Markings to maintain physical distancing are seen on the ground outside Parliament building in New Delhi. (AP)Parliament Today HIGHLIGHTS: Addressing the Lok Sabha on the border tensions between India and China border, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said till now, there has been no mutually acceptable solution between the two countries as China continues to disagree on border. “China doesn’t recognise the traditional and customary alignment of the boundary. We consider that this alignment is based on well established geographical principals,” he said.
The opposition parties, meanwhile, submitted 10 adjournment motion notices over a range of issues. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, and Minister of Home, state, G Kishan Reddy will also be making statements in Lok Sabha today.
Rajya Sabha, on Tuesday, passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 that seeks to improve India’s aviation safety ratings and provide statutory status to regulatory institutions, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Bill had got the approval of Lok Sabha in March. Earlier in the day, Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan said the image of the film industry is being tarnished by a few and that the government should support the industry.
This session of Parliament is being held amid strict social distancing protocols. From members arriving in masks to their seats rearranged in keeping seating with physical distancing norms, and from Opposition members’ criticism of the move to do away with Question Hour to repeated reminders by Speaker Om Birla that the House is meeting in an “extraordinary situation”, the pandemic loomed large over the proceedings on day 1.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses media as he arrives at Parliament in New Delhi (AP)
The government prevented 14-29 lakh coronavirus cases and 37,000-78,000 deaths due to the disease by imposing the nationwide lockdown that was announced on March 24, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has observed, with regard to the lockdown measures taken by the government, that India's response to COVID-19 has been pre-emptive, pro-active and graded with high-level political commitment and a "whole government" approach to respond to the pandemic.
Rai said by imposing the countrywide lockdown, India successfully blunted the aggressive spread of COVID-19.
"It has been estimated that the decision of lockdown, by slowing down the progress of pandemic in India, has prevented 14-29 lakh cases and 37,000-78,000 deaths," he said in reply to a written question. (PTI)
Calling her the brave daughter of Himachal Pradesh, BJP MP from Mandi, Ram Swaroop Sharma, condemned the demolition of office of actor Kangana Ranaut in Mumbai, and told the Lok Sabha that Shiv Sena, which was formed on the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has become "Congress Sena".
Lok Sabha passes Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said the government of Jammu and Kashmir has reported that after the abrogation of Article 370 in August last year various measures were taken to maintain public order which included preventive detention of certain persons.
"As on September 11, 2020, 223 persons are under detention. No person is under house arrest in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir," he said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.
Reddy also said after the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, the number of terrorist incidents have reduced significantly. (PTI)
Lockdown from March 25 to May 31 successfully controlled aggressive progression of COVID-19 in India but there has been steady rise in number of cases in post-lockdown phase: Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Choubey tells Rajya Sabha
Congress MPs protesting in front the Mahatma Gandhi statue after they walked out of Lok Sabha. Congress MPs demanded a discussion on India-China border issue after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's address.
After Rajnath Singh finished his address in Lok Sabha, Congress MPs staged a walkout from the lower house, demanding discussion on India-China border issue.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: "I want to assure that the morale of our armed forces is high. No one should doubt it. PM's visit to Ladakh has sent a message that people of India stand behind Indian armed forces."
"The Chinese side created a violent face-off on June 15th at Galwan. Our brave soldiers laid down their lives and also inflicted costs including casualties on the Chinese side."
"In past too, we've had situations of prolonged stand-offs in border areas with China which were resolved peacefully. Even though situation this year is very different both in terms of scale of troops involved&number of friction points, we remain committed to peaceful resolution."
"I request this house to pass a resolution that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces who are guarding our borders to safeguard India's sovereignty and integrity."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: "In meeting with Chinese Defence Minister, I clearly stated that while our troops had always taken a responsible approach towards border management, but at same time there should be no doubt about our determination to protect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Defence Minister Rajanth Singh: "There was a face-off in Galwan on June 15 in which Indian forces inflicted heavy casualties on Chinese forces."
"I want to assure you that we are ready to deal with any situation," he added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha: "Violent conduct of Chinese troops is a violation of all past agreements. Our troops have done counter deployments in the area to safeguard our borders."
"China has mobilised a huge number of Army battalions and armaments along LAC and inner areas. There are many friction points in eastern Ladakh, Gogra, Kongka La, Pangong Lake's north and south banks. Indian Army has made counter deployments in these areas."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha: "China doesn't recognise the traditional and customary alignment of the boundary. We consider that this alignment is based on well established geographical principals."
"We have told China through diplomatic channels that the attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo were in violation of the bilateral agreements."
Rajnath Singh on border row with China: "Both India and China agree that to maintain peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas, it is essential for the further development of bilateral relations: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on India-China border issue."
"India and China border issue remains unresolved. Till now, there has been no mutually acceptable solution. China disagrees on border: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha."
At least 10 notices have been given for adjourning the proceedings to discuss “crucial issues”. This includes the Indian Express report on hybrid warfare by China. Congress leaders Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, K Suresh, and Manick Tagore have given separate notices to take up the issue of China surveillance in Lok Sabha. Congress MP Hibi Eden wants the house to discuss the government’s move to suspend MPLADS funds. Congress MP T N Pratapan, CPI-M’s A M Arif RSP’s NK Premachandran, and IUML’s Mohammad Basheer have given notices to discuss the Delhi police chargesheet against social and political leaders. K Muraleedharan of the Congress wants the house to discuss GDP decline suspending all other business
Bills for consideration and passing
Rajya Sabha has been adjourned and will resume at 9 am tomorrow. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address Parliament on the India-China border row in Lok Sabha. The minister’s address is expected to take place around 3 pm — at the beginning of the proceedings in the Lok Sabha.
