File photo of New Parliament building.
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The government may not push for passage of the bill on appointment of CEC and election commissioners in the five-day session of Parliament that began Monday, sources said amid criticism of its provisions including by the opposition and former chief election commissioners.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Ever since it was announced that the Parliament session would be held from September 18-22, there has been speculation on various bills, including the women's reservation bill, that may come up during the session.
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While there was no official word on what transpired in the Cabinet meeting, which lasted for more than 90 minutes on Monday evening, speculations were rife that it approved the women's reservation bill.
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"Let them all take the credit. That is not the issue. While taking the credit, they all should support and vote for the bill and not object to it. When we look at the history of women's reservation bill, at different timelines, different parties have objected on various issues. This (Central) government has a historic opportunity to pass it single-handedly," says BRS leader Kavitha Kalvakuntla on political parties taking credit for the women's reservation bill.
On the Women's Reservation Bill, RJD MP Manoj Jha says, "For the first time there was no briefing in the cabinet meeting...We want more clarity on the intentions of the government on the Women's Reservation Bill. From Lalu Yadav's time, our party believes that if your idea is to expand the representation then it's not possible until you don't give quota to SC, ST and OBC. There needs to be a quota within the quota. If you don't do this then we have to fight a long fight on social justice..."
RJD MP Manoj Jha.
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On the Women's Reservation Bill, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says "We want the Women's Reservation Bill to be brought and passed as soon as possible. The demand for the Women's Reservation Bill was initiated by UPA and our leader Sonia Gandhi. It took so long, but we will be happy if this is introduced."
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.
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1. The Advocates (Amendment) Bill
2. The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill
3. The Post Office Bill
4. Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023
" As I belong to a tribal state, I want that in this bill that SC, ST and OBC women get reservations. If this does not happen then the upper-class women will take all the profit from it..."
JMM MP Mahua Maji.
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On the Women's Reservation Bill, AAP MP Sushil Gupta says, "For a decade this bill was pending after being passed by the Rajya Sabha. It should have been passed almost ten years ago when the Modi government came into power. For this, a special session had to be called. Better late than never, this should happen. Women should get their rights...AAP is always in support of the better representation of women...There's no doubt that the bill was passed in Rajya Sabha during the Congress government. But it could not be passed in the Lok Sabha. Both BJP and Congress are to be blamed for that time..."
“Women should get reservation (in the Parliament) as there has been an active fight for equal rights for women in the country.”
Group photo session held in the courtyard of the Parliament
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On Women's Reservation Bill, Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan says, "This is Congress's Bill. This was brought by Congress. In March 2010, it was passed by the Rajya Sabha. It has been 9.5 years since BJP came to power. Why did they think of Women's Reservation Bill right before the election? You want to have power but we will welcome the Bill if it comes before the House..."
Meneka Gandhi addresses in old Parliament hall.
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Special Session of Parliament: BJP MP Maneka Gandhi says "This is a historic day today and I am proud to be a part of this historic moment. We are going to a New Building and hopefully, this grand edifice will reflect the aspirations of a new Bharat. Today, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of addressing this esteemed assembly as the most senior parliamentarian in the Lok Sabha... I have spent most of my adult life in this institution and I have seen 7 Prime Ministers and the shaping of grand history. I had several terms as an independent member and finally joined the BJP under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Since then I have remained a proud member of BJP and this August House. I have tried to make the most of every minute I have spent here"
"My happiest moment was being given the responsibility by the Prime Minister, who coined the phase 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'. Within 2 years, we changed the thought of the country and the statistics show that it is a lasting change," says BJP MP Maneka Gandhi.
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Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.
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Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, "Having seized this opportunity, without making any compunction and without mincing any word, I must state that I feel elevated and elated of having stood in this podium which had witnessed a caravan of historical episode and numerous momentous events in the midst of the galaxy of luminaries who had racked up their brains and burned the midnight oil to frame the Constitution of India in this august House which was called the Constituent Assembly."
