Monsoon Session of Parliament latest updates: In the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Vincent Pala raised concerns about illegal influx in Meghalaya due to the release of NRC draft in Assam. “Due to uncertainty of implementation of NRC, there is a fear in Meghalaya that those unrecognised in Assam will go to Meghalaya. Therefore, I urge the central government to protect Meghalaya to avoid imbalance,” he said. The Lok Sabha passed the National Sports University Bill, 2018. The Bill seeks to establish a National Sports University in Manipur. The foundation stone for the university was laid by the Prime Minister, it plans to run two courses. Demanding a hike in budgetary allocation for sports in India, political parties such as Congress, TRS and TMC extended their support to the National Sports University Bill, 2018 and said such institutions should be set up all over India. The Lok Sabha in Parliament decided to skip lunch on Friday and Chair Pralhad Joshi continued the discussion on the National Sports University Bill, 2018, which was introduced by Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Wednesday. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that on the basis of intelligence inputs in Assam, the state authorities detained the members at the Silchar. “District administration requested them with folded hands and said it was not safe for them to go out. There was a little roughing up at the airport. At 1.55 pm, they reached the airport and were told to go back. They began arguing with the security officials. They were arrested under Section 151 CrPC. They sent to Kolkata and New Delhi after 7 am on 3 August.” Crying afoul over the detention of TMC delegation in Silchar, Assam on Thursday, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee in the Lok Sabha in Parliament said they were “manhandled” by the Assam Police and called it an “undeclared emergency”. Responding to Rajnath Singh’s address in the Rajya Sabha over the NRC final draft, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said India’s sovereignty and integrity cannot be compromised. “The government should have a database. We cannot leave open borders but ex-defence servicemen have not been included in the final draft. It is a dichotomy what Singh says over the “fair and objective process”. The home minister should admit that there are flaws in the process.” Responding to Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s clarifications over the NRC issue, TMC leader Derek O’Brien said that communal disharmony is being spread following the the Assam NRC drama in Silchar. Elaborating on the Assam NRC row, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Rajya Sabha that it was a “fair and objective” process and reiterated that the list was merely a draft, and not the final one. “This entire process of preparing the NRC, it has taken place under the Supreme Court’s supervision. For further work, the court has already given directions. In a time bound manner, the government is committed to identify genuine Indians. It is a fair, objective process. There has been no discrimination. People will also get a chance to file their claims and objections and even then, if their names are not featured on the final NRC, they can approach the Foreigners’ Tribunal. There will be no coercive action taken,” he said. Loud protests are disrupting proceedings in Lok Sabha in the Parliament over the detention of the TMC delegation in Silchar. TMC MPs changed slogans even as other MPs continued asking questions during the Question Hour. The Parliament is likely to be dominated by issues such as MSP for Kharif crops, detention of TMC MPs in Silchar etc. in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Friday. After a TMC delegation was detained in Assam’s Silchar district on Thursday, the party’s leaders have been demanding a statement from Rajnath on the issue, further alleging manhandling of party MPs as well. Though Naidu gave an assurance that the home minister would give a reply, the TMC members continued their protest. One can expect unruly scenes in the Parliament on Friday, a day after an
eight-member Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation was prevented from meeting people in Silchar whose names were left out of the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. Protests over Assam NRC disrupts Rajya Sabha proceedings The issue of Assam’s NRC on Thursday rocked the Rajya Sabha, amid vociferous protests by TMC members, as the House failed to complete a discussion on the issue and a reply on it by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Trinamool Congress members forced an adjournment of the Rajya Sabha for the day just after 2 pm, amid strong protests by them over the issue. The House had witnessed an adjournment in the morning too. [caption id=“attachment_4801741” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of the Parliament House in New Delhi. PTI[/caption] Soon after listed papers were laid after the House assembled in the morning, Congress members created an uproar insisting on removal from the records certain remarks made by BJP chief Amit Shah during the debate on the NRC on Wednesday. Senior Congress MP Anand Sharma raised a point of order and insisted on removal of Shah’s comments. Several other Congress members were also on their feet to support Sharma. Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad too said that the record of proceedings of the House must be looked into. Sharma said Shah, during his speech on the NRC debate, had termed all prime ministers in office after late Rajiv Gandhi as “bujhdil’ (coward). In an apparent jibe on the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party, he said one of the prime ministers, Atal Bihari Vajpayee belonged to the BJP. