Parliament Session 2024 Highlights: Controversy erupts in Lok Sabha over Article 370 and Bangladesh crisis

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following the passage of the Appropriation Bill. The house will reconvene on Tuesday, August 6th, at 11 a.m.

In the Lok Sabha, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh addressed concerns regarding India's meat export practices, clarifying that the country exports buffalo meat, not cow meat. Singh’s remarks aimed to clarify previous misconceptions and underscore the government’s commitment to providing 100% central assistance for the vaccination of cattle against diseases like foot and mouth disease and swine fever.

Singh emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) includes significant support for dairy farming and animal husbandry. He asserted that under this vision, India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy within the next five years and aims to stand among the largest global economies by 2047. Singh also invited the Opposition to join in these developmental efforts, reinforcing the government's commitment to progress in the sector.

Kollam MP N.K. Premachandran has called for establishing a separate fishery ministry to fully realize the sector’s potential. Highlighting the need to address issues such as production unit gaps, infrastructure investment, skilled manpower development, overfishing, pollution, climate change, and disease outbreaks, Premachandran stressed that these measures are crucial for the sector’s growth. He also drew attention to the challenges faced by the fishing community, comparing their plight to that of scheduled tribes living in tribal areas.

In a separate discussion, SP MP Javed Ali Khan emphasized the urgent need to ramp up solar energy production to meet national energy goals. He pointed out that India needs to achieve 280 gigawatts in solar energy and 500 gigawatts in clean energy by 2030. Khan questioned the Minister of Energy about the ministry’s ability to meet the annual target of producing 60 gigawatts of solar energy.

In a written statement, Minister of Culture & Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed that India has successfully repatriated a total of 345 antiquities from various countries since 2014. The United States led the effort, returning 283 items, followed by Australia with 40 and the United Kingdom with 16. The year 2021 saw the highest number of repatriations, with 159 antiquities returned, while 115 items were repatriated in 2023.

Additionally, Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar informed the Lok Sabha that two Australian universities, Deakin University and the University of Wollongong, have established campuses at GIFT City in Gujarat. The first batch of students at Deakin University began their courses on July 3rd, and admissions for the University of Wollongong are still open.

In a written response, Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shobha Karandlaje reported that by the end of July, more than 50 lakh workers from the unorganised sector have enrolled in the PM Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Scheme. She noted that Haryana leads with the highest number of registrations, with over 8.25 lakh workers enrolled. Uttar Pradesh follows with more than 6.8 lakh registrations, and Maharashtra has over 6.1 lakh workers signed up.

Launched in February 2019, the scheme aims to provide old age protection to workers in the unorganised sector aged 18 to 40 years.

Reacting to media reports that the Centre may introduce a bill to restrict the powers of the Waqf Board over its assets, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal criticized the BJP-led government's approach. He stated, "Since the BJP came to power, the Waqf Board has been stripped of its authority. Our party will strongly oppose this bill. I plan to appeal to all secular MPs, Muslim MPs of TMC, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge to prevent the bill from passing in Parliament."

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan of Chhattisgarh continued the debate on the functioning of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Ranjan raised concerns about policies and taxation issues related to energy solutions. She specifically criticized the Centre’s rooftop solar scheme and called for improvements in the promotion of electric vehicles.

In Parliament, CPI(M) MP John Brittas highlighted the difficulties faced by Kerala students regarding the NEET examinations. Brittas pointed out that many students from Kerala have been assigned examination centers in Andhra Pradesh, creating significant inconvenience. He expressed gratitude to the government for acknowledging and addressing the issue.

Meanwhile, AIADMK MP Dr. M. Thambidurai brought attention to the growing problem of drug and alcohol abuse in India. Dr. Thambidurai noted that India is situated between two of the world’s largest opium-producing regions and stressed that drug abuse is widespread in Tamil Nadu. He also referenced recent deaths attributed to illicit liquor. Thambidurai called for the implementation of a comprehensive national policy to tackle the drug menace.

During the same Lok Sabha session, an MP raised concerns about the political crisis unfolding in Bangladesh, which has recently seen a temporary shift to military rule. Chairman Jagadambika Pal responded by advising the member to concentrate on domestic issues rather than international crises.

Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (J&KNC) has strongly condemned the revocation of Article 370, which occurred five years ago. Mehdi described the action as a "black act," likening it to the historical disrobing of Draupadi, and accused the government of laughing at the loss of J&K’s dignity and autonomy.

In response to Mehdi's remarks, Union Minister of State Nityanand Rai requested that Chairman Jagadambika Pal remove the comments from the official record.

In contrast, BJP leaders defended the proposed amendment, arguing that it aligns with the Modi government's commitment to enhancing transparency. The bill, if introduced and passed, would require Waqf boards to register their properties with district collectors for accurate valuation. There are currently 30 Waqf boards across the country.

PM Narendra Modi met BJP MPs from Odisha in his chamber at the Parliament today. PM asked them about their number of terms, took an introduction, and asked them about the budget in their constituencies.

Congress MP KC Venugopal said, "Union Minister JP Nadda had pledged several years ago that Kerala would receive an AIIMS facility. Despite numerous AIIMS being sanctioned across the country, Kerala has been overlooked. The state is currently facing severe crises, and its residents are under immense stress. With the government approving 22 AIIMS projects, it's crucial to ask why Kerala has not been included. This is a significant issue we highlighted today."

PM Narendra Modi tweeted, "Today marks five years since the Parliament of India abrogated Articles 370 and 35(A), a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. This decision ushered in a new era of progress and prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, ensuring the full implementation of the Indian Constitution as envisioned by its framers. The abrogation has brought enhanced security, dignity, and opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized communities previously denied the benefits of development. It has also helped curb the corruption that plagued J&K for decades. I assure the people of J&K and Ladakh that our Government remains committed to advancing their aspirations and will continue to work for their betterment in the years ahead."

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini has called out neighboring states on their approach to supporting farmers. He questioned the Punjab government on whether they will commit to purchasing crops from their farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Saini also challenged Congress-led governments in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, urging them to implement MSP-based purchases in their states instead of just discussing the issue. He emphasized that in Haryana, the decision has been made to buy all crops at MSP within the state.

In the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated, "...During the Congress party's tenure in various states, farmers were killed. In 1986, under Congress rule in Bihar, 23 farmers were killed in a firing incident. In 1988, on the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi in Delhi, 2 farmers lost their lives. That same year, in Meerut, 5 farmers were killed in a shooting."

In response to media reports that the Centre is considering a bill to limit the powers of the Waqf Board over assets and that the UP Government is introducing strict penalties for 'love jihad,' RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "...The Centre is failing to address public welfare. They are indifferent to the needs of the poor, inflation, poverty, and unemployment. Instead of focusing on essential services like quality education and healthcare, and setting up factories and industries in impoverished states like Bihar, the BJP is solely focused on polarization and Hindu-Muslim issues."

During the Lok Sabha discussion on Demands for Grants under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Congress MP Benny Behanan urged the Centre to support the fishing and farming communities and provide income security. He stressed the need for timely and adequate compensation to protect these communities. Behanan also criticised coastal tourism initiatives, arguing that they are disrupting the marine ecosystem and negatively affecting fishermen’s livelihoods.

In the Rajya Sabha, TMC MP Derek O’Brien initiated a discussion on the Working of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. He also noted that Opposition parties had sought discussions on the Home and Defence ministries, but their requests were denied.

During the discussion on the Demands for Grants under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, TMC MP Sayani Ghosh highlighted a fodder crisis in India. She pointed out that the Union Minister had acknowledged a national fodder deficit, leading to concerns about cows dying from lack of food in government-owned gaushalas, particularly in BJP-ruled states.

Following the passage of demands for grants for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Lok Sabha has now shifted its focus to the demands for grants under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying for 2024-25. TMC MP Sayani Ghosh has initiated the discussion on this topic.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rae Bareli MP, Rahul Gandhi, has arrived at the Parliament for the Monsoon Session.

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan highlighted issues with the condition of smart cities, pointing to Gurugram as a symbol of development challenges today.

