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Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are set to continue the responses to Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address on Monday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver his response to Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address as well, after the Question Hour in the Upper House.
Here are the latest updates:
Rajya Sabha | 10.30 am
Prime Minister Narendra Modi rises to speak at the Motion of Thanks to President’s Address.
More than 50 members participated in discussion regarding Motion of Thanks to the President’s address.
Mr. Modi says the President’s address came at unncertain times when the world was in the midst of a pandemic. His speech had the vision of self reliance, says the Prime Minister thanking the President.
He thanks the members who participated in the debate. “It would have been nice if the members took part in President’s address,” he says in a veiled dig at Opposition members boycotting the address.
India is a land of opportunities, he says. When we look at the young India’s mind, we realise that India is a land full of opportunities and hope.
We are entering 75th year of Independence, we should make it a festival of inspiration.
Rajya Sabha | 10.20 am
Next set of questions pertain to road development. Minister Nitin Gadkari is answering questions.
A sixteen lane road is being constructed to connect Delhi to Meerut. This is a world’s first such road, he says.
Vijaisai Reddy asks about releasing funds to Polavaram project. Water Resources Minister Gajendra Singh Shekavat says the revised costs estimate committee has submitted its report. We’ll take a decision after cabinet meet, he says.
Why not create a revolving fund, the MP asks. Mr. Shekavat says there is no issue with flow of funds.
When will the Polavaram project be completed, GVL Narasimha Rao asks. The minister doesn’t give a clear timeline, but says it will be completed soon.
Question Hour concludes.
Rajya Sabha | 10.10 am
Why are wild animals straying into human habitats?
On the issue of man-animal conflict, Mr. Javadekar says, “animals should not come out of wildlife areas. They come out when they do not get enough water and fodder in forest areas. Rs. 47,000 crore has been allocated for it – for water and fodder.”
Rajya Sabha | 10.00 am
Ceasefire violations
Why is India not taking stern action against Pakistan against ceasefire violations, asks P. Bhattacharya of the Congress. “Pakistan’s actions have been limited to the border areas,” says the Defence Minister.
“We are extremely proud of our soldiers. What is the government policy to stop these ceasefire violations from Pakistan?” asks Mr. Bhattacharya. Mr. Singh responds, “What steps and what weapons are used, I cannot go into those issues. Pakistan uses ceasefire violation as a cover to infiltrate and exfiltrate terrorists at the border. Ceasefire violation has increased because of the rise in infiltration activity from Pakistan. Pakistan can answer how we are responding to their ceasefire violations.”
Ghulam Nabi Azad of Congress asks why ceasefire violations have increased during this government’s tenure.
If civilians are killed in border firing, the State government announces compensation for it, answers Mr. Singh to Mr. Azad’s question about cmpensation. “The compensation was much lesser earlier. The amount was increased when I was the Home Minister.”
“Ceasefire violation happen when Pakistan wants to carry on some attack such as Pathankot and Pulwama. After Pakistan signed the ceasefire pact in 2003, ceasefire violations have gradually increased. 4,649 ceasefire violations have occurred in 2020,” he says.
Rajya Sabha | 9.50 am
Rafale procurement
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, “a big delegation from France came during the induction ceremony of Rafale. I was also there. As far as resources are concerned, the money was spent from the public fund. It is not the first time this has been done, it was done for the induction of Chinook also. The cost of ceremony increased due to the simultaneously held bilateral meeting.”
Mr. Singh says that the focus is on indigenisation of the military equipment. “101 items will not be imported, but made in India,” he says.
Mahesh Poddar of BJP asks how many Rafales have been delivered and how many are battle read. The Defence Minister says 11 Rafales have been delivered so far and 17 Rafales will be delivered by March. “By April 2022, all Rafales will come to India.”
Rajya Sabha | 9.45 am
Man-animal conflict
KC Venugopal of Congress raises the issue of man-animal conflict in wildlife areas. “Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to the Minister, government is going to notify a buffer zone in Wayanad.”
Mr. Javadekar says the Central government does not pick eco-sensitive zones, it is the State governments that suggest it. “That is why first draft suggestions are published. Last year, 100 elephants were killed but 500 people were also killed, we should not lose sense of proportion.”
Seema Dwivedi of BJP mentions the issue of biomedical waste.
Rajya Sabha 9.35 am
Question Hour begins
78 habitations are affected by arsenic, 60 in West Bengal, says Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Dr. Amar Patnaik asks if a study has been conducted to determine city specific pollution causes. Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar says each city is mapped for different pollution variants; that is why the AQI of each city is different.