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu assured Sharma that he would go through the records and asked Shah to resume his statement, which he had not been able to complete on Wednesday as the House was adjourned midway due to uproar. As Shah rose to continue his statement, there were protests from Congress and some other Opposition MPs too joined them. Naidu said it seemed some members were “not interested” in the discussion and warned Sharma that he would be named. He also advised members to maintain decorum and cooperate for orderly function of the House. The Congress MP said he would go out of the House. To this, Naidu said, “You go”. However, Sharma stood up only to resume his seat. As some Opposition members were still on their feet, Naidu adjourned the House till noon. The House reassmbled at noon and took up the Question Hour, which went on virtually without any hitch till the lunch break. When the House reconvened at 2 pm after the lunch break, Sukhendu Shekhar Roy of the Trinamool Congress stood up and raised a point of order as BJP President Amit Shah was asked to conclude his speech. Naidu responded to the point of order, saying he has allowed Shah to complete his speech. Roy said “if any member who is so called upon does not speak, he shall not be entitled except with the permission of the Chair. Here, in this case, one honourable member has already spoken. How can he speak twice? There is no provision in the rules.” Soon thereafter, Trinamool Congress members stormed the Well of the House raising slogans, with Naidu asking them to go back to their seats, saying he has allowed Shah to conclude his speech. However, the BJP chief was unable to speak amidst the slogan shouting and disruption. Naidu then said that the conduct of the protestors was unbecoming of Parliamentarians. “There seems to be a system, that you spoke, you had your say, it has gone on record, now you come and disrupt the House. So you don’t want to hear the reply,” Naidu said, asking Shah again to speak. But the BJP leader said if his speaking caused “so much fear, he can let go of the opportunity” to enable Naidu to run the House. “I know why they (opposition) do not want me to speak,” requesting Naidu to ask the Home Minister to make a statement. Then Naidu asked the Home Minister to reply to the debate. However, the TMC members who were shouting slogans from the Well remained unrelenting. Amid the unabated slogan shouting and disruption, Rajnath Singh sought the Chair’s permission to table his entire speech, saying that some members did not wish to hear the reply to the discussion on the NRC. “As some of the members do not want the debate to continue and are not willing to hear the reply of the Home Minister, I would like to thank the Home Minister for continuously coming here for three days,” Naidu said and then adjourned the House for the day. Lok Sabha passes Bill to give NCBC constitutional status On Thursday, a crucial Bill to provide constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes was passed unanimously by the Lok Sabha today with over two-third majority. The House passed the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill 2017, superseding the amendments by the Rajya Sabha, with all 406 present voting in favour after an almost five-hour debate in which 32 members participated. The passage of this major legislation comes ahead of the general election due early next year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present during the voting, congratulated Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot for successfully piloting the Bill. During the debate on the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill 2017, several members demanded a census to ascertain the population of other backward classes (OBCs) while some others pressed for making public the socio-economic survey of 2014. Over two-thirds majority voted in favour of the Bill, which is a necessity for amending the Constitution. The amendments moved by BJD’s Bhratruhari Mahtab were however rejected by 302 voting against it and 84 in favour. Replying to the debate, Gehlot said the government was committed to the upliftment of the downtrodden and backward classes of the society. He said the Union Cabinet had on Wednesday decided to amend the SC/ST Act to further strengthen the law to protect their rights. Citing various other steps taken by the government in this regard, he said a committee under Justice G Rohini has been set up to examine sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes. He said that while framing the rules, the government will ensure that one of the members of the Commission is a women. Gehlot said that states will have their own list of OBCs and can incorporate any caste into the OBC list. However, he added that they will have to approach the union government for inclusion in the central list. The Lok Sabha had on 10 April last year passed the legislation and sent it to the Rajya Sabha. On 31 July last year, the Upper House passed the Bill after incorporating certain amendments moved by the Opposition and returned it to the Lok Sabha for ratification of the amendments. The Bill provides for granting of constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) on par with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. It states that the President may specify the socially and educationally backward classes in the various states and union territories. He may do this in consultation with the governor of the concerned state. The duties of the NCBC include investigating and monitoring how safeguards provided to the backward classes under the Constitution and other laws are being implemented and probe specific complaints regarding violation of rights. Under this measure, the NCBC will have the powers of a civil court while probing any complaint. With inputs from PTI
Parliament Monsoon Session updates: Congress MP urges Centre to protect Meghalaya from Assam NRC 'rejects'
In the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Vincent Pala raised concerns about illegal influx in Meghalaya due to the release of NRC draft in Assam. “Due to uncertainty of implementation of NRC, there is a fear in Meghalaya that those unrecognised in Assam will go to Meghalaya. Therefore, I urge the central government to protect Meghalaya to avoid imbalance,” he said.
