After an intense debate, the Lok Sabha approved the demand for grants for the Ministry of Railways. The debate saw a significant confrontation between Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railways Minister, and opposition members. Mr. Vaishnaw responded furiously to a remark from an opposition member, emphasizing that the current government focuses on working hard towards reform rather than seeking sympathy through social media reels. The debate was sparked by Mr. Vaishnaw's accusation that the previous UPA regime neglected the installation of automatic train protection (ATP) systems. He highlighted that the number of average annual accidents had decreased by 68%, from 171 during the UPA regime.
-
Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 successfully introduced in Lok Sabha
A Bill to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005, was introduced in the Lok Sabha and is scheduled for introduction in the Rajya Sabha. Proceedings in the Upper House commenced with a heated exchange between Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Congress MP Digvijaya Singh. The Congress leader sought to raise a point of order regarding his remarks on the RSS, which was denied by Mr. Dhankhar, leading to an uproar before the House moved to Zero Hour.
-
Ashwini Vaishnaw's Speech Highlights
-
Demand for grants to the Ministry of Railways cleared in the Lok Sabha
-
Opposition Protests: Opposition members protested against observations made by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha.
-
Station Interlocking: Between 2014 and 2024, 2,964 stations were equipped with electronic interlocking to enhance interoperability.
-
Passenger Safety Measures: Mr. Vaishnaw detailed various safety measures, including the construction of rail overbridges and underpasses to eliminate unmanned level crossings. Additionally, 837 electronic interlocking systems were installed.
-
Accusations Against Opposition: He accused the opposition of failing to secure safety certifications for anti-collision devices implemented in 2006 and highlighted the absence of ATP systems on any part of the rail network until 2014.
-
Reduction in Accidents: The Railways Minister reported a 68% reduction in average annual accidents compared to the UPA regime.
-
Electrification Achievements: Over the last ten years, 44,000 kilometers of railway lines were electrified, significantly reducing emissions equivalent to planting 16 crore trees.
-
Loco Cabs Upgrades: The current government made 7,000 loco cabs air-conditioned and introduced ergonomic designs, contrasting with the opposition's focus on social media sympathy.
-
Upcoming Railway Projects:
-
Vande Metro Launch: A regional train service, 'Vande Metro,' is set to be launched to facilitate short-distance travel between major cities, emphasizing safety and world-class features.
-
General Coach Production: Plans to produce 2,500 general coaches in the coming months, with an overall target of 10,000 coaches, were announced.
-
New Coach Designs: The standard composition of four general coaches in mail passenger trains will be extended to enhance travel comfort and capacity.
9. Budget Allocation and Gratitude- Mr. Vaishnaw expressed gratitude to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the record allocation to the railways, which he believes will address investment concerns and improve operating processes.
-
Civil Aviation Minister's Speech
Digi Yatra App Privacy Assurance
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu assured the House that the Digi Yatra app safeguards personal data, which is encrypted and stored on passengers' smartphones rather than a central database. Verification data is shared for a limited time and purged immediately after use.
Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024
Mr. Naidu introduced a bill to regulate the design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft, aiming to empower the central government to implement international civil aviation conventions and enhance aviation security. The bill also seeks to repeal the Aircraft Act of 1934.
Airport in Kargil
In response to a query about establishing an airport in Kargil, Mr. Naidu mentioned that while the region has a defense airport, civilian operations are challenging due to the terrain. The existing airport can only handle 19-seater aircraft.
-
Other Parliamentary Proceedings
Lowering the Minimum Age for MPs
AAP leader Raghav Chadha urged the government to lower the minimum age for Members of Parliament to 21, emphasizing the need for greater youth participation in politics.
Female Labour Force Participation
Shiv Sena MP Milind Murli Deora questioned the government on efforts to increase female labor force participation, highlighting significant growth in rural areas. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, responded by pointing to various employment opportunities provided by the Centre.
INDIA Bloc's Demand for Home Ministry Discussion
The INDIA bloc sought a discussion on the working of the Union Home Ministry, highlighting ongoing political debates in Parliament.
Environmental Concerns
Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav responded to queries about the decline in forest cover and waste management, highlighting ongoing efforts to address these issues.
Indigenous Sports Support
Congress leader Rajani Ashokrao Patil urged the government to support indigenous sports and congratulated Manu Bhaker for her achievements at the Paris Olympics.
Energy Savings and Sustainability
Power Minister Manoharlal Khattar discussed the production and distribution of 5-star rated bulbs under the Ujala Scheme and the need for state involvement to improve supply.
Khelo India Scheme Allocation
AAP's Vikramjit Singh Sahney called for a fair allocation of funds for Punjab under the Khelo India scheme, pointing out disparities in funding.
National Highway Construction
MoS for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta reported that over 1.46 lakh kilometers of national highways have been constructed since Prime Minister Modi assumed office.
Water Supply and Management
Jal Shakti Minister S.R. Patil addressed questions about reliable water supply, stating that the primary responsibility lies with state governments, with financial assistance from the Centre.
Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced a bill to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005, aiming to create a disaster database at national and state levels and establish Urban Disaster Management Authorities for large cities.
-
Adjournment Notices and Discussions
-
Border Situation and Trade Deficit with China: Congress MP Manish Tewari submitted an adjournment notice to discuss the border situation and trade deficit with China.
-
Water Leakage in Parliament Lobby: Congress MP Manickam Tagore highlighted concerns about water leakage in the Parliament lobby and proposed forming a committee to address the issue.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