"...High unemployment rates pose a significant hurdle to leveraging this demographic advantage...It is essential to enable India's youthful population to contribute substantially to the country's economic growth and development. Despite India being the world's highest economy, our per capita GDP falls far behind that of developed nations. Tackling this economic growth challenge requires pro-growth government policies, mentoring low inflation, reducing interest rates, alleviating unemployment, fostering a skilled workforce, bolstering purchasing power, stimulating demand, and enhancing the healthcare and education sector..."
"Today onwards, our two Houses of the Parliament shall have sittings in the new Parliament building. We all know that this Central Hall has witnessed the transfer of power from Britain to Bharat..."
"I am very happy and enthusiastic about the functions of the two Houses of the Parliament henceforth from the new building which is the symbol of new and emerging Bharat paving the way for a developed nation, as envisaged by Prime Minister, by 2047."
Piyush Goyal.
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"Yesterday, we shared our memories and experiences in this Parliament building with each other. Today, moving to the new Parliament building is a historic moment which will be memorable for all of us," says Union minister Piyush Goyal at the event ahead of the Parliament being shifted to the new building.
Mallikarjun Kharge.
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Special Session of Parliament: Leader of LoP in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge says "We have all gathered here today the commemorate the rich legacy of the Parliament of India in this historic Central Hall. It is in this very Central Hall that the Constituent Assembly held its sitting from 1946 to 1949. Today we humbly recall the contributions made by Dr Rajendra Prasad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and BR Ambedkar..."
"This Central Hall was witness to Pandit Nehru's 'Tryst With Destiny' speech on the eve of India's Independence. Yesterday, the PM also mentioned this in his speech and I am thankful to you because you remembered the historic speech on yesterday's occasion," says Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge
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Om Birla.
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Special Session of Parliament: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla says "Today, we are moving to the new Sansad Bhawan with new aspirations...Today, people have high expectations from us and it increases our responsibility to live up to those expectations and aspirations..."
“Today, I express my gratitude to the great leaders who contributed in making the Constitution in this Central Hall, those who delivered on their duties in bringing social and economic reforms,” says Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his address at the event organised in Central Hall ahead of shifting of the Parliament to the new building.
"Today, we are going to do 'Shree Ganesha' of new future as we move to the new Parliament building," says PM Modi at the event organised in Central Hall ahead of shifting of the Parliament to the new building.
"...Muslim mothers and sisters got justice because of this Parliament, law opposing 'triple talaq' was unitedly passed from here. In the last few years, Parliament has also passed laws giving justice to the transgenders. We have unitedly passed laws that will guarantee a bright future for the specially-abled people. It is our privilege that we got the opportunity to abrogate Article 370 from the Parliament..."
"I had said from Red Fort - Yahi samay hai, sahi samay hai. If we look at the events one after the other, each one of them bears witness that today, India has reawakened with a new consciousness. India is filled with a new energy. This consciousness and energy can change the dreams of crores of people into resolutions and make those resolutions into a reality..."
"It was here in 1947 that the British did the transfer of power, our Central Hall is a witness of that historic moment," says PM Modi ahead of shifting of Parliament to the new building.
"Today we are moving to the new Parliament building with a repetition of our resolve of developed India and determination towards achieving it."
"Every law made in the Parliament, every discussion held in the Parliament, and every signal given by the Parliament should encourage the Indian aspiration. This is our responsibility and the expectation of each and every Indian. Whatever reforms are made here, Indian aspiration should be our priority. Can anyone ever make a big picture on a small canvas? Just as we cannot make a big picture on a small canvas, in the same way, if we cannot enlarge the canvas of our thinking, we will not be able to paint a picture of a grand India."
"...In the 25 years of Amrit Kaal, India will have to work on a larger canvas. The time for us to get caught up in smaller issues is over. First of all, we will have to meet the goal of becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat...It is the need of the hour, it is everyone's duty. Parties do not come in its way. Sirf Dil chahiye, desh ke liye chahiye."
Which Indian would not want us to be 'Aatmanirbhar' (self-reliant) in defence and manufacturing sectors? It is the need of the hour to achieve our resolve of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'."
"Now, we have to walk towards being the best in the world in the manufacturing sector. I had said from the Red Fort - Zero Defect, Zero Effect. There should be no defect in our products and the process should not have an effect on the environment. We have to go before the world with this 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect'..."
