The much-awaited winter session of Parliament commenced today but faced early disruptions leading to the adjournment of both Houses for the day. With 16 bills on the agenda and plans for a paperless Parliament, the Lok Sabha Secretariat advised MPs to opt for digital attendance. The first day included discussions on crucial bills such as the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill and the Railways (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha and the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak in the Rajya Sabha.
Winter Session of Parliament 2023: A Detailed Examination
Introduction
The Winter Session of the Indian Parliament is an important event in the nation's calendar, providing a platform for legislators to debate critical issues and pass crucial legislation. The 2023 Winter Session, which commenced on December 7, has been marked by both anticipation and disruptions.
Background
The Winter Session is traditionally held during the months of December and January. This year's session was particularly anticipated due to the large number of bills listed on the agenda, including the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill and the Railways (Amendment) Bill. Additionally, the focus was on implementing a paperless Parliament, with MPs advised to opt for digital attendance.
First Day Proceedings and Disruptions
The first day of the session witnessed early disruptions, with members of the opposition staging protests over various issues. The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after the opposition demanded a discussion on the border situation with China. The Rajya Sabha also faced adjournments due to protests over the arrest of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.
Key Discussions and Bills
Despite the disruptions, both Houses managed to discuss crucial bills on the first day. In the Lok Sabha, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to strengthen the banking sector, was introduced for consideration. The Railways (Amendment) Bill, aimed at improving railway infrastructure and operations, was also discussed.
In the Rajya Sabha, the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak (Indian Aviation Amendment Bill) was presented for introduction. This bill proposes to amend the Indian Carriage by Air Act, 1972, and incorporate provisions related to compensation for flight delays and cancellations.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is the Winter Session significant? The Winter Session provides an opportunity for parliamentarians to review and debate government policies, scrutinize legislation, and raise public concerns.
2. What are the main bills being discussed this session? Key bills on the agenda include the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, and the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak.
3. What caused the disruptions on the first day? Opposition members protested over issues such as the border situation with China and the arrest of an AAP MLA.
4. What is the government's goal of implementing a paperless Parliament? The digital attendance and document sharing aims to improve efficiency, reduce paper waste, and enhance transparency.
5. What are the expectations for the rest of the session? The session is expected to witness further debates on important bills and government policies, as well as discussions on current issues and public concerns.
Conclusion
The Winter Session of Parliament 2023 has commenced with a mix of anticipation and challenges. While disruptions marred the first day, the focus remains on addressing crucial issues and passing important legislation. The session is expected to continue over the next few weeks, providing a vital platform for parliamentary scrutiny and public engagement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be interacting with selected youths who have found internships through the PM Internship Scheme announced in the full budget this July. The scheme aims to provide opportunities for young individuals from low-income households to work in top companies with a stipend of Rs 5,000. However, the portal has been facing technical glitches and the eligibility criteria may need to be relaxed for more applicants to be able to apply.
The Supreme Court has rescheduled the hearing of the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute to December 9 due to lack of time. The main issue is whether an intra-court appeal against rejection of a petition under Order 7 Rule 11 CPC is maintainable before the Allahabad High Court. Apart from this, three special leave petitions have been filed by the Shahi Idgah Masjid and Sunni Central Waqf Board challenging previous court orders related to the dispute. The dispute pertains to the removal of 18 suits filed by the deity and Hindu worshippers for the removal of Shahi Idgah mosque, with the mosque committee arguing that the suits are barred by the Places of Worship Act.
After suffering losses in recent state elections, Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the party's leaders and stressed the importance of taking responsibility, fixing shortcomings, and unity within the party. He also expressed concern over the use of electronic voting machines and called on the Election Commission to ensure fair elections in the country. Kharge emphasized the need for discipline and unity within the party to defeat political opponents. He also urged party leaders to work hard and strengthen the party's organization at all levels, from voter registration to vote counting.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent speech in Bhubaneswar, connected with the people by speaking in Odia and acknowledging their faith in the BJP. He also highlighted the Central government's focus on Odisha's development and the introduction of new schemes. With his visit to Odisha Parva in New Delhi, PM Modi has shown his appreciation for Odia culture and its people.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bhubaneswar today for the three-day-long DG/IGP conference. He will be greeted with a warm welcome and a felicitation program before heading to the Governor's house. During his visit, PM Modi will hold meetings with party officials and discuss development plans for Odisha.
After facing criticism from the Delhi High Court, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government appears to be reconsidering their refusal to implement the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This comes after BJP MPs filed a plea in the court seeking implementation of the scheme in Delhi, while other states have already adopted it. The scheme, which was recently expanded to cover all individuals over 70, has been hailed as a crucial step towards providing universal healthcare, but political reasons have caused delay in its adoption in Delhi and West Bengal.
The Supreme Court has directed the petitioners to approach the High Court over the dispute surrounding the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The court has also asked the trial court to refrain from taking any action until the case is heard and has urged the district administration to maintain peace in the area. This plea was moved by the management committee of the mosque, which is embroiled in a dispute with Hindus over a temple allegedly destroyed to build the mosque. The Supreme Court is currently hearing multiple petitions related to disputes over religious places in India.
In a major development in the ongoing investigation into the production and distribution of pornography through apps, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided businessman Raj Kundra's house and offices. The husband of actress Shilpa Shetty has been accused of laundering proceeds from the streaming of the porn contents. Additionally, he is also under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in a bitcoin scam, for which the ED has attached his properties worth Rs. 97.79 crore, including a flat in Mumbai's Juhu and a residential bungalow in Pune.
On Friday, the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at the residence of businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, and other locations in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh as part of a money laundering case related to the alleged distribution of pornographic content. Kundra was previously arrested in connection with the pornography case. The probe is focusing on the role of suspects in the distribution of pornographic content through mobile applications and other methods.