Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE: Opposition walking out for no reason, says Leader of House Piyush Goyal

16:18 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

16:15 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

16:04 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Forensic team reaches Parliament

FSL team reaches Parliament to collect evidence and samples to probe security breach incident. >

15:50 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Forming special team for interrogation, says Delhi Police

Preliminary investigation details in the Parliament security breach case reveal that the two people - Neelam and Amol (caught outside the Parliament building inside the premises)-were not carrying mobile phones. They were not carrying any bags or identity proofs. They claim that…— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

15:34 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh arrives in Parliament

#WATCH | CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh arrives in Parliament, following security breach incident pic.twitter.com/vpzgdlcd2s— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

15:34 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

These people smuggled in smoke pistols which shows serious security lapse, says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor

#WATCH | On security breach in Parliament, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "The fact that these people were apparently sponsored by a sitting MP of the ruling party...These people smuggled in smoke pistols which show there is a serious security lapse. Not only they fired the… pic.twitter.com/ifzZzWaV4d— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

15:30 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Efforts to improve opportunities for underprivileged students: Union Minister Arjun Munda

Arjun Munda, Minister of Tribal Affairs, rises in the Rajya Sabha to support the provisions of the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

He claims that the administration is working to expand educational possibilities for people from indigenous communities.

He claims that they offered scholarships for higher education not just for Indian students but also for those studying abroad.

15:23 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

LS Speaker says MPs not invited for DMF meetings; minister says will amend rules

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday raised the issue of MPs not being invited for meetings of the District Mineral Foundations in their areas, with the government assuring that rules will be amended to ensure their representation.

Birla, who represents Kota constituency in Rajasthan, mentioned the issue when Union minister Pralhad Joshi was responding to queries during Question Hour.

Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi said the government will amend the rules so that compulsorily MPs and MLAs are part of the foundation's governing council.

15:20 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Opposition leaders demand probe over security breach in Parliament

In response to the security breach in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Congress national secretary KC Venugopal stated in a social media post that the infiltration is concerning, especially on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament assaults.

"The infiltration in the Lok Sabha is extremely troubling, especially on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks. I am glad there was no major injury or damage done to anyone. Parliament is among the most high-security buildings of our country. Such a major security lapse is unacceptable," Venugopal posted on X.

"We demand answers from the Home Ministry and there must be a thorough review of the security arrangements in the new Parliament building," further read the post.

15:17 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Speaker bans visitors pass in Parliament after today's security breach

Visitors’ passes in Parliament have been suspended as a result of the security breach in Lok Sabha.

15:12 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Opposition walking out for no reason, says Leader of House Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal, Leader of the House, claims that the Opposition raises an issue everytime an OBC or Scheduled Caste bill is introduced.

Goyal claims that the Lok Sabha has been notified that there is no problem with the security lapse, but the opposition has walked out.

15:08 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Central Universities should not be politicised: IUML MP Abdul Wahab

Abdul Wahab, IUML MP from Kerala, speaks in favour of the Bill. He claims that every institution in Kerala is politicised, and he expects that this would not be the case with Central Universities.

15:06 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Lok Sabha adjourned till 4 p.m.

Speaker Om Birla returned to the chair amid opposition members' sloganeering, reminding them that a meeting to examine the matter will be convened at 4 p.m. today.

15:04 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Mallikarjun Kharge requested Chairman Dhankhar to adjourn proceedings, call Home Minister Amit Shah to comment on the security breach

Piyush Goyal responds, says the Opposition should come together to convey a message of unity and strength.

“Politicisation of this issue by Congress is not a good message for the country. I request the Leader of Opposition Mr. Kharge to allow the House to function normally while the investigation progresses,” he says.

15:02 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Speaker Birla calls meeting of MPs to discuss security lapse

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Wednesday that the security breach in the House is being properly investigated and that a meeting of MPs from all parties would be held later in the day to address their concerns.

As the House convened at 2 p.m., amid concerns voiced by several leaders, including the threat video just released by designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, Speaker Birla stated that discussing the topic in the House would be inappropriate.

