Parliament Live: Rajya Sabha passes UAPA Amendment Bill

Rajya Sabha on Friday held a vote on provisions in Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Bill. On Wednesday, the upper house passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019. In Lok Sabha, Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was passed. The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2019 was also passed in the lower house. On Tuesday, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 was passed. On Friday, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act(UAPA) Amendment Bill passed in Rajya Sabha.

Congress never compromised on terrorism: Digvijaya

We doubt their(BJP) intent. Congress never compromised on terrorism that is why we had brought this law. It is you who compromised on terror, once during the release of Rubaiya Saeed ji and second by letting off Masood Azhar: Digvijaya Singh

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'This will lead to large-scale harassment and injustice'

Opposition parties on Friday slammed the amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act which will empower the government to declare individuals as terrorists, saying the new law was "draconian" and could be misused against anyone opposed to the ruling establishment.

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The Parliament on Friday approved an amendment to the anti-terror law to give powers to the central government to designate an individual as a terrorist and seize his properties.

While Lok Sabha had passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 that seeks to amend the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 on July 24, Rajya Sabha approved it by voice vote on Friday after rejecting an opposition-sponsored motion to send it to select committee.

Rajya Sabha rejected the opposition-sponsored motion to send the amendment to select committee with 104 votes against it as compared to 85 in favour.

The House passed the amendment to the law with 147 votes in favour and 42 against it.

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Rajya Sabha passes UAPA Bill with 147-42 vote margin

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act(UAPA) Amendment Bill passed in Rajya Sabha

Watch Live: Proceeding from Rajya Sabha

House adjourned till 2:35 p.m

We have always supported UAPA amendments: Shah

When we were in opposition, we supported previous UAPA amendments, be it in 2004,'08 or '13 as we believe all should support tough measures against terror. We also believe that terror has no religion, it is against humanity,not against a particular Govt or individual: Amit Shah

No one's human rights will be violated, four stage scrutiny will be there: Home Minister on bill seeking to declare individuals as terrorists.

Track record of NIA in conviction in terror cases outstanding: Home Minister Amit Shah in RS

BJP govt rejects charge that it is bulldozing bills

Theopposition onWednesdayhitoutat thegovernmentbothinsideandoutsideParliamentandaccusedit of notkeepingitswordonsendingsomebills,includingthe triple talaq bill, toselectcommitteesassuggestedbythem.

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Nitin Gadkari on the passing of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in Rajya Sabha

Parliament passes tougher motor vehicle law

Parliament on Wednesday approved the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which seeks to improve the road safety, imposing a hefty fine against traffic rule breakers and using technology to weed out corruption in the system.

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LS nod for bill to ensure speedy eviction from govt accommodations

Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed abillfor speedy eviction of unauthorised occupants of government residential accommodations, with Union Minister Hardeep Puri slamming the "culture of impunity" in the national capital.

Responding to the debate on the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) AmendmentBill, 2019, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said it was a good time to push through the legislation as many MPs were waiting for their new accommodation.

Lok Sabha results were declared on May 23 and all members who lost elections were supposed to vacate the homes by June 23, but even after more than two months the ministry is still issuing routine notices, he said.

"There is a culture of impunity which has been operating in Delhi... many leaders came to me saying they don't want to vacate their homes as it will lower their prestige and 'jo hoga dekha jayega'," Puri said urging that there is need to change this approach.

Govt allocated Rs 20,000 cr for 'Namami Gange' in last 5 yrs

The government on Wednesday asserted in Rajya Sabha that it is committed to cleaning the river Ganga and has earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for the 'Namami Gange' programme in the last five years.

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Inter state river water dispute bill passed in Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill that seeks to streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes.

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Rajya Sabha list of business: July 31, 2019

Nitin Jairam Gadkari to move that the Bill further to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as passed by Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration.

Amit Shah to move that the Bill further to amend the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, as passed by Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration.

(Source: Rajya Sabha Website)

Rajya Sabha LIVE

Rajya Sabha adjourned

The Rajya Sabha has adjourned till 11 a.m tomorrow, July 31, 2019.

Triple Talaq Bill - another milestone

Instant triple talaq is now made a criminal offence as the Rajya Sabha passed theamendment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019. The practice of instant divorce by Muslim men will be punishable by a jail term of up to three years.

The controversiallegislation was passed following non-aligned BJD extending support and NDA constituents JD-U,AIADMK and BSP members walking out.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha last week.

A historical wrong done to Muslim women corrected: PM

Companies (Amendment) Bill 2019 moved to be passed by Fin Min

Fin Min Nirmala Sitharaman moved the motion for the Bill be passed by the Sabha.

The Speaker gave statutory resolution on The Companies (Amendment) Second Ordinance, 2019,promulgated by the President of India on February 21, 2019.

There are 81 compoundable offences that carry punishments of a fine and/or prison terms, under the 2013 Act.

The amended Bill makes 16 of these offences civil defaults, where government-appointed adjudicating officers may levy penalties.

LS passes Code of Wages Bill, 2019

The Code on Wages Bill, 2019 was passed by the Lok Sabha. The Bill proposes the provision of four existing laws that ensure legislative protection of minimum wage to the workforce in the country.

Companies (Amendment) Bill 2019 is moved

Fin Min Nirmala Sithraman moves the Bill for the amendment of the Companies Act 2013 in the Rajya Sabha.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader, Naresh Gujral begins his argument pointing out a change in the clause, requesting the companies with a payed-up capital of five crore,to have a secretary, irrespective of its turover.

Triple Talaq Bill passes with amendments.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 is passed, by 99-84 votes, with amendments, by the Rajya Sabha.

Ravi Shankar requests the Bill to be passed

Law Minister Ravi Shankar has moved the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 to be passed.

Elamaram Kareem's motion defeated.

Opposition Motion by CPI(M) speaker, MP Elamaram Kareemto send Triple Talaq Bill to a Select Committee defeated 84-100.

Voting on Triple Talaq Bill in Rajya Sabha

The voting for the Triple Talaq Bill is underway and the voting is to be donethrough voting slips.

The parties who oppose the Bill are:

Trinamool Congress, AIADMK, DMK, CPI(M), BSP, Samajwadi Party, Congress, J&K PDP, YSR Congress, TDP, RJD, JD(U), NCP, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

Ravi Shankar Prasad replies to Ghulam Nabi Azad

Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Minister of Law and Justice, counters Ghulam Nabi Azad's argument over the Triple Talaq Bill.

Hon' Chairman takes the Chair

Vice President of India, Hon' Rajya Sabha Chairman, Venkaiah Naidu, takes the Chair of the House.

AIADMK walkout

AIADMK members later staged a walkout.

Another BJP ally, Janata Dal-United also opposed the Bill and staged a walkout. Although these NDA allies opposed the Bill, their walkout from the House would help the government in the passage of the Bill. (ANI)

Later,BSP also walks out of Rajya Sabha.

Binoy Viswam opposes the Bill

Speaking against the Bill, Binoy Viswam of CPI, Kerala, said that Triple Talaq was dead during the SC verdict in 2013. He called the reiteration of the Bill now is a "fantastic political drama".

He asked as to why women are not allowed to join RSS and why is no equal status for women in the RSS.

Work-friendly uniforms or Salwar kameez for women with rank

DP Vats (BJP) said during the Zero Hour,raised the issue of work-friendly dress for women in uniform and urged respective ministries to allow them to wear clothes which are both convenient and dignified.

"Through you, I want to request ministries concerned that the option of wearing safari uniform or salwar kameez with rank badges as per respective dress colours may please be permitted for women in uniform. This will be more work-friendly," he said.

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TDP to not vote on Triple Talaq Bill

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has decided not to vote on the Triple Talaq Bill.

The real motive is destruction of families: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Azad pointed out that thebill is for protection of rights on marriage but the real motive behind it is the destruction of families.

We don't duplicate the Muslim countries: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Leader of Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said that the government adheres to apex court only when it suits them. Stating that "Muslims are used as lab rats", he said whenapex court has ended Triple Talaq, then what is the punishment for.

He said that the Bill has to be sent to a Selection Committee, who can decide will seewhat to take and what to exclude.

Consumer Protection Bill, 2019

Lok Sabha passes Consumer Protection Bill 2019. ThisBill seeks to establish the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to protect and enforce consumer rights.

Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita takes the Chair.

MP of Rajya Sabha for Assam,Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita has taken the Chair.

Sanjay Singh resigns

The Hon' Chairman has accepted Congress MP Sanjay Singh'sresignation, and it will be effective from today, July 30, 2019.

Dola Sen begins her speech.

West Bengal state president of the Indian National Trinamool Trade Union Congress (INTTUC), Dola Senquestioned Bill's clauses onthe bailing of the husband, how he can manage to pay the fine if he is in jail and the additional burden over women.

She also stated that theyare all for women empowerment andshe requested that the Bill not be passed today, and be sent for scrutiny to a special committee.

She was followed byJaved Ali Khan ofSP,Uttar Pradesh andNavaneethakrishnan ofAIADMK, Tamil Nadu.

YSR Congress to oppose Bill.

YSR Congress to oppose the Triple Talaq Bill. TRS to walk out.

AIADMK to walk out from Rajya Sabha on Triple Talaq Bill

Rajya Sabha adjourned for lunch

JD(U) members stage walk out

"Supreme Court has already struck down the practice of Triple Talaq and declare it is illegal. Thisis a law now. How can you bring another law above an existing law?," says Dr Amee Yanik of Congress.

"It (accident of Unnao rape survivor) should not be politicised, CBI inquiry is already underway, FIR has been registered. Government is investigating with impartiality,"Pralhad Joshi,Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister in Lok Sabha.

"People of India are feeling ashamed today due to Unnao incident, it's a blot on civilized society, where a minor girl was gang-raped. A truck hit victim's car (in Raebareli) and killed a witness, victim and her lawyer are in critical condition. We demand that the Home Minister comes to the House and gives a statement. What kind of a society are we talking about, where such an incident (accident of Unnao rape case victim in Raebareli) happened with the victim," says Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Lok Sabha.

Congress leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and 5 other party MPs give Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over "gruesome crimes against women, a matter of great concern (in connection with Unnao)". (ANI)

Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister of Law and Justice, to table "The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 in Rajya Sabha at 12 pm on Tuesday.

What does Triple Talaq Bill hold for Muslim women?

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 will be tabled in Lok Sabha today by the Minister of Law and Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad. The bill replaces an Ordinance promulgated on February 21, 2019.

While the Bill is being re-introduced in Lok Sabha, let us see what it contains.

Triple talaq bill in Rajya Sabha today

The Opposition will insist on sending the bill to a Rajya Sabha Select Committee for further Parliamentary scrutiny. Last week, the Lok Sabha has passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, a pet bill for the BJP, which is popularly known as the triple talaq bill.

The Opposition will insist that the bill had never been scrutinised by a parliamentary committee earlier when it was passed at least twice by the Lok Sabha during the first term of the Narendra Modi government.

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Monsoon Session: Key Dates

June 17-18: Oath of newly-elected Lok Sabha members.

June 19: Election of Lok Sabha Speaker.

June 20: President Ram Nath Kovind to address join sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

July 4: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present Economic Survey to Parliament.

July 5 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present Union Budget 2019-20.

Amid Opposition fears, battle over bills to begin on Monday

The central government is looking to table 15 bills in the Lok Sabha and 18 bills in the Rajya Sabha from Monday duringthe extended sessionof Parliament even as Opposition parties accused the government of rushing through legislation without any parliamentary scrutiny.

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Nirmala Sitharaman: Budget 2019 reflects the government's firm commitment to substantially boost investment in agriculture, social sector particularly in education and health.

Farmers' situation terrible, says Rahul Gandhi in LS

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday claimed the condition of farmers in the country was "terrible",a charge countered by Union minister Rajnath Singh, who said people who ran the government for decades were responsible for the situation of farmers.

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Govt needs to hike defence spending: Manish Tewari

Congress MP Manish Tewari on Wednesday raised in the Lok Sabha the issue of falling defence allocation in the Union Budget and pointed out that China's defence spending has been growing.

He expressed the hope that the government would address the issue and the concern would be taken care of in the upcoming Budget.

"China is spending more on defence. Their defence spending has grown over the years," Tewari said in the Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour.

Citing a Parliamentary panel report, he said, the country's defence expenditure was reduced to 1.60 per cent of the GDP in 2017-18.

It further came down to 1.52 per cent in the interim Budget for 2019-20.

Raising the issue of death of construction workers in Pune and Mumbai, Girish Bapat (BJP) said there is an urgent need to implement Development Control (DC) Rules so that they are brought under the safety net.

Last week, 40 construction workers died in Pune and 20 in Mumbai.

Since construction workers are part of the unorganised sector, they don't come under the safety net, he added.

C P Joshi (BJP) said the Rajasthan government has failed to implement farm debt waiver as promised, forcing farmers to commit suicide.

The Congress had promised to implement farm debt waiver in 10 days of coming to power but they have failed to do so, he said.

Gaurav Gogoi (Cong) raised the issue of financial distress of PSUs in the country.

The House has discussed the poor financial health of state-owned BSNL and MTNL, he said, adding, India Post too is under stress.

India Post has made a loss of Rs 15,000 crore, he said, urging the government to devise a plan and mechanism to revive such PSUs and make them financially viable.

Govt neither divesting nor privatising ONGC: Pradhan

State-run ONGC will neither be disinvested nor privatised but only oilfields discovered by it are being monetised through a transparent bidding process to ensure the country's energy security, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

During Question Hour, he also said that synergy between ONGC and HPCL is fully a corporate decision.

"There are two challenges with regard to natural resources. One is to keep an estimate on how much we have and the other one is to monetise it. Disinvestment or privatisation of ONGC is not happening," Pradhan said.

In a transparent bidding process, the government is keeping some of the discovered oilfields of ONGC on a public domain based on criteria which will produce more and pay higher to the government, he said. "We are just monetising. ONGC can also reinvest and other government firms can also do so. Technology companies across the globe can also invest," he said. At a time when India is importing 80 per cent of its crude oil requirement, there is a need to monetise natural resources, he added. The minister said the government is not privatising the ONGC but adopting a new model wherein both public and private players can participate in oil production.

To a query on ONGC and HPCL, the minister said, "Earlier, ONGC was into production alone. Bringing synergy between ONGC and HPCL, we are able to establish ourselves as one of the top 20 companies in the world. It's market appreciation has increased. It is fully a corporate decision taken in the interest of the country."

Government's decisions are not done secretly. In the last Budget, the finance minister had talked about taking measures to ensure energy security in the country. All these measures are in that direction, he added.

153 children died of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Bihar: Govt to Rajya Sabha

As many as 153 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) while 720 such cases were reported in Bihar till June 28 this year, Minister of State for Health, Ashwini Kumar Choubey has said.

He was asked about the steps taken by the government to investigate the cause of deaths and the remedial measures adopted.

According to figures available till June 28 this year, the number of AES cases - 720 and number of deaths - 153, the Minister informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The minister elaborated on a number of measures that the Union Health ministry initiated to support the state in containing AES cases while adding that "as per Constitutional provisions, health is a state subject".

Choubey, in his reply, said that Union Health Minister had reviewed the situation with his counterpart in Bihar and also with officials from the ministry.

A central team of experts consisting of public health specialist from various central government institutes was deputed to assist the state government in taking containment and management measures, he said.

He further said the minister had also visited Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital, (SKMCH) at Muzaffarpur in Bihar.

The Ministry further deployed another high-level multi-disciplinary team to Muzaffarpur after drawing senior paediatricians from various central government institutes to advise the state government in its efforts to manage the cases.

Epidemiologists from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), senior paediatricians, laboratory technicians from central level are present in Muzaffarpur since June 12.

Strategic Health Operations Centre (SHOC) facility of NCDC was activated to monitor the AES situation in Muzaffarpur and co-ordinate tasks at the field level, he stated.

Choubey said that the ministry had deputed five teams of doctors along with technicians from Central government hospitals to SKMCH to support clinical management.

Govt examining EC's proposal to put a cap on party's poll expenditure: Prasad

An Election Commission proposal to put a ceiling on expenditure incurred by political parties during polls on the lines of candidates is under examination of the government, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

In a written response, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the poll watchdog has proposed that there should be a ceiling on party's expenditure in all elections on the lines of a cap on expenditure for candidates.

"The proposal is under examination of the government," he said.

Based on a March 2015 consultation on political finance and a Law Commission report on electoral reforms, the Election Commission had in April 2015 issued an outcome paper which had recommended that like individual candidates, there should be a ceiling on expenditure made by political parties.

The EC had told the government that there was a 'general agreement' among participants who were part of the consultation on electoral reforms.

At present, while there is a ceiling on campaigning fund for individual candidates in the electoral fray, there is no such cap on the money political parties can spend for electioneering.

"The ceiling on expenditure must include the period before the announcement of elections when political parties engage in widespread mobilisation and electioneering," the EC paper had said.

Uproar in LS as DMK member objects to Kiran Bedi's tweet

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday rushed to the Well of the House after DMK member T R Baalu raised objections over a tweet by Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi.

This is for the first time that opposition members have entered the well of the House in the new Lok Sabha.

Leader of the DMK in Lok Sabha Baalu cited a tweet by Bedi and said it "belittled" state MPs. He also sought government's reply on this.

Speaker Om Birla interrupted him, saying Bedi holds a constitutional post and Baalu could give the statement in writing.

Baalu was, however, unsatisfied with this. He was also joined by other MPs.

With the Speaker unrelenting, DMK members also joined Baalu and protested against the tweet.

DMK MPs also rushed to the Well of the House. DMK MPs were also joined by Congress members.

AAP's lone MP Bhgawant Mann also joined them in the Well.

Mann was also seen having a brief chat with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress Leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the issue cannot be discussed during Zero Hour and members have to submit a motion for discussion on this as Bedi holds a constitutional post.

Defence Minister and Deputy Leader of the House Rajnath Singh intervened in the matter. Singh also asked the opposition to move the motion if they wanted a discussion on this issue.

During the Zero Hour, there was also a verbal duel between members of the TMC and BJP MPs from West Bengal. On Tuesday, BJP members from West Bengal and TMC MPs also indulged in a verbal clash.

RS bypolls: Gujarat Congress MLAs to shift to Mount Abu

Fearing cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha bypolls for two seats, the Gujarat Congress is taking its MLAs to a resort in Mount Abu in neighbouring Rajasthan. The party said that the MLAswill be going to Abu on Wednesday evening and will return hours before the scheduled polls in order to "thwart BJP's attempt of luring the MLAs for cross-voting."

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Demand made in RS to increase size of 'pucca' homes under PMAY

A demand was made in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday to increase the size of 'pucca' homes being constructed under the flagship housing scheme Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

The government said the scheme is being implemented in consultation with state governments.

"Under the scheme, the prescribed size is 30 square metre pucca home with a toilet and kitchen, etc. If there are suggestions, the state government can provide," Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said during the Question Hour in the Upper House.

The demand was made by BJP MP from Gujarat C K Gohel. Responding to a query on providing budgetary support to develop infrastructure in Bengaluru which is getting congested, Puri said the Centre is providing support through various central schemes to Karnataka but the state government has to send proposals for specific things. "Land and colonisation are state subject. It is entirely upto the state to develop plans. However, we have central government interventions through PMAY, smart city programmes and Swacchh Bharat Mission under which funds are provided to the state," he added.

The question was raised by Congress MP from Karnataka B K Hariprasad.

More effective steps needed to deal with obscene ads: Javadekar

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar Wednesday said "more effective steps" are needed to deal with obscenity and vulgarity in advertisements in the media.

Responding to concerns raised by SP member Ram Gopal Yadav in the Rajya Sabha during the Zero Hour, the minister said as many as 6,700 complaints have been dealt with.

"Still, I believe more effective steps are required," Javadekar said as he agreed with Yadav that it was an important issue.

Yadav demanded a ban on such advertisements to protect culture from bad influences.

The SP member said there was a rise in obscenity and vulgarity in advertisements shown in electronic as well as print media, including magazines.

He said it was even difficult to watch news shows on television along with the family because of such advertisements shown during breaks.

The senior SP member said the country was moving towards a "moral crisis" and the spread of nudity and alcoholism was on the rise.

According to him, vulgarity was responsible for increasing crime against women.

'Language, banking system impending trade with central Asia'

Language barriers, weak banking system and poor connectivity are some of the key factors impeding higher level of trade with Central Asian countries, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said inLokSabhaon Wednesday.

Goyal said efforts are being made to boost trade by resolving various trade related matters through existing institutional mechanisms between India and Central Asian countries.

"Some factors impeding higher level of trade with Central Asian countries include language barriers, stringent process of registration of products, problems in dispute settlement, weak banking and financial system, low accessibility, poor connectivity and visa issues with these countries," he said during Question Hour.

Central Asian countries Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EaEU).

The minister said a joint feasibility study has been conducted to explore possibility of free trade agreement with EaEU in which Russia, Armenia, Belarus are the other three countries.

The Joint Feasibility Study (JFS) has found there is a significant realizable potential to enhance bilateral trade with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan through a trade agreement, he said.

Govt looking to expedite Barhni-Kathmandu rail project

The government is looking to expedite the proposed Barhni-Kathmandu railway project and is awaiting Nepal's concurrence for the inter-governmental agreement.

Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi told theLokSabhathat the External Affairs Ministry is following up with Nepal and is looking to expedite the process for the project.

During the Question Hour, he also said that survey for the five kilometres of the line in Indian territory has been completed.

The survey for new broad gauge line from Barhni, in Uttar Pradesh, to Kathmandu was sanctioned in 2015-16.

In a written reply, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said work on the proposed project can start only after the intergovernmental MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) is signed, for which concurrence/comment of the Nepal government is required.

In September 2016, the Indian government shared a draft MoU with the Nepal government regarding reconnaissance engineering-cum-traffic survey of the proposed broad gauge line.

"However, no response has been received from the Government of Nepal on this proposal till date," Goyal said.

Need few lakh crores to eliminate level crossings: Goyal

The Railways need a few lakh crore rupees and a few years to eliminate all 21,000 manned level crossing across the country, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Goyal said there were 21,340 Manned Level Crossings (MLCs) and 1,048 Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs) in the country as on April 1, 2019.

"We need a few lakh crores rupees and a few years to completely eliminate all 21,000 manned level crossings," he said during Question Hour.

The money is required to construct underpass or overbridges to replace the railway level crossings.

The minister said out of the 21,340 manned level crossings, 20,993 are on broad gauge (BG), 136 are on metre gauge and 211 are on the narrow gauge.

Goyal said so far as gauge-wise breakup of unmanned level crossings are concerned, record number of of 3,479 unmanned level crossings were eliminated in 2018-19 out of which 1,714 were eliminated in one month i.e. September 2018.

"As of now, all UMLCs on broad gauge have been eliminated on January 31, 2019, 348 UMLCs exist on metre gauge and 700 UMLCs are on narrow gauge," he said.

International Arbitration Centre Bill introduced in LS

A bill to set up an independent and autonomous regime for institutionalised domestic and international arbitration was introduced in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) Bill, 2019, seeks to replace an ordinance issued in March this year by the previous government.

It provides for setting up of an independent and autonomous body for institutional arbitration and to acquire and transfer undertakings of the International Centre For Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR) to the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) with effect from March 2 this year.

Opposing the introduction of the Bill, Congress member Shashi Tharoor said the arbitration body should be autonomous and independent of government as several public sector undertaking will be a party to it.

Tharoor also urged the minister to withdraw the bill and come with a stronger bill.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who moved the bill, said the existing arbitration body has resolved 55 cases in 25 years.

He said the government was keen to see India emerge as an international arbitration hub.

Seeking to assuage concerns over the bill, Prasad said he will respond to all concerns when replying to the debate when the draft law comes up for passage.

Electoral reforms debate in RS today

Sparks will fly in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday afternoon as a united Opposition is all set to take on the Narendra Modi government on electoral reforms raising the issue ofpossible EVM manipulation while the ruling BJP is likely to focus on simultaneous polls. The short duration discussion on the need for electoral reforms in the country came following a notice by 12 Opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, Left parties, SP and BSP among others. PDP and nominated MP KTS Tulsi also gave separate notices.

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MP Ramgopal Yadav seeks ban on 'vulgar' advertisements

Ramp walk by models in undergarments and sleazy advertisements are "deliberate" and it could disintegrate Indian culture, senior Samajwadi Party MP Ramgopal Yadav said on Wednesday as he demanded a ban on "vulgar" advertisements.

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Debate on Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill underway

Amit Shah lays down NDA's Kashmir policy in RS

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the NDA-2 government's approach towards Kashmir would be guided by the three principles of Jamooriyat (democracy), Insaniyat (humanity) and Kashmiriyat (the spirit of Kashmir) - terms coined by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to offer a healing touch to the conflict-affected population of Jammu and Kashmir.

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CEA 'excited' to present Economic Survey in Parliament

Chief Economic Adviser K V Subramanian Tuesday said he was looking forward to presenting the new NDA government's first economic survey in Parliament with excitement.

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'Received representation for reduced gold custom duty'

Certain representations have been received from traders for a reduction in customs duty on gold, Parliament was informed Monday.

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Duration of Monsoon Session of Parliament

The Monsoon Session of the Parliament begins on June 17 and ends on July 26. In this session, the Lok Sabha is expected to transact business for 30 days while Rajya Sabha proceedings will take place for 27 days.

Oppn to raise EVMs during electoral reform debate in RS

The opposition will speak in one voice in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday seeking to corner the Narendra Modi government on EVMswhen a short duration discussion on electoral reforms will be taken up.

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Kashmir: Opposition changes its 'batting order'

Opposition on Monday changed its "batting order" for the debate on extending President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir and the bill to provide reservation for certain classes.

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Rahul Gandhi meets Delhi Cong leaders, advises them to put up a united face in Assembly polls

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday met senior leaders of the party's Delhi unit including its president Sheila Dikshit and advised them to put up a united face before the opposition in the upcoming Assembly elections next year.

Gandhi was also urged by leaders of the Delhi unit to reconsider his decision to step down as party chief but the former did not show any signs of relenting, a senior Delhi Congress leader present in the meeting said.

Ram Vilas Paswan elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Bihar

Union minister andLokJanshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan was on Friday elected unopposed to the RajyaSabhafrom Bihar.

He was declared elected and the certificate was handed over to him, Bateshwar Nath Pandey, the Returning Officer and secretary to Bihar Legislative Assembly, told PTI.

The certificate of election was given to him in presence of a host of senior NDA leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

TheLokJanshakti Party chief has been elected to the Upper House in a by-poll necessitated by the resignation of his cabinet colleague Ravi Shankar Prasad, who got elected to theLokSabhafrom the Patna Sahib seat in the general elections.

It was EC's decisions not to hold assembly elections now in J&K due to security issue: Jitendra Singh

Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh Friday said BJP was ready for assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the final decision on the matter will be taken by the Elections Commission after considering security related issues.

Participating in the debate on a Resolution seeking Lok Sabha's approval to extend president's rule in Jammu and Kashmir for another six months, Singh said the BJP is a party with difference and unlike other parties, BJP workers remain active throughout the year. "Some political parties accuse the BJP that it does not want assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir...We respect the Election Commission and CBI.

It was the decision of the EC to not conduct assembly elections now in Jammu and Kashmir due to security related issues," he said. The Minister further pointed out that BJP cadres work throughout the year, unlike other parties, in which workers get active only during elections time. He said that those parties which did not participate in the Panchayat and Municipal eletions in Jammu and Kashmir are talking about automony of the state.

Singh also opined that if India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had allowed Vallabhai Patel to handle the Jammu and Kashmir situation, the history of the state would have been different. "Nehru thought that he knew Jammu and Kashmir better than Patel....Otherwise the history of Jammu and Kashmir would have been different," he said.

Singh also accused leaders of the National Conference (NC) of political opportunism. Claiming that militancy was on its way out, Singh said that "we are going through the last phase of militancy in Kashmir. You note this and after few months we will again deliberate on this. "I am making a serious allegation before I conclude and I have no hesitation to do so. There is a vested interest in Kashmir in the continuation of militancy," he said.

Lok Sabha gives nod to Govt resolution seeking extension of President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir from July 3

The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed in Lok Sabha

Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

Some say there is an atmosphere of fear there. Those who are against India should have fear in their hearts. We are not part of tukde tukde gang. We are not against common ppl of J&K, we have started the process of providing them jobs and all govt schemes.

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Amit Shah in Lok Sabha: There was a time when there was no sign of India in Kashmir. State Bank of India signboard was seen with a cloth covering 'India' word. Murli Manohar Joshi and Narendra Modi risked their lives and unfurled tricolour at Lal Chowk. We were not in power then.

Modi govt has zero tolerance policy towards terror: Amit Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted in the Lok Sabha that the Modi government has 'zero tolerance' policy towards terrorism and its ideology is to ensure the protection of borders and make the country free of terrorism.


Replying to a statutory resolution seeking Lok Sabha's nod to extend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the government has spent Rs 2,307 crore to upgrade security apparatus in the state. Hitting out at the Congress and then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he said one-third of Jammu and Kashmir is not with India.


"Who is responsible," he asked drawing a sharp reaction from Congress members. The House witnessed disruptions over Shah naming Nehru. Continuing his attack on the opposition party, he said so far Article 356 (President's Rule) was imposed 132 times of which the Congress used it 93 times to dismiss state governments.

He also said the government withdrew security of 919 people in the state as there was no security threat.

Shah said people speak against India in Jammu and Kashmir to get security cover. In fact, he said, people who speak for India face the real threat.

Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

In 1953 when SP Mukherjee ji entered Kashmir protesting against the two Prime Ministers in a country rule he was thrown in jail. His death was also not probed. Why? Was he not a senior opposition leader? A leader from Bengal, a former Union Minister?

Surgical strike and air strikes carried out in India's self defence, says Amit Shah

One-third of J&K is not with us; who is responsible for it, asks Amit Shah attacking Cong in Lok Sabha

We have never used Article 356 for political purposes to dismiss state governments but Congress has: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

Security of 919 people in J&K withdrawn after review by govt as they had no security threat, says Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

We will target root of terrorism inside Pakistan: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

Govt has spent Rs 2307 crore to upgrade security apparatus in J&K: Amit Shah in LS

So far Art 356 (President's Rule) imposed 132 times of which Cong used it 93 times: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha: Why wasn't Jamaat-e-Islami banned till date? Who did you want to please? It was BJP govt that banned Jamaat-e-Islami. Who put the ban on JKLF? It was BJP who did it.

Modi Govt has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards terror: Amit Shah

"Narendra Modi Govt has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards terror and I am sure we will be successful in achieving it with the help of our citizens."

Home Minister Amit Shah to speak in Lok Sabha at 2:30 pm (ANI)

Working on long term plan to deal with AES: Govt

The government is working on a long term plan to deal with the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) which has left over 100 children dead in Bihar this year, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare said on Friday.

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Shah moves to extend Prez rule in J-K for 6 months

Home Minister Amit Shah Friday moved a statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha to extend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir for a period of six months.

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SP wants compensation for people killed by stray cattle

The Samajwadi Party in the Rajya Sabha Friday demanded compensation for people killed by stray cattle and insurance cover for crops damage caused by them.

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AICC legal chief quits, asks others to follow suit

Taking a cue from Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Vivek Tankha, the chairman of the AICC’s Legal, Human Rights and RTI Department announced his resignation from the party post with an appeal to party leaders to follow suit.

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In Rajya Sabha today

Vijay Pal Singh Tomar to move a resolution for the establishment of a Rashtriya Kisan Ayog (National Farmers' Commission) with constitutional status, to resolve problems being faced by the farmers

Chhaya Verma to move a resolution to guarantee equal employment opportunities and equal pay to every citizen of the country and toremove the constraint of prescribed maximum age for joining government service if a person fulfils all the requirements including educational qualifications

Manoj Kumar Jha to move a resolution totake cognizance of the continued illegal employment of persons for manual scavenging; amend PEMSRA toincrease compensation for persons employed in manual scavenging in violation of the law and who die in sewer drains and septic tank and to constitute an institution to modernise sanitation and sewer system and to mechanise all the sewer and septic cleaning work all over the country.

ISRO forms new PSU to commercially exploit technology

The ISRO has formed the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a public sector undertaking (PSU) that will commercially exploit the research and development work of the space agency, co-produce PSLV and launch satellites through SSLVs, the government said.

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Govt tables a bill in LS for institution-wise roster system

The Government on Thursday introduced a bill in LokSabhato restore institution-wise roster system for direct recruitment of teachers and implementation of quota in such appointments in the central universities and other higher educational institutions.

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LS clears bill to extend Homeopathy council board

The Lok Sabha on Thursday cleared a bill that seeks to replace an Ordinance extending the term of a board of governors, set up to exercise the powers of the Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH), for yet another year.

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Draft NEP: Deadline to submit comments to be extended

The deadline for public comments on the draft of the new National Education Policy (NEP) will be extended by a month till July 31, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said in the Rajya Sabha.

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Revival of Jet Airways possible only under IBC: Govt tells Lok Sabha

The revival of grounded Jet Airways is now possible only under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the government on Thursday informed Parliament.

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Improve conditions of state-run hospitals: Roy

TMC member Saugata Roy on Thursday demanded the government take steps to improve the condition of state-run hospitals and reduce child deaths.Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour, Roy said infrastructure in the Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital in the national capital was not adequate to meet the demand of patients.

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Naidu asks govt to look into issue of universities advt for teaching posts without reservation

The issue of four universities advertising for filling up vacancies of teaching staff without providing for 50 per cent reservation to reserved classed was raised in theRajyaSabha on Thursday, prompting Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu to direct the government to look into it.

Raising the issue through a Zero Hour mention, Javed Ali Khan (SP) said the government had in March promulgated an ordinance restoring the old system of reserving teaching posts in public institutions of higher education.

Despite this, the Central University of Punjab, Karnataka University, Tamil Nadu University and Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh have advertised for recruitment of assistant professors, associate professors and professors which is not in conformity with the reservation policy, he said.

(PTI)

Issue of steep airfares raised in Lok Sabha

Members of the opposition in the Lok Sabha on Thursday flagged the issue of steep airfares especially during natural calamities like cyclones and riots.Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said airlines set their fares in different segments.

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Health Minister has not issued a statement on issue of children's death in Muzaffarpur: Roy

Prof. Saugata Roy in the Lok Sabha said that the Health Minister has so far not issued a statement on the important issue of death of children in Bihar.

Govt does not decide airfares: Hardeep Singh Puri

On a question by Anil Firajiya about airlines charging arbitrary fares, Mr. Puri says that that the government does not decide airfares, but only asks airlines to openly advertise their fares.

Ramya Haridas seeks central assistance for airports near pilgrimage centres

Congress Member Ramya Haridas sought Central assistance for construction of airports to pilgrimage centres such as Sabarimala in Kerala. Minister Hardeep Singh Puri replied saying that the government has nearly 100 such proposals under consideration.

MPs need to find out why work has stopped: Gadkari

Replying to a question as to why work has stopped or is proceeding at a slow pace, Nitin Gadkari said that MPs should find out why and follow up with local authorities.

Watch Live: Proceedings from Rajya Sabha

Watch Live: Proceedings from Lok Sabha

Businesses to be tabled in Rajya Sabha today

Piyush Goyalto move that the Bill to further amend the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, as passed by Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration.

Rewati Reman Singh to call the attention of the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to the situation arising out of climate change in the country and the steps taken by the Government with regards to it.

Businesses to be tabled in Lok Sabha today

Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister, to table a Bill to further amend the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and Dentists Act, 1948.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, N K Premachandran, Shashi Tharoor and Saugata Roy to move the resolutions saying the House disapproves of the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 and Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 promulgated by the President on 2 March, 2019.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Law Minister, to move that the Bills to amend the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 and further to amend the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002, be taken into consideration.

Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' to introduce a Bill for reservation of posts in appointments by direct recruitment of persons belonging to the SC/ST, the socially and educationally backward classes and the EWS, to teachers' cadre in certain central educational institutions established, maintained or aided by the Central Government.

No proposal to close MTNL, BSNL; revival plan under preparation: Prasad

The government on Wednesday clarified there is no proposal to close state-run BSNL and MTNL, which are facing financial stress due to stiff competition and high employee costs, and added that a comprehensive plan for their revival is under preparation.

The loss-making telecom firms have approached the Department of Telecom for immediate help as they are facing financial stress, which has aggravated due to the tariff war triggered by the entry of Reliance Jio.

BSNL's market share, despite cut-throat competition, increased to 10.72 per cent from 9.63 per cent on pan-India basis during the same period.

