Asia Press Agency

Tag: Winter Session

  • Rajya Sabha MPs: Discuss Economic Situation in Winter Session

    Rajya Sabha MPs: Discuss Economic Situation in Winter Session

    During the ongoing Winter Session of the Indian Parliament, scheduled discussions in the Rajya Sabha include a focused debate on the “economic situation in the country.” Notable MPs participating in this discussion are Ayodhya Rami Reddy, Birendra Prasad Baishya, Ghanshyam Tiwari, Lakshmikant Bajpayee, Sushil Kumar Modi, Aditya Prasad, and Shambhu Sharan Patel, as reported by ANI.

     

    The Winter Session has been marked by significant discussions and decisions on various crucial aspects of the nation’s governance and public policy. Baishya, a leader from the Asom Gana Parishad, raised concerns about the increase in crude oil royalty to the Assam government in line with international prices. In response, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured that Assam’s earnings from the energy sector would witness an upswing with expanded capacity and production.

     

    The first day of the Winter Session witnessed the passing of a crucial bill aimed at repealing the Indian Post Office Act of 1898. The legislation, consolidating and amending laws related to post offices in India, triggered a debate over potential surveillance concerns. The Opposition expressed apprehensions about creating a “surveillance state,” while Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan defended the bill, emphasizing its necessity for national security and monitoring illegal activities such as narcotics trafficking. The bill, passed by a voice vote, empowers the Central Government to intercept, open, or detain postal items for reasons related to state security, public order, or legal contraventions.

     

    However, the Ethics Committee’s report on cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra was not tabled in the Lok Sabha despite being on the agenda.

     

    In another development, Rajya Sabha decided to discontinue the suspension of AAP MP Raghav Chadha, considering his suspension since August 11 as a sufficient punishment. This decision followed the Privileges Committee finding him guilty of misleading the media and defying the resolutions of the Rajya Sabha Chairman. The Winter Session continues to be a platform for diverse discussions and decisions impacting the nation’s legislative landscape.

  • Winter Session of Parliament Set for December 4-22, 2023

    Winter Session of Parliament Set for December 4-22, 2023

    The Winter Session of the Indian Parliament is all set to convene from December 4 to December 22, 2023, as announced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi. During this session, there will be a total of 15 sittings, spanning over 19 days, for discussions on important legislative matters and other parliamentary business.

     

    Minister Pralhad Joshi took to the microblogging site ‘X’ to share this update with the public, underlining the significance of the upcoming session. He mentioned that the government is eager for productive discussions on various legislative business and other agenda items during the Winter Session.

     

    One of the notable matters scheduled for discussion during the Winter Session is the report of the Ethics Committee concerning the “cash-for-query” allegations against Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament (MP) Mahua Moitra. This report will be presented in the Lok Sabha, and the House will have to adopt it before any recommended expulsion by the committee becomes effective.

     

    Additionally, the session is expected to address several crucial bills, including three that aim to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act. These bills have already been adopted by the standing committee on Home recently and are likely to be considered during the Winter Session.

     

    Another significant bill pending in Parliament concerns the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. This bill was introduced during the Monsoon session but was not pushed for passage in the special session of Parliament due to opposition protests and reservations from former Chief Election Commissioners. The bill seeks to elevate the status of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners to be on par with the Cabinet Secretary, enhancing their stature to that of a Supreme Court judge.

     

    The Winter Session of the Indian Parliament is a critical period for discussing and passing important legislation, addressing pending matters, and engaging in constructive debates on various national issues. It serves as a platform for lawmakers to deliberate on policies and initiatives that can have a far-reaching impact on the country’s governance and the welfare of its citizens.

     

    As the Winter Session unfolds, the government, opposition parties, and members of Parliament will play a pivotal role in shaping the legislative agenda and addressing the concerns and aspirations of the people of India. The outcome of the session will influence the direction of governance and policy-making in the country, making it an essential part of the democratic process in India.