Demand for debate under Rule 267, inflation and Agnipath scheme: Parliament braces for stormy session from Monday

Parliament

After the completion of routine parliamentary formalities in the first week of the Monsoon session of the 18th Lok Sabha, all eyes will now be on the more substantial sessions beginning Monday.

Heated debates on a range of issues like the NEET paper leak row, the Agnipath initiative, inflation and unemployment are on the  cards when both houses reconvene on Monday.

The first week ( June 24 to 28) was marked by the oath-taking of the new members of parliament, followed by the election of the Speaker and the President's joint address. On Friday, the house was adjourned after the discussions on NEET paper leak began.

Anurag Thakur to initiate the Motion of Thanks

In the Lok Sabha, BJP member and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur is set to initiate the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. The Motion will be seconded by first term Lok Sabha member Bansuri Swaraj, the daughter of BJP stalwart late Sushma Swaraj.

The Lok Sabha has allocated 16 hours for the debate on the Motion of Thanks, which will conclude with the reply by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

In the Rajya Sabha, 21 hours have been set aside for the debate and the prime minister is likely to reply on Wednesday.

How NEET-UG issue dominated proceedings on Friday

Opposition INDIA bloc members forced adjournment in the Lok Sabha on Friday, when the House was to take up the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, demanding a dedicated discussion on the NEET issue. The Rajya Sabha had witnesses vociferous protests during the debate with the opposition demanding a discussion on the NEET row and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge trooping into the Well of the House to join fellow members.

Opposition's demand for special discussion  under Rule 267

Regarding the NEET examination row, Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated, “Under Rule 267, we are requesting a dedicated discussion on this matter in the House, following which we will articulate our demands.”

Govt's assurance of a discussion on NEET

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said that the central government is ready for discussion on the NEET paper leak issue, provided the discussions are done while maintaining the decorum of the Parliament. He also assured that strict action will be taken against whoever is responsible for the alleged paper leak incident.