Asia Press Agency

Tag: parliamentary proceedings

  • Classification Controversy: Data Protection Bill

    Classification Controversy: Data Protection Bill

    The Narendra Modi-led government is all set to introduce the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill in Lok Sabha on Thursday. However, controversy surrounds the bill’s classification, with Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari questioning its categorization as a Financial Bill. Tewari raised concerns about the bill bypassing Rajya Sabha, should it be certified as a money bill.

     

    Taking to Twitter, Tewari expressed his doubts about the sudden classification of the Digital Personal Protection Bill as a Financial Bill. If certified as a money bill by the Lok Sabha Speaker, the bill would only require approval from the Lok Sabha and not from Rajya Sabha. Tewari contends that the bill should be treated as a regular bill and undergo scrutiny by a Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC), particularly given the efforts put into the previous Protection Bill.

     

    In response to media reports, the government has clarified that the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill will be introduced in Lok Sabha as a regular Bill, not a money bill. However, there is no independent verification from Mint at the moment.

     

    The government had previously withdrawn the personal data protection bill in August last year and issued a new version of the draft bill in November 2022. With the introduction of the current bill, India is one step closer to enacting its first law on data privacy and data protection.

     

    It is important to understand the distinction between money bills and ordinary bills. Ordinary bills require the approval of both houses of Parliament, whereas money bills do not need the approval of the Rajya Sabha. If the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill is classified as a money bill, it would circumvent the Rajya Sabha’s voting process, limiting its influence on the bill’s content and passage.

     

    As the Digital Personal Data Bill enters the Lok Sabha, the classification controversy remains a matter of concern and debate among various stakeholders. The bill’s passage through both houses of Parliament will determine the future landscape of data privacy and protection in India.

  • Parliamentary Proceedings Disrupted: Manipur issue

    Parliamentary Proceedings Disrupted: Manipur issue

    The ongoing Manipur issue is causing disruptions in parliamentary proceedings, prompting the Rajya Sabha Chairman to call for a meeting with floor leaders at 1 pm on Thursday to explore a way forward for discussions on the matter. However, reacting to the invitation, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Mallikarjun Kharge suggested adjourning the House until the meeting is concluded.

     

    On Wednesday, leaders of the opposition bloc INDIA met President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention to hold the government accountable for the situation in Manipur and restore peace in the state. They also emphasized the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi making a statement in Parliament regarding the ongoing situation. Furthermore, the opposition leaders demanded that the Prime Minister visit the strife-torn state and appeal to the warring communities to end violence and foster brotherhood.

     

    Addressing the media after the meeting with President Murmu, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the delegation, which included MPs who had recently visited Manipur, briefed her on the situation in the state and shared their observations from the affected areas. The delegation also submitted a memorandum to the President, highlighting the continuing incidents of violence, particularly atrocities against women, including instances of parading them naked.

     

    In the meantime, opposition parties have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting an advanced schedule for the no-confidence debate. They seek the opportunity to participate in the debate and express their opinions on how the situation in Manipur needs to be addressed. Earlier, the Speaker had announced that the no-confidence debate would be taken up for discussion on August 8 to 10, during the last three days of the session.

     

    The opposition believes that by having the no-confidence debate earlier, they can actively participate in the discussion on the legislative agenda, as they feel the government is utilizing the opportunity to pass several bills during this period.

     

    The Manipur issue remains a subject of concern, and the government is facing calls for accountability and prompt action to restore peace in the strife-torn state. As parliamentary leaders convene to find a resolution and address the matter, the nation awaits the outcome of their discussions and potential steps towards peace and reconciliation in Manipur.