Parliament session Day 8: FM defends Budget, slams UPA on ec

During the Lok Sabha session on July 30, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur clashed with Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, making remarks about Gandhi's caste. This led to an uproar and renewed calls for the caste census bill.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video of Thakur's speech, labeling it a "must hear." Congress MPs accused the PM of breaching parliamentary privilege by sharing the video.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman questioned Gandhi's criticism of the budget committee's lack of SC and ST officials, pointing out that the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation had no SC board members. She also introduced a bill for funding Jammu and Kashmir for 2024-25, which the Lok Sabha approved.

Sitharaman defended the Union Budget 2024 against opposition claims of favoritism towards certain states, challenging Congress on their own budget speeches.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until 11 am on July 31, after discussions on the Union Budget 2024, relief for Wayanad landslides, and Delhi's infrastructure issues following the deaths of three IAS aspirants. The budget session, which began on July 22, will conclude on August 12.

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FM Nirmala Sitharaman Addresses Rajya Sabha on Union Budget

Agniveer: Enhancing Military Capabilities

FM Sitharaman described the Agniveer scheme as a transformative step aimed at enhancing the capabilities and battle readiness of the Indian armed forces. She emphasized that this initiative focuses on recruiting young individuals between the ages of 17.5 to 21, retaining only 25% to ensure a younger, fitter military force.

Support for Education Loans

Addressing the need for financial support in higher education, FM Sitharaman announced measures included in the budget. These measures provide finance support of Rs 10 lakh through e-vouchers for 1 lakh students, with a 3% interest rate, aimed at making higher education more accessible for the youth.

Response to Minimum Wage Increase Demand

In response to the opposition's demand to increase the minimum wage to Rs 400, FM Sitharaman clarified that the rural development ministry, responsible for MGNERGA, has been adjusting minimum wages based on the Consumer Price Index for agricultural laborers since the UPA government.

Union Budget: A Balanced Approach

FM Sitharaman explained that the Union Budget strikes a fine balance among multiple priorities, including growth, employment, welfare spending, capital investments, and fiscal consolidation. She reiterated that the budget continues the principles of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas’.

Increased Sectoral Allocation

Sitharaman refuted opposition claims of reduced sectoral allocations, pointing out significant increases:

Agriculture and Allied Sectors: Allocated ₹1.52 lakh crore for 2023-24, up by ₹8,000 crore from the previous year.
Education, Employment, and Skilling: ₹1.48 lakh crore allocated for 2024-25, an increase of ₹28,000 crore from the previous year, compared to ₹85,000 crore in 2013-14.
Women and Girls: ₹3.27 lakh crore allocated, a 41% increase from the previous year, compared to ₹96,000 crore in 2013-14.
Rural Development: ₹2.66 lakh crore allocated, up from ₹87,000 crore in 2013-14.

Addressing Fiscal Mismanagement in Jammu and Kashmir

The Finance Minister attributed Jammu and Kashmir’s fiscal distress to historical poor governance and low revenue base, exacerbated by externally sponsored terrorism. She noted efforts to correct fiscal distortions by bringing off-Budget borrowings onto the books within the UT’s borrowing ceiling.

Growth in Tax Revenues

Sitharaman highlighted the impressive growth in tax revenues and the significant reforms in the power sector, leading to increased non-tax revenues from ₹5,148 crores in 2022-23 to ₹6,500 crores in 2023-24.

Political Uproar Over Remarks on Congress

The Finance Minister’s remarks linking the Congress party with inflation led to a ruckus in the Rajya Sabha. She criticized the previous government’s economic policies, prompting a defense from the Leader of the House, J.P. Nadda, who emphasized the need for comparative discussions in Budget debates.

Reduction of Duties on Edible Oils

Sitharaman announced the reduction of basic duty on crude palm oil, crude soybean oil, and crude sunflower oil from 2.5% to nil, facilitating job creation and ensuring the availability of edible oil in the country.

Uniform Borrowing Consent for States

Sitharaman clarified that the Central Government follows the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations for issuing borrowing consent uniformly to all states, countering claims of bias against non-BJP states.