"...We have to make the right decisions at the right time for the future. We cannot restrict ourselves to just thinking about the political benefits...Knowledge and innovation are the demands and we should focus on it. After Chandrayaan-3's success, our youth is inspired by the science & technology sector. We do not have to miss this opportunity."
"I have a suggestion. Now, when we are going to the New Parliament, its (Old Parliament building) dignity should never go down. This should not be left just as the Old Parliament building. So, I urge that if you agree, this should be known as 'Samvidhan Sadan'..."
"Desirable results will surely be achieved on the path taken by the country. The faster we move, the sooner we achieve the results,.
PM Modi proposes that old Parliament building be known as 'Samvidhan Sadan'
As we move to new Parliament building, we should maintain prestige of old building: PM Modi
Our position as a 'friend of world' is helping all our citizens with a key role in global supply chains, place at major platforms: PM Modi
World's eyes are on India; during Cold War we were non-aligned, now we have different status, are moving ahead as 'vishwa mitra': PM Modi
We believe in equitable development; India's prosperity would be incomplete even if one part is lagging behind: PM Modi
Without social justice we can't achieve our goals; but debate around social justice has been narrowed, it needs to be widened: PM Modi
Jagdeep Dhankar.
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Special Session of Parliament | Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman says "On this momentous occasion, as we stand on the threshold of adding a new chapter to our Parliamentary democracy, I congratulate you all on our phenomenal rise. We all are privileged to witness this history as we bid adieu to this old Parliament building and move to the new one...Impactfully organised G20 resulted in the demonstration of India's global power. The new Building of Parliament, Bharat Mandapam and the YashoBhoomi are the most recent infrastructure masterpieces competing with the best in the world..."
As we march to new Parliament building, we must enhance cooperation, time for us to bid farewell to confrontational stance: Dhankhar
Time to bury strategy of weaponising disturbance, disruptions in Parliament as these are antithetical to democratic values: VP Dhankhar
Shimla: On the Women's Reservation Bill, Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh says, "Definitely in yesterday's cabinet meeting of the central government, they have talked about bringing Women's Reservation Bill. We welcome it...This issue has been continuously taken up by successive Congress governments in the past. In this context, in 2019 Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to PM Modi...As our national leaders have said when it is brought up again in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the Congress party will support it and help it to reach its logical conclusion. We believe that 'Aadhi Aabadi' should get their full right"
The Women invitee
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On the Women's Reservation Bill, LoP, Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan says, "We welcome the decision because, at the local body level, Rajiv Gandhi introduced one-third reservation for ladies. In 2008 Congress government tried to make legislation for the one-third reservation of women in the Parliament as well as in the Assembly. Unfortunately, we could not pass the bill on the floor of the Lok Sabha. We passed that bill in the Rajya Sabha. We didn't have enough majority in Lok Sabha to pass the Constitutional Amendment bill. We welcome it. We have already taken a decision in favour of the women's bill. If the Modi Government is trying to bring this Women's Reservation bill we will support it."
"...I extend my heartiest welcome to all of you in this new Parliament building. This occasion is unprecedented in several ways. This is the dawn of Azadi ka Amrit Kaal..."
"This is the first and historic session of the new Parliament building. I congratulate the parliamentarians and people of India," says PM Modi while speaking in Lok Sabha.
When we are starting a new chapter, we should forget all past bitterness, says PM Modi in new Parliament building
Women's reservation to come into effect after delimitation exercise undertaken and will continue for 15 years: Bill
When we are starting a new chapter, we should forget all past bitterness, says PM Modi in new Parliament building
Rotation of seats reserved for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies to take place after each delimitation exercise
Role of women extremely important for achieving goal of making India developed country by 2047: Govt
Whatever we do in this new Parliament building, it should be an inspiration to every citizen of the country: PM Modi
Women bring different perspectives and enrich quality of legislative debates and decision-making: Govt
Women participate substantively in panchayats, municipal bodies; their representation in state assemblies, Parliament still limited: Govt
PM Modi remembers those 'shramjeevis' who were part of the construction of new Parliament building
Parliament is supreme place to serve nation: PM Modi in new Parliament building
Parliament is not a place to work for growth of the party but for development of the nation: PM Modi
World is witnessing contribution made by Indian women in different aspects of life from sports to startups: PM Modi
World has recognised the women-led development process in country: PM Modi
We want that more and more women join the development process of the country: PM Modi
"Today when we are entering the new Parliament building, when the 'grih pravesh' of Parliamentary democracy is taking place, the witness to the first rays of Independence and that which will inspire generations to come - the holy Sengol - that which was touched by India's first Prime Minister Pt Nehru...That is why, this Sengol connects us to a very important past..."
"Samvatsari is also celebrated today, this is a wonderful tradition. Today is the day when we say 'micchami dukkadam', this gives us the chance to apologise to someone we have hurt intentionally or unintentionally. I also want to say 'micchami dukkadam', to all the members of Parliament and the people of the country."
"Chandrayaan-3's skyrocketing success fills every countryman with pride. Under India's presidency, the extraordinary organising of G20 became an occasion to make unique achievements like getting the global desired impact. In the light of this, the symbol of modern India and ancient democracy - proceedings in the new Parliament building begins today."
"I assure all the women that we are committed towards making this bill (on women reservation in Parliament and Assemblies) a law. I urge all the members of both the Houses to pass this Bill unanimously," says PM Modi in Lok Sabha.
"Discussion on Women's Reservation Bill happened for a long time. During Atal Bihari Vajpayee's regime Women's Reservation Bill was introduced several times but there was not enough majority to pass the Bill, and because of this this dream remained incomplete. Today, God has given me the opportunity to take this forward...Our government is bringing a new Bill today on Women's participation in both Houses..."
"Abhi chunav toh door hai, aur jitna samay hamare paas bacha hai main pakka maanta hoon ki yahan jo vyavahaar hoga yeh nirdharit karega ki kaun yahan baithne ke liye vyavahaar karta hai aur kaun wahan baithne ke liye vyavahaar karta hai..."
"Along with BSP, most of the parties will give their vote in the favour of Women's Reservation Bill... We expect that after the discussion this bill will get passed this time as it was pending for a long. I said earlier on behalf of my party in the Parliament that women get 50% reservation instead of the proposed 33% in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, keeping in mind the population of women. I hope the Government think about it. Also, a separate quota for the women from OBC, SC and ST sections should be ensured in the reservation for women," says BSP Chief Mayawati on Women's Reservation Bill
Law Minister Meghwal said that the number of women MPs in Lok Sabha will rise to 181 from 82 currently once women's reservation bill comes into force
Women's Reservation Bill poll 'jumla' as Modi govt yet to conduct 2021 Census and has said it will come into effect only after that: Congress
PM Modi is currently speaking in the Rajya Sabha in the new building. Calling it a historic and memorable day, the PM said the Upper House is known for meaningful debates. He welcomed all MPs to the new Parliament building.
In our Constitution, Rajya Sabha has been noted as the Upper House. The makers of our Constitution had visioned that this Assembly rise above the politics and become a center for serious discourse and discussion, said PM Modi.
The construction this new building and our entry in it will fill 140 crore Indians with a new spirit and new hope. We have to achieve our targets within stipulated time because the nation cannot wait much," says PM Modi in Rajya Sabha.
We got the opportunity to serve the country and take several crucial decisions in these nine years. Some of those decisions were hanging fire for the past several decades. Several of those issues were considered very difficult, and politically incorrect to even touch them. However, despite all this, we showed some courage. We did not have the requisite numbers in the Rajya Sabha, but we had faith that Rajya Sabha will rise over party-centric approach and decide in favour of the nation," says PM Modi in Rajya Sabha.
On Mallikarjun Kharge's statement, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "We respect the leader of the opposition but to make a sweeping statement that all parties choose women who are not effective is absolutely unacceptable. We all have been empowered by our party, PM. President Droupadi Murmu is an empowered woman..." Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge says, "Women from backward, ST don't get such opportunities which they are getting, this is what we are saying. FM says the LoP can't insult President Murmu like this.