On the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament terror assault, two attackers burst into the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour, releasing yellow gas from canisters and shouting slogans before being overcome by MPs.

15:00 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Parliament security breach on 2001 attack anniversary affront to our democratic values: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the security breach inside Parliament on the anniversary of the 2001 attack was an "affront to our democratic values".

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two persons on Wednesday jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and opened canisters that emitted a yellow-coloured smoke, triggering panic among the MPs.

The House was adjourned soon after the incident.

14:57 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

MP Shashi Tharoor expresses concern about the absence of grievance redressal mechanism in the Post Office Bill, 2023

According to the regulation, officers "shall be exempted from any liability by reason of any loss, misdelivery, delay, or damage in the course of any service provided by the Post Office, except such liability as may be prescribed."

The Thiruvananthapuram MP said that the measure strengthens the government's authority to "intercept, detain, or destroy" postal contents without being held accountable to the public.

Establishing purpose, that is, "fraudulently" or "wilfully," would subject them to redtapism.

14:49 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Mallikarjun Kharge urges Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to comment on the intrusion incident in LS

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said that he will apprise the House before the day ends and asks Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to give the process some time.

“People are dying, how are you asking for time,” Kharge retorted.

Opposition members protested as BJP MP Vivek Thakur spoke on the Bill.

14:49 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, the Post Office Bill, 2023 retains colonial, draconian provisions by eliminating accountability

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor raised concerns about the bill empowering the government to “empower any officer to intercept, open or detain any item in the interest of the security of the State.” This, according to him, does not provide for safeguarding the rights of citizens and is centred around an “ambiguous definition”. 

14:38 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

‘Thorough investigation being done’, says Speaker Om Birla referring to LS security breach

"A thorough investigation of the incident that took place during zero hour, is being done. Essential instructions have also been given to Delhi Police. In the primary investigation, it has been found that it was just a smoke and there is no need to worry about the smoke..." says Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

14:31 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Delhi Police officials arrive at the Parliament

#WATCH | Delhi Police officials arrive at the Parliament. An incident of security breach occurred at the Lok Sabha when two men jumped down the visitors' gallery into the House and reportedly hurled gas-emitting objects. Both of them were caught. pic.twitter.com/Z4bLb6dcfy— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

14:30 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Where were the security officials, asks Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

#WATCH | Lok Sabha security breach | Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says "Today itself, we paid floral tribute to our brave hearts who sacrificed their lives during the Parliament attack and today itself there was an attack here inside the House. Does it… pic.twitter.com/maO9tGOZ0l— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

14:28 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduces for consideration and passing: Post Office Bill, 2023

The Act is largely concerned with postal services supplied by Post Offices.

With the public utility's operations expanding beyond mail delivery and its network becoming a vehicle of delivery for a range of citizen-centric services, it "necessitated the repeal of the Indian Post Office Act, 1898 and enactment of a new law."

According to the text of the bill, "it is proposed to bring the Post Office Bill, 2023 which addresses these changes and provides for a simple legislative framework to facilitate evolution of the post office into a network for delivery of citizen centric services".

14:28 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Rajya Sabha MPs urge Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to address the security breach in Lok Sabha

Jagdeep Dhankhar tries to pivot the Upper House to discuss the Bill but the members persist.

“The intruders in Lok Sabha visitors’ gallery were immediately been apprehended. The Parliamentary Security Service is examining the matter forthwith. We’ll apprise the members about the result before I rise for the day. Bear with me,” Dhankhar added.

14:16 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

All material with the people who breached Parliament security has been confiscated, says Lok Sabha Speaker

According to initial indications, all of the material with the persons who penetrated the security of the parliament has been confiscated, said Lok Sabha Speaker OM Birla today. Two persons who were outside the parliament were also detained.

14:13 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

There is no need to worry about the smoke, says Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla

#WATCH | Lok Sabha security breach | Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla says "A thorough investigation of the incident that took place during zero hour, is being done. Essential instructions have also been given to Delhi Police. In the primary investigation, it has been found that it was… pic.twitter.com/GPMPAoyeLk— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

14:08 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Rajya Sabha takes up the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, introduces legislation to create the Central Tribal University in Telangana.

