ramadoss-led PMK and Raju Shetty-led Swabhimani Paksha.

JAP MP Pappu Yadav gives adjournment notice in Lok Sabha

Jan Adhikar Party MP Pappu Yadav has given an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha over the issue of special category status to Bihar, reported ANI. 

Jan Adhikar Party MP Pappu Yadav has given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over the issue of Special Status to Bihar. (file pic) #MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/wEvyhSFddH

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018

Congress holds strategy meet today

Ahead of the crucial no-trust motion against the Narendra Modi government on Friday, Congress on Thursday held a strategy meet at 9.30 am, reported CNN-News18. 

The BJP-led NDA government and the Opposition dug in for a showdown in the Lok Sabha after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday admitted a no-confidence motion and said it would be taken up on Friday for discussion and voting.

Updates for 19 July, 2018 begin here

Both Houses adjourned till 11.00 am tomorrow

Venkaiah Naidu speaks in 10 languages in RS to introduce translation services in 22 Indian dialects

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday spoke in 10 languages in the House. He spoke, though briefly, in Bangla, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu to inform members that simultaneous interpretation service has been made available for members.

IRCTC to set up new kitchens, upgrade existing ones: LS told in written reply 

In order to upgrade quality of food served on trains, the IRCTC is to set up new kitchens and upgrade existing ones, parliament was told on Wednesday.

“The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has been mandated to carry out the unbundling by creating a distinction primarily between food preparation and food distribution on trains. In order to upgrade the quality of food preparation, IRCTC is to set up new kitchens and upgrade existing ones,” Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain told the Lok Sabha in a written reply. He said that the new policy which was floated on 27 February last year mandates the zonal railways to hand over the kitchens managed by them to IRCTC. 

The minister said that the revamping of existing railway catering system by carrying out unbundling under Catering Policy 2017 is aimed at providing quality hygienic food to customers at affordable prices. IANS

Air India divestment not possible in near future: Government

The Government on Wednesday ruled out disinvestment of Air India in the “immediate near future,” though it said it remains committed to completing the process.

Saying that the present environment is “not conducive” for it, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha told Rajya Sabha that the issue would be revisited once global economic indicators, including oil prices and forex conditions, stabilize. 

The Ministry would, in the meanwhile, focus on near and medium-term efforts to “capture operational efficiencies” to improve the performance of Air India, along with “monetising non-core land and building assets”, Sinha said. IANS

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Second Amendment) Bill, 2017 passed

In Lok Sabha, Union Cabinet approves Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2018

Meanwhile, in Lok Sabha the Union Cabinet has approved the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2018 to set up the Central University of Andhra Pradesh.

Rajya Sabha stands adjourned until Thursday

The proceedings of the House come to an end and the Rajya Sabha is adjourned for the day.

The Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was voted and passed 

Voting & Passing of The Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amnd) Bill, 2017: https://t.co/K6aTupcV9B via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 18, 2018

Kerala CPI’s Binoy Viswam talks about food shortage problem in state

CPI leader Binoy Viswam says that Kerala government has tried to convey the food shortage crisis to the state but the prime minister has not been able to meet the representatives on the issue. However he states that the prime minister has finally agreed and he hopes that the meeting will be fruitful in terms of solving the issue.

RS Chairman Venkaiah Naidu spoke in 10 languages in House today

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday spoke in 10 languages in the House. He spoke, though briefly, in Bangla,Gujarati,Kannada,Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil&Telugu to inform members that Simultaneous Interpretation Service has been made available for members, ANI reported.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Ananth Kumar says “All NDA parties will vote unitedly against the no-confidence motion”

Accepting or not accepting vote of no-confidence in not in the realm of the government, it is prerogative of the Speaker. All NDA parties are going to vote unitedly against the no-confidence motion: BJP leader and Union Minister Ananth Kumar pic.twitter.com/WcCMBggP0r

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2018

Congress’ Jairam Ramesh says compensation to landowner shouldn’t be tampered 

Speaking on the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Bill, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that he does not wish to hold up the bill but sought categotical assurance from the government that the compensation clause will not be depressed in any way and land owners will get compensation that they are entitled to on the basis of the 2013 law.

Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Bill being debated in RS

The said bill allows the central government to re-issue the notice of acquisition to the property owner to give them an opportunity to be heard. The owner will be entitled to an interest (equal to the current rate of interest on an FD in SBI) on the compensation payable to them.

RS debates the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Bill 

Speaking on the issue, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that he does not wish to hold up the bill but sought categotical assurance from the government that the compensation clause will not be depressed in any way and land owners will get compensation that they are entitled to on the basis of the 2013 law.

MK Stalin backs women’s reservation bill, Rahul thanks him

DMK working president MK Stalin has extended his party’s “wholehearted support” to Rahul Gandhi on the issue of Women’s Reservation Bill after which the Congress president praised him for speaking “like a true leader” and urged all political parties to come together to ensure passage of the bill.

Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi had made a strong pitch for the early passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill during this session and had also written to the prime minister in this regard extending his unconditional support to the bill.

Stalin, who is the working president of UPA constituent DMK, supported Gandhi’s move and also urged the prime minister to ensure early passage of the Bill that seeks to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures.

Mob lynchings due to economic disparity, says BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi

The incidents of mob lynching are a result of economic disparity, BJP member Meenakshi Lekhi said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.  Speaking during Zero Hour, Lekhi said the Supreme Court has spoken about “mobocracy” on Tuesday.

Giving instances of the killing of Bengal migrant worker Manik Roy and an Adivasi youth Madhu in Kerala, Lekhi said these cases of lynchings were on account of economic issues. “It is because of economic disparity,” she said.

Govt mulling to raise retirement age of HC judges

CNN-News18 quoting sources said that the central government is considering to raise the retirement age for high court judges owing to the severe staff shortage in the judiciary. The news channel reported that the government may bring up the age of retirement from 60 to 64.

Ex-Rajya Sabha MP Chandan Mitra quits BJP amid buzz that he is set to join Trinamool Congress

Senior journalist and two-time Rajya Sabha MP Chandan Mitra has quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is set to join the Trinamool Congress (TMC), reports said. Though Mirta and TMC have not spoken on this, Banerjee’s party has promised that a large number of new faces will join the party on Saturday. 

According to reports, Mitra was upset after being sidelined under the Modi-Shah leadership. He is considered to be a close aide of veteran BJP leader LK Advani. Mitra has also been openly critical of BJP on several issues.

32 crore Jan Dhan accounts have 87000 crore Rs collectively: MoS Finance tells RS 

Speaking on The State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017, MoS Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla said that the success of Jan Dhan scheme shows that banking system reforms work. He said that data shows that close to 32 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened for people who entered the banking system for the first time. He said that these are not dormant accounts but collectively carry a sum of Rs 87000 crore.

In Pictures: Rahul Gandhi outside Parliament on first day of Monsoon Session 

Congress president Sri @RahulGandhi arrives for the monsoon session of Parliament in New Delhi on July 18, 2018.#MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/sKynKtpeMh

— Prayagraj Congress (@INCPrayagraj_) July 18, 2018