Employment Initiatives

The Finance Minister outlined the government’s policy to enhance youth competency, announcing a package of five schemes in the Budget to boost employment.

Criticism of Previous Government’s Monetary Policies

Sitharaman cited a former RBI governor’s book, alleging that the previous government pressured the RBI to soften interest rates and present an overly optimistic growth picture.

Inflation and Economic Performance

Sitharaman noted that India’s average inflation over the last decade was 5.1%, lower than the 5.8% average among emerging economies.

Articles 35A and 370: Constitutional Missteps

Sitharaman argued that Articles 35A and 370 were added to the Constitution without proper legal amendments, questioning the legitimacy of their inclusion.

Employment Decline During UPA Era

The Finance Minister criticized the UPA era for jobless growth, highlighting a decline in total employment from 47.2 crores in 2012-13 to 47 crores in 2013-14, the only period of decline since 1981-82.

Bias in Budget Allocation Claims

Sitharaman refuted claims of bias in Budget allocations, citing instances from 2009-10 and 2004-05 when many states were not mentioned in the Congress-led Budgets.

Commitment to Fiscal Deficit Reduction

Sitharaman reiterated her commitment to reducing the fiscal deficit below 4.5% by 2025-26, a goal she pledged to in 2021-22.

Establishing Centers of Excellence

The Finance Minister announced plans to establish three centers of excellence in top educational institutions as part of ongoing educational reforms.

Boost in Mobile Phone Production and Exports

Sitharaman reported that 97% of mobile phones in demand in India are now produced domestically, with 30% of total production earmarked for exports, supported by production-linked incentives

Congress MP Channi Files Notice against PM Modi for breach of privilege

Charanjit Singh Channi, a Congress MP, has submitted a notice accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of breaching parliamentary privilege. Channi alleges that Modi posted a part of BJP leader Anurag Thakur’s speech on social media on July 30, which had been expunged from the official record.

Parliament Session

Nitin Gadkari appeals to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Nitin Gadkari appeals to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to remove GST on life and medical insurance premiums

Nitin Gadkari appeals to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

MPs Express Condolences and Propose Measures in Light of Wayanad Tragedy

During a recent Rajya Sabha session, members of Parliament (MPs) discussed the devastating landslide in Wayanad and proposed various measures to address similar future disasters. The tragedy, which has claimed numerous lives and caused significant damage, has prompted urgent calls for improved disaster preparedness and prevention strategies.

Proposed Measures for Disaster Preparedness

1. Implementation of Early Warning Systems

Several MPs emphasized the need for an early warning system to better prepare for floods and landslides. Such a system could provide critical alerts in advance, potentially saving lives and reducing damage.

2. Afforestation and Prevention of Deforestation

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva highlighted the importance of afforestation as a preventive measure. He stressed that halting deforestation is crucial, as it contributes to the increased risk of landslides and flash floods. Siva referred to warnings previously issued by Dr. Madhav Gadgil, suggesting that adhering to his recommendations might have mitigated the current disaster.

3. Use of Technology in Disaster Management

Prof. Manoj Kumar Jha advocated for the use of advanced technology in broadening disaster preparedness, prevention, signals, and mitigation efforts. He noted that such tragedies disproportionately affect marginalized communities and emphasized the need for a unified approach beyond political considerations.

4. Urgent Need for National Emergency Declaration

Dr. V. Sivadasan urged that Wayanad be declared a national emergency to facilitate immediate assistance from both State and Union governments. He emphasized that addressing climate change should be a priority in the response efforts.

Relief Efforts and Requests for Support

1. Urgent Relief for Kerala

CPI (M) MP Dr. John Brittas stressed the severe impact of the landslide, with a death toll rising to 157 and many more feared dead or missing. He highlighted the extensive area affected, including neighboring districts, and called for an expansion of rescue operations. Brittas requested that the Union government provide relief without charging the State, as was done in previous disasters like the 2018 floods in Kerala.

2. Statistics and Current Relief Operations

Brittas provided data showing that a significant portion of the country's landslides have occurred in Kerala. He mentioned the establishment of 45 relief camps in Wayanad and noted the collaborative efforts of various political groups in the rescue operations.

Parliamentary Discussions and Controversies

1. Discussion on Railway Grants

The Lok Sabha has initiated discussions and voting on the demands for grants under the control of the railway ministry for the 2024-25 period. This discussion is crucial for determining the allocation of funds for railway infrastructure and operations.

2. Update on West Bengal Expressways

MPs from West Bengal inquired about the progress of expressways in the state, focusing on land acquisition issues. Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra assured that the Centre is expediting the land acquisition process.

3. Privilege Motion Considerations

Congress is contemplating a privilege motion against former Union Minister Anurag Thakur over his comments questioning Rahul Gandhi's caste in the Lok Sabha. This move reflects ongoing tensions regarding caste and political discourse.

4. Objection to Remarks about RSS

Rajya Sabha Chair Jagdeep Dhankhar intervened in response to SP MP Ramji Lal Suman's remarks about the RSS, removing them from the record. The remarks were deemed inappropriate and not conducive to parliamentary decorum.

5. Controversy Over Dynastic Politics

Mallikarjun Kharge objected to Rajya Sabha member Ghanshyam Tiwari’s comments on his name and alleged dynastic politics. Kharge clarified his background and requested that such statements be expunged from the record. The Chair acknowledged the issue but did not view Tiwari’s remarks as intentional insults.

Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024

1. Introduction and Opposition

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, was introduced in the Lok Sabha but faced opposition from Kollam MP N.K. Premachandaran regarding its language. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu defended the bill as a necessary consolidation of the Aircraft Act, 1934, aimed at eliminating redundancy.

2. Language and Legislative Requirements

Naidu addressed concerns about the bill's language and legislative requirements, assuring that the bill aligns with constitutional provisions and international standards.

Youth Suicide and Education System

1. Rising Youth Suicide Rates

AITC MP Mausam Noor raised concerns about increasing youth suicides, attributing some of the issue to pressures from the education system. She highlighted the gap between the number of students applying for medical and engineering courses and the available seats, stressing the need for systemic reforms.

2. Criticism of Exam-Centric Education

Noor criticized the current system’s emphasis on exam performance, which she believes fails to address broader educational and psychological needs of students.

Preservation of Sanskrit Language

BJP MP Dr. Dinesh Sharma called for the preservation and promotion of Sanskrit, highlighting its importance in ancient texts and knowledge. He proposed the establishment of Sanskrit-medium schools to encourage greater interest in the language.

Separate Baby Care Spaces in trains

BJP MP Kavita Patidar requested the provision of separate baby berths in all trains, echoing a previous initiative launched on Mother’s Day. She emphasized the need for privacy for mothers traveling with infants.

Bullet Train Project Update

Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw discussed the complexities of the bullet train project, noting the challenges associated with high-speed travel. He reported significant progress, with 320 out of 508 kilometers of the planned route already completed, and ongoing consultations with Japanese experts for detailed design.

Speaker Criticizes Opposition for Disruptions

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticized the Opposition for their disruptive behavior during a session. The disruption occurred when a Congress MP from Gadchiroli was asking a question to Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Proceedings in both houses begin amid Opposition ruckus

The sessions of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha commenced, but were quickly marked by uproar from the Opposition. Notably, during a speech by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Opposition began loud sloganeering, causing further disruption.

Key Motions and Notices

- Amit Shah's Motion on Official Languages- Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to move a motion to the Committee on Official Language concerning elections in the Rajya Sabha.

- Business Advisory Committee Report- In the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, will present the Second Report of the Business Advisory Committee.

- Adjournment Motion on Indo-China Relations- Congress MP Manish Tewari has submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the border situation and the significant trade deficit with China.

- Adjournment Motion on Assam Floods- Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has filed an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha to address the flood management issues in Assam.

- Adjournment Motion on to raise census, women's quota in Lok Sabha- Congress MP Manickam Tagore has filed an adjournment motion notice to raise census, women's quota in Lok Sabha