On 7 December, 2023, the Lok Sabha passed the Bill.

14:03 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Anti-terror unit special cell of the Delhi Police arrives inside Parliament

The Delhi Police's anti-terror section special cell comes inside the Parliament to interview those responsible for the security breach.

Anti-terror unit special cell of the Delhi Police arrives inside the Parliament to question the people who caused the security breach at the Lok Sabha. https://t.co/ESTLeYF4Fv— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

14:01 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Incident is being verified, says Delhi Police sources

Incident is being verified. Initial questioning related to security breach and who gave access. Finding out if any connection with those who jumped inside. Multi-agency questioning also likely: Delhi Police sources https://t.co/WTaMsDnfSe— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

13:57 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Two people protesting with smoke out Parliament, detained by police

Police grabbed two protesters demonstrating with coloured smoke outside Parliament, in front of Transport Bhawan, and took them to Parliament Street Police Station.

#WATCH | Delhi: The two people protesting with colour smoke outside the Parliament, in front of Transport Bhawan were detained by Police and taken to Parliament Street Police Station. pic.twitter.com/ja9IgU7P9k— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

13:51 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Officiating chair Rajendra Agarwal recalls the chain of events

In describing the sequence of events, BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was in the chair at the time of the incident, indicated that the invaders chanted some chants but could not be heard well.

“I initially thought that one of them has tipped over and fell by mistake, but one of them was hanging from the railing and fell. They fell into the middle passage and not on any MP,” he said.

13:45 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav speaks about the security breach in the Parliament

In response to today's security breach in Parliament, in which two men entered the Lok Sabha with gas canisters, Samajwadi MP Dimple Yadav remarked, "All those who come here - be it visitors or reporters - they don't carry tags. So, I think the government should pay attention to this. I think this is a complete security lapse. Anything could have happened inside the Lok Sabha..."

#WATCH | Security breach at Lok Sabha | Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Dimple Yadav says, "All those who come here - be it visitors or reporters - they don't carry tags. So, I think the government should pay attention to this. I think this is complete security lapse. Anything could have… pic.twitter.com/u5Q8ORxT3w— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

13:42 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

MPs caught hold of one intruder, says Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant said that the MPs apprehended one of the intruders while the other ran about leaping on the seats.

The cannister, which released a yellow smoke, was removed when he opened his shoes.

13:39 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Serious breach of security on the 21st anniversary of Parliament attack, says BSP MP Danish Ali

According to BSP MP Danish Ali, this was a serious breach of security on the 21st anniversary of Parliament attack.

He also added that they needed to know how the intruders came inside as well as who recommended the pass for them.

13:35 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Preliminary probe suggests gas canister was hidden in shoes

According to the preliminary probe, gas canister was hidden inside shoes.

The security breach should not have occurred at all because Parliament has three levels of security:

• Metal detectors and hand-held metal detector frisking are used at the parliament's entry gate.
• The same practice is repeated at the Parliament building's main entrance.
• Security is also present in the hallway leading to the various visiting galleries. It is even forbidden to bring a cell phone into the gallery.

13:18 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Two people caught with gas canisters in Lok Sabha

On Wednesday, two persons carrying gas canisters entered the Lok Sabha. A guy was seen in a video footage jumping into the Lok Sabha well and yelling. 

#WATCH | Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury speaks on an incident of security breach and commotion in the House.

"Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, they were brought… pic.twitter.com/nKJf7Q5bLM— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

13:09 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Justice should not be just done, it should be visible too, says Congress MP Pramod Tiwari

#WATCH | On Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill 2023 passed in the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says, "Justice should not be just done, it should be visible too. An Election Commission… pic.twitter.com/1SpVgnKLix— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

13:05 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

The Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023 and the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023 introduced in Lok Sabha

The Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023 along with the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023 have been introduced in Lok Sabha.

12:55 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Supriya Sule urges government to restart train ticket concessions for senior citizens

During Zero Hour, Supriya Sule of the NCP suggested that the government reinstate rail ticket subsidies for older persons that had been suspended during the COVID epidemic.

12:49 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

'Good that new people given a chance', says BJP MP Hema Malini on 3 new CM faces

Speaking to the media before of the winter parliament session, BJP MP from Mathura Hema Malini praised the fact that three new chief ministers would be sworn in in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

She also discussed the Supreme Court's decision on Article 370, saying that the "people of Kashmir would know what freedom they are getting."

#WATCH | Delhi: BJP MP Hema Malini says, "...Now, the people of Kashmir will be able to know what freedom they are getting. We all can visit Kashmir now, it is so peaceful and beautiful. We have shot so many films there, it is peaceful and lovely..."

On being asked about new CMs… pic.twitter.com/bpob6kfGpg— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023

12:29 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

FM Nirmala Sitharaman seeks to introduce Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House, opposed to the bill's presentation, claiming that it violated Article 265, which states that no tax should be imposed or collected by any other body unless authorised by law.

Chowdhury remarked that the only way to accomplish this is to change the Article.

Chowdhury further requested that no attempt be made to silence the opposition via debate. He claimed that the views of the opposition were not being heard adequately.

12:20 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

RS MP Manoj Kumar Jha questions Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani about provisions for paid menstrual leaves

“What measures are in place to make compulsory provisions for employers to grant a certain number of paid menstrual leaves to female employees,” Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha asks.

Irani responds that menstruation is not a hindrance and that we should not suggest concerns that deny women equal opportunities.

12:17 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Question Hour concludes in the Lok Sabha

Question Hour concluded in the Lok Sabha. Speaker Om Birla announced that no adjournment motions have been granted.

12:14 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw raises concern about duplicity in questions asked

While response to MP Ritesh Pandey, Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw accused Ritesh Pandey of posing a question that was nearly identical to those posed by Congress MPs K. Muraleedharan, Vincent H. Pala, Digvijay Singh, and Priyanka Chaturvedi in their respective houses.

Pandey stated that members trade questions among themselves since established protocols state that the more queries that are similar across different alleyways, the more likely it would be brought up for debate.

11:57 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Lok Sabha debates on re-introduced Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2023

The Central Government has reintroduced three measures to reform India's criminal laws, notably the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023 (Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2023).

11:53 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Dharmendra Pradhan likely to move Central Universities Bill, 2023

Today, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is set to table the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha for debate and passage.

The legislation, which seeks to amend the Central Universities Act of 2009, was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha.

11:52 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

MP Gaurav Gogoi asks govt about how it would ensure net neutrality if telecos charge network usage fee

A heated debate erupted between Kaliabor MP Gaurav Gogoi and Union Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw when the former expounded on his concerns, claiming that two large telecom corporations had the majority of the market share. 

In response, Vaishnaw stated that net neutrality was acknowledged as a concept in 2017. Since then, new telecom licences have incorporated this notion within their terms and conditions.

11:42 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Ambedkar Nagar MP Ritesh Pandey asks govt about the utilisation of the Universal Services Obligation Fund

In response, Union Telecom Minister Rajnath Singh informed the House that the amount was used by BharatNET to extend optical fibre network to 2 lakh panchayats across the country. It was also used to give 4G connection in previously disconnected locations.

Mr Vaishnaw claimed that the government had sanctioned 4G towers for 40,000 villages while enumerating efforts done by the government to provide connectivity.

11:41 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Members ask government about Net Neutrality

A member of parliament from Ambedkar Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) inquired about the government's plans to preserve net neutrality.

In response, Union Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw remarked that the method is not new and has been in place for some time. He informed the House that the ministry adheres to the framework approved in 2018.

It establishes licencing terms to guarantee that no provider participates in any discriminatory activities involving the use of internet-based services.

11:35 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

BJP MP S Selvaganabathy requests setting up a national council for improvement of primary education

S Selvaganabathy, a BJP MP, calls for the formation of a national council to strengthen basic education. The MP also calls on the government to take steps to minimise school dropouts, improve basic infrastructure, and provide kids with regular medical exams.