Parliament Updates: Rajya Sabha passes Finance, Appropriation bills; Smriti Irani tables bill to amend POCSO Act

Lok Sabha is adjourned till 11 am on 24 July

Those who lynch people are not called terrorists, says DMK’s Ravikumar

DMK’s Ravikumar spoke against provision of declaring individuals as terrorists. “They don’t call those who lynch people as terrorists. Those who kill people in the name of honour killing are not called terrorists. The definition of an act of terror is not commensurate with the UN definition. The law’s provisions are vague,” he said.

The law will be used to target people speak against the government, he said. “I’m not expressing fear but I say this law’s aim is misuse,” he concluded.

Rajya Sabha passes Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill

Govt is taking steps to supplement farmer income, says Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha

Starting her responses to comments and questions by members of the Rajya Sabha on the Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill, Nirmala Sitharaman said that steps to bring down the angel tax have been welcomed by the startups. 

Under direct taxation, we are pre-filling tax forms to reduce hassle, she said. She also said that the Customs Act has been touched upon with the aim of higher compliance. Centre’s assistance to states has substantially increased by Rs 1.33 lakh crore, she said adding that news print attracted basic customs duty earlier too.

“Diesel or petrol are refined products from crude oil which are completely imported. Today, inflation is at rock bottom. We are not unmindful of implications that the cess has on farmers which is why we are taking steps to supplement farmer income,” she said.

“Direct Taxation code is something on which immediate attention will be given by the government,” she assured the Upper House.

What is the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019?

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 provides for empowering the Director General, National Investigation Agency to grant approval of seizure or attachment of property when the case is investigated by the said agency. It also looks at amending Section 35 of the Act to empower the Central Government to add to or remove from the proposed Fourth Schedule, the name of an individual terrorist and other consequential amendments relating thereto. The Bill suggests inserting a new clause (ba) in Section 43 of the Act to empower an officer of the rank of Inspector of National Investigation Agency to investigate the offences under Chapter IV and Chapter VI.

Meenakshi Lekhi asks LS members to support UAPA Bill

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Meenakshi Lekhi said, “All the amendments are technical in nature. I request all members to support the bill with an open mind. This Act intends to ensure that every Indian feels secure.”

She countered Tewari saying it’s not a dangerous law but a soft law. The history of the Act began in 1967, she said. She said that till you don’t control the individual how can you control the organisation. 

Whatever the changes are brought in they are technical in nature, she said adding the Opposition should also let its technical hold go like China did on Hafiz Saeed. “The Ravan of today which can appear in the form of an NGO here or a social activist there should be dealt with and to do that such laws are needed,” she said.

Don’t make India a police state, says Congress’ Manish Tewari on UAPA Bill

Beginning the discussion on the UAPA Bill in Lok Sabha, Congress’ Manish Tewari said that there is widespread misrepresentation that a strong law can curb crimes, when history has shown that violent separatist movements have been resolved through dialogue.

Refuting Amit Shah’s claim that POTA was repealed for the appeasement of the vote bank, Tewari said that the process to humanise POTA began during NDA’s tenure. He added that senior BJP leader LK Advani had said that POTA was being misused and a POTA review committee was formed.

He urged the government to not make India a police state.

MoS Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy tables UAPA Amendment Bill

Tabling the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019, Minister of State Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said the Bill would give the government to seize properties owned by terror outfits in multiple states. It would also enable officers the DCP and ACP, like inspectors or above rank in NIA, to investigate offences under UAPA.

Stressing that the Bill is meant to fight against terrorism, he urges the Lok Sabha to pass it.

The number of terrorist incidents in hinterland during last decade as compared to the previous decade have reduced by 70 percent and the number of terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have reduced by 86 percent, i.e. 23,290 to 3,187.

Lok Sabha passes the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019

Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 is take for clause-by-clause voting

Amendments are moved by Opposition leaders, including Sougata Roy, NK Premachandran, Supriya Sule and Kanimozhi.

Technology can bring down accidents, says Nitin Gadkari

Admitting that the designs of national highways have faults, Nitin Gadkari said that the responsibility of safety lies not just with the Centre, but also with the states, municipal corporations. He added that 22 green highways are being made.

He said that technology can bring down accidents. “There is a system that doesn’t allow the vehicle to run if the driver is under the influence of alochol. Similarly those driving without seat belts can be alerted in the police control rules,” he said. Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned how these targets will be accomplished if India doesn’t have spare parts for electric vehicles.​

Gadkari assured that accidents will come down after the Bill comes into effect and black spots will be eliminated. He says the Bill aims to remove red tapism, bureaucracy, improve safety standards. “This is the beginning of change. I appeal the House to support and pass the Bill and not demand amendments,” he concluded.

States should join National Transport Police, even though it is not mandatory, says Nitin Gadkari

Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari assured that the rights of states won’t be taken away, adding that they can continue to run road transport, even if it is making losses. He told the House to support an increase in the ticket price by 15 percent and give the poor AC buses.

National Transport Policy involves national mobility and inter-state mobility, he said.

On Sougata Roy’s comments, Gadkari said one day it will be possible to travel from Delhi to Kolkata through inland waterways. “We are operating freights now, but we don’t make promises that can’t be implemented. The transport sector is progressing, but there is lack of technology right now,” he said.

Stressing that the transport ministry wants to convert knowledge into wealth, Gadkari said that even though it is not mandatory for States to join, all States should join in the National Transport policy.

On the topic of dealers directly getting Registration Numbers, Gadkari what will an RTO inspect in a brand new vehicle. “Dealers, in reality, don’t take vehicle to the RTO office. They bribe the officials. We want to end that,” he said.

“We removed the education clause after Haryana CM requested so. Many truck drivers lost driver’s licence because they couldn’t prove they have passed eighth class,” he said. He said that the ministry will educate, train and sensitise drivers in the absence of the educational qualification requirement.

Opposition leaders discuss the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019​

RSP’s NK Premachandran said that with this Bill, the central government is encroaching upon the rights of the states.​

VCK’s Thol Thirumavalavan asked why toll plazas still function if there is road tax.​

TMC’s Protima Mandal compares toll of road accidents with that of deaths resulting from flight crashes in India.

YSRCP member M Bharat urges that steps be taken to ensure that stray cattle is kept away from highways.

Nirmala Sitharaman moved the Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill in Rajya Sabha

Meeting of all Opposition leaders is underway at the office of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad

PM didn’t come to the House despite MPs’ appeal: Ghulam Nabi Azad

The Opposition got together to corner the government over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on US President Donald Trump’s statement over the Kashmir issue. Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad said in the Rajya Sabha that despite the members urging the prime minister to come to the House and speak, he didn’t do so.

‘We are not rubber stamps’, says Ghulam Nabi Azad**; Congress walks out of Rajya Sabha**

“This is Rajya Sabha…it has a way to function…it can not be run like a department of the government. We are not willing to be rubber stamps,” said Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad in the Upper House. Congress walked out of Rajya Sabha in protest against the government stand that prime minister Narendra Modi will not respond on Donald Trump’s remarks on the Kashmir issue.

IUML backs Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill

IUML MP Nawas Kani supported the amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act while pointing out how the country lost several luminaries, including former President Zail Singh, in road accidents. He cited overloading of vehicles, non-wearing of helmets as the major causes behind road accidents. “States must strictly implement road safety rules, he said during the discussion on the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 3 pm

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 3 PM following an uproar by Opposition MPs where there were raising slogans of “Pradhanmantri jawab do,jawab do,jawab do”. They’re seeking a reply from PM in Parliament on statement of US President that PM Modi had asked him to mediate in Kashmir issue

Supriya Sule welcomes Motor Vehicle Bill but raises few questions 

Supriya Sule supported the Bill but posed a few questions. “How will it be a seamless process if several states opt out of centralising drivings licence? How will you make electric buses cost-effective? How will all four modes of transport — air, water, rail and road — be integrated?,” Sule asked.

Commotion in Rajya Sabha over Trump’s Kashmir claim; Opposition MPs demand Prime Minister’s statement in House

Prakash Javadekar slams Opposition’s conduct in Rajya Sabha

BSP supports Motor Vehicle Bill 

Danish Ali of BSP supported the Bill but sasid that driving licenses should not be granted easily. He supports the Bill, saying more safety provisions should be introduced in the Bill. Where public transport is concerned, the government tends to withdraw itself, he says. “It is a good thing that the Road Transport Minister has a great vision,” he adds. Double-decker buses and vehicles run by electricity should be introduced in the first phase of implementation, he says.

“Many times, toll gates have permanent barriers on the exempted lanes meant for ambulances,” he says. Untrained drivers and conductors, and illegal transport should be looked into.

US, Indian govt sources claim no mention of Kashmir in Osaka, claim reports 

India Today and CNN-News18 reported quoting US and Indian bureaucratic sources that the Kashmir issue was not discussed at the Osaka summit at all. The news channels said that the scope of discussion at the bilateral meet between Trump and Modi on the sidelines of G-20 summit was mostly about trade and defence ties.

BJP leaders, Speaker pay tribute to Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his birth anniversary 

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid tributes to freedom fighters Bal Gangadhar Tilak on the occasion of his birth anniversary, in the Central Hall of Parliament House on Tuesday.

Parliament session to be extended by 10 days: Reports

The Monsoon Session of the Parliament will be extended by 10 days to clear the bills pending before the Houses. News18 reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told the MPs that the current session of the 17th Lok Sabha which recorded the maximum number of working hours will be extended.

TMC MP Saugata Roy says Donald Trump’s statement is in violation of India’s stand on Kashmir

TMC MP Saugata Roy said that US President Donald Trump’s statement claiming that Narendra Modi requested him to mediate on the Kashmir issue was in violation of the stated position of India that it won’t bear any third party mediation on the issue.

Weak foreign ministry denial won’t do, PM must answer: Rahul Gandhi treats on Kashmir mediation row 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to slam the government on Donald Trump’s statement. He said that if what the US president claims is true then the Prime Minister Modi not only violated the standing treaties but also betrayed the interests of the nation. 

Lok Sabha starts legislative business post Congress walk out, Kanimozhi raises questions on Motor Vehicle Bill 

Kanimozhi (DMK) said she has concerns on the Bill, since none of the amendments suggested by parliamentary standing committee has been included in the Bill.

She claimed that even though the Minister promised that  the states can opt out, but it is only a promise and not mentioned in Bill. She accuses the government of infringing on the States’ rights. As she speaks, Nitin Gadkari walks in, “I was complimenting you, when you were not here,” she tells him.

She says the road transport in Tamil Nadu is run by the State. It is not a profit-making corporation, but we wanted to ensure last mile connectivity. If private players are encouraged, they will only think about profits, she claims.  When the State is doing well, why should the Centre intervene, she asks pointing out that Tamil Nadu has reduced road accidents.

With just ₹314 crore budget allocation, how will the government reduce road safety, she asks. Doing away with mandatory education for drivers will only lead to promoting illiteracy, she warns and seeks to remove the clause.

Opposition MPs stage a walkout in LS over Donald Trump’s claim on Kashmir mediation  

Opposition walked out of the House over their demand for Prime Minister’s response on “statement of US President Trump that PM Modi had asked him to mediate in Kashmir issue”

Massive uproar in Lok Sabha as S Jaishankar gives statement on Trump’s claim 

The Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar was trying to clarify India’s stand on Donald Trump’s claims made while meeting Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. However, the Opposition MPs started protesting loudly in the House, drowning out Jaishankar’s voice. On Amit Shah’s intervention, Jaishankar was allowed to read out his statement again after the Congress MPs had walked out.

Narendra Modi should clearly call out Donald Trump’s ‘Kashmir mediation’ claim a lie, demands Manish Tewari in Lok Sabha

Demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Donald Trump’s claim on Kashmir, Manish Tewari of the Congress said that Modi should address the House and categorically clarify whether Donald Trump was lying when he attributed the conversation to Narendra Modi.

We believe Narendra Modi over Trump’s statement, but PM should issue statement in House, says Ghulam Nabi Azad

Speaking outside the Parliament building, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Congress was ready to believe the prime minister’s side of the story over Trump’s claim on India requestig him to mediate the border dispute with Pakistan. However, he added that if Trump was lying then the prime minister need to appear in Parliament and clarify his stand himself.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 PM amid sloganeering

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2 PM, following an uproar by Opposition MPs where there were raising slogans of “Pradhanmantri jawab do,jawab do,jawab do” and “Pradhan Mantri sadan me aao”. They’re seeking a reply from PM in Parliament on statement of US President that PM Modi had asked him to mediate in Kashmir issue

Dont’s think Trump will joke to Imran Khan about serious matter like mediation in Kashmir, says Ghulam Nabi Azad

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azaad stated that he does not believe that US President Donald Trump would have claimed that India asked him to mediate in Kashmir issue in jest. He said that the US president is expected to know the complexity of the Kashmir issue, and also India’s long-standing position that the dispute must be resolved bilaterally. 

“No matter which govt was in power at Centre in past,our foreign policy has been that Kashmir is bilateral issue and no 3rd party can intervene,” he says. “There is no doubt about that and nobody is questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I personally don’t think Trump would tell Pakistan’s Imran Khan that Modi has asked US to mediate,” he added.

Opposition demands Narendra Modi’s statement on Trump’s claim

Opposition MPs, including D Raja and Anand Sharma, demanded that since Trump directly attributed India’s so called demand for US to intervene in Pakistan matter to Narendra Modi, the prime minister should himself clarify in House the government’s stand. There was massive uproar in the House after S Jaishankar sought to wind up the matter, with a short but clearly worded statement.

Watch: S Jaishankar’s statement in Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm amid uproar

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 12 PM following an uproar by the Opposition over the statement of US President Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate in Kashmir issue.

You trust US president more than Indian govt? Chairman Venkaiah Naidu asks protesting Opposition MPs

Chairman Venkaiah naidu took umbrage to the fact that the MPs launched loud protests despite EAM S Jaishankar’s clarification on Donald Trump’s offer to mediate between India, Pakistan on Kashmir issue. Naidu asked the protesting MPs why they weren’t satisfied with the government’s clear and categoric reply. “Do you trust a foreign government, the US president more than your own government,” Naidu asked. 

“It is a national issue. Country’s unity, integrity and national interest is involved, we should be seen speaking in one voice,” Naidu told the MPs