Parliament Highlights: Lok Sabha passes Banking Regulation (Amendment)Bill, 2020

The Lower House on Wednesday passed the The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said amendments to the banking regulation law seeking to extend the supervision of RBI to cooperative banks are aimed at improving their governance and protecting depositors' money. Moving the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said the government was compelled to come out with an ordinance during the lockdown period as the condition of the cooperative banks was "grave".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the Rajya tomorrow, issuing a statement on the border tussle with China at 12 noon.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moves 'The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020,' for consideration. Sitharaman said that this bill is being brought in to protect the depositors interest.  

During the zero hour, BJP MP from Daman and Diu Lalubhai Patel raised the issue of Indian fishermen held in Pakistan. He urged the Mininstry of External Affairs to speak with Pakistan to start the process to bring back these fishermen. " Today, 270 Indian fishermen & around 1200 boats belonging to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Daman and Diu, are held by Pakistan. I request EAM to speak to Pakistan to start the process to bring back these fishermen," he said. 

BJP's Tejasvi Surya mentioned the gold smuggling scam in Kerala and accused ministers in the government of nepotism. He further alleges police brutality on protesters, including women, in Kannur. Surya also compared the leadership in Kerala with that of North Korea. 

Lok Sabha proceedings resume. Speaker Om Birla in the Chair. 

With their demand to save two paper mills in Assam, the Congress leaders of the state are holding a protest at the Parliament premises.

Delhi: Assam Congress MPs and AIUDF MP Badruddin Ajmal protest in front of Gandhi statue at the Parliament premises and with their demand to save two paper mills of Assam. pic.twitter.com/VMtzJaiftW

— ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2020

The government on Wednesday said there has been no infiltration along the Sino-Indian border in the last six months, while 47 infiltration bids have been reported along the Indo-Pak border during the period. The Union Home Ministry also informed the Rajya Sabha that 594 attempts of infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani militants have been reported in the last three years, of which 312 were successful.

"No infiltration has been reported along Indo-China border during last six months," Union Minister of State for Home Nityanad Rai said in a written response to a question.

Replying a separate question, Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said 582 terrorists were killed in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces in last three years, while 46 terrorists were arrested during the period. As many as 76 army personnel were also killed in Jammu and Kashmir from 2018 till September 8 this year, he said. (PTI)

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 9 am tomorrow. Now the Lok Sabha will convene at 3 pm. Stay tuned to our LIVE blog.

BJP president J P Nadda says, "All three farm sector bills brought by Modi govt far-sighted, will boost agricultural production, bring investment. These farm sector bills will help farmers get better prices for their produce through a transparent system. Congress' opposition to bills nothing but politics, its manifesto had promised to do what Modi govt is doing through these bills. We have spoken to Akali Dal, addressed its concerns on farm sector bills."

BJP national president JP Nadda says, "Three Bills before Parliament, keeping in mind farmers' welfare - Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, Farmers' Produce Trade & Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance & Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance Ordinance. These Bills are very far-sighted. They are in the process of being passed as Acts in the Parliament. These Bills will rapidly increase the price of produce of the farmers. These Bills will also help increase investment in the agriculture sector."

Congress members in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday expressed concern over The Indian Express report that suggested tracking of over 10,000 prominent Indian individuals and organisations by a Chinese technology company and asked the government whether it has taken note of the matter.

After the issue was raised by two Congress members, K C Venugopal and Rajiv Satav, during the Zero Hour, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu asked the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs to take note of it and inform the minister concerned. "I would like to invite the attention of this House through you Chairman, a shocking news which is related to national security and privacy of Indian citizens," Venugopal said.

He said the Indian Express has reported that a Shenzen-based technology company with links to the Chinese government, and the Chinese Communist Party, is tracking over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations in its global data base of foreign targets. "This includes...very shocking, the President of India also you the Vice President of India, the Prime Minister of India and the opposition leaders, including Congress President, Chief Ministers, MPs, army chief, and industrialists," Venugopal said.

The Centre on Wednesday said it has no data on death or injury caused to people in enforcing the countrywide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy's written reply in Rajya Sabha came in response to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's question in this regard.

"Data pertaining to complaints and cases registered, First Information Report (FIR) regarding harassment, injury, death of individuals in enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown across the country is not maintained centrally," Reddy said.

The minister also said police and public order are State subjects as per 7th schedule of the Constitution of India. Hence, the actions are taken by the respective State governments, he said.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena on Wednesday came out in support of Rajya Sabha MP and veteran actor Jaya Bachchan for slamming those who claimed there was a problem of drug addiction in the film industry. "Those who make such claims are hypocrites and their statements smack of double standards," the Shiv Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

Bachchan on Tuesday criticised those tarnishing the image of the film industry. Her remarks came a day after BJP's Lok Sabha MP and Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan said there was a problem of drug addiction in the film industry. Supporting Bachchan's stand, the Marathi daily said, "A doping test should be conducted on those who claim that all artists and technicians in the film industry are under the influence of drugs."