(PTI)

Lynching: Why single out Jharkhand, asks Modi in RS

Breaking his silence on the lynching of a Muslim youth in Jharkhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the incident "pained" him,but sought to paint a picture that the Opposition was not treating such incidents in non-BJP-ruled states on an equal footing.

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Does PM want Rajya Sabha to be a rubber stamp: Cong

The Congress on Wednesday rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim that the latter had to plead with the Opposition for early scheduling of his speech in the Rajya Sabha as he had to depart on an official visit to Japan.

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IAF lost 27 aircraft in crashes since 2016: Govt

The Indian Air Force lost 27 aircraft, including 15 fighter jets and helicopters, in crashes since 2016, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said on Wednesday.

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Govt's top priority is to get permanent seat in expanded UNSC: V Muraleedharan

The government has accorded highest priority to getting permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and is actively engaged in the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations on UNSC reform, said Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Wednesday.

In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, the minister said India is working alongside other reform-oriented countries through its membership in the G-4 Group (India, Japan, Brazil and Germany) and the L.69 Group, a cross-regional grouping of developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America to build support among the UN member states for expansion of the UN Security Council.

"Government of India has accorded highest priority to getting permanent membership for India in an expanded United Nations Security Council. A series of initiatives, involving bilateral and multilateral platforms, have been undertaken by the government in pursuance of this objective. India is actively engaged in the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations on UNSC reform at the UN," Muraleedharan said.

He said as a result of India's sustained efforts, a large number of countries have supported its candidature for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.

This has been expressed in various forms and fora including in bilateral inter-governmental meetings, he added. (PTI)

'Cong insulted voters by questioning BJP's massive win'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress in the Rajya Sabha, saying it insulted voters of the country by questioning veracity of EVMs and the massive victory of the BJP in Lok Sabha polls.

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268 phishing incidents observed till May this year: Prasad

Over 260 phishing incidents were observed in the first five months of 2019 as per the information available with Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), Parliament was informed Wednesday.

As per the information reported to and tracked by CERT-In, 552 phishing incidents were observed during the year 2017, while in 2018, the number stood at 454, and in 2019 (till May) it was 268, Electronics and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

"With the innovation of technology and rise in usage of cyber space, cyber attacks such as phishing and identity theft are observed. Such phishing attacks are global phenomena which target users to trick them to divulge information such as online credentials," he added.

Prasad said the government has taken various steps to prevent such cyber security incidents and improve cyber safety in the country.

"CERT-In is working in coordination with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and banks to track and disable phishing websites," Prasad said adding that CERT-In issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats and counter-measures on regular basis to ensure safe usage of digital technologies.

(PTI)

PM Modi addresses Rajya Sabha

There are 226 districts in the country where there is water crisis: Modi

"There are 226 districts in the country where there is water crisis. Now I am trying to mobilize everyone to tackle this, how we can give priority to water in MPLAD funds. We also have to make society aware on water issues. A Jal Shakti ministry has also been setup," Modi said.

Deaths in Bihar due to AES are unfortunate: Modi

"The deaths in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome are unfortunate and a matter of shame for us. We have to take this seriously. I am in constant touch with the state Govt and I am sure we will collectively come out of this crisis soon.The need of the hour is to strengthen Ayushman Bharat. We want our poor to get the best quality and affordable medical treatment," Modi said.

You take credit for everything, will you not take credit for NRC?: Modi

"You take credit for everything, will you not take credit for NRC? Rajiv Gandhi had accepted NRC in the Assam accord. Then the Supreme Court had to intervene. Also, SC directed us so we have implemented it. So why are you not taking credit for this?" Modi said.

None of us have the right to insult Jharkhand: Modi

"The lynching in Jharkhand has pained me. It has saddened others too. But, some here in the Rajya Sabha are calling Jharkhand a hub of lynching. Is this fair? Why are they insulting a whole state? None of us have the right to insult the state of Jharkhand," Modi said.

Please gives us constructive suggestions, says Modi

"I am sure there is no one in this house who will not like India to be part of the 5 trillion dollar economy club. Please gives us constructive suggestions, we are open to all suggestions, we don't believe only we have all the intellect," Modi said.

Now they are slamming New India: Modi

"Now they are slamming New India. Do they want old India back? Old India where cabinet decisions were torn in press meets, old India where Navy was used for personal trips, old India where numerous scams existed, old India which supported tukde tukde gang?" said Modi.

People are observing Rajya Sabha too: Modi

"The voters now are very very aware, they not only know what is happening in Lok Sabha but also what is happening in Rajya Sabha, and they voted this time keeping these facts in mind," PM Modi said.

Congress have not been able to digest victory: Modi

"My friends in Congress have not been able to digest victory, they have not been able to accept defeat. This is not a healthy sign in a democracy," said PM Modi in Rajya Sabha.

"This same attitude is visible when it comes to discussing 'One Nation, One Election.' Yes, some may not like this idea or have views on this. But, it is important to present these ideas and have discussions on this," he added.

Why question EVMs today?: Modi

"Some people kept raising the EVM issue in this House. I want to tell them there was a time when we had just 2 MPs in Parliament. People made fun of us. But, we worked harder and won trust of people. We did not make excuses and blame polling booth," Modi said.

"We should appreciate how our electoral processes have improved over the years. In 1950s polling process took long time to complete. Violence and booth capturing were common in some places. Now, news is about rising voter turnout. This is a healthy signal," he added.

"There have been so many elections with EVMs and parties that are present in the Rajya Sabha have got opportunities to govern in different states after elections were held through EVMs. Then, why question EVMs today?" said Modi.

"Election Commission had invited parties on the issue of EVMs but just two parties accepted- CPI and NCP. I appreciate them for going to EC to learn more about the issue. But, why did the rest of the parties questioning the EVMs not even bother to go, they should answer," he said.

Did India lose in Wayanad?, asks Modi

"Did India lose in Wayanad? Did India lose in Rae Bareli? Did India lose in Thiruvananthapuram, what about Amethi? What kind of argument is this? If Congress loses then does that mean India lost? There is a limit to arrogance. Congress could not win a single seat in 17 states," he said.

"I was saddened when some leaders said- the BJP and allies won the elections but the country lost and democracy lost. These statements are really unfortunate. Why should we question the decision of voters?" Modi added.

"By saying farmers sold themselves just because of Rs 2,000 scheme is an insult to farmers. I am shocked, even media was abused, it was said elections were won because of the media. What do such ppl mean? That media is on sale? Does same logic apply to Tamil Nadu and Kerala?", he said.

We see wish of people for stability: Modi

"It is after long that a Government with a full majority won once again with a full majority. In this mandate, we see wish of the people for stability. In fact, this trend of stable governments is being seen in many states as well," Modi said.

Lok Sabha: Rudy counters Prasad's remark on free telecom services

A ruling BJP member in theLokSabha on Wednesday countered Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's remarks that during calamities, only state-run telecom operators provide free services to subscribers.

Responding to supplementaries during Question Hour, Prasad said during natural calamities such as floods and cyclones, only state-run telecom companies BSNL and MTNL extend free services to subscribers.

Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP) claimed that other private operators too extend free services. At this Prasad asserted that while private companies provide free services only for a couple of days, BSNL and MTNL provide free services till the calamity is over.

(PTI)

Minorities safer under Modi, says K J Alphons

Minorities have never been safer in the country than under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leader K J Alphons said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday amid opposition references to lynching cases. Speaking on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said Modi is "more democratic" than anyone before him.Alphons, who was a minister in the first term of the BJP government but was not made a minister in Modi-2.0 government, targeted theCongresssaying if it wants to live in a make-believe world, history will write it off.

(PTI)

For more time, get more seats: Naidu to Rajya Sabha MPs

Get more seats and then you will get more time to speak. This was how Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday dealt with members seeking more time to speak during the debate on Motion of Thanks to the President's speech.

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PM remembers Shah Bano but does he remember Tabrez Ansari, Akhlaq, Pehlu Khan: Asaduddin Owaisi

Watch Live: Proceedings from Lok Sabha

Watch Live: Proceedings from Rajya Sabha

The prime minster will reply on the 'Motion Of Thanks On the President's Address', in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, 26 June.

Congress never recognised efforts of anyone other than from the Gandhi family: PM Modi

Taking a potshot at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the party never recognised efforts of anyone but only the members from the Gandhi-Nehru family.

Replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in Lok Sabha, Modi said the Congress never spoke about the good work of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narasimha Rao.

The Prime Minister said the NDA was given a chance to rule in 2014 as the people thought it was a way of escaping from the UPA regime.