 "Parliament Monsoon Session updates: Congress MP urges Centre to protect Meghalaya from Assam NRC 'rejects'")
Lok Sabha takes up matters of urgent public importance; Congress MP raises concern over aftermath of NRC draft release
Congress MP Vincent Pala raised concerns regarding illegal influx of people in Meghalaya due to the release of NRC draft in Assam. “Due to uncertainty of implementation of NRC, there is a fear in Meghalaya that those unrecognised in Assam will go to Meghalaya. Therefore, I urge the central government to protect Meghalaya to avoid imbalance,” he said.
BJP MP says Centre must focus on decentralising system to empower district, regional councils
BJP MP Jagdamika Pai The pace at which women are progressing, the Centre’s decision have become women-centric. Be it PMAY or Saubhajya yojana, we have tried to empower women. In North East, there are women who are bringing medals for India.
“Vincent Pala’s (who proposed the bill) wish is that this bill will strengthen the council bodies, butthere is a need to decentralise the system to successfully implement this. Centre should empower states where sixth schedule is still applicable,” he said.
Lok Sabha takes up a Private Member Bill for discussion
The Lok Sabha has taken up the private member bill for discussion. The House is debating on the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2015, which was proposed by Vincent Pala. The bill seeks to amend the Constitution grant more powers to the District Councils and Regional Councils.
Rajya Sabha takes up special mentions
The Rajya Sabha took up special mentions in the House. Special Mentions allow members to raise an issue of public importance in the House, which may or may not come up for discussion under various legislative debates.
Rajya Sabha MPs can raise larger issues as they don’t face burden of elections, says Rakesh Sinha
Sinha said that the Rajya Sabha MPs do not face the burden of facing the elections and hence can function with a slightly long-sighted perspective as compared to the Lower House. He, however, expressed dissatisfaction on continued disruptions in the proceedings of the House. “We may even function for all the 365 days. But what if members disrupt everyday. Aren’t we responsible for the disruptions we witnessed in the last three-four days,” he said.
Nominated member Rakesh Sinha makes maiden speech in Rajya Sabha
Making his first ever speech in the Upper House, Rakesh Sinha spoke about the disruptions in House while reflecting upon the history of parliamentary culture.
Sinha said that in the past, despite criticism of political ideologies and public policies, the Tresury and Opposition benches maintained the parliamentary bonhomie. However, today disruptions have become far commoner than mature debates. Sinha said that the MPs must introspect on the increase in parliamentary disruptions and ensure that the House runs smoothly.
Lok Sabha takes up Private Members Bills
The Lower House is deliberating upon the Private Members Bills. As many as 100 such bills are listed to be introduced today, including key bills seeking to abolish death penalty in India, prohibit cow slaughter, population control etc.
Govt increased funds for sports development manifolds, says Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
In his reply to members on the National sports university, Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh said that the BJP government has increased the stipend for sportspersons from a yearly amount of Rs 850 to a monthly stipend of Rs 1000. He also said that the government has collaborated with private institutes to improve infrastructure for sports training.
National sports university can have branches abroad: Rajyavardhan Rathore in LS
“By 2019, the sports industry will be an $80 billion industry,” Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said in the Lok Sabha.
The minister said that knowledge was required for this industry. “It’s not like there isn’t any college or university in the country,” he said.
“But this sports university will address various issues. This will be for training of elite athletes and will also be for research purposes,” Rathore said.
“This university can have branches abroad too,” he added.
Demand for legislation to increase Parliament session time raised in RS
“A legislation should be passed mandating 100 days in the Parliament,” Congress’ Jairam Ramesh said in the Rajya Sabha. “Both Houses, or at least the Rajya Sabha, must begin its session at 10 am,” he also said.
“I think this is the least that the public expects from us,” he said.
Earlier, a SAD MP had complained that small parties do not get enough time to speak on important issues in both Houses.
CPM leader from Kerala demands centre of excellence in sports in the state
“I demand a centre of excellence in sports in Kerala,” MB Rajesh, CPM leader, said in the Lok Sabha.
“The government of Kerala will provide you land if you are willing to set up a centre of excellence for sports in Kerala,” the CPM MP said.
“It is a terrible state of affairs as far as sports administration is concerned…I hope everybody will agree with that,” Rajesh further said.
Need to get more sports funding, says BJD MP
Speaking about the lack of sports funding and the National Sports University Bill, 2018, BJD MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said, “The question before us is if it is too little, too late. I have respect for every kind of sportsman. We are unable to create platforms to push sports to get private funding. Countries like US and UK, which have lower populations, spend more on sports than we do. In India, cricket hogs the limelight. We need to do more to ensure that there is enough advertising revenue in all sports.”
