Parliament Monsoon Session 2024:Rajya Sabha adjourns for the

The Budget Session of Parliament continues with discussions on the Union Budget 2024–25 in both Houses. Opposition parties have raised concerns about alleged discrimination in the budget allocations, while BJP members are highlighting the government's achievements. Here are the latest updates:

Adjournment Motions and Protests:

Gaurav Gogoi, Congress deputy leader in Lok Sabha, moves an adjournment motion to discuss recent tragic railway incidents that have caused loss of life, suffering, and economic disruption.
Congress MP Manish Tewari gives adjournment notice in Lok Sabha, urging discussion on the border situation and trade deficit with China. In his letter, Tewari highlighted ongoing border clashes and China's recent rejection of the Seva tunnel inauguration.

State-Centre Tensions:

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announces a boycott of the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27. He stated,

"As a mark of protest against the Central Government, we, the Telangana Government, are boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting to be held on July 27th. The Centre has violated the rights of Telangana. There is injustice to the state in the allocation of funds."

Budget Debate:

The opposition claims the budget is aimed at pleasing allies, while the BJP maintains the focus is on achieving the 'Viksit Bharat' dream. Opposition members accused the government of favouring NDA-ruled states, particularly Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.
BJP MP B Mahtab defended the budget, saying it will empower the "neo-middle class" and has a long-term goal of achieving a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

Parliamentary Proceedings:

Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Kirtivardhan Singh are expected to lay papers on the table today.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar is likely to make a statement regarding the implementation of recommendations from the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs.

photo: Lok sabha session

The budget discussion is set to continue in both Houses, including deliberations on the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2024–25. As the session progresses, tensions between the ruling party and opposition remain high over various aspects of the budget and its implications for different states.

To catch up on what happened yesterday, click: Parliament Monsoon Session Live Updates: INDIA Bloc Will Put Pressure On The Government To Implement MSP, Says Rahul Gandhi

Stay tuned as updates as the session begins!

Latest Updates

- Lok Sabha : Telangana MP Claims State Ignored in Budget

INC MP C. Kiran Kumar Reddy states: "Yesterday's budget was a total disaster and Telangana was kept away from it."

He accuses the treasury of "political survival" and argues that "the budget was of the people, and everybody should get a stake."

- Lok Sabha : J&K MP Calls for Local Consultation

Anantnag-Rajouri MP Altaf Ahmed suggests:

"Would have been ideal if the people, MPs and traders of J&K were consulted for its budget."

He urges the government to consider the development needs of the erstwhile state and provide details on allocations for tribals.

Rajya Sabha Adjourns

The House will reconvene at 11 a.m., July 26.

Rajya Sabha : DMK MP Highlights Quota Misuse

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva expresses concern over the misuse of quota in civil services examinations, calling it "blatant exploitation of an essential system."

Rajya Sabha : TMC Leader Criticises Tax Policy

TMC MP Dola Sen claims: "India's income inequality is at an all-time high," and criticises the government's tax policies.

- Lok Sabha : Congress MP Raises Irrigation Project Concerns

Rahul Kaswan highlights issues with the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project, stating it was not mentioned in the budget.

Rajya Sabha : No Paper Leaks Reported in Major Exams

Union Minister Jitendra Singh informs that no paper leaks were reported in UPSC, SSC, RRB, and IBPS exams in the last two years.

“Certain cases of alleged irregularities/ cheating/ impersonation/ malpractices were reported. After review, the matter was entrusted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for comprehensive investigation on June 22, 2024,”

Rajya Sabha : YSRCP MP Criticises Budget and Tax Regime

V Vijayasai Reddy claims the old tax regime was better and argues that the current government is "burdening individuals and not corporations."

“The old regime was better and promoted savings among the people by incentivising people to invest in PPF and medical insurance by giving benefits under 80C. .....Those with incomes less than Rs 10 lakh can claim HRA, interest on housing loans, and PPF deduction. The share of tax revenues from income tax from individuals is 19% and for corporates, it is 17%. This means that the present government is burdening individuals and not corporations.”

Rajya Sabha : Independent MP Kapil Sibal Criticises Budget's Economic Focus

Kapil Sibal, an independent member from UP, states:

"The primary focus of the budget should have been to get the country out of an economic morass, which it did not focus on."

Key points from Sibal's speech:

Lack of roadmaps: "There are no roadmaps for progress on multiple fronts, such as jobs."
Political nature of budget: "Every budget is, ultimately, a political statement."
Concern over AI impact: "Who is addressing the issue of jobs that will be lost due to AI?"
Education reform: "The education system needs to be revitalised and restructured to bring in skills in education."
State funding concerns: "The 15th Finance Commission said that 41% of the Centre's funds should go to the States, but they are now getting 32%."
Spending oversight: Sibal highlights that the government cannot keep track of spending on sectors like education and health from the Centre.

Sibal emphasises: "This country needs minds to look at issues, not at politics. The nation comes first."

Rajya Sabha : Chair Clarifies on Imprisonment Process

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar states:

"If any person, whether Prime Minister and Chief Minister, is sent to jail, he has been sent by a remand of the court of law, so the assertion by MP Sanjay Singh that the Centre is sending people to jail is factually inaccurate and also legally untenable."

This comes in response to Sanjay Singh's allegations about arrests of several leaders.

Rajya Sabha : AAP MP Criticizes Budget Cuts

AAP MP Sanjay Singh highlights budget cuts in various sectors including defense, transport, pension, health, and social welfare.
Singh provocatively remarks: "They have even reduced the jail budget, at least increase that. I have gone (to jail), next is your turn."

Allegations of Discrimination:

Singh asserts: "The government wants to discriminate against everybody, whether for caste, religion or belonging to a backward class, and now they are discriminating against States."
He claims Delhi hasn't received any budget for nine years.

Controversy Over University Curriculum:

Singh mentions Manusmriti being taught in Delhi universities.
Vice-President Dhankhar, as chancellor of Delhi University, asks Singh to check his facts.

- Lok Sabha