SP targets Cong, stalls proceedings

Rubbing some sheen off the second anniversary of the UPA government, the Samajwadi Party on Monday stalled proceedings in the Lok Sabha, leading to a two-hour adjournment

Rubbing some sheen off the second anniversary of the UPA government, the Samajwadi Party on Monday stalled proceedings in the Lok Sabha, leading to a two-hour adjournment, as the party raised the issue of wheat import from an Australian company at inflated rates, besides the oil-for-food scam. The members charged the government with failing to tackle corruption and price rise. Raising the issues minutes after proceedings began, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav demanded an adjournment motion to discuss the matter saying that the UPA was listing its achievements while it had failed on several fronts. As BJP and JD(U) members quickly rose in support, SP members trooped into the well of the House, raising slogans. The Speaker requested the members to allow Question Hour to continue and later adjourned the House for two hours.

Pathak panel report likely in three months

THE Justice R S Pathak inquiry authority, probing allegations made by the Volcker panel on Iraq’s Oil-for-Food scam, is expected to submit its report within three months, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. The enforcement directorate has submitted two reports to the Pathak authority and one more was under preparation which will be presented to the panel in two to three days, he said.

Law panel for whistleblower’s provision

THE Law Commission in its 195th report on judges (inquiry) Bill, 2005, has suggested that a ‘whistleblower’s’ provision may be incorporated in the proposed Bill to protect the complainant, Rajya Sabha was informed. It has further recommended that if a complainant under the ‘‘complaint procedure’’ is apprehensive of reprisals, he should have the right to request the counsel to keep his name confidential, MoS for Law and Justice K Venkatapathy said in a written reply.

Constitution (105th amendment) Bill

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PARLIAMENT passed a Bill to amend the Constitution to include Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh under Article 164 for the purpose of welfare of tribal people in these states. The Constitution (105th amendment) Bill, 2006, makes it mandatory for the two states to have tribal ministers while excludes Bihar from the purview of the provision of having a minister in-charge of Tribal Welfare.

Bill to strengthen small-scale sector passed

PARLIAMENT passed a Bill to further strengthen small and medium enterprises and help them remain competitive in the global market. The Bill would pave the way for setting up of a board, an advisory committee and an industry facilitation council to address difficulties faced by the sector.

India protests dam by Pak in Gilgit

INDIA has conveyed its protest to Pakistan against the proposed construction of Bhasha dam on Indus river in Gilgit, part of J-K under occupation of Pakistan, Lok Sabha was informed. The protest has been made on the ground that the dam is being constructed in the territory that is part of J-K, which is an integral part of India.