(PTI)

Can't send anybody to jail as there is no Emergency in the country; it is up to the judiciary to decide: PM Modi

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar worked passionately on waterways and irrigation: PM Modi

Today, when we talk about water resources, I remember Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. It was he who worked passionately on waterways and irrigation: PM Modi

I urge all to observe Gandhi Ji's 150th birth anniversary and 75 years of India's freedom with great enthusiasm: PM Modi

We can't forget the dark days of Emergency: PM Modi

We want to remain connected with our roots: PM Modi

We don't want to grow taller like you, but remain connected with roots.Don't want to disconnect with masses, says PM Modi, hitting back at Congress

After Independence, we imbibed a culture in which people had to struggle with the system to get their basic rights: PM Modi

We did not divert or dilute from our main goal: PM Modi

I know that it takes time to change things which have been existing for the last 70 years. We did not divert or dilute from our main goal. We have to move forward, be it regarding infrastructure or in space: PM Modi

The opportunity to serve 130 crore Indians is special to me: PM Modi

I never think about polls in terms of victory and defeat. The opportunity to serve 130 crore Indians and work to make a positive difference in the lives of our citizens is special to me: PM Modi

After many decades, the country has given a strong mandate, a government was voted back into power: PM Modi

People of India are thinking about the betterment of the country: PM Modi

Lok Sabha elections have shown that more than themselves, the people of India are thinking about the betterment of the country, this spirit is commendable: PM Modi

Watch Live: PM Modi replies to Motion of Thanks on President Ram Nath Kovind 's address

Resignation of RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya raised in LS

Raising the issue of resignation of RBI's Deputy Governor Viral Acharya, Kerala Congress (M) MP Thomas Chazhikadan Tuesday alleged prominent economists are unable to work with the government as its policies are not in the interest of the people.

Participating in the debate on Motion of Thanks to the President's address inLokSabha, Chazhikadan said both GST and demonetisation undertaken by the government are "utter failures" and have impacted the economy severely.

On the resignation of Acharya, Chazhikadan said a number of renowned economists have resigned as government policies were not in favour of the people of India.


(PTI)

Over 84,000 vacancies in Central Armed Police Forces: Govt

Over 84,000 posts out of the sanctioned strength of 9,99,795 are lying vacant in the Central Armed Police Forces, the government said Tuesday, adding "expeditious" steps have been taken to fill them. PTI

700 terrorists killed in J&K in last 3 years: Govt

More than 700 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir over the last three years, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday.

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Bill to amend SEZ Act introduced in Lok Sabha

The bill to amend the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 was introduced in Lok Sabha by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday.

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Jammu and Kashmir Reservation bill introduced in LS

Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

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155 Islamic State members, sympathisers arrested so far: Home Ministry

A total of 155 members and sympathisers of banned terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) have been arrested in the country so far, the Home Ministry said Tuesday.

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Aadhaar Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the Aadhaar and other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha session on Monday, which replaces the Aadhaar and other laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019.

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Galla comes down heavily on BJP, says it is breaking TDP

A Telugu Desam Party member in the LokSabhaTuesday came down heavily on the BJP, saying it was "breaking" the TDP by resorting to "coercive politics" and "weaponising" institutions. PTI

64 people died, over 1.4 lakh hectare crop area affected in Odisha due to Fani: Govt

As many as 64 people had died and over 1.4 lakh hectare crop area affected due to cyclone Fani in Odisha, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday. PTI

EC has not yet fixed dates for Assembly elections in J-K: Home Ministry

Election Commission has not yet fixed the dates for holding of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Home Ministry told LokSabhaon Tuesday.

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Jaishankar files nomination papers for Rajya Sabha poll

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Tuesday filed his nomination papers for the RajyaSabhapoll from Gujarat, scheduled on July 5. PTI

The Budget’s onus to signal new beginnings

Will the 2019 Budget be the first step towards restructuring the economy and building a new growth model?

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SC declines Cong plea against separate RS polls in Guj

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to consider a plea by the Gujarat Congress against the Election Commission's notification to hold separate bypolls on two Rajya Sabha seats vacated by BJP President Amit Shah and Union Minister Smriti Irani on their election to the 17th Lok Sabha.

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Govt seeks views of states on crop insurance scheme

The government Tuesday informed the LokSabhathat it has written to states seeking their views on whether the crop insurance scheme should be made voluntary for farmers. PTI

MC MPs Nusrat Jahan, Mimi Chakraborty take oath as LS members

Newly-elected Trinamool Congress MPs Nusrat Jahan Ruhi and Mimi Chakraborty Tuesday took oath as members of the LokSabha. PTI

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm today after obituary reference as its sitting BJP member from Rajasthan, Madan Lal Saini, died here.

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RS likely to adjourn for day today after obituary reference of Madan Lal Saini

The Rajya Sabha is likely to be adjourned for the day on Tuesday after obituary reference as per conventions because a sitting member, BJP MP from Rajasthan Madan Lal Saini, died.

However, the floor leaders of various parties would meet Tuesday morning to decide whether the House will function to complete the debate on the motion of thanks to the President's address.

Opposition leaders want the prime minister to reply to the debate on the motion of thanks before he leaves the G20 summit in.

As per convention, the House is adjourned for the day after obituary references if any sitting member of the House dies during the session, the sources pointed out.

Saini, who was also the Rajasthan BJP president, died on Monday while undergoing treatment at AIIMS in Delhi. He was 75.

(With inputs from PTI)

Some prominent bills listed for introduction and passage in the upcoming sessions

Aadhaar & other Laws (Amendment) Bill
To allow voluntary use of Aadhaar to establish an identity for telecom and bank-related KYC.

Personal Data Protection Bill
To ensure protection of personal data of citizens, data localisation & regul-ation of data fiduciaries.

Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill
To protect interests of depositors by providing stringent provisions to clamp down on Ponzi schemes

Consumer Protection Bill
To provide for better protection of consumers & provides a mechanism for redressal of complaints

Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill
To address issues such as third-party insurance, regulation of taxi aggregators and road safety

Companies (Amendment) Bill
To treat certain compoundable offences as civil defaults & transfer some approval powers from NCLT to the Centre

Code on Wages
To make the minimum wage a statutory right & allow the Centre to set bench-mark minimum wages

Congress leader, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on his remark on Ganga pollution

"It is a misunderstanding, I didn't say 'naali', if PM is upset with it I'm sorry. I had no intention to hurt him. If PM is hurt I'll personally apologise to him. My hindi is not good, by 'naali' I meant channel," Chowdhury told media.

"A BJP MP compared Swami Vivekananda with PM due to a similarity in their names and put them on same pedestal, it hurts sentiments of Bengal. That's why I said 'you're provoking me, if you continue I'll say you're comparing Ganga with naali'," he added.

Give us our 'Old India', says Ghulam Nabi Azad

"I request you to keep the New India to yourself and give us our Old India where there was love, culture. Hindus used to feel the pain when Muslims & Dalits used to get hurt. When something used to get into eyes of Hindus, Muslims & Dalits used to shed tears for them," said Ghulam Nabi Azad.

"In Old India there was no hatred, anger or lynching. New India is one, where humans are enemies of each other. You won't be scared of animals in a jungle but you'll be scared of humans in a colony. Give us India where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians live for each other," he added.(ANI)

Cabinet okays amendments to two laws to strengthen NIA

The Union Cabinet is learnt to have approved a proposal to amend two laws to give more teeth to the NIA in probing terror cases in India and abroad, sources said on Monday.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar formally joins BJP

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar formally joined the BJP on Monday in the presence of party working president J P Nadda.

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I-T dept issued Rs 64,700-cr refund between Apr 1-Jun 18, 2019: Sitharaman

The Income Tax department has issued Rs 64,700 crore worth refunds in the current fiscal, and for full 2018-19 fiscal the amount released was over Rs 1.61 lakh crore, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Monday.

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Bill to amend SEZ Act in Lok Sabha

A bill to allow trusts to set up units in special economic zones (SEZs) was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday.

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Cong MP seeks steps to revive MTNL, BSNL

A Congress Rajya Sabha member Monday sought immediate steps to revive state-owned telecom firms MTNL and BSNL, saying employees were not being paid salaries on time.

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GST Council to consider reducing tax on electric vehicles

The GST Council will consider reducing tax on electric vehicles, which are seen as more environment-friendly, and the matter is pending before it, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur informed the Lok Sabha on Monday.

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Watch the Lok Sabha live stream here

RS members raise issue of drinking water crisis

Rajya Sabha MPs raised the issue of growing drinking water crisis in different parts of the country and demanded immediate interventions such as inter-linking of rivers and rainwater harvesting to recharge the groundwater table.

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In Lok Sabha today: Amendment to Aadhaar Act

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will move to introduce a Bill to amend theAadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 alongside amendments to the Indian Telegraph Act, 1985 and the PMLA, 2002.

Trinamool revives anti-EVM campaign

The Trinamool Congress on Monday revived its anti-EVM protest by staging a protest near Gandhi Statue in Parliament House demanding a return to ballot papers, alleging hacking of these machines in favour of BJP.

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In Rajya Sabha today: Motion of Thanks for President's Address

J P Nadda to move the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Rajya Sabha.Sampatiya Uike to second the motion.

DNA profiling bill likely to come up before Cabinet

The DNA Technology Regulation Bill, which seeks to control the use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of a person, is likely to come up before the Cabinet on Monday.

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In Lok Sabha today: Status on unaccounted income inside and outside India

Secretary-General will table a report on the Standing Committee on Finance'ssubject of 'Status of Unaccounted Income / Wealth both Inside and Outside the Country - A Critical Analysis'.

In Lok Sabha today: OBC Creamy Layer rationalisation

Secretary-General will table the 21st report on OBC Welfare Committee on rationalising the creamy layer for OBCs in services and posts under the GoI, pertaining to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

In Lok Sabha today: Amendment to Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act

Home Minister Amit Shah will move for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004. He is also expected to table an explanation with reasons for immediate legislation by promulgation of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019.

