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Second Session of 18th Lok Sabha Ends; 12 Govt Bills Introduced, Four Passed

August 9, 2024, 7:46 pm

The Second Session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which began on July 22, 2024, concluded on Friday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the valedictory address, noting that the session included 15 sittings and lasted approximately 115 hours. He reported that the House’s productivity during this period was 136 percent.

Birla also highlighted that the Finance Minister presented the Union Budget for 2024-2025 on July 23, 2024. The general discussion on the budget lasted for 27 hours and 19 minutes, with participation from 181 Members. The Finance Minister responded to the discussion on July 30.

The Demands for Grants for selected Ministries and Departments were discussed from July 30 to August 5, and these grants were approved by the House. The Appropriation Bill was also passed on August 5.

During the session, 12 government bills were introduced, and four were passed. The passed bills include the Finance Bill 2024, the Appropriation Bill 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill 2024, and the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024.

Birla reported that 86 starred questions were answered orally, and Members raised 400 matters of urgent public importance during Zero Hour. Additionally, 358 matters were addressed under Rule 377.

The session saw 25 Statements made under Direction 73A, and a total of 30 Statements were presented, including two by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs related to parliamentary business and three suo motu Statements by Ministers. A total of 1,345 papers were laid before the House.

On July 22, a discussion on India’s preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games took place under Rule 193. On July 31, a Calling Attention Motion was discussed under Rule 197 regarding the loss of lives and property due to landslides and floods in various parts of the country.

Regarding Private Members’ Business, 65 Private Members’ Bills were introduced during the session. A resolution by MP Shafi Parambil on regulating airfare was discussed on July 26 but remained inconclusive.

The Lok Sabha also welcomed H.E. Ms. Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, on August 1.

‘Triple the Effort, Triple the Results’: PM Modi Outlines Vision for NDA’s Third Term

July 2, 2024, 5:52 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Tuesday that his government’s third term under the National Democratic Alliance signifies a commitment to working with triple the speed, energy, and effectiveness compared to previous terms. Speaking during a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha, he emphasized India’s current competitive position and the government’s ambition to surpass its own records set over the past decade.

“Our third term means we will work at three times the speed, we will put in three times the energy. Our third term means we will give three times the results to the people of the country,” PM Modi affirmed.

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi says, "Our third term means we will work at three times the speed, we will put in three times the energy. Our third term means we will give three times the results to the people of the country." pic.twitter.com/uGLvWZRLYk

— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2024

He further pledged to achieve the vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, promising dedicated efforts with utmost sincerity. Addressing disruptions from the opposition during his speech, PM Modi criticized the Congress party for its unprecedented defeat in three consecutive Lok Sabha elections, urging introspection rather than claiming victory.

Reflecting on India’s transformation since 2014, PM Modi highlighted the shift from despair to hope and confidence among citizens. He credited his government for numerous achievements and instilling a sense of optimism in the nation, contrasting it with the previous belief that “nothing can happen” in the country.

“In the last 10 years, my government has had many successes, many achievements, but one achievement which filled everyone with strength, was to pull the country out of the depths of despair and stand with hope and faith, self-confidence was built in the country…The country started believing, those who used to say before 2014 that nothing can happen, started saying that anything can happen in this country, everything is possible in this country, we did the work of instilling this confidence,” he concluded.

‘Martyrs’ Kin To Get Rs 1 Crore Compensation’ Rajnath Singh Responds To Rahul’s Crticism On Agnipath Scheme

July 2, 2024, 1:41 pm

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh responded to Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Agnipath scheme, labeling it as “misinformation.” Singh emphasized that the government provides Rs 1 crore compensation to the families of Agniveers in case of death.

Rahul Gandhi had attacked the scheme in a speech, accusing it of discriminatory practices in compensation and pension for Agniveers. According to the scheme, the compensation for death on duty is Rs 92 lakh, and for death off duty, it is Rs 48 lakh.

The Agnipath scheme recruits Agniveers into the armed forces for a four-year term, including training in the army, air force, and navy. After this period, 25% of Agniveers are offered permanent positions.

Compensation Details:

Agniveers have a non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh.
In case of death during service, an additional ex-gratia amount of Rs 44 lakh is provided.
The family also receives the service fund (Seva Nidhi), including interest and government contributions.
For death not on duty, the kin receive the life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh and the balance in the Seva Nidhi fund.
If disabled during service, Agniveers receive compensation of Rs 44/25/15 lakh, based on the disability percentage, full pay for the unserved period up to four years, and the Seva Nidhi fund balance.

Salary Structure:

First year: Rs 30,000 per month
Second year: Rs 33,000 per month
Third year: Rs 36,500 per month
Fourth year: Rs 40,000 per month

Each Agniveer contributes 30% of their monthly salary to the service fund, matched by the government. This results in an in-hand salary of Rs 21,900 in the first year, Rs 23,100 in the second year, Rs 25,550 in the third year, and Rs 28,000 in the fourth year.