TMC’s Prasun Banerjee bats for National Sports University all across India
“Why not Bengal, why not Punjab, why not all over the country?” asked TMC MP Prasun Banerjee on the establishment of National Sports University in Manipur. “Why not make one in Kolkata? Why don’t you host the World Cup here?” he asked.
‘Can’t make world champions on roti, aloo,’ says ex-footballer Prasun Banerjee; asks for increase in budgetary allocation
Former footballer and TMC MP Prasun Banerjee said though the National Sports University Bill, 2018 was introduced late but it was needed. “Sports is sports. There should be no politics in it. In my opinion, it is a good thing but I feel the sports budget should be increased. We are not getting anything. We can’t become world champions on roti and aloo. If needed, please talk to the prime minister and get the funds from there,” he said.
“In schools and colleges, make sports compulsory. Give more attention to swimming, wrestling, kabaddi. Before we even go to the sports events, Indian media asks us if we can win at all. Such negativity should be removed.”
India has worst medal tally per capita at Olympics, says TRS MP; extends support to National Sports University Bill
Calling it an ambitious Bill, TRS MP Jithender Reddy expressed his support and said India was in desperate need of fulfilling ambitions. He also mentioned Hima Das on winning her recent medal. Pointing out to the dismal condition of sports performance in India, Reddy said, “When we don’t have the system.. at the Olympics, we won our first individual gold in 2008. We won only two medals in 2016. India has the worst medal tally per capita. In comparison, China invests in talent from a young age.”
Speaking of budgetary allocation, Reddy said the financial budget reduced the allocation for sports this year.
Congress expresses support for the National Sports University Bill, 2018
Extending his support for the Bill, Congress MP Thokchom Meinya asked other members to support it as well. He also asked the government to set up a polo institute under the University in Manipur.
Must not to restrict ourselves to one National Sports University, says Anurag Thakur
BJP MP Anurag Thakur said in the Lok Sabha that we must not restrict to just one National Sports University in the country. Comparing India’s sports market with that of US, he asked what the government saw as India’s share in the global sports market. He also questioned how the sports ministry will bring up the level of the sportspersons to match international standards.
National Sports University Bill introduced on Wednesday
Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore introduced the National Sports University Bill, 2018 on Wednesday. It is the 6th bill tabled to place an ordinance during the Monsoon Session. The bill seeks to establish a National Sports University in Manipur and run two courses for now.
Lok Sabha skips lunch
Skipping lunch, Chair Pralhad Joshi has taken up the National Sports University Bill in the Lok Sabha.
Discussion on National Sports University Bill in Lok Sabha
BJP MP Anurag Singh Thakur said sports helps develop one’s personality. “The National Sports University should be treated as a axel at the centre of sports culture. We should join hands with the sports federation to ensure there is more collaboration. Only 1 percent of the children are sports-fit. Many of them are undernourished, addicted to drugs etc., and sports is the way ahead,” he said.
Railways buying Rs 7,000 crore worth machinery for modernising infrastructure, says Piyush Goyal
“We are buying machinery worth Rs 7,000 crore for modernising infrastructure in Railways. The next year, we will invest Rs 13,000 crore,” said Railways Minister Piyush Goyal in the Rajya Sabha.
Mallikarjun Kharge claims Centre trying to squash freedom of speech
Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge in Lok Sabha alleged that the government was attempting to silence media houses in the last four years, referring to the recent resignation of two ABP News journalists. “If there is no freedom of speech, how can we talk? If you want to shut down people, organisations who voice their opinions against you, it is wrong. It is an attempt to squash fundamental rights.”
In response, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, said that the Opposition was just raking up issues for no reason and claimed that the news broadcast by the channel was false.
Resignation of two journalists from ABP News Network — Managing Editor Milind Khandekar and journalist Punya Prasun Bajpai, has created a stir on Twitter, and caused the Congress to allege government interference in the functioning of the network’s newsroom. Bajpai ran a story on his show which showed video interaction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with beneficiaries of various government programmes held on 20 June.
Despite being told to go back, TMC delegation argued with security officers in Silchar, says Rajnath Singh
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that on the basis of intelligence inputs in Assam, the state authorities detained the members at the Silchar. “District administration requested them with folded hands and said it was not safe for them to go out. There was a little roughing up at the airport. At 1.55 pm, they reached the airport and were told to go back. They began arguing with the security officials. They were arrested under Section 151 CrPC. They sent to Kolkata and New Delhi after 7 am on 3 August.”
No civil war or bloodbath in Assam, says Congress
Hitting back at TMC, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said in the Lok Sabha, “There is no civil war, no blood bath in Bengal or Assam. Both peoples want to live together peacefully.”