In Lok Sabha today: Motion of Thanks

Pratap Chandra Sarangi to move the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in the Lok Sabha, to be seconded by Dr Heena Gavit, Member of Parliament.

Sitharaman must come out clean on fiscal deficit number

A perfect recipe for macro-economic disaster is awaiting the finance minister. Crude oil and rupee are the two big factors that impact the macros of India and both were on the ebb in the past as many weeks but now they appear to be a bigger worry than trade war.

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Cong may not get LOP in Parliament: Joshi

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi almost ruled out giving Leader of Opposition (LOP) in parliament position to Congress.

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Watch Live: Proceedings from Lok Sabha

Fresh Triple Talaq bill introduced in LS, oppn protests

The government on Friday introduced the fresh triple talaq bill in the Lok Sabha amid vehement protests by opposition members who claimed that it was violative of the Constitution.

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Triple Talaq bill is unconstitutional: Asaduddin Owaisi

Matter of great distress that Congress chose to oppose introduction of Triple Talaq Bill: Prasad

Voting for introduction of Triple Talaq Bill 2019 in Lok Sabha was held through paper slips as the new MPs have not yet been allotted division number.

Lok Sabha takes up division of voice vote on introduction of triple Talaq Bill

Each member gets to choose his/her slip. Red for noes, green for ayes, yellow for abstain. Details such as name, constituency name will have to be written on the slips by all members.

People have chosen us to make laws: Ravi Shankar Prasad

People have chosen us to make laws. It is our work to make laws. Law is to give justice to the victims of Triple Talaq: Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad after Triple Talaq Bill 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha

Triple Talaq Bill 2019 will protect the rights of Muslim women: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Congress MP Shahi Tharoor opposes the introduction of Triple Talaq Bill, 2019

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor opposed the introduction of The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill. He said that the bill does nothing to help Muslim women.

Modi 2.0's first Triple Talaq bill to be tabled on Friday

The contentious Triple Talaq Bill will be the first bill to be introduced by the Narendra Modi government in the 17th Lok Sabha.

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Kollam MP NK. Premachandran to present a private member bill on Sabarimala issue in parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduces council of ministers in Rajya Sabha

Watch Live: President Ram Nath Kovind addresses joint session of both Houses of Parliament

Government will make its policy of zero tolerance towards corruption more expansive and effective: President Kovind

Government will work to make rivers like Cauvery, Periyar, Mahanadi, Narmada and Godavari pollution free: President Kovind

World standing with India on issue of terror, UN's declaration of Masood Azhar as global terrorist is the proof: President Kovind

National security is of utmost importance to the government: President Kovind

Efforts to further simplify GST will continue: President Kovind

Removing practices like triple talaq and "nikah halala" essential to give equality to women: President Kovind

India is among the countries in the world that have most number of start-ups: President Kovind

Creating 'Jal Shakti' ministry a step towards water conservation as water crisis may deepen in future: President Kovind

To help farmers, small traders live a life of dignity, the government has started pension scheme for them: President Kovind

In this Lok Sabha elections, more than 61 crore citizens cast their vote and set a new record. The people of India gave a clear mandate. The govt is working for 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas':President Ram Nath Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind leaves for Parliament to address the joint session of both the Houses

President Ram Nath Kovind will address the joint sitting of both the Houses in the Central Hall of Parliament at 11 am.

Will run House impartially, safeguard interests of all members: LS speaker

Newly-electedLokSabhaSpeaker Om Birla on Wednesday said he will run the House in an impartial manner while asserting that the chair should not be biased.

Addressing the House after being unanimously elected as the speaker, Birla assured the members that he will preside over the proceedings in accordance with rules and regulations and "safeguard the interests of the members irrespective of the strength of their parties in the House".

Seeking cooperation from all the members for thesmooth functioning of the House, Birla said they should raise the questions and issues that come under the ambit of the central government.

(PTI)

Om Birla - From grassroots politician to LS speaker

The new Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla, a two-time BJP MP from Rajasthan, is a relative newcomer for the post traditionally held by seniors.A surprise pick by the ruling BJP-led NDA, Birla's name was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself for the post.The 56-year-old leader is considered to be close to both Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah.

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I personally remember working with Om Birla Ji for a long time. He represents Kota, a place that is mini-India, land associated with education and learning. He has been in public life for years. He began as a student leader and has been serving society since then without a break: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

Om Birla elected as Lok Sabha Speaker

Rajasthan's Kota MP Om Birla was on Wednesday elected as speaker of the Lok Sabha.

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Watch Live: Proceeding from Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha has been adjourned for the day

Sumitra Mahajan: OP Birla Ji is an old friend. I felt very good that he has been selected as NDA's candidate for Lok Sabha speaker. He has earlier served as treasurer of Indian Parliamentary Group. I have faith that he will handle his responsibilities at Lok Sabha very well

West Bengal MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury tipped to be Cong leader in LS

Congress leader from West Bengal Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is tipped to be the leader of the party in the Lok Sabha, top sources in the grand old party said on Tuesday.

Chowdhury's name has been cleared by the top party leadership, the sources said, but the party did not confirm it officially.

When asked, Chowdhury said the issue of who would lead the Congress in the Lower House of Parliament was not discussed at a meeting of party leaders at Sonia Gandhi's residence.

The Congress failed to get the post of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as it did not get the benchmark 10 per cent seats required to stake claim for the post.

This is the second time in a row that the grand old party has failed to get the post.

Chowdhury is a five-time MP from West Bengal and has not lost the Lok Sabha election since 1999.

He currently represents the Berhampore Lok Sabha constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.

Chowdhury has also been a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from 1996 to 1999.

He has been the chief of the West Bengal Congress and was also the Minister of State for Railways during the UPA government from 2012 to 2014.

Chowdhury's fighting spirit has helped him win the confidence of his party.

Mallikarjun Kharge was the leader of the Congress in the previous Lok Sabha, but he lost the election this time, forcing the party to decide on another name.

Watch Live | Lok Sabha session

Oppn leaders to hold strategy meeting for Parliament session today

Leaders of various opposition parties will meet in Parliament House on Tuesday evening to chalk out their joint strategy for the Parliament session.

UPA chairperson and leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party Sonia Gandhi has convened the meeting of various parties this evening at 6 pm, where they would discuss their joint strategy to corner the government on key issues.

This is the first time the opposition leaders will sit together to evolve their joint strategy for the Parliament session.

The meet comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling a meeting of various parties to discuss the 'one nation, one election' issue, the celebration of 75 years of Independence in 2022 and 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year. It will be followed by a dinner meeting with all MPs on June 20.

Earlier in on Tuesday, top Congress leaders led by Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi met and decided on the party's strategy for the session.

Sources said the meeting, chaired by Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi and attended by Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh, discussed the strategy to be adopted by the party during the meeting called by the prime minister.

Senior Congress leaders A K Antony, P Chidambaram, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Jairam Ramesh, K Suresh, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, were among those present at the meeting held at Sonia Gandhi's residence 10, Janpath.

Mamata to skip party chiefs' meet in Delhi

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday excused herself from the scheduled meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with political party chiefson Wednesday while asking the government to prepare a white paper on 'one nation, one election' instead of doing it "hurriedly".

Modi has invited heads of all parties who have an MP either in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha for a meeting on June 19 to discuss several issues including the "one nation, one election" idea, the celebration of the 75 years of Independence in 2022 and 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year.

It will be followed by a dinner meeting with all MPs on June 20.

In a letter to the Prahlad Joshi, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Banerjee has said that the matter requires consultations with experts.

"A proper response on such a sensitive and serious subject like the "One Country, one election" in such a short time would not do justice to the subject it deserves. The matter requires consultations with constitutional experts, elections experts and above all the party members.

"Instead of doing the matter hurriedly, I would request you to kindly circulate a White Paper on the subject to all political parties inviting their views by providing adequate time. If you only do so, we will be able to give concrete suggestions on this important subject," she wrote.

She further stated that regarding the development of aspirational districts, her party Trinamool Congress had already conveyed that they are not in support of the selection of a few districts as it would not conform to the overall objectives of achieving balanced and uniform development of all the districts of the state.

"Our state is committed to ensuring social and economic development of all districts uniformly so that regional imbalances do not rise," she said.

Mamata Banerjee to skip meeting of party chiefs in New Delhi on Wednesday

Sonia Gandhi takes oath as LS member

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi took oath as a member of 17th Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Gandhi, who retained the Rae Bareli constituency, took her oath in Hindi on the second day of the maiden session of the new Lok Sabha.

Her son and Congress President Rahul Gandhi appeared to be capturing the moment on his mobile phone from the opposition benches.

While there was a loud thumping of desks by the Congress members, voices were heard from the BJP benches "greeting" Sonia Gandhi "for taking oath in Hindi".

Immediately after her, BJP MP and former minister Maneka Gandhi was administered the oath and she and her sister-in-law Sonia Gandhi greeted each other with folded hands.

Maneka Gandhi was elected from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Her son Varun Gandhi, who was elected from Pilibhit, also took the oath.

Alphabetical order is followed for states in administering the oath to their members.

The maiden session of 17th Lok Sabha commenced on Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari among the prominent members who took oath on the first day.

Rahul Gandhi stopsto pose with the Congress MPs from Punjab. He was leaving Parliament when he saw the MPs outside Main Gate and stopped to click the photo by Deccan Herald.

