18:37 (IST)
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Budget did little to reassure farmers on MSP: Shashi Tharoor
On Agriculture, Shashi Tharoor says the budget does little to reassure farmers on MSP. "A quarter of the budget for MSP has been cut Even worse is the plight of fishermen. This budget has denied them any relief. No fiscal support, no diesel subsidy. The Centre has also ignored thousands of tea workers in Tamil Nadu and Kerala," he alleged.
18:32 (IST)
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Shashi Tharoor says Centre has deceived people with the latest Union budget
Talking on the Union Budget 2021-22, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday started his speech by talking about the performance of the Indian cricket team. "Inspirational captaincy is absent," Tharoor said in an apparent reference to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget speech.
"You cannot cross the sea by merely staring at the water," Shashi Tharoor said quoting Rabindranath Tagore. Reiterating the Congress party's stance, Shashi Tharoor alleged that the Budget benefited a few industrialists close to the government.
18:25 (IST)
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Lok Sabha passes motion to thank President's address
Voting on Motion of Thanks to the President to both Houses of Parliament. The motion has been passed.
18:19 (IST)
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PM urges protesting farmers to discuss their issues with govt
“Our government will continue to work for the ‘agenda of the country’,” Modi says. “I urge the protesting farmers to discuss their problems with the government.” With this, the prime minister concluded his address.
18:05 (IST)
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Such 'divided', 'confused' party can do no good: PM's dig at Congress
In a sharp dig at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said its Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha units move in opposite directions and asserted that such a "divided" and "confused" party can neither do any good for itself nor can it think of any solutions for the country's problems.
PM Modi's remarks came amid a walkout by members of the Congress in Lok Sabha, including former party chief Rahul Gandhi, when he was speaking on the three farm laws during his reply to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President for his address.
"The condition of the Congress party, a very old party which ruled the country for about six decades, has now become such that its Rajya Sabha unit moves in one direction while the Lok Sabha unit moves in another direction," Modi said.
Such a "divided" and "confused" party can neither do any good for itself nor can it think of any solution to the country's problems, Modi said.
"Nothing can be more unfortunate than this. The Congress is also there in Rajya Sabha, their senior leaders are there, they debate with a lot of enthusiasm and express their views. On the other hand, there is the other section of the Congress (in Lok Sabha).... Time will tell," the prime minister said.
17:57 (IST)
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When ‘aandolan jeevis’ call hijack protests, it pollutes intention of farmers: PM
“When ‘aandolan jeevis’ disrupt innocent protests and call for the release of those jailed during the demonstrations then it pollutes the intention of the farmers protest,” Modi says. “Some even destroyed mobile towers in Punjab.”
"I consider the Kisan Andolan to be Pavitra. But, when Andolanjeevis hijack Pavitra Andolans, showcase photos of those jailed for serious offences, does it serve any purpose? Not allowing toll plazas to work, destroying telecom towers- does it serve a Pavitra Andolan, said PM Modi
17:46 (IST)
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Wealth creators important for country: PM Modi in LS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha said the private sector is as important as the public sector for the development of the country. It is not right to malign them. "Wealth creators are important for the country," he said.
"To use improper words against the private sector may have got votes for a few people in the past but those times are gone. The culture of abusing the private sector is not acceptable any longer. We cannot keep insulting our youth like this," Modi said.
17:38 (IST)
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PM highlights importance of private sector in India
"Public sector is essential but at the same time, the role of the private sector is also vital. Take any sector- telecommunications, pharmaceuticals - we see the role of the private sector. If India is able to serve humanity, it is also due to the role of the private sector," said prime minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha.
"I want to remind the Congress that while the public sector is important the private sector is just as important. Increased mobile production, cheapest data available in India. Pharma industry is also largely private," adds Modi.
17:32 (IST)
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Reform necessary in Agriculture sector: PM
"It will benefit no one to stop working for fear of failure," the PM said adding that farming has evolved alongside India's history. He said that India's festivals and greetings have evolved in the context of farming.
"There is a need for investment in farming," said the Prime Minister adding we cannot deal with 21st century agriculture with 18th century mindset.