In response, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar noted that Gurugram is not among the 100 smart cities. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar interjected, highlighting Bachchan's point about Gurugram's development significance. He requested that, given Khattar's experience as Chief Minister of Haryana and his current portfolio, attention be given to addressing Gurugram’s waterlogging problems.

Dhankhar noted that while cities are designed to handle rainfall of 1.5-2 cm, they lack planning for extreme events like the 8 cm rainfall seen in Delhi NCR recently. Khattar agreed to consider suggestions for better-equipping cities to handle climate change challenges.

During the discussion on Demands for Grants under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for 2024-25, Health Minister JP Nadda highlighted the NDA government's efforts to enhance health infrastructure.

He stated that the number of medical colleges in the country has risen from 387 to 731. Additionally, undergraduate medical seats have increased from 51,348 to 1.12 lakh, marking a 118 percent rise, while postgraduate seats have grown by 133 percent.

Addressing concerns about electric vehicles (EVs), Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury highlighted the lack of public EV charging stations and argued that the idea of EVs solving emission problems is a myth. She pointed out that EVs bring their environmental challenges, including issues with batteries and power grids that could potentially worsen contamination.

In response, MoS Rao Inderjit Singh disagreed with Ms. Chowdhury’s view, stating, "Electric vehicles are the future. While I am not qualified to debate their environmental impact, I stand by the belief that they represent a forward path."

BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal remarked on the Waqf Board issue, saying, "PM Modi exemplifies transparency. After 11 years in power, the Opposition has failed to make any allegations against our party leaders. Only those with corrupt practices would have an issue with transparency in every field."

Responding to media reports about a potential bill to limit the powers of the Waqf Board, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla stated today, "The Muslim community has long demanded increased transparency and accountability within the Waqf Board. Although the Board manages the third-largest land portfolio, with properties valued in lakhs of crores, its income remains below Rs 200 crores. The Waqf system, critics argue, has been exploited by 10-15 influential families to establish a new zamindari system and encroach upon Waqf land".

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal today introduced a Bill aimed at reserving seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assembly of Goa.

During Question Hour, Tamil Nadu MP D. Ravikumar questioned the continuation of GST compensation despite the cessation of payments to states.

In response, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman explained that the ongoing GST compensation cess is used to repay loans taken during the COVID-19 pandemic for compensating states. She clarified that while the GST compensation cess officially ended in June 2022, it has been extended until March 2026 by a collective decision of the Council. The extended cess is necessary to cover the borrowed funds used to ensure compensation payments to states during the pandemic.

During a debate in the Lok Sabha today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed concerns regarding the refund of money deposited in Sahara Group and PACL Limited. She assured the House that the Centre is actively working on the refunds under the oversight of the Supreme Court.

Sitharaman stated that the government cannot make decisions on court-related matters and criticised MPs for suggesting that the delay in refunds is due to government inaction.

During Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Hema Malini expressed concerns about the declining population of peacocks and inquired about the measures being taken by the Centre to protect peacocks and other bird species in India.

CPI(M) MP Sivadasan today raised the issue of India's poor ranking of 159 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, citing the challenges faced by journalists, including police cases, arrests, and imprisonment under laws like UAPA. He mentioned the arrests of journalists Prabir Purkayastha and Siddique Kappan as notable examples.

Sivadasan also pointed out that over the past decade, more than 100 journalists have been killed in India, including prominent editor Gauri Lankesh. He slammed the government for not addressing the exploitation of journalists and failing to ensure proper wages for them.

Interacting with the press today, Congress MP Manickam tagore commented on his Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha regarding OBC-Creamy Layer, "Today, I have moved an Adjournment motion on the OBC creamy layer issue which has been pending since 2017. PM Modi claims that he is an OBC son, but in his government, since 2017 they have not increased the creamy layer limit. It shows their intent is different and their publicity and marketing are different... We all know that caste census is a very critical issue now, and this government is completely not ready to conduct a census as well as a caste census..."

In the Lok Sabha today, Minister of State (MoS) P Chaudhary addressed queries from TMC MP Mahua Moitra during the Question Hour about the difficulties in securing loans in rural areas. Chaudhary outlined the various measures being implemented to enhance access to financial services in these regions, providing a comprehensive overview of the government's efforts to address these challenges.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has reported being placed under house arrest and that her party office has been locked, coinciding with heightened security measures on the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. National Conference chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq has also claimed to be under house arrest. Additionally, the office of the Apni Party, led by Altaf Bukhari, was closed for the day as a precautionary measure.

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have commenced discussions in the Monsoon session of Parliament.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore has submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha urging the revision of income criteria for the OBC creamy layer to better reflect current socio-economic conditions. He is calling for the implementation of transparent policies to address disparities and ensure effective support. Alternatively, he proposes removing the creamy layer status for OBCs, which he argues has hindered youth access to opportunities. Tagore also advocates for enhanced support for OBC youth through improved educational and vocational training programs.

Congress general secretary and Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal is expected to take on the role of chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament. A total of 22 MPs have been elected unopposed to the PAC, including 15 from the Lok Sabha and seven from the Rajya Sabha. Among the 15 Lok Sabha members, seven are from the BJP, three from Congress, and one each from Trinamool Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, Jana Sena, and TDP.

The chairmanship of this multi-party panel is traditionally awarded to the main Opposition party. According to Congress sources, Venugopal is set to be appointed as the chairperson of the PAC.

Congress MP Manish Tewari has given a notice for an Adjournment Motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss the current border situation and the substantial trade deficit with China.

Tagore has submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, calling for a revision of the income criteria for the OBC creamy layer to better reflect current socio-economic conditions. The motion also seeks to implement transparent policies to address disparities, enhance support for OBC youth through improved educational and vocational training programs, or alternatively, remove the creamy layer classification that has obstructed access for youth into the system.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is scheduled to introduce the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha. While specific details of the Bill are not yet available, it is expected to build on the draft prepared by the ministry in 2021. The draft aimed to amend the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948, distinguishing between mining activities and petroleum operations.

The proposed changes were designed to foster a more investor-friendly environment by enhancing 'ease of doing business' and facilitating the exploration, development, and production of next-generation cleaner fuels.

A bill to introduce reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the Goa Legislative Assembly is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha this week. Currently, there are no reserved seats for the ST community in the Goa assembly.

The 'Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes Bill, 2024' has been scheduled for discussion during the remaining part of the Parliament session.

In 2013, the Congress government expanded the powers of the Waqf Boards through amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995, which governs assets designated for religious or charitable purposes under Muslim law. The current amendments aim to enhance women's representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards, introduce oversight measures with district magistrates for monitoring properties, and address delays in property surveying.

Senior BJP leader Dinesh Sharma has, however, defended the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.

Sharma noted that members of the Muslim community, including Bohra, have highlighted issues with Waqf boards, as reported by PTI. "The main reason for these amendments is the complaints about Waqf boards being involved in activities beyond their intended purpose, despite being established to benefit minorities," Sharma said.

Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, has called for government consultation with stakeholders before implementing changes to the Waqf Act.

"Our ancestors donated significant portions of their property to be held as Waqf under Islamic law," Mahali stated. "Once a property is designated as Waqf, it cannot be sold or transferred," he noted.

Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has criticised the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. Owaisi contends that these changes are designed to strip Waqf properties of their protections. He accused the Modi government of aiming to undermine the autonomy of Waqf boards, which he claims is a violation of religious freedoms.

Owaisi alleged that the BJP's intentions are rooted in a Hindutva agenda, asserting that amendments to the Waqf board's establishment and composition would lead to administrative chaos and diminish the board's independence. He warned that increased government control over the Waqf board would erode its autonomy and compromise its ability to function independently.

The Union government will reportedly introduce a bill in Parliament that seeks significant amendments to the Waqf Act, aiming to curb the broad powers of Waqf boards in declaring land as their property.

The proposed bill, which has reportedly been approved by the Union Cabinet, could include around 40 amendments to the existing Waqf Act. Enacted in 1954, the Waqf Act governs the management of Waqf properties, ensuring they are held for specific charitable purposes and preventing their use or disposition beyond these objectives. The bill aims to refine and update these provisions to enhance oversight and transparency. Learn more.