Cong strategises on key issues ahead of PM's meeting with party chiefs

A meeting of the Congress top brass, including Sonia Gandhi and party chief Rahul Gandhi, was held here to decide the strategy on key matters such as Lok Sabha speaker's election and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to discuss the 'one nation, one election' issue.

Sources said the meeting, chaired by Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi and attended by Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh, discussed the strategy to be adopted by the party during the meeting called by the prime minister.

Senior Congress leaders A K Antony, P Chidambaram, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Jairam Ramesh, K Suresh, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, were among those present at the meeting held at Sonia Gandhi's residence 10, Janpath.

Modi has invited heads of all parties who have an MP either in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha for a meeting on Wednesday.

The meeting has been called to discuss the "one nation, one election" issue, the celebration of the 75 years of Independence in 2022 and 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year. It will be followed by a dinner meeting with all MPs on June 20.

The strategy for the dinner-meeting was also discussed at the Congress meeting, sources said. The Congress top brass also deliberated on the issue of Lok Sabha speaker's election.

We have talked to Congress, they haven't signed the proposal yet but they won't oppose it, I've met Ghulam Nabi Azad: Pralhad Joshi

Union Min Pralhad Joshi on Om Birla's candidature for LS Speaker: PM, Defence Min, Home Min, Transport Min were the proposers. BJD, Shiv Sena, National People's Party, Mizo National Front, Akali Dal, Lok Janshakti Party, YSRCP, JDU, AIADMK, & Apna Dal have signed the proposal. (ANI)

Om Birla to be NDA's nominee for LS Speaker's post: sources

BJP MP Om Birla is likely to be NDA's nominee for Lok Sabha speaker's post, sources said on Tuesday.

Once nominated, Birla, who won from Kota-Bundi parliamentary seat in Rajasthan, will easily become the speaker as the National Democratic Alliance has a clear majority in the House.

If necessary, the election for the post may be held on Wednesday. (PTI)

Pragya Singh Thakur takes oath as Lok Sabha MP

Ministers from West Bengal greeted with 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans in LS

Union Ministers Babul Supriyo and Debashree Choudhury, who are from West Bengal, were greeted by fellow BJP MPs with "Jai Shri Ram" slogans when they were called to take oath asLokSabhaMembers.

The cheer was apparently to take a dig at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who had allegedly objected to uttering the slogan during some incidents.

(PTI)

Festive atmosphere on the first day of 17th Lok Sabha session

A festive atmosphere prevailed in House on the first day of the 17th Lok Sabha session on Monday with many of the newly-elected members seen in colourful attire, traditional shawls and headgears besides a section in saffron.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were in their regular dress of Kurta, Pyjama and half-sleeve jacket, Union ministers Prahlad Joshi, Giriraj Singh and G K Reddy attended the session sporting saffron attire or half jacket.

Bihar MPs Gopal Jee Thakur and Ashok Kumar Yadav came in traditional Maithil attire and headgear, while most of the Assam MPs were donning the traditional Assamese 'gamocha', considered a symbol of the state's culture. YSR Congress MPs from Andhra Pradesh were sporting the 'Angavastram' dotted with pictures of party President and Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

BJP's Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur was seen in her trademark saffron robe while Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal was wearing the traditional Rajasthani saffron and green headgear as part of the dress.


(PTI)

Active Oppn important in parliamentary democracy: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said an active Opposition is important in a parliamentary democracy and they need not bother about their numbers but speak actively and participate in House proceedings.

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First session of 17th LS begins; PM, Members take oath

The first session of 17th Lok Sabha commenced here, on Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the leader of the House, taking oath as Member.

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Lok Sabha TV

Queen Oja, MP, Gauhati (Assam), BJP, takes oath as the member of the 17th Lok Sabha.

Kripanath Mallah, MP, Karimganj(Assam), BJP takes oath as the member of the 17th Lok Sabha.

P.V Midhun Reddy, MP, Rajampet (Andhra Pradesh), YSR Congress Party, takes oath as the member of the 17th Lok Sabha

Adala Prabhakara Reddy, MP, Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), YSR Congress Party takes the oath in the Parliament.

Talari Rangaiah, MP, Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh), YSR Congress Party takes oath as the member of 17th Lok Sabha.

Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, MP, Ongole (Andhra Pradesh, YSR Congress Party takes oath as the member of 17th Lok Sabha.

Balashowry Vallabhaneni, MP, Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), YSR Congress Partytakes oath in Telugu as the member of the 17th Lok Sabha.

Vanga Geetha Viswanath, Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), YSR Congress, takes oath as the member of 17th Lok Sabha.

K Ram Mohan Naidu, MP, Srikakulam(Andhra Pradesh)takes oath in the Parliament.

Debasree Chaudhuri, MP, Raiganj, (West Bengal), takes oath in the Parliament. Chaudhuri is Minister of State for Women and Child Development.

Pratap Chandra Sarangi, MP, Balasore(Odisha)takes oath in the Parliament. Sarangi is Minister of State in the Government of India for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Som Prakash, MP, Hoshiarpur (Punjab) takes oath in the Parliament. Prakash is Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Suresh Channabasappa Angadi, MP, Belagavi (Karnataka) takes oath in the Parliament. Angadi is the Minister of Railways of India(Minister of State)

Babul Supriyo MP, Asansol (West Bengal)takes oath in the parliament. Supriyo is the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in the Union Council of Ministers.

General Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh (retired), MP Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) takes oath in the Parliament. Previously, Singh was Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in the Government of India.

BJP's Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, movie actor Sunny Deol, and Ravi Kishan arrive at the Parliament, to take oath as the member of the 17th Lok Sabha

• • Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Nitin Gadkari and Smriti Zubin Irani, among others, took oath as members of the 17th Lok Sabha.

In case you missed, BJP leader Virendra Kumar has taken oath as pro-tem Speaker.

Read all about his oath-taking at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

Hope Oppn participates actively in Parliament: PM Modi

The role of an active Opposition is important. Opposition need not bother about their numbers. I hope they will speak actively and participate in house proceedings: PM Modi

Paksh, vipaksh se zyaada nishpaksh ka spirit mehtv rakhta hai. Hum aane wale 5 saloon ke liye is sadan ki garima ko upar uthane ka prayas karenge: PM Modi

PM Modi urges parties to support moves that benefit people

After several decades, a govt has won absolute majority for the second term. People have given us the chance to serve the country again. I request all the parties to support the decisions that are in favour of people: PM Modi

Today, a new session is starting, there are new hopes and dreams with the beginning of this session. Since independence ,this Lok Sabha elections saw highest number of women voters and women MPs: Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

After the council of ministers, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will take oath as member of the Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first to take oath as member in the new Lok Sabha, followed by his council of ministers at the swearing-in ceremony that will be spread over two days.

Three-member panel to assist Kumar

A three-member panel comprising Kodukunnil Suresh (Congress), Brijbhushan Sharan Singh (BJP) and Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJD) will assist Kumar in the discharge of his duties as pro-tem Speaker.

As the pro-tem Speaker, Kumar will administer oath to each of the 541 members of the 17th Lok Sabha and also preside over the election of the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Back to pro-tem speaker Virendra Kumar now. President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office to the senior BJP leader at Rashtrapati Bhawan a few moments ago. In a brief ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, 65-year-old Kumar took oath as pro-tem speaker in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and other dignitaries.

"I would request ruling party as well as opposition parties that any problem can be resolved through discussions. So, during the session, parties should make an effort to find solutions,"says Thawar Chand Gehlot, leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha.

BJP MP Virendra Kumar has been sworn in as the Protem Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha, at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hit the ground running by convening a meeting of political parties on electoral reforms and his pet idea of 'one nation, one poll' and invited all Parliamentarians to dinner to share their views for a better India. At the first all-party meeting ahead of the first session of the 17th Lok Sabha beginning on Monday, Modi urged the opposition to introspect over repeated disruptions in both the Houses of Parliament over the past two years.

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Lok Sabha party-wise position: Top 10

BJP -- 303 seats

Congress -- 52

DMK -- 23

TMC -- 22

YSCRP -- 22

Shiv Sena -- 18

JD(U) -- 16

BJD -- 12

TRS -- 9

• • The newly-elected Lok Sabha MPs will be administered oath of the office by the pro-tem Speaker.

Piyush Goyal's Budget speech on February 1 was interim in nature as the nation was to go to Lok Sabha polls soon after. With the BJP-led government coming to power with a bigger mandate, all eyes will be on Finance Minister's Budget speech on July 5.

The Parliament session will witness the swearing-in of the Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Lok Sabha, election of the Lok Sabha Speaker, besides the Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget speech.

10 Ordinances issued before Lok Sabha elections

1) The Musli Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Second Ordinance

2) The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Second Ordinance

3) The Companies (Amendment) Second Ordinance

4) The Banning od Unregulated Deposit Schemes Ordinance

5) The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation(Amendment) Ordinance

6) The Aadhaar and Other Laws(Amendment) Ordinance

7) The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Ordinance

8) The Homeopathy Central Council(Amendment) Ordinance

9) The Special Economic Zones(Amendment) Ordinance

10) The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers' Cadre) Ordinance

Monsoon Session: Key Businesses

1. -- Motion of Thanks on President's address.
2. -- Approval of Resolution extending President's Rule in J&K.
3. -- Union Budget.
4. -- Replacing 10 Ordinances with Acts of Parliament