‘Reduced BJP Numbers ‘Moral Victory for INDIA Bloc’ Says Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav in Lok Sabha Session

July 2, 2024, 12:20 pm

Criticizing the BJP-led NDA for its reduced numbers in the Lok Sabha election, the Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav called it a moral victory for the opposition INDIA bloc. He remarked that the public had humbled the government.

Speaking in Lok Sabha session on the Ayodhya election result, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav said that the victory in Ayodhya represented the democratic triumph of India’s mature voters.

#WATCH | Delhi: Speaking on Ayodhya Election result, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav says, "… The victory of Ayodhya is the democratic victory of the mature voter of India…" pic.twitter.com/zJwGswmZqo

— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2024

He further explained that the people had broken the pride of the government, stating that although the court was still in session, it was somber and lacked luster. He felt that for the first time, there was a defeated government, and the public believed that this government would not continue. He remarked that it was a moral victory for the INDI alliance in the elections and a victory of positive politics.

“Awaam ne tod diya hukumat ka guroor… darbar to laga hai… ghamgeen, benoor hai par… it feels that for the first time there is a defeated government. The people are saying that this government won’t run. It was a moral victory for the INDI alliance in the elections. It was a victory of positive politics,” he said.

President Draupadi Murmu Addresses Joint Parliament Today

June 27, 2024, 11:17 am

President of India Draupadi Murmu starts addressing the joint sitting of Parliament Today This is her first presidential address after the formation of NDA for the third term.

In the beginning of her address, she congratulated all the newly elected MPs. Quoting The Hindu she said ‘You all have come here by winning the trust of country’s voters. Very few get this opportunity to serve the nation and the people. I have full faith that you would fulfill your duties with a feeling of nation first.’

Later, After the President’s address, a motion of thanks will be moved in both houses of parliament. Which will be debated by the members.

Yesterday on wednesday, Om Birla was elected as Lok Sabha speaker for the second time, defeating opposition’s candidate K Suresh via a voice note.

Following speaker’s election, PM Modi congratulated Birla for his re-election saying, it’s a huge responsibility to handle during Amrit Kaal. This decision will be considered a golden period in the history of Lok Sabha.

Leader Of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also congratulated Birla, saying that speaker functions as a final arbiter for people’s voice.

Meanwhile, the first session of Rajya Sabha will begin today, while the first session of Lok Sabha will start on Wednesday.

Om Birla Elected As Lok Sabha Speaker, Defeating Congress Candidate K Suresh

June 26, 2024, 12:01 pm

BJP MP and candidate Om Birla has been elected as speaker of the lower house (Lok Sabha) for the second time on Wednesday.

After the win, Birla was respectively congratulated by PM Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Both accompanied him to the Speaker’s chair.

Besides PM Modi and LoP Rahul Gandhi, he was also escorted by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Watch The Video

#WATCH | BJP MP Om Birla occupies the Chair of Lok Sabha Speaker after being elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, LoP Rahul Gandhi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accompany him to the Chair. pic.twitter.com/zVU0G4yl0d

— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2024

PM Modi also declared that Birla’s experience will help in steering the nation further. Speaker Om Birla was contesting the election against Congress candidate K Suresh, who gave his name for the post, following the breakdown of talks between Ruling party and opposition.

During the election, PM Modi and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant respectively moved the motion for their respective candidates. The former motion was supported by many senior BJP leaders and its allies which included TDP, JDU, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Chirag Paswan’s LJP.

But despite the opposition’s support, congress candidate K Suresh lost the election by a voice note.

Opposition Pushes for LS Deputy Speaker Role; K Suresh Emerges as Potential Candidate

June 25, 2024, 12:19 pm

Opposition parties are currently in discussions to nominate their candidate for the Lok Sabha deputy speaker post, according to party leaders familiar with the situation on Tuesday.

This development occurs on the day when parties need to submit their candidates’ notices to the pro-tem Speaker by noon today.

The election for the speaker is scheduled for June 26.

“If consensus between the government and opposition is not reached, they may nominate their candidate for the Speaker’s election. K Suresh is likely to be their nominee,” senior opposition leaders said on condition of anonymity.

Suresh, who was overlooked for the pro tem Lok Sabha speaker position, highlighted that the appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker goes against the House’s established traditions, as he is the senior-most member of the Lok Sabha.

Suresh emphasized his experience, stating he has been elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) eight times, whereas Mahtab has been elected seven times.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Om Birla is expected to file his nomination for the Lok Sabha speaker post on Tuesday afternoon.

If elected, he would become the second pOm Birlaerson to hold the office for a second term.

18th Lok Sabha session: Opposition Shouts ‘NEET’ Amid Dharmendra Pradhan’s Oath Ceremony

June 24, 2024, 1:31 pm

The 18th Lok Sabha commenced today with Members of Parliament taking their oaths one by one, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s oath. However, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s oath was met with protests and slogans from opposition leaders in Parliament.

As Dharmendra Pradhan approached to take his oath, INDIA bloc leaders jeered with chants of “NEET,” criticizing the NDA government over alleged irregularities in the exam.

Opposition leaders raised these slogans in the Lok Sabha following nationwide outrage over inflated marking and paper leak allegations in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG).

Earlier, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had attacked the Centre over the NEET-UG 2024 exam irregularities and assured students that his party would address the issue in Parliament.

The first session of the Lok Sabha is expected to be contentious, with the Opposition likely to challenge the BJP-led NDA government on the election of the Speaker, and the allegations of paper leaks in NEET-UG and UGC-NET.

Outrage against the National Testing Agency (NTA) erupted after the agency postponed the NEET-PG exam hours before it was scheduled. Students who had traveled from different states to their exam centers protested, and the decision was criticized by doctor associations and student groups.

The NEET-UG exam, conducted in May, had its results declared on June 4. Due to grace markings at several centers, the scores of hundreds of students were inflated. This year, 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720/720 in the medical entrance test.

Amid these irregularities, the Centre formed a seven-member committee to investigate the NTA’s functioning and suggest examination reforms. The government also replaced NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh.

The investigation into NEET-UG irregularities and paper leak allegations has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Union Minister Athawale Supports Caste Census

June 24, 2024, 1:13 pm

Union minister Ramdas Athawale has expressed that his Republican Party of India (A) supports conducting a caste census in the country and believes a method should be found to implement it.

Speaking to reporters in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, Athawale also emphasized that there should be no malpractices in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and mentioned that the education ministry is taking all necessary steps to prevent future malpractices in the exam.

He noted that Article 17 of the Constitution, which aims to abolish caste discrimination, has created challenges for governments in conducting a caste-based census.

“My party demands that some way should be found because once the caste-based census is done, we will know the percentage of every caste in the population,” stated the minister of state for social justice and empowerment.

Athawale further mentioned that if future decisions involve extending reservation benefits to every caste based on their population, his party would not oppose it, acknowledging that poverty exists across all castes.

Criticizing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Athawale said, “I want to ask Gandhi that when the Congress was in power at the Centre, why was the caste census not conducted?”

The RPI(A) leader predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure 170 to 180 seats out of 288 in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections in October.

“Not the issue of Constitution but the issue of development will work in the Maharashtra elections. We will rectify the mistakes committed (in the Lok Sabha elections) and enter the electoral fray,” he added.

18th Lok Sabha Inaugural Session To Begin Today: PM Modi and New MPs to Take Oath

June 24, 2024, 7:48 am

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is set to commence on Monday, featuring the oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected Members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Anticipation of a tumultuous session is high as the opposition plans to challenge the BJP-led NDA government on several issues, including the election of the Speaker on June 26, allegations of paper leaks in NEET-UG and UGC-NET, and the controversy surrounding the appointment of the pro-tem Speaker.

President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath to BJP lawmaker Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Following this, Mahtab will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Leader of the Lok Sabha, to take his oath as a member of the House.

The election for the Lok Sabha Speaker is scheduled for June 26, followed by President Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament on June 27.

This session marks the beginning of the 18th Lok Sabha following the general elections, where the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 seats, and the INDIA bloc won 234, with the Congress holding 99 of those seats.

A meeting of the newly elected Congress MPs is set to take place at 10 am at the CPP office in Parliament today.

In light of the alleged irregularities in the 2024 NEET-UG medical entrance exam, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have criticized the BJP, expressing their support for the affected students.

The appointment of BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker is expected to be a contentious issue, with the opposition arguing that Congress Member K Suresh, the senior-most member, was overlooked.

Bhartruhari Mahtab will oversee the oath-taking of the newly elected members and the proceedings of the House.

The Congress has expressed strong disapproval of the central government’s decision to appoint seven-term BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as Pro-tem Speaker over the senior-most Dalit MP, Kodikkunnil Suresh of Congress, arguing that this decision deviates from the traditional practice of appointing the senior member.

Congress leader K Suresh stated, “We are claiming that an eighth-term MP should be the pro-tem Speaker…They have done wrong and now the whole country is criticising the decision of the BJP government.”

Congress MP Hibi Eden added, “There are certain customs related to the Parliament of India, and it is always the senior-most member irrespective of the party, who is given the opportunity to become the pro-tem speaker… Unfortunately, a Dalit member, who is an 8-time MP from Kerala has been denied the right to become the pro-tem speaker. This shows the attitude of the NDA government towards the Dalit and the oppressed community of this country. They have violated all the traditions and customs… Even though this session is hardly for 8 days, it should have been in consensus with the opposition because we are representing almost 45 percent of the country.”

President Murmu has also appointed Suresh Kodikunnil, Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste, and Sudip Bandyopadhyay to assist the pro-tem Speaker in administering the oaths of the newly elected members.

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will be held from June 24 to July 3 for the oath/affirmation of newly elected Members. The 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will also commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3.

Additionally, the Samajwadi Party Parliamentary meeting is scheduled for Monday in Delhi, to be chaired by the party’s National President Akhilesh Yadav.

The previous session of the 17th Lok Sabha (Budget session) took place from January 31 to February 10, 2024.