BJP hits back over TMC issue in Silchar
The BJP asked why did the TMC delegation go there to create unrest and asserted that the state was peaceful and there was no problem.
Women in TMC delegation manhandled by Assam Police, says TMC in Lok Sabha
Speaking on the Assam NRC issue, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee in the Lok Sabha said, “80-85 percent of the 40 lakh people left out in the NRC final draft list, they are Bengalis. When the eight-member TMC delegation reached Silchar airport, they were detained under Section 151. It was made clear by the team that they were going there to conduct an assessment. The women were manhandled by the Assam Police. It was shown on every channel. A citizen of India has every right to move anywhere in India. It is a malafide action.” He also asked for a statement from Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the issue.
Calling it an “undeclared emergency”, Banerjee said that restricting one’s movements was an indication of it. “Are you afraid of the Opposition now? We condemn the actions of the police. We expected the Centre to take the appropriate steps but nothing has been done.”
Aadhaar registration was stopped midway in Assam due to NRC, says Ravi Shankar Prasad
“Aadhaar registration was stopped midway in Assam due to the NRC. It will be resumed soon after discussions,” said Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in the Rajya Sabha. To another question on the issue of Aadhaar details made public, he said, “In a digital world, it is important that one’s biometrics is not hacked.”
Ruckus in Lok Sabha
TMC MPs could be heard shouting slogans in the background in Lok Sabha even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan continued with the Zero Hour.
Flaws in NRC process, says Ghulam Nabi Azad
Responding to Rajnath Singh’s address in the Rajya Sabha over the NRC final draft, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said India’s soveriegnty and integrity cannot be compromised. “The government should have a database. We cannot leave open borders but ex-defence servicemen have not been included in the final draft. It is a dichotomy what Singh says over the “fair and objective process”. The home minister should admit that there are flaws in the process.”
‘Classic doublespeak’: Derek O’Brien on Rajnath Singh’s remarks on NRC
Calling Rajanth Singh’s comments a “classic doublespeak”, TMC MP Derek O’Brien said that communal disharmony is being spread, in response to the Silchar drama over NRC.
NCP asks what will happen to people left out of final NRC
Majeed Memon, NCP MP in the Rajya Sabha asked that after the claims and objections process is over, what view will the government take of the nearly 30 lakh people left out of the final NRC, considering Bangladesh has refused to taken them back.
Will names of poor missing from NRC final draft will get legal aid, asks Congress
Congress MP Bhubaneswar Kalita in hte Rajya Sabha says that people whose names missing from the NRC final draft are from the poorer sections of society. He asks if the government will provide any legal support to them to file their claims and objections.
Some people trying to communalise and internationlise NRC issue, says Rajnath Singh
Elaborating on the Assam NRC row, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Rajya Sabha, “Some people are trying to communalise and internationalise the issue (NRC). Peace, harmony and public harmony will be maintained. The Centre has deployed forces as requested from the state government.”
He clarified that 40 lakh persons have been left out in the final draft, not families, as mentioned by Opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. “Every citizen will get equal opportunity to prove their residency in due process. NRC is related to our national security. But there will be no discrimination and unnecessary harassment will not take place. We are committed to take the exercise to its logical conclusion,” said Singh.
Rajnath Singh reiterates NRC released is a final draft, not actual list
“I have seen that whenever national pride, security and sovereignty is presented before the House, there is always unity,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Rajya Sabha. Regarding the NRC final draft, Singh reiterated that it was not the final list. “According to the Assam Accord, signed in 1951, NRC was prepared then. Since 1979 to 1985, former PM Rajiv Gandhi had put a deadline to identify illegal foreigners. In 2005, under Manmohan Singh’s government, it was again taken up. In Assam, 2,500 NSKs have been set up for NRC,” Singh said.
He clarified the to establish legacy, documents such as land records, life insurance policy etc. can be submitted to prove their residence. “This entire process of preparing the NRC, it has taken place under the Supreme Court’s supervision. For further work, the court has already given directions. In a time bound manner, the government is committed to identify genuine Indians. It is a fair, objective process. There has been no discrimination. People will also get a chance to file their claims and objections and even then, if their names are not featured on the final NRC, they can approach the Foreigners’ Tribunal. There will be no coercive action taken,” he said.
Privilege motion notice from TMC in Rajya Sabha
Chair M Venkaiah Naidu said that he has received a privilege motion notice and asked the concerned members to respond before bringing into House. In response, TMC MP Derek O’Brien said that two TMC members were arrested for defying Section 144 in Silchar. Naidu asked MPs to cooperate and ensure the smooth running of the House.
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