Modi said, "Till the time we could not bring investment and new technologies to our agriculture, we will not be able to make our farming sector strong. We need to go beyond growing only wheat and paddy."
Praising the government's Kisan Rail initiative, the PM quoted farmer leader Chaudhary Charan Singh to say, "The entire country should be treated as one agricultural market."
17:18 (IST)
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No problem in making changes in laws if there are shortcomings: PM Modi
"We offered to discuss clause by clause three farm laws; If there are any shortcomings, there is no problem in making changes", said PM Modi.
17:11 (IST)
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Opposition stages walkout during PM's address
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi replies to the motion of thanks to the President's address and addressing the House over the new farm laws, Congress stages walkout from the Lok Sabha raising slogans to repeal farm laws.
17:03 (IST)
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PM says farm laws 'not coercive', add options not restrictions for farmers
“These attempts to shout and create chaos is part of a well-thought political conspiracy,” said PM Modi in Lower House. “...but you [Opposition] cannot earn people’s trust this way.”
"This uproar is a pre-planned strategy to keep the truth behind the real situation of the three laws hidden. I want to ask farmers has anything been snatched that was available earlier? What has happened is an alternative option has been provided. That is the arrangement under the new laws," said Modi.
"These laws are not coercive. They only offer options. There are no restrictions on the old Mandis. And the current budget gives additional funds for modernisation of mandis," the Prime Minister stated.
16:55 (IST)
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Opposition creates an uproar in LS as PM speaks about farm laws
Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha said that the government bought in three laws regarding agriculture. "This was part of a response to the crisis facing agriculture sector. We made an honest effort to address the problems in the sector.” he said.
Opposition MPs create an uproar in the Lok Sabha as Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks on Farm Laws during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
The prime minister says that debates about the new farm laws could have focussed on the Centre’s intent in introducing them. “As far as protests are concerned, the farmers sitting at Delhi’s borders have the wrong impression.”
Opposition MPs create an uproar in the Lok Sabha as Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks on Farm Laws during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. pic.twitter.com/mUHLXjw2kS
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2021
16:51 (IST)
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Indian economy to witness double-digit growth: Narendra Modi
"You will be surprised that many couldn’t as their systems were jammed. In India however, reached relief and rations to 75 crores Indians for 8 months. ₹2 lakh crores was dispersed to people via Jan Dhan, Aadhar and digital payments," the prime minister said. "Let us also recall who it was who went to Supreme Court against Aadhar?" he questioned.
"The result of this is that tractors, automobiles are registering high sales. GST collections are breaking records. Analysts have said we will have double digit growth," Modi said, reports The Hindu.
16:44 (IST)
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Atmanirbhar Bharat will place India at centre stage in post-Covid world, says Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday said that the post-COVID world is turning out to be very different. "In such times, remaining isolated from global trends will be counter-productive. We will have to emerge as a strong player. That is why, India is working towards building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. We need to be self-sufficient like we become in pharma industry." he said.
"Today we can hear 'vocal for local' in every corner of India. People look for local. This sense of self-respect is working a lot for Aatmanirbhar Bharat," he added.
Today we can hear 'Vocal for Local' in every corner of India. People look for local. This sense of self-respect is working a lot for Aatmanirbhar Bharat: PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha https://t.co/0WwHTsjVR9
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2021
16:42 (IST)
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Successful fight against COVID-19 credited to 130 crore Indians, says PM
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, replying to the President's address on Wednesday, “It is a matter of pride for India that after the outbreak of the coronavirus...in the fight against an ‘unknown enemy’...the discipline of 130 crore Indians saved us. The credit goes to 130 crore Indians.”
"If you don't accept your child at home, no one in the society will accept your child," the Modi said.
Responding to Congress MP Manish Tewari, PM Modi said, "Doctors and nurses appeared in the form of god. The sanitation worker, ambulance worker appeared in the form of god."
16:33 (IST)
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Way to new world order is through self-reliance, says PM Modi
“Today, in a post-coronavirus world, a new world will come about,” the prime minister said in the Lower House. “In this situation, India has to become a strong player. To find its place in the new world order, India needs to become a strong player...and the way to do that is a self-reliant India.”
We're knocking at the doors of 75 yrs of independence. It's a matter of pride for every Indian & an occasion to move forward. We may be in any corner or belong to any strata of society but we must make a new resolve that where do we want to take India at 100 years of freedom: PM pic.twitter.com/frKA4Tz7Te
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2021
16:30 (IST)
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President's address showcased India's 'Sankalp Shakti': Modi in LS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha on Wednesday said that the speech by President showcased India's 'Sankalp Shakti'. His words have boosted the spirit of confidence among the people of India.
16:24 (IST)
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PM terms Presidents address as 'inspiring'
Addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday on the motion of thanks to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The President's address represents how the country set a roadmap for itself in the most difficult of times."
Calling President Ram Nath Kovind's address as "inspiring", the prime minister congratulated MPs for participating in the discussion that continued beyond midnight. "I would like especially to thank our women MPs in particular because their participation was more."
16:19 (IST)
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PM begins his reply to the motion of thanks on President's address in LS
Speaking in the Lok Sabha. https://t.co/23xHQXbIxH
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 10, 2021
16:16 (IST)
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PM to address Lok Sabha shortly
Narendra Narendra Modi arrives at the Lok Sabha. He will reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, in the Lower House shortly.
PM Narendra Modi arrives at the Lok Sabha.
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2021
PM Modi to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, in the House shortly. pic.twitter.com/ahGeJCNilb
16:09 (IST)
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Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury highlights VK Singh's comments on LAC
Lok Sabha assembles. Speaker Om Birla is in the Chair. Congress floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury again brings up former minister VK Singh comments on LAC aggression. "If you have transgressed the LAC, it is okay. You don't have to brag about it," he says. Why are we giving the Chinese the opportunity to weaken our diplomatic position?" he asked as per The Hindu
16:02 (IST)
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Lok Sabha proceedings begin
15:55 (IST)
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International passenger traffic fell by 90.56% in March-Dec 2020: Govt
International passenger traffic fell by 90.56 per cent to 18.55 lakh in March-December period of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to the corresponding period of 2019, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Wednesday, reports PTI.
Moreover, domestic passenger traffic fell to 3.77 crore in March-December period of 2020 from 11.99 crore in the corresponding period of 2019, the minister said.
Scheduled international passenger traffic continues to remain suspended in India since March 23, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, special international flights have been operating since July 2020 under air bubble arrangements formed with various countries.
15:41 (IST)
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Rahul Gandhi to be first Congress speaker in Lok Sabha's budget debate today
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will lead the Congress during debate on the Union Budget and will be the first speaker from his party in the discussion likely to be taken up by Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The discussion on union budget 2021-22 is slated to be taken up after reply to the motion of thanks on the President's Address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Wayanad MP has been critical of the Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 and said that the budget proposals will adversely impact the common man.
15:32 (IST)
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Centre, states owe Air India Rs 498 crore: Hardeep Singh Puri in RS
The Centre and states owe Air India Rs 498.17 crore as on 31 December, 2020 for VVIP travel, evacuation operations, travel of foreign dignitaries among other services, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Wednesday.
The governments in states and at the Centre owe the airline Rs 84.57 crore for VVIP travel, Rs 12.61 crore for foreign dignitaries' travel, Rs. 9.67 crore for evacuation operations and Rs 391.32 crore as other outstanding dues, the minister told Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question.
The national carrier incurred a provisional loss of Rs 7,982 crore in 2019-20 as compared to the net loss of Rs 8,556 crore in 2018-19, Puri said.
The government is currently in the process to sell its entire stake in debt-ridden airline.
"The total amount of outstanding dues owed by the Central and State Governments to Air India for VVIP travel, evacuation operations, foreign dignitaries travel and other outstanding dues as on 31.12.2020 is Rs. 498.17 crore," Puri stated.
-PTI
15:28 (IST)
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High Court monitoring CBI probe into Hathras case as directed by SC: Govt to RS
The Centre informed Parliament on Wednesday that the Allahabad High Court is monitoring the CBI probe into the rape-and-murder case of a 19-year-old woman in Hathras in Uttar Pradesh as directed by the Supreme Court, reports PTI.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said the apex court had observed that since the Uttar Pradesh police was divested of the probe and the central agency is carrying out the investigation, there would be no room for apprehensions at this stage.
He said the investigation into the Hathras rape-and-murder case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the recommendation of the state government through a gazette notification of 10 October, 2020.
15:20 (IST)
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2021 Budget got positive response from industry, sensex: Sushil Modi
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushil Modi says this year’s Budget received a positive response from the industry and Sensex, reports India Today. He said that despite a 23% drop in revenue collection, the government has not imposed any new tax in the Budget.
15:11 (IST)
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Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day
15:04 (IST)
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PM to address Lok Sabha at 4 pm today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address around 4 pm today, according to the PMO's tweet. On Monday, in the Rajya Sabha, Modi had said the newly-passed farm laws should be given a chance and that the MSP system is here to stay.
At around 4 PM today in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister @narendramodi will reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 10, 2021
14:52 (IST)
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Parliament passes bill to provide greater autonomy to 12 major ports
The Major Ports Authority Bill, 2020 was passed through ballot votes with 84 in favour and 44 against it in the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on 23 September, 2020 passed the bill. Allaying fears of members, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Mansukh Mandaviya categorically said it was not intended towards privatisation of major ports and rather aimed at boosting their decision-making powers in order to compete with private ports.
The bill aims to provide for regulation, operation and planning of major ports in India and to vest the administration, control and management of such ports upon the boards of major port authorities and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration.
14:43 (IST)
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State govt examining committee report on Clause 6 of Assam Accord: MHA
A committee, set up by the Centre for putting forward recommendations for the implementation of Clause 6 of the 1985 Assam Accord, has submitted its report to the state government and it is under examination, Parliament was informed on Wednesday, reports PTI.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said, "The High Level Committee for implementation of Clause 6 of Assam Accord, headed by Hon'ble Justice (Retd) B K Sharma, has submitted its report to the Assam government. The recommendations are under examination of the state government."
The committee was set up for giving recommendations for the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord that came at the culmination of a six-year-long movement (1979-85) against illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
Clause 6 reads: "Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people."
According to the terms and conditions of the committee, it will "assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people".
"The committee will recommend the appropriate level of reservations in employment under the government of Assam for the Assamese people," according to a home ministry notification.
14:30 (IST)
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Rajya Sabha proceedings extended till 3 pm
14:11 (IST)
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Agitating farmers not summoned by NIA: Govt tells Rajya Sabha
Farmers participating in the ongoing protests against newly enacted three agri laws were not summoned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the government told Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, reports PTI.
Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been protesting at Delhi borders for more than two months, demanding a complete repeal of three farm laws enacted in September 2020.
"No sir," Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to a query whether the NIA summoned farmers, participating in the ongoing farmers' protests. NIA probes terror-related crimes. The question was asked by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and two other members.
14:00 (IST)
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Over 1,940 people arrested under UAPA in 2019: MHA in Rajya Sabha
As per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report 2019, 1,948 people were arrested under UAPA that year. Total number of persons arrested and persons convicted in 2016 and 2019 under UAPA are 5,922 and 132 respectively, said MoS (Home) G Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
13:52 (IST)
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BJP does vote-bank politics in Budget and 'note-bank' politics off-Budget: Sibal
Speaking on the Union Budget, Congress leader Kapil Sibal Wednesday said while the NDA government accused its predecessor UPA government of doing vote bank politics, they themselves have done the same in the Budget this year by awarding infrastructure projects to the poll-bound states.
"You say Congress did vote-bank in budgets. What has BJP done? National highway budget for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu. BJP does vote-bank politics in Budget and 'note-bank' politics off-Budget,' the Congress leader said.
13:28 (IST)
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'Can Indians be atmanirbhar after COVID-19?' asks Kapil Sibal
Citing economic indicators in a pre-pandemic situation, Congress' Kapil Sibal said, "Can Indians be atma nirbhar after COVID-19? You have forgotten the people of India in this Budget. How does this government justify what it has done?"
13:08 (IST)
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Debate on Union Budget begins
Speaking on the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said, "The minister spoke of self-reliant India and we all want that. But are we moving towards that? Are farmers, Dalits, minorities, MSME sector self-reliant? You will have to answer this question."
13:04 (IST)
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At least 96 arrests in 93 sedition cases in 2019: Centre tells RS
As many as 93 cases of sedition were registered in different parts of the country in 2019 in which 96 people were arrested, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said chargesheets were filed against 76 people while 29 were acquitted by the courts in 2019.
The highest number of 22 sedition cases in 2019 was registered in Karnataka where 18 people were arrested, he said in a written reply to a question.
12:51 (IST)
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Rajya Sabha votes on Major Ports Authorities Bill
Minister Mandaviya moved that the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2020 be passed. "We developed the Kolkata port on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. We paid the liabilities for all pensioners. The loss making port is now profitable. This is because of reforms," he said, illustrating the benefits of the model.
"The Narendra Modi government believes in the federal structure and state government representatives will not be removed," he added.
12:41 (IST)
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Opposition oppose Major Ports Authorities Bill, says reduction in SC and ST representation
Expressing objection to the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2020, NCP's Fauzia Khan on Wednesday said "there is an example of deliberate disintegration of the federal structure in this Bill".
Ramji of BSP said there is no provision in the Bill for SC and ST port employees to raise their voice. "They should be represented on the Boards," he said.
Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD said: "No political establishment is forever so whenever you make a legislation, don't look at the prevalent media channels, look at how it will be seen by history, he says. The Bill reduces participation of states and does not include representative of labour unions."
12:28 (IST)
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Congress MP gives notice in LS to discuss rising cases in Kerala
Congress MP K Suresh has given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha demanding to discuss the "alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in Kerala".
12:07 (IST)
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Frame rules to give Indian consultancy firm preference in contracts: Demand in RS
A demand to frame rules giving Indian consultancy companies preference in contracts on the lines of the new US federal spending policy was made in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Raising the issue through a zero hour mention, BJP's Vinay P Sahasrabuddhe said the new US President Joe Biden last month asked federal agencies to purchase products and services produced in America.
The government of India, too, should frame a new policy giving preference to Indian consultancy firms over foreign entities. Local consultancy often lose out to foreign firms due to eligibility criteria requiring certain experience, he said.
Consultancy, he said, is a big industry that is dominated by foreign agencies.
- PTI
11:40 (IST)
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Pilot project for new Indo-Pak border fencing completed last March: Centre
Pilot project for new design modular fencing on Indo-Pak border in Punjab has been completed in March 2020, said MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
11:36 (IST)
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Rules under Citizenship Amendment Act are under preparation: Nityananda Rai
The Rules under the Citizenship Amendment Act are under preparation. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have granted an extension up to 9 April 2021 and 9 July 20201 respectively, said MoS Home Nityananda Rai in Rajya Sabha.
10:59 (IST)
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Major Port Authorities Bill taken up in RS
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya moves the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2020 for consideration and passing.
10:54 (IST)
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Cong MP gives notice in Lok Sabha over VK Singh's statement
Congress leader Manish Tewari gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over BJP leader and former army chief VK Singh's statement on LAC transgression.
10:47 (IST)
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Education of girl child impacted during pandemic: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Pointing out that the education of young girls was impacted during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said "The period saw an increase in child marriages. As per an RTI reply, the child helpline recieved,324 distress calls. I request Women and Child Development Minister to collect data on child marriages, mobilise anganwadi workers on mission mode so that the girls can go back to school."
10:18 (IST)
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BJP issues three-line whip to its MPs to be present in LS today
The Bharatiya Janata Party has issued a three-line whip to its Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the House on Wednesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address.
10:10 (IST)
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KC Venugopal raises question on rising petrol prices
Speaking on the prices of petrol hitting a new record high on Tuesday, Congress MP KC Venugopal in Rajya Sabha asked why the price of petrol is at an all time high despite crude prices being at an all time low.
"How many times has the Centre increased excise duty?" asked Venugopal.
Parliament LATEST Updates: “When ‘aandolan jeevis’ disrupt innocent protests and call for the release of those jailed during the demonstrations then it pollutes the intention of the farmers protest,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lower House.
"There is a need for investment in farming," said the Prime Minister adding we cannot deal with 21st-century agriculture with 18th-century mindset
Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha said that the government bought in three laws regarding agriculture. "This was part of a response to the crisis facing the agriculture sector. We made an honest effort to address the problems in the sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday said that the post-COVID world is turning out to be very different. "In such times, remaining isolated from global trends will be counter-productive. We will have to emerge as a strong player"
Addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday on the motion of thanks to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The President's address represents how the country set a roadmap for itself in the most difficult of times."
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will lead the Congress during debate on the union budget and will be the first speaker from his party in the discussion likely to be taken up by Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The discussion on union budget 2021-22 is slated to be taken up after reply to the motion of thanks on the President's Address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The prime minister will reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address around 4 pm today
The Major Ports Authority Bill, 2020 was passed through ballot votes with 84 in favour and 44 against it in the Upper House. The Lok Sabha had cleared the bill on 23 September 23, 2020
Speaking on the Union Budget, Congress leader Kapil Sibal Wednesday said while the NDA government accused its predecessor UPA government of doing vote bank politics, they themselves have done the same in the Budget this year by awarding infrastructure projects to the poll-bound states.
Mansukh Mandaviya moved that the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2020 be passed. "We developed the Kolkata port on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. We paid the liabilities for all pensioners. The loss making port is now profitable. This is because of reforms," he said, illustrating the benefits of the model.
The Rules under the Citizenship Amendment Act are under preparation. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have granted an extension up to 9 April 2021 and 9 July 20201 respectively, said MoS Home Nityananda Rai in Rajya Sabha.
"Our decision to raise the frequency of commercial flights beyond 80 percent depends on the behaviour of the virus and commercial decisions to be taken by the air carrier," said the civil aviation minister.
The discussion on Union Budget is listed after consideration of Major Ports Bill in Rajya Sabha, on Wednesday. In Lok Sabha, it is listed after the ongoing discussion on Motion of Thanks on the President's address.
Gandhi will lead the Congress attack during debate on the Union Budget and will be the first speaker from his party in the discussion likely to be taken up by Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Rajya Sabha on Tuesday bid farewell to four retiring members of the Upper House with Deputy Chairman Harivansh heaping lavish praise on the leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, terming him a repository of rich experiences.
The veteran Congress leader and Nazir Ahmed Laway (PDP) will retire on 15 February while the terms of Mir Mohammad Fayaz (PDP) and Shamsher Singh Manhas (BJP) will end on 10 February.
"It was my fortune that I got to sit next to Ghulam Nabi Azad in the House. He has connected the entire country with Jammu and Kashmir. I have not come across a person like him who has such rich experiences. Have learnt a lot from his guidance, decency, conduct," Harivansh said.
Azad's political stature is unparallel, he said and added that the Congress leader has risen to such a position in national politics from a block level worker in Kashmir.
He appreciated him for the mammoth work in the health sector like National Urban Health Mission and setting up of medical colleges.
Retirement from the house is only a temporary thing and not a break in his chosen path of serving the nation, Harivansh said.
Azad said he is among those lucky people who never went Pakistan and feels proud to be a Hindustani Muslim.
He spoke for almost 28 minutes, quoting several couplets and hoping for restoration of peace in Jammu and Kashmir and return of Kashmiri Pandits back to the valley.
Fayaz in his speech said, "We work for this country. We have taken the flag of the country to villages. It hurts and saddens us when we are called anti-national by the media and others."
He recalled his journey from Kupwara, near Pakistan border and from the municipal committee there to Rajya Sabha and said he worked for the mainstream and against separatist calls.
He praised the government for the work in the areas of schemes like Ujjwala and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, both of whom were present in the House, to "do justice to people to J&K" by restoring statehood and special status and thereby winning and strengthening their faith.
In his speech, Manhas said: "I come from Kashmir, the mukat mani (crown jewel) of the country, and am sitting among others from the country. I have worked for this mukut mani and will work for it in the future too."
He said he has visited all parts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and learnt a lot from Modi about conduct in public life.
Another retiring member Laway appealed for restoration of statehood besides rail connectivity.
He remembered his party leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who sent him to this House and said he developed a relationship with all the members and people because he came to Rajya Sabha.
He urged the prime minister and the home minister for human and other resources development work in Jammu & Kashmir saying they have to take care of the union territory because now there would no representation in the House from there.
Satish Chandra Misra (BSP) said that the retiring members would "remain torch bearers for us in future and show us the way forward".
He said that if his Congress wants to bid farewell to Azad then in that case people would bid farewell to the party not him.
"It is not easy to lose Ghulam Nabi Azad," he added.
Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena) said he could not believe that Azad is retiring from Rajya Sabha.
He suggested that since Azad has seen a long tenure from days of Indira Gandhi to Narendra Modi, he should write an autobiography titled "From Indira to Modi".
He told the House that the Azad has very rich political experience which is very rare in politics. Addressing Azad, he said that you would never retire.
Raut also said that there is no dearth of leaders in the Congress, but "Azad Sahib, there are few leaders whom people know across the country".
He added he would not bid farewell to Azad but wait for him to come back again here in the House.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said the name may be Ghulam (slave) but all remained Azad (free).
He said that Azad will always be remembered because "you are a large hearted person".
He also said that Azad should be elected again to Rajya Sabha and if Congress does not want that then he and his party RPI would do that. He added that Rajya Sabha needed Azad back.
Abdul Wahab (IUML) thanked Azad for the "wonderful leadership" in the House.
Congress leader Anand Sharma said Azad has a very long and rich experience in various ministries and states.
He also said that Azad is the only person in the party who remained general secretary of all states at different points of time including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Haryana.
Sharma termed Azad as very frank and hardworking. He said that Azad was always of the view that one should not get personal for ideology and there should not be bitterness on the basis of ideology.
He also said that Azad has risen through the ranks and started from the bottom and reached top position by working hard unlike overnight rise of leaders of today.
Sharma said Azad would play an important role in the elections of Jammu and Kashmir whenever they are held and would continue to provide his services to the nation.
Sukhendu Sekhar Ray (TMC) lauded Azad's nature and hoped his party renominates him and brings him back in the House.
A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) said J Jayalalithaa had asked him to interact with Azad and other leaders and he learnt a lot from him.
Prasanna Acharya (BJD) said Azad has the ability to befriend everybody in the shortest possible time. He added Kashmir is in his heart and mind and whenever he speaks about Jammu and Kashmir, his emotions come out.
Tiruchi Siva (DMK) said today was one of the painful moments as he had to speak on the farewell of a member from the house. He said due to the concern of Azad, he has developed friendship with everyone. "The house will be lacklustre in the coming days," he said, hoping he returns to the House soon.
KR Suresh Reddy (TRS) and Y Vijaisai Reddy (YSR-CP) recalled their association with Azad. Vijaisai Reddy wished that he may contribute his best to the country.
Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said Kashmir is beautiful and it is represented in the House by beautiful people.
"Ghulam Nabi Azad acted as a bridge whenever there was a deadlock in the House. He is a very calm and polite person. I wonder who will fill the gap in the house. I wish he comes back to the house. This house will be poorer with Azads going. I hope he becomes chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir after its statehood is restored," he said.
Ram Chandra Prasad Singh (JDU) said Azad has played a great role in this house and wished him good.
Elamaram Kareem (CPM) said as leader of opposition, Azad tried to unite the Opposition parties but also united them the ruling parties.
"As leader of opposition, he gave us perfect view. He always was a role model for all members. He is not just a leader of the Congress party, but of the entire country. I saw him roar like a lion on 5 August, 2019," he said, recalling the day when Article 370 was revoked in Jammu and Kashmir.
Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD) and Satish Chandra Misra (BSP) wished Azad good in the life.
February 10, 2021 at 06:33PM
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