M. Thambidurai (AIADMK) complains of non-removal of garbage.
Minister of Environment Prakash Javadekar says it is an issue of legaciness, where huge hills of garbage are formed. We now have bio mining. “In Indore, there was a huge landfill site. It is now completely gone and a beautiful garden has come up in its place now. This has been replicated in many cities,” he says.
Jyotiraditya Scindia (BJP) says pollution is an invisible enemy. “How much does field burning contribute to pollution in Delhi?”
Mr. Javadekar says, “The issue of stubble burning affects Delhi every year from October 1 to November 30 every year. The direction of the wind is such that it comes to Delhi and turns into smog. 40,000 machine worth crores given to States but not being used. In Haryana, 25% less crop burning, but it increased 25% in Punjab from 50,000 to 75,000. We are looking at solutions and in next few years we will find one. Stubble burning contributes 2-40% pollution in Delhi.”
Mr. javadekar says that the suggestion to dedicate more funds for conservation of Red Panda will not be an issue. “The number of tiger, rhino and birds has increased.”
Dinesh Trivedi of TMC says no answer has been given on the pangolin census. Mr. Javadekar responds that they are in the thousands, and “we are looking for solutions”.
Rajya Sabha | 9.30 am
Chair tells Binoy Viswam that since rescue operations are on in Uttarakhand, his notice for suspension of Business Hour to discus the flood is not allowed.
“As long as the Health Ministry and MHA guidelines for do gaz ki doori and mask is there, we will be sending a wrong message to the country if we allow more members to sit together,” Mr. naidu says.
I appeal to all Members, children of the country deserve to be taught in their mother tongue. States need to promote the mother tongue. I am happy that the Prime Minister said that engineering and medical colleges should teach in mother language,” Mr. Naidu says.
Rajya Sabha | 9.25 am
Responding to comments made by Congress’ Jairam Ramesh, Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu said that he will not be cowed down by efforts to make the Chair dysfunctional.
“If any member is speaking, objectionable comments will be examined. Nothing was brought to my notice. These continuous allegations… I won’t be cowed down by such efforts to make the Chair dysfunctional. I resigned from the party even before I accepted the proposal to become the Chairman,. Since then, I have not attended any party function. My heart is with the Constitution and the people of India,” he says.
On Uttarakhand glacier burst
Speaking on the Uttarakhand glacier burst, Mr. Naidu says: “As far as issue of Uttarakhand is concerned, entire country is concerned. Today morning, I spoke to Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, and he told me all efforts are on. There is no certainty on number of casualties as the tunnel is long. Multiple agencies are working on rescue mission. Let us wait for some time and get full details, MHA is looking into this and PM is reviewing it.”
“Wait for the full report and then I will ask the Home Minister to apprise the House of the situation,” he says.
Rajya Sabha | 9.20 am
P. Wilson of DMK, Tamil Nadu, raises the issues faced by sugarcane farmers.
“Nearly ₹1,000 crore is owed to sugarcane growers in Tamil Nadu, and about 1 lakh farmers are in distress. They are not getting State advisory price as well,” says Mr. Wilson.
Nabam Rebia of BJP from Arunachal Pradesh demands a separate cadre for Arunachal Pradesh. “We need a dedicated and committed cadre of All India Services officers for the State of Arunachal,” he says.
Rajya Sabha | 9.10 am
Zero Hour continues.
Dr. Santanu Sen of TMC, West Bengal, brings up the issues with COWIN App.
“The App to help COVID vaccination hangs, and it says no person can be vaccinated offline. Another issue is random selection of people for vaccination. Many people who are selected are not interested in getting vaccinated, and those interested are not getting selected. The COWIN App should function properly,” he says.
Rajya Sabha | 9 am
Rajya Sabha proceedings begin.
Subrata Bakshi of Trinamool Congress takes oath in Bengali.
Vijai Sai Reddy of YSR Congress raises certain remarks made by a TDP member few days ago, and demands action. Chair refuses to acknowledge his objection.
Zero hour begins in the House.
Subhash Chandra Singh of BJD, Odisha is the first speaker, followed by Syed Zafar Islam of BJP. The MP from Uttar Pradesh speaks on how the RBI guidelines addresses only NBFC’s asset side, and not the liabilities side. RBI should come with a framework to address this, he says.
Rajya Sabha
Bill for Introduction
– National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2021
– Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address
Highlights of the President’s Address 2021
Bill for Consideration and Passing
– Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2021
Lok Sabha
– Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address
Highlights of the President’s Address 2021
– General Discussion on the Union Budget for 2021-2022
Bill for Consideration and Passing
– Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021
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