Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE: Fiscal prudence top priority, no compromise on social welfare, says FM in Lok Sabha

16:17 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Lok Sabha: Amit Shah tables amended Bills to replace three criminal laws

16:09 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

16:04 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

16:01 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Lok Sabha Speaker criticises FM Nirmala Sitharaman

As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepared to examine an article that appeared in the Financial Times, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla remarked, "Anyone can write an article anytime, will the Parliament discuss it?"

Sitharaman declared that she would do as the Speaker directs.

15:46 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

15:20 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

FM responds to MPs’ queries on release of grants

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied to AAP MP Sushil Kumar Rinku's complaint that the Centre was not releasing cash for projects to the Punjab government, stating that this may be due to non-compliance concerns.

She enumerated several conditions for noncompliance, including non-use of released money, non-release of the state's part in specific schemes, non-remittance of interest in account, and so on.

15:14 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

‘Our democracy rests on free and fair elections’, says AITC MP Jawhar Sircar in RS

“Our democracy rests on free and fair elections,” AITC MP Jawhar Sircar says, as he opens his speech on The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.

15:09 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

If grants approved today, Rs 80,000 crore would have been allocated to MNREGA this year, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

In response to complaints concerning the allocation of MNREGA funds, FM Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised that it is a demand-driven policy. The initial budget estimate for the programme was Rs 60,000 crore.

She indicated that if the House grants passage, an extra Rs 20,000 crore will be granted. As a result, the overall allotment for this year is Rs 80,000 crore.

15:07 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Biggest challenge for democracy is dynastic politics: BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari

Dynastic politics, according to BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, is the greatest threat to democracy and elections. He also claims that if you want to enhance elections, you need limit the influence of riches and black money.

All of these statements, he claims, do not fit a party that squeezed the throat of democracy and imposed Emergency. 

14:56 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

FM Nirmala Sitharaman responds to discussion on demand for supplementary grants

In her opening remarks, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the budget is prepared with much consideration.

She further said that they were coming with the demand for the first time, if required, she will come up again for the second but would not be required to come for the third time. 

14:53 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Is there a guaranty period that accompanies the ‘Modi ki Guarantee’?: LoP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

During the discussion on the need for supplemental funds, Opposition Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury expressed worry about the large disparity between per capita income and GDP. Mr Chowdhury cited India's rating of 138 in the Global Hunger Index as evidence.

“They government tell you stories about GDP but not about the everyday complexities of a common man,” he stated. Mr Chowdhury argued that if everything is working fine, why the treasury engages in ‘Revari’ rhetoric and what purpose it serves.

He further claimed that bad business conditions had resulted in capital flight, as evidenced by "tens of thousands" of high-net-worth individuals leaving India.

14:49 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Election machinery should be out of executive control, says INC MP Randeep Singh Surjewala

According to INC MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, unbiased elections are the foundation of democracy. The Election Commission is the body in charge of this.

He mentions members of the Constituent Assembly, notably Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, to emphasise the need of keeping the electoral mechanism independent of the administration.

He objects to the part describing the component members of the proposed committee to elect the Chief Election Commissioner--the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a Cabinet Minister chosen by the Prime Minister. He claims that this provision nullifies the Supreme Court's decision. 

14:49 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Election machinery should be out of executive control, says INC MP Randeep Singh Surjewala

According to INC MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, unbiased elections are the foundation of democracy. The Election Commission is the body in charge of this.

He mentions members of the Constituent Assembly, notably Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, to emphasise the need of keeping the electoral mechanism independent of the administration.

He objects to the part describing the component members of the proposed committee to elect the Chief Election Commissioner--the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a Cabinet Minister chosen by the Prime Minister. He claims that this provision nullifies the Supreme Court's decision. 

14:37 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

RS takes up bill pertaining to Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal requests that the Rajya Sabha take up and approve the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.

This Act is intended to replace a 1991 Act dealing with the same subject area.

14:16 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Govt likely to move amendment to bring CEC, ECs on par with SC judges

Following concerns from opposition parties and past chief election commissioners, the administration is said to have chosen to keep the CEC and other election commissioners on level with Supreme Court justices.

CECs and ECs currently have the status of Supreme Court judges.

The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, tabled in the Rajya Sabha in August this year, intended to elevate the CEC and other ECs to Cabinet Secretary level.

The opposition parties and some past CECs had opposed the idea, claiming it would jeopardise the institution's independence.

13:47 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at Amit Shah on Kashmir issue

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi verbally jibes at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his statement on Kashmir's history in the Parliament.

#WATCH | Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says "Pandit Nehru gave his life for India, he was in jail for years. Amit Shah is unaware of history. I cannot expect him to know history, he has the habit of rewriting it..." pic.twitter.com/SRVClqloIE— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023

13:33 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi backs J&K bills for swift elections, statehood return

On the J&K Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, "Our party has supported these bills in the hope that there will be elections as soon as possible which even the Supreme Court has said that before September 2024 elections should be held in Jammu and Kashmir. Also to return statehood to the people of Jammu and Kashmir considering we have passed these bills, I'm hoping now that the voices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir that have been silenced since 2014”

13:28 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Need clarity from govt about the safety of tunnel projects: LoP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, claimed the recent rescue effort following the collapse of an under-construction tunnel in Silkyara (Uttarakhand), was not an isolated incidence.

He cited previous instances, such as the Teesta flash floods and the Tehri hydro-power tunnel project.

According to him, the key reasons were cracked or unstable rock, water seepage, landslides on the Himalayan rock structure, incorrect analysis of the CR zones, lack of geology or geotechnical investigation, or inability to create an escape tunnel.

The accidents, according to the LoP, might have been avoided if the government had exercised patience and taken note of red-flagged geologies. 

13:07 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm. It will reconvene after lunch at 2 pm.

13:02 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Amit Shah to re-introduce three new Criminal Law bills in Parliament

Following multiple suggestions made by a parliamentary panel, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will present three proposed criminal law bills--the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita--with altered versions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Lok Sabha members on December 11 that the three criminal law proposals will be dropped and replaced with three new legislation that would contain the amendments made by a parliamentary committee.

These proposals aim to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, in that order.

12:56 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2023 introduced in Lok Sabha

The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2023’ also introduced in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/vXn9WqBWn5— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023

12:47 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Steps taken to enhance domestic production of fertiliser, says MoS Bhagwanth Khuba

Iranna Kadadi, a BJP MP, inquired about plans to boost local fertiliser output.

Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, stated that much progress has been made in the last 10 years.

He also mentioned that nano urea has been launched in recent years. He emphasised that nano urea costs Rs 260 per bottle, demonstrating that it is reasonably priced.

In response to whether cowsheds are being supported, he stated that it is critical to promote gobar and natural biofertilisers.

12:40 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Farooq Abdullah speaks about SC verdict on Article 370; says don't know why BJP have so much venom against Nehru

Speaking to the media persons ahead of attending the parliament's winter session, NC leader Farooq Abdullah said, "I don't know why they (BJP) have so much venom against (Pandit Jawaharlal) Nehru. Nehru is not the one responsible. When this article (370) was brought, Sardar Patel was here, and Pandit Nehru was in America...We want elections to take place in Kashmir, but the Supreme Court gave them time till September..."

#WATCH | J&K National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah says, "I don't know why they (BJP) have so much venom against (Pandit Jawaharlal) Nehru. Nehru is not the one responsible. When this article (370) was brought, Sardar Patel was here, and Pandit Nehru was in America...We want… pic.twitter.com/ZDF2JJoKgD— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023

12:34 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Discussion on measures to tackle anaemia in women underway in Rajya Sabha

Dr Bharti Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, discussed methods to combat growing anaemia cases in India.

She described anaemia in women and mentioned that iron and folic acid supplements are given to them.

She also mentioned that there is a need to increase screening.

She noted that the administration is taking a comprehensive approach, with the cooperation of many ministries, including AYUSH. She emphasised that this approach includes ayurvedic and homoeopathic drugs. 

12:31 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leaves from Parliament

#WATCH | Winter Session of Parliament | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leaves from the Parliament. pic.twitter.com/EGOxnScwpT— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023

12:23 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Questions about international cruises and terminals fielded in House

Members address questions on the growth of foreign cruise lines, ports, and the expansion of cruise tourism in the country.

P Wilson, DMK MP, inquired about the development of cruise tourism in Chennai and Tuticorin.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, said that foreign cruise ships have already begun. According to him, international players like as Cordelia and Royal Caribbean are stepping up. He claimed that international calls jumped to 682 and that more than eight lakh passengers were registered.

According to him, India has become a popular worldwide destination for river and ocean cruises.  

12:03 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Question Hour concludes in Lok Sabha

Question Hour concluded in Lok Sabha.

Speaker Om Birla informed that he has not accepted any adjournment motion moved by the members. 

12:03 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Kerala MPs stage protest in front of parliament; say there is lack of safety and security for pilgrims at Sabarimala

Kerala legislators protested in front of the Gandhi statue on Tuesday, seeking justice for Sabarimala pilgrims. The MPs argue that basic amenities, safety, and security for pilgrims at Sabarimala are lacking.

#WATCH | Members of Parliament from Kerala stage a protest in front of the Gandhi statue demanding justice for the Sabarimala pilgrim. The MPs claim that there is a lack of basic facilities, safety and security for pilgrims at Sabarimala. pic.twitter.com/F6HdOdkvGL— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023

12:00 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Preserve traditional Indian forms of dance: Dr. Sonal Mansingh

BJP’s Dr Sonal Mansingh spoke about the necessity of preserving traditional Indian forms of dance.

She said that solo performances are ending, with group performances taking over.

She added that people should learn solo dance (tapasya), saying that if it dies out, we will lose a huge part of our cultural heritage. 

11:59 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

MP Gaurav Gogoi asks if the government would be willing to write-off loans of pisciculturists affected by weather

Gaurav Gogoi, a Congress MP from Kalaibor (Assam), asked whether the government would consider paying off the Kisan Credit Card debts of horticulturists impacted by unseasonal and other weather events.

In response, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Kailash Choudhary reminded the House that the whole fund money stood at Rs 7.30 lakh crore in 2014, which has since been increased to Rs 20 lakh crore.

In terms of natural catastrophes, MoS Choudhary explicitly mentioned money from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) that are set aside for this reason. This is in addition to the crop insurance provided by the government. 

11:54 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Manish Tewari gives adjournment notice to discuss situation of Navy personnel in Qatar

Winter Session of Parliament | Congress MP Manish Tewari gives Adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the situation of Navy personnel in Qatar and the steps taken to bring them back to India. pic.twitter.com/JqCt7PMKoN— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023

11:52 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Revive Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant, says BJP MP Narasimha Rao

BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao emphasised the need of strengthening RNIL, also known as Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, stating that it was founded in the 1980s after much struggle and sacrifice. Production began in 1989.

He stated that the facility was dealing with various challenges, including the third blast furnace not running for several years, executives not receiving compensation or promotions, and the plant in general being neglected. He requested that steps be taken to resurrect the plant.

11:50 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Members in LS ask about the contribution of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in the economy

In response to the question, Minister of State in the Ministry of Co-operation BL Verma told the House that the government is working hard to ensure that PACS can help rural development.

Thus, according to MoS Verma, PACS will play a significant part in the country's effort to build a $5 trillion economy.

Verma also detailed the government's actions in the sector. He added that the country has 98,000 PACS that employ almost 13 crore farmers. MoS Verma further stated that the government has allocated Rs 2,516 crore for computerization and connectivity to a common software (which includes NABARD) to assist streamline the compliance procedure and co-operative societies' operating paradigms.

11:46 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Members in LS ask about progress made under PMAY-G, drone training to farmers

Members were interested in the progress achieved under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojna- Gramin, among other things. They also asked whether the government will consider bridging the gap between urban and rural financing. Members from the relevant ministries responded by pointing out the disparity in living and commodities expenses between urban and rural areas. Minister for Rural Development Giriraj Singh stated that the suggestion might be considered depending on how currents form out in the future.

Concerning drone training, Kisan Vigyan Kendra (KVK) aims to have 15,000 training didis by providing suitable training in operating the technology. It is still in the works. Furthermore, the government is assisting enterprises, including private companies, in the production of drones for this purpose. 

11:45 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Khalistani terrorists getting emboldened on foreign soil: SS MP Priyanka Chaturvedi

Priyanka Chaturvedi, an SS MP, discussed the subject of Khalistani terrorists becoming more confident, particularly on foreign land.

She emphasised that they have threatened to bomb Air India planes as well as the Parliament. She argued that they must bring them back with the help of the Ministry of External Affairs and other officials, and they must face harsh punishment.

Chair Jagdeep Dhankhar said that it's an essential topic that he will discuss with floor leaders so that the House's views may be heard throughout the world.

11:43 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Matters raised with permission of Chair in RS, starting with issues faced by migrant workers

Samirul Islam, an AITC MP, emphasises the problem of migrant labour, notably in West Bengal. He claims that there are no details about such workers and no plans to aid them.

11:33 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

‘New bills on criminal laws will be introduced today': Pralhad Joshi

As the Centre has decided to withdraw the three bills on criminal laws and introduce revised versions, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, “The Standing Committee has given several recommendations on the three bills (Criminal Bills) given to it by the Home Minister. The new bill will be introduced today.”

#WATCH | Delhi: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi says, "...The Standing Committee has given several recommendations on the three bills (Criminal Bills) given to it by the Home Minister...The new bill will be introduced today." pic.twitter.com/n0gwQ79FF6— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023

11:19 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

RJD MP slams Amit Shah over Article 370

RJD MP Manoj Jha slammed Amit Shah over the Supreme Court verdict on Article 370, saying, “I just said that there is no elected MP from Kashmir but he (Amit Shah) took it to somewhere else. The kind of speech Home Minister Amit Shah gave today lacked dignity. So our LoP Mallikarjun Kharge decided that we should walk out of the Parliament.”

11:13 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

‘New bill will be introduced today’, says Pralhad Joshi

"The Standing Committee has given several recommendations on the three bills (Criminal Bills) given to it by the Home Minister...The new bill will be introduced today", says Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.

10:59 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP national president JP Nadda reaches Parliament

#WATCH | Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP national president JP Nadda arrive at the Parliament. pic.twitter.com/K2NCGyc5Wj— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023

10:36 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Govt seeks to withdraw 3 bills on criminal laws, plans to introduce them afresh

Following multiple suggestions made by a parliamentary commission, the administration has decided to drop three proposals that seek to reform current criminal laws and reintroduce them.

On Tuesday, the three redrafted legislation are scheduled to be tabled in Parliament.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, together with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam bills, was tabled in the Lok Sabha on August 11.

The three proposals aim to repeal, respectively, the Code of Criminal Procedure Act of 1898, the Indian Penal Code of 1860, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.

In three identical signed statements submitted to Parliament, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the decision was made after the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs made recommendations for changes to the three bills following a series of discussions with domain experts and various stakeholders.

10:12 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi gives Adjournment motion notice in LS to discuss recent train accidents

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi tabled an Adjournment resolution in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday to debate the recent rail accidents and their impact on the transport sector.

He stated that the Ministry of Railways should produce a report describing the causes of the Balasore train tragedy, the Falaknuma Express fire, and the Bihar North East Express derailment. 

Winter Session of Parliament | Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi gives Adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the recent train accidents and their effects on the transportation system. pic.twitter.com/jT6r7UFXTk— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023

10:10 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Arjun Ram Meghwal to move Chief Election Commissioner Bill today

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will introduce the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha today for consideration and passage.

The Bill will govern the appointment, conditions of service, and term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, as well as the procedure for the Election Commission to conduct business.

09:58 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Three news bills to be introduced today

The three new bills that will be tabled in Parliament are as follows:

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill will take the role of the CrPC and will now include 533 parts.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, which would replace the IPC, will include 356 sections rather than the previous 511.

The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, which would replace the Evidence Act, will now include 170 sections, up from 167 before.

09:52 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

New bills in Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha MPs Laxmikant Bajpayee, Vivek Tankha and Jayant Chaudhary are to present the Two Hundred and Fifty-Second Report (in English and Hindi) of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation on the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 in the House.

09:51 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

Seven new reports to be presented

Sushil Kumar Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Wilson of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar of the Telugu Desam Party will present a copy of each of the seven reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice (in English and Hindi).

09:50 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE 

After passage of J-K Bills in RS, more important businesses lined up in both Houses

The Rajya Sabha has more business lined up for Tuesday as the Parliament reconvenes for the ongoing Winter Session, following the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2023 by the Upper House, which followed the Supreme Court upholding the revocation of Article 370 from the erstwhile state.