The government on Wednesday said more than 30 vaccine candidates for coronavirus have been supported, and three of them are in advance stages of trials now, while four are in advanced pre-clinical development stage. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai also told the Rajya Sabha that 13 clinical trials of repurposed drugs have been undertaken to build a portfolio of therapeutic options for COVID-19 patients. "More than 30 vaccine candidates have been supported which are in different stages of development, 3 candidates are in advanced stage of Phase I, II, III trials and more than 4 are in advanced pre-clinical development stage," he said. Rai said a national expert group on vaccine administration for COVID-19 was constituted on August 7, under the NITI Aayog.

Responding to Sharma's remark, BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe says he was hoping Anand Sharma would give some policy suggestions since the Congress is in power in over three States. On the implementation of lockdown remark by Sharma, Sahasrabuddhe says that the Chief Ministers of States were consulted numerous times during the decision-making process.

"None of the Chief Ministers in about 15 meetings with the PM and other Ministers ever said the lockdown shouldn't be opposed. This double-faced behaviour of the Opposition should be avoided."

Anand Sharma asks the government to speak to the States about improving the public health system. "70% of ICU beds are in the private sector. The government should have coordinated with the States before announcing the lockdown. We can't deny the image of India that was seen abroad of migrant workers in distress. Also, if quarantine centres were set up in advance, the disease may not have reached villages," Sharma says.

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu provides clarity to the discussion-time confusion, says 3.5 hours will be allocated for discussion as requested by the MPs. Anand Sharma resumes speaking.

Rajya Sabha is seeing heated discussion on the time allotted for COVID-related queries and comments. Venkaiah Naidu said members will get 2 hours today to speak on the issue and if anything will be left, the House will discuss the matter tomorrow as well given that the matter is important.

Congress MP Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha says, 'Yesterday, the health minister said that this decision (lockdown) prevented approximately 14 to 29 lakh COVID-19 cases & 37,000-78,000 deaths. The house must be informed what is the scientific basis on which we've reached this conclusion.'

Rajya Sabha passes the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020

Reacting to the MPs, who raised the Ayurveda institute point, Harsh Vardhan said the country should start with one institution to get recognised, hence the government has selected the Jamnagar Institute.

As most of the MPs pointed out that the Ayurveda institute should not be constrained to one particular State, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan is now speaking in the Upper House. He thanked the MPs for their inputs on Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020 and said that despite being a doctor of modern medicine, he is appreciative of and practices Ayurveda and other traditional medicine.

AIADMK MP M Thambidurai in Rajya Sabha said that Siddha is also a very important medicine system. I request the (health) minister to consider giving the status of national importance to National Institute of Siddha in Tamil Nadu. Thambidurai also said that there should be an institute of national importance in every state, not just Gujarat.

Also, CPI(M) MP from Kerala K.K. Rajesh says Kerala is the hub for ayurvedic medicine, even then why the govt did not think of Kerala when such a decision was made. He also said Kerala should have been given an institute of national importance for Ayurveda.

The MPs are discussing the importance of Ayurveda in India. While Trinamool Congress MP Dr. Santanu Sen said ayurveda institutes in other parts of the country are in poor conditions, but the government is focused on institutes in Gujarat only, BJD MP Prashanta Nanda said strengthening of ayurveda will reduce government expenditure on healthcare.

Also, DMK MP M. Shanmugam said that the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020 will confer the tag of national importance to an institute, once again in the "favoured State" of Gujarat. YSRCP MP V. Vijaisai Reddy, on the other hand, supported the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020. He says it is a part of the education reforms of the government and It will help creating trust and confidence in ayurveda.

Rajya Sabha to hold a discussion today on the statement made by Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, a day earlier regarding Covid-19 pandemic and the steps taken by the Government.

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has given Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha over the issue of 'Chinese surveillance on political leaders and key officials.'

Congress MP KC Venugopal mentions The Indian Express investigation on China is Watching in Rajya Sabha. He says, "As per a media report, a Shenzhen based tech company with links to Chinese govt is tracking over 10,000 Indians in its global database of foreign targets. I want to know from the govt if it has taken note of it. If so, what actions have been taken?"

As per a media report, a Shenzhen based tech company with links to Chinese govt is tracking over 10,000 Indians in its global database of foreign targets. I want to know from the govt if it has taken note of it. If so, what actions have been taken?: Congress MP KC Venugopal in RS pic.twitter.com/cZa7R08Idp

— ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2020

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday told the Parliament that China had mobilised large number of troops, weapons and ammunition on the Line of Actual control in Eastern Ladakh, violating all bilateral agreements in the process. He also said while India wanted a peaceful resolution to the current crisis, it was ready for all situations.

Addressing the Lok Sabha on the issue of standoff with Chinese forces in Ladakh, Singh said, “According to the current situation, China has mobilised a large number of troops and armaments along the LAC as well as in the depth areas. There are several frictions areas in Eastern Ladakh including Gogra, Kongka La and North and south Banks of Pangong Tso. In response, our forces have made appropriate counter deployments in these areas, so that India’s security interests can be fully protected.”

Singh said through its provocative, violent and aggressive actions since April-May, China had violated all bilateral agreements to maintain peace and tranquillity on the borders.

Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal, who was found positive for Covid-19 in the test conducted ahead of the Lok Sabha session in Delhi but later tested negative in Jaipur, has demanded an inquiry into the contradictory reports. The positive test meant he was advised 14-day home quarantine and had to skip the Parliament session.

Lashing out at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) over the efficacy of the tests conducted on MPs, Beniwal has asked the Union Health Ministry to make its stand clear on his tests.

Beniwal is the national convenor of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party and a part of the BJP-led NDA. Ahead of the Parliament Session, he underwent a mandatory test for Covid on the Parliament premises on September 11. He said he received a call from the Parliament staff two days later when he was in Jaipur, informing him his results were positive. Subsequently, he said, he underwent another test at SMS Hospital in Jaipur, which returned negative.
Incidentally, Beniwal had Covid-19 earlier, in late July, and had subsequently recovered.

On a day when the Lok Sabha unanimously backed the government’s move to slash salaries of MPs by 30 per cent to meet the exigencies arising out of the pandemic, a united Opposition asked the government to restore the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), funding for which has been suspended for two years.

The Opposition also suggested that the Rs 20,000-crore Central Vista project should be cancelled to put in that money for the country’s fight against Covid pandemic.

The Lower House passed the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020 that seeks to reduce salaries of lawmakers by 30 per cent for one year as part of austerity measures introduced in view of Covid-19.

In a written statement placed before Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the ministry had given scholarships amounting to more than Rs 4 crore to minority students from economically weaker sections, and that Rs 11,690 crore has been spent on the scholarships since 2014-15.

Actor Kangana Ranaut got support in Parliament on Tuesday. During Zero Hour, Lok Sabha MP from Mandi, BJP’s Ram Swaroop, said the “daughter of Himachal Pradesh” has been ill-treated by the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government. “Shiv Sena is no longer a Sena of Shivaji Maharaj but of the Congress,” he said, pointing to the demolition of Ranaut’s Mumbai office last week by the Sena-led civic body. Sharma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for providing security to the “brave lady” from his state.

Exclusion of Punjabi from the list of official languages of J&K came up in Lok Sabha on Monday and Tuesday. While Congress’s Manish Tewari raised the issue on Monday, NDA ally Shiromani Akali Dal’s Sukhbir Singh Badal raised it on Tuesday, and added that NC leader Farooq Abdullah would confirm it. At this, Abdullah said Punjabi was included in the list during his tenure as J&K chief minister. Badal then complimented Abdullah for his “excellent Punjabi”. The NC leader added that Punjabi is spoken by many in J&K, and urged the government to consider the suggestion, and also adding Pahari and Gujari as official languages of the UT.

The government on Tuesday rejected the Opposition’s demands to raise several contentious issues, including Chinese aggression at the LAC, saying the issue is sensitive and a threadbare debate in Parliament would put the lives of the soldiers there in danger.

Sources said Opposition leaders wanted to have short-duration discussions on the tension at LAC, the pandemic situation, migrant workers’ issues and the rising unemployment in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting held at 2 pm Tuesday. But the treasury benches are learnt to have suggested that the pandemic could be discussed during the debate on Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill and for the economy issues, Lok Sabha will have a debate on supplementary demands for grants and other financial bills such as Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill.

Unlike on Monday, opposition parties tried to be on the offensive on Tuesday, with many Congress MPs giving notices on adjournment motion. But Speaker Om Birla rejected it.

Migrants took to walking hundreds of kilometres to their homes during the lockdown because of fake news, the government has told Parliament. It also said that the global experience with Covid-19 and its highly infectious nature led to the Centre’s decision to clamp a nationwide lockdown on March 24 at a notice of just four hours.

The information was given in Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai in response to two separate questions by Opposition members.

When TMC member Mala Roy asked why migrant labourers had to walk miles to reach their homes, Rai said, “The migration of large number of migrant workers was triggered by panic created by fake news regarding duration of lockdown, and people, especially migrant labourers, were worried about adequate supply of basic necessities like food, drinking water, health services and shelter.”

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi arrive at the Parliament, as proceedings of the Rajya Sabha begin on third day of the Monsoon Session.

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.

# Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over 'proposed privatisation of JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) ports and concern over national security.'

# PDP MP Nazir Ahmad Laway has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over 'MPLAD funds and poor condition of National Highway from Jammu to Srinagar.'

# BSP MP Veer Singh has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over 'increase in unemployment due to lockdown and COVID-19 pandemic.'

# RJD MP Manoj Jha has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over 'COVID-19 and its impacts on migrant workforce.'

# Congress MP Anand Sharma has given short duration discussion notice in Rajya Sabha over 'the incursion of Chinese Army across the LAC and military standoff between the Armies of India and China on the LAC.'

# AAP MP Sanjay Singh has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over 'him being stopped from discharging his duties of an MP.'

# Congress MP KC Venugopal has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha on the issue of 'Chinese surveillance on political leaders and key officials.'

Bills for consideration in Lok Sabha are -- The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020, The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020.

Today, Bills for consideration in Rajya Sabha are: The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020, The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, 2020, The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020

Welcome to our Parliament LIVE blog. The third day of the monsoon session of Parliament will see Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman address Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively.