Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE: P Chidambaram takes a jibe at Centre; asks why numbers not reflecting in jobs

16:10 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

YSRCP MP slams Rupee's performance in Rajya Sabha

Following his presentation of the advantages of India's growing economy, YSRCP chief Vijaysai Reddy turned his attention to the drawbacks, telling the Rajya Sabha that the Rupee will be the worst-performing Asian currency in 2022. 

"Many issues continue to hinder India's economic growth. Rupee was the worst-performing Asian currency in 2022. For the first time ever, the value of Rupee crossed 80 against dollar, currently stands at 83.4, which is very very alarming. Depreciation of the Rupee has a direct impact on the manufacturing sector since India is a net importer of raw materials and fuel," the MP said.

"Manufacturing has already started showing signs of stress this fiscal year," he added.

"As per RBI, every five per cent fall in the value of Rupee, inflation increases by 15 per cent."

16:06 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Speaker warns MPs against placards in Lok Sabha

Speaker Om Birla forewarned Lok Sabha Members not to carry signs into the House on Tuesday, emphasising the need to uphold decorum and order, according to news agency PTI.

The Speaker's statements were made the day after Danish Ali, a member of the BSP, protested by hanging a banner around his neck and calling for action against Ramesh Bidhuri, the BJP MP, for allegedly making disparaging remarks about him.

"In the business advisory committee meeting yesterday, there was a consensus among parties that they will not bring placards in the new Parliament House. I appeal to everyone to maintain dignity and discipline in Parliament. I will have to take action against MPs bringing placards," Birla said.

"I appeal to every member not to break the rules of the House. I expect every one of you to maintain decorum and come with a positive mind," he added.

"I will not allow anyone to come to the House with placards," Birla said and adjourned the House till 12 noon.

15:53 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

‘Significant tax growth collections have fuelled India’s economy’: YSRCP MP

V. Vijayasai Reddy, commenting on India's development, stated that direct tax revenues have increased by 160%, and robust GST receipts have fueled the economy since the epidemic.

However, he emphasised that India cannot afford to remain complacent about the rupee's depreciation, economic disparity, and a growing trade imbalance (especially with China).

15:41 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

India very likely to become five trillion dollar economy, says Sujit Kumar

Sujit Kumar, BJD Rajya Sabha member from Odisha, says that India is very likely to become a five trillion dollar economy. "By the end of Amrit Kaal, we will become a developed economy," he said.

He urged the government to strengthen the MSMEs.

"The Prime Minister spoke of four castes. We need to take care of youth and job creation," Kumar added. 48-year-old Kumar, a noted lawyer, further said in Odisha, the state government has doubled farmer's income.

15:41 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

India poised to be third largest economy in the next 5 years, says Vijaysai Reddy

V Vijaysai Reddy, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) member from Andhra Pradesh, said that in the next five years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is poised to become the third largest economy.

"Last year, our GDP growth stood at 7.2 per cent," he said. Vijaysai also took a dig at former Finance Minister P Chidambaram saying he does not realise growth. He concluded by speaking about widening trade deficit.

15:36 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Rising cost of living and unemployment impacting farmers, women and disadvantaged groups, say Opposition leaders

The debate about India's economic situation persists.

According to Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal of the AAP, despite India having the world's fastest-growing economy, at least 80 crore people live in poverty.

According to the National Crime Record Bureau's (NCRB) Accidental Deaths and Suicides report, at least 1.7 lakh individuals died by suicide in 2022. One-third were paid by daily wage earners and farmers.

14:55 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Amit Shah, treasury bench members protest against Sougata Ray remarks

When it comes to the Jammu and Kashmir issue, Home Minister Amit Shah asked how a country can have two Prime Ministers, two Constitutions, and two flags. He also claimed that this is what the entire country want.

The Treasury benches protested Dr. Sougata Ray's statements.

14:54 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Why India’s economic growth not seen in inflation and unemployment numbers, asks P Chidambaram in RS

Following BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi's admiration for the Indian economy, Mr. Chidambaram wonders why the country's prosperity is not being felt on the ground.

14:46 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

BJP's Sudhanshu Trivedi currently speaking in Rajya Sabha

We were mocked for not being able to develop faster than the 2 per cent growth rate, said Sudhanshu Trivedi of the BJP.

Since we took over the economy, we have reduced it to the Hindutva growth rate of 7-8%.

14:39 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Nirmala Sitharaman speaks in Rajya Sabha

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is speaking in Rajya Sabha on government action against wilful defaulters.

“Action is being taken on wilful defaulters. Banks are taking steps to get money back from these defaulters. Till 31st March 23, Rs 33,801 crores aggregate amount was recovered. Around more than Rs 15,000 crores was returned to the banks from defaulters on whom PMLA action was taken. As of 1st Dec, assets amounting to Rs 15,186.64 crores have been confiscated by the ED,” she said.

14:27 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Will SC/ST students from Jammu-Kashmir receive any scholarships, questions Congress MP Amar Singh

Dr. Amar Singh, a Congress MP from Punjab, questioned the administration on whether it will provide scholarships to SC/ST students from Jammu and Kashmir.

Bring a full law while bringing a law, he said. He also questioned the government's response to student suicides at institutes such as the IITs.

Concerning the second amendment, he asked that a Punjabi be nominated to the three-member committee established in the Bill.

He admitted that while the amendments are good, the associated issues would need to be dealt with.

14:13 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

J&K Reorganisation (Amendment Bill), J&K Reservation (Amendment Bill) taken up for discussion in LS

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill and the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill are being debated in the Lok Sabha concurrently. Initially, four hours had been set aside for the debate.

14:09 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

AITC MP Derek O’Brien thanks RS Chairman for allowing the short-duration discussion to run for four hours

Derek O'Brien tells Chairman Dhankhar that his party would work with him to ensure that the House operates at full capacity throughout the Winter Session.

He also asked the Chair to allow a brief discussion on cooperative federalism the following week.

13:20 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Ethnic violence continuing in Manipur: INC MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

INC MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury spoke about the continuing ethnic strife in Manipur.

The government has proved impervious and the Manipur government has failed to tackle the law and order situation in the State, he said.

13:05 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 p.m.

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned till 2 p.m.

Proceedings for both houses will recommence at 2 p.m. 

12:48 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Improve mobile network in rural areas: BJP MP Dhal Singh Bisen

Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen, BJP MP from Balaghat, emphasised that cellphone network is critical, yet it is not available in many regions. According to him, this has an influence on all work for students and others.

He claimed that BSNL has not progressed beyond 2G in his constituency. Everyone is bothered by the lack of good access. He requested that this facility be improved in rural regions.

12:40 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Rajya Sabha: BJP MP Anil Jain enquired AYUSH minister Sarbananda Sonowal about health visa for international visitors

Anil Jain, a BJP MP, asked AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal regarding overseas visitors' health visas. Sonowal responded that a new AYUSH visa category has been announced.

In addition, the minister said that the All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi's Sarita Vihar has witnessed a footfall of 17.5 lakh in less than six years, demonstrating the appeal of AYUSH.

12:17 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Amit Shah arrives for day 2 of Parliament session

Union Home Minister Amit Shah appeared in Parliament for Day Two of the Winter Session.

Today in the Lok Sabha, he is scheduled to introduce the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

12:08 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

BJP MP Sushil Modi dismisses Opposition's EVM complaints

In response to opposition leaders' charges of EVM manipulation, BJP Member of Parliament Sushil Modi claimed, "They (opposition) will raise questions over everything, including EVMs, following their loss."

Modi further stated that the Congress, JD(U), and Samajwadi Party would have lost in the Madhya Pradesh elections even if they had run united.

12:05 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Drought affecting chilli, cotton sowing area in AP: YSCRCP MP Krishna Devarayalu Lavu in LS

Andhra Pradesh is experiencing a drought and a rainfall deficit in various districts, causing a dramatic loss in cotton and chilli sowing area, according to YSRCP MP Krishna Devarayalu Lavu. Noting that crop insurance is a significant comfort for farmers in the face of climate change and irregular rainfall, he inquires whether the government is considering shifting the chilli crop from yield-based to irrigation-based for insurance purposes.

According to Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the central government has given the state the option of adopting any of two modules. 

12:03 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raises issue of legal recognition of MSP in Lok Sabha

In the Lok Sabha today, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury highlighted the question of legally ensuring MSP for farmers. He also discussed the agricultural laws, which sparked enormous outrage and were ultimately repealed.

Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar responded by saying that the UPA government had rejected M S Swaminathan's suggestions on MSP, which the Narendra Modi government has granted.

He also stated that the committee formed to report on agricultural legislation had not yet submitted its suggestions.

12:03 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

TN Minister's sanatana dharma remarks make it to Rajya Sabha, BJP MP calls it 'hate speech'

The statements on sanatana dharma made by Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin were discussed in the Rajya Sabha today, with BJP MP G V L Narasimha Rao labelling them "hate speech" and threatening to "destroy the fabric of India."

Opposition MPs protested, and Vice-Chairman Harivansh was forced to intercede.

Earlier this year, Udhayanidhi's statements comparing sanatana dharma to malaria and declaring that it needed to be "eradicated" sparked significant outrage across the country.

11:58 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Rajya Sabha: DMK’s Tiruchi Siva raises concerns about torrential rain and flooding in Chennai and neighbouring areas in Tamil Nadu

Cyclone Michaung has put the people of Tamil Nadu through unprecedented hardships, the MP says in Rajya Sabha.

The impact of the cyclone is so bad that the damage cannot be repaired any sooner, the MP says. He also urges the Union government to release an interim relief of ₹5,000 crores to help the State government safeguard the people of Tamil Nadu. 

11:58 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

What measures to give 100 days of work under MNREGA: DMK MP K. Kanimozhi in Lok Sabha

DMK MP K. Kanimozhi raises a question about rural employment, requesting that the government explain what steps it is doing to guarantee that at least 100 days of work are provided under the MNREGA system.

INC MP Shashi Tharoor inquires about unemployment benefits for MNREGA workers who do not find work within 100 days of applying for the programme.

Giriraj Singh, Minister of Rural Development, informs the House that the Congress spent 2.13 lakh in 2014, while we spent 6.74 lakh. He believes that state governments should scrutinise authorities who are not providing jobs.

The House is in slight disarray as members yell throughout the Minister's response.

11:54 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Don't know whether they will table it or not, says Mahua Moitra on Ethic Committee report on cash-for-query case

VIDEO | "Let's see, I don't know whether they will place it or not," TMC MP Mahua Moitra on tabling of Ethic Committee report in 'cash-for-query' case.#ParliamentWinterSession pic.twitter.com/dZVg3fR7A1— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 5, 2023

11:45 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

AAP MPs stage protest against alleged misuse of central agencies

Members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) protested on the grounds of Parliament, expressing their dissatisfaction with what they allege is the mismanagement of Central agencies. The protest was held to raise awareness about allegations that investigative bodies were being used for political objectives.

AAP MPs gathered in protest, brandishing placards and banners demanding openness and accountability in the operation of Central agencies. The demonstration took place against the backdrop of continuous discussions and disputes over the use of investigative agencies in political affairs.

11:38 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

'Humein bhi chillana aata hai,' says Union Minister Giriraj Singh as Opposition MPs disrupt his speech

As Union Minister Giriraj Singh was speaking in the Lok Sabha on Day 2 of the Winter Session of Parliament, Opposition MPs disrupted his speech with slogans. This led Singh to say, "Chillane se kuch nahi hoga... humein bhi chillana aata hai (Nothing will be accomplished by shouting... we also know how to shout)".

11:27 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

AAP MPs protest on the Parliament premises 

#WATCH | Delhi | AAP MPs protest on the Parliament premises against the alleged misuse of Central agencies. pic.twitter.com/TX8a2aXTjb— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023

10:56 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Cyclone Michaung: Congress says will raise in Parliament today

#WATCH | Cyclone Michaung | LoP in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, "We had raised this issue before the Parliament yesterday...But yesterday, we received no reply. Today I will raise this issue again because under the government's Disaster Relief Fund, everyone's help is… pic.twitter.com/6CZ9zuR5Cl— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023

10:31 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Bills for consideration, passing in Lok Sabha today

Today's agenda in the Lok Sabha includes the following Bills for discussion and passage:

• The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023
• The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023

10:16 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Amit Shah to propose amendments to J&K reorganisation law through bills

Union Home Minister Amit Shah plans to submit legislation to alter the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act of 2004, as well as the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019.

The latter legislation permitted Jammu and Kashmir's restructuring into the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The proposed law not only raises the overall number of members in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from 83 to 90, but also requires the reservation of seven seats for Scheduled Castes and nine seats for Scheduled Tribes, reflecting substantial changes in the region's political structure.

10:01 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Congress MP says INDIA alliance is intact

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says the INDIA alliance is intact.

"We (INDIA alliance) have enough time to decide on seat sharing. The INDIA alliance is intact and the biggest thing is that in the recent elections in five states, Congress mostly fought alone and managed to secure 10 lakh more votes than BJP. So, it is clear that if we can secure that many votes alone, if we all fight together, BJP will be nowhere near," Tiwari said.

#WATCH | Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says, "...We (INDIA alliance) have enough time to decide on seat sharing...INDIA alliance is intact and the biggest thing is that in the recent elections in 5 states, Congress mostly fought alone and managed to secure 10 lakh more votes than… pic.twitter.com/OLRsJZRcrX— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023

09:57 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Manish Tewari seeks urgent discussion on death penalty to ex-navy staff

Manish Tewari, a Congress Member of Parliament, has filed an Adjournment Motion Notice in the Lok Sabha, requesting an early debate on the death punishment inflicted on eight former Indian Navy soldiers in Qatar.

The motion emphasises the seriousness of the situation and the importance of legislative attention to address the issues raised by this issue. As tensions build, the need for a full discussion on the destiny of these individuals rises to the top of the legislative agenda.

09:43 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Bills on J&K Reservation Act, Reorganisation Act likely to be introduced

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to introduce a Bill to alter the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act 2004 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act provides for certain reserved groups to be given preference in recruitment to state government offices and admission to professional schools. The Bill includes provisions for reservations in professional institutions for economically disadvantaged groups.

09:31 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Rajya Sabha to discuss India's economic condition today

The Rajya Sabha is set to debate the "economic situation in the country" at noon.

Derek O'Brien (TMC), Sushil Kumar Modi (BJP), and Vijayasai Reddy (YSRCP) are among those expected to attend.

09:10 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Lok Sabha panel report recommending Mahua Moitra’s expulsion likely to be tabled today

Today, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is set to deliver its findings recommending the expulsion of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra over cash-for-query charges.

09:01 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Manickam Tagore gives Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha

Congress MP Manickam Tagore has given an Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the "severe impact of heavy rainfall in Chennai, especially the closure of the airport due to water on the runway and the need for preparedness in the face of natural disasters like Cyclone Michaung."

08:26 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Winter Session should be used to discuss key topics, say TMC leaders

TMC leaders emphasised at Monday's opposition gathering that the Winter Session should be used to discuss key topics. They urged that numerous concerns be addressed and that the session not be squandered by protesting on a single one.

08:25 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Bill aimed at regulating legal profession, curbing touts passed by Parliament

A Bill which aims at regulating the legal profession by a single Act and seeks to target "touts" was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday with Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal saying there should be no role of such persons in the country's courts.

08:24 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Discuss Moitra's expulsion report before taking any decision: Oppn members to LS Speaker Birla

Opposition members on Monday demanded a discussion in Lok Sabha on the Ethics Committee report recommending the expulsion of TMC member Mahua Moitra before any decision on the matter.

08:10 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

BJP unlikely to get Rajya Sabha majority by next year

The ruling party may not be able to strengthen its position in the Rajya Sabha and secure a majority by the following year, despite the BJP's triumph in the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.

Sixty-nine Rajya Sabha seats are up for grabs next year, with 56 of them falling vacant in April ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

There are 239 members of the Upper House of Parliament. With 94 seats, the BJP is now the single largest party, followed by the Congress (30 seats) and Trinamool Congress (13 seats).

While the BJP is likely to retain 30 seats, which will fall vacant in April next year, the Congress will retain its seats and get an additional two from Telangana, which it wrested from the BRS in assembly polls held along with that of the other three states.

07:59 (IST)

Parliament Winter Session 2023 LIVE

Rajya Sabha to discuss economic situation of India

The members of the Upper House are likely to hold discussions on the prevailing economic situation of the country as the Parliament reconvenes for Day 2 of the ongoing Winter Session on Tuesday.

Rajya Sabha MPs Ayodhya Rami Reddy, Birendra Prasad Baishya, Ghanshyam Tiwari, Lakshmikant Bajpayee, Sushil Kumar Modi, Aditya Prasad and Shambhu Sharan Patel are to initiate a discussion on the 'economic situation in the country' in the Upper House on Tuesday, according to sources.