Parliament Updates: Rajya Sabha convenes for the first time since LS polls; Modi introduces Council of Ministers in House

Rajya Sabha convenes for the first time since LS polls; Modi introduces Council of Ministers in House

Rajya Sabha convened on Thursday of for the first time since Narendra Modi came to power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced his council of ministers, while the speech of the president was laid on the table.  

President touches upon some controversial issues, speaks on triple talaq, NRC, one nation-one poll

The President also raises the contentious issues of the National Register for Citizens. "Foreigners entering India illegally are a great threat to internal security. My government has decided that the process of the NRC will be implemented on a priority basis in areas facing the infiltration problem." 

He also said that for women empowerment, it is important to rid India of practices like triple talaq and nikah halala.

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu starts speech, says reinforced mandate shows govt committed to development 

After the president of India concluded his speech, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu took the stage. He began by congratulating the newly-elected MPs and said that the reinforced mandate for the government show that in the first term government created hope for development. 

'Zero Tolerance for Corruption,' says President Ram Nath Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind stresses that there will be zero tolerance for corruption. "The campaign against black money will be carried forth at a faster pace, in the last two years, 4 lakh 25 thousand directors have been disqualified and 3 lakh 50 thousand dubious companies have been registered. 

Important to rid India of practices like triple talaq, nikah halala

"To ensure equal rights for women, it is important to do away with practices like triple talaq and Nikah-Halala," Kovind said. He also stressed upon the need to ensure women's security. He said that the government has brought in several tough legislation to ensure a safer atmosphere for women, and going forward, it will also ensure proper implementation of existing laws on women's security 

President Kovind praises Direct Benefit Transfer 

Addressing the joint session of Parliament, President Kovind said that the government's Direct Benefit Transfer scheme was an efficient way to ensure the government's schemes reaches the last man without any leakages. The president also said that the new channel of benefit transfer ensure that names of fake beneficiaries are eliminated from the lists and the schemes really reach the needy. 

He also advised all states to implement the DBT for disbursal of government funds and schemes. 

Modi govt first to act in favour of economic security for small businessmen: President Kovind 

For the first time, a government has taken note of the need for economic security of small shopkeepers. In the first meeting of the Cabinet, a separate 'pension scheme' has been approved for small shopkeepers and retail traders. The benefits of this scheme will be available to about 30 million small shopkeepers in the country, Kovind said, adding that the government aspires to take banking services to each and every citizen.

President advices govt to manage water resources better, spells out steps taken to improve conservation

"We have to conserve water for our future generations. In this direction, creation of Jal Shakti Ministry is a decisive step," the president said, highlighting the precarious situation of water resources in the country. He said that the government is committed to support all the states and regions hit by droughts and will implement schemes to ease the situation.  

President Kovind lays out roadmap for Modi Sarkar 2, says agriculture will remain in focus 

Speaking at the Parliament's Central Hall, President Kovind laid out the roadmap for the Centre in the next five years. Amid number of topics the president touched upon, agriculture and water resource management were among the key topics he stressed upon. 

Kovind said, "The government has decided to increase the scope of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Nidhi Yojna to include every farmer in the country." He also spoke of other agro-based schemes planned and implemented in the previous tenure, adding that the government was committed to increase the income of farmers. 

Sabka sath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas motto of govt, says President Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind  says Modi govt worked to herald new Bharat in previous term 

Recalling his previous address in the Central hall of Parliament, just before the commencement of the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha, the president said that the government had worked hard to help people out of their hardships arising from years of misrule. He also said that the Modi government was further committed to take the country forward on path of development. 

President Ram Nath Kovind begins address

President Ram Nath Kovind began his address by congratulating the new MPs and also mentioned that the higher number of women MPs in Parliament is good for democracy. 

Flanked by PM, Vice-President, President Kovind reaches Central hall

Flanked by Prime Minister Narendr Modi and Vice-President, President Kovind reaches Central hall. He will begin speech after the band plays National Anthem.

President arrives at Parliament with presidential guard of honour

As is the custom, President Kovind arrived at the Parliament premises with horse-mounted paratroopers who are part of the elite President's Bodyguard (PBG) team. The president will be recieved by Prime Minister Modi as per the decision. 

President Kovind to address joint session of both houses shortly  

President Ram Nath Kovind will address the joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament in the Central Hall at 11 am on 20 June. Both, the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, will start proceedings half an hour after the conclusion of the president's address. Thursday will also be the first day of Rajya Sabha since the election of a new government.