Vice President Naidu asked if a short duration discussion on the pandemic can be taken up tomorrow. House agrees. Discussion will be held tomorrow.
"COVID-19 testing is about 1 million tests per day which translates to 720 tests per million population per day, much higher than that stipulated by WHO which 140 tests per million per day. A total of 55189226 samples were tested as of Sept 11. I want to remind the members that battle against COVID-19 is far from over. I wish to inform the house that government is taking all necessary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in India," Dr Harsh Vardhan said.
The discussion in Rajya Sabha has now switched to coronavirus pandemic. Addressing Rajya Sabha, Dr Harsh Vardhan said, "COVID-19 fatality and recovery rates stand at 1.67% & 77.65% respectively. India has been able to limit its cases & death per million to 3,320 cases per million and 55 deaths per million which is one of the lowest in the world. Lockdown prevented approximately 14 lakh to 29 lakh cases & 37,000 to 78,000 deaths. These 4 months were utilised to created additional health infrastructure, enhance human resource & produce within Indian critical elements such as PPE kits, N95 masks&ventilators."
"A lot is being made out about six airports. Mumbai & Delhi, 2 airports privatised in 2006, account for 33% of our traffic & earning. The six airports that were awarded in 2018 together account for only 9%. When Delhi and Mumbai airports were privatised in 2006, all subsequent efforts and privatisation contained a stipulation to the effect that prior experience was necessary so we fell into a trap of our making," Civil Aviation Minister Dr Hardeep Puri said, as Rajya Sabha passed Airport (Amendment) Bill
Without taking names, Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan said she completely disagrees with those who called the entertainment industry a "gutter". "People who have made a name in this industry have called it a gutter. I completely disagree and I really disassociate," she said. In a reference to Kishan's statement in Lok Sabha on the alleged Bollywood drug cartel, Bachchan said she was "really embarrassed and ashamed." "Jis thali mein khate hai Usme chhed karte hai. Galat baat hai," she said referring to a popular Hindi proverb that means to bite the hands that feed you.
RJD leader Manoj Jha said the aviation sector was in turbulence even before COVID due to policy or non-policy of the government. He question if the ministry spoke to stakeholders before taking decisions
Congress MP KC Venugopal fears crony capitalism in the privatisation of airports. "Adani Group has won bids to operate & develop 6 airports. There's clear violation of norms in giving airports to a single private entity. Govt ignored advice of some of its own ministries & depts. Changes in norms enabled Adani group to win all 6 bids."
Trinamool MP Dinesh Trivedi requested Parliament not to sell Air India. "When you compliment Vande Bharat Mission, remember it was Air India, that came to the rescue. There will be no private sector if Air India was not there. It needs a revamp, don't sell it."
Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri takes up a discussion on The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Lok Sabha had cleared the Bill in the last session. The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 provides for statutory backing to the DGCA, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The Bill also proposes to increase the fine amount for violations of new rules from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
Puri says by the time we reach Diwali and towards the end of the year, we would have pre-COVID 3,00,000 passengers a day.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore has sought a discussion on Chinese tech company monitoring over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations in its global database of foreign targets, as investigated by The Indian Express. Taking note of The Indian Express investigation report, Opposition members asked the government Monday to step in, open a probe and take the initiative for a global dialogue. Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had sought to discuss the report on Monday but Speaker Om Birla said the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) would meet on Tuesday to fix a time for discussing “sensitive issues”.
Trinamool MP Santanu Sen said the term social distancing increases stigma and hence should be replaced with the term 'physical distancing'. Naidu suggested safe distancing as the alternate term
It was a smooth sail for JD(U)’s Harivansh, the NDA’s candidate for the post of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, election for which was held on Monday. Harivansh beat Manoj Kumar Jha of the RJD, who was the joint Opposition candidate, in a voice vote. This would be Harivansh’s second innings as the Deputy Chairman of the Upper House. “Whether it is this side or that side, Harivansh treats all in the same manner, without differentiating, without being impartial,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after the election.
YSRCP MP Viijaysai Reddy urged the Centre to release funds allocated to the Polavaram project. In response, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that she is in touch with the water resources minister and State finance minister and will follow up on the matter.
Jaya Bachchan (SP) speaks about the online harassment of actors and celebrities. She also said that the film industry is being tarnished because of a few selected incidents. "Film industry is a source of employment for scores of people. It has always come forward to help the government in its endeavors. Hence, I request you to support the industry."
Rajya Sabha Chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu said September 15 is International Day of Democracy and as legislators, the parliamentarians are flagbearers of democracy. He also asked the leaders to identify themselves and mention where they are speaking so that the House can function smoothly.
The following Bills will be taken up in Rajya Sabha today
The Monsoon session of Parliament, cut short due to the pandemic, will not have Question Hour, during which Members of Parliament ask questions to ministers and hold them accountable for the functioning of their ministries. Zero Hour, during which members raise matters of public importance, will also be curtailed and there will be no private members’ Bill. Protesting the move, Opposition leaders accused the government of trying to reduce Parliament to a “notice board”. In the face of criticism from the Opposition party against doing away with the Question hour, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said the government is ready to take up unstarred questions. Members get answers to unstarred questions in writing, and it is deemed to be laid on the table of the House.
Protest outside Parliament demanding withdrawal of anti-farmers policies
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over the 'adverse impact of holding NEET exams, leading to suicides by students'. TMC MP Santanu Sen has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha, over 'Community spread of COVID-19'. Congress MP Rajeev Satav has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over 'drawing the attention of central government on the reservation of Maratha community'. Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over 'alleged conspiracy to defame film industry'.
The government on Monday introduced eight Bills in Lok Sabha, while two pending Bills were passed.
Five of these Bills were introduced to replace ordinances: Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020; Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill; Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill; Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill; and Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill.
The three others are new: The Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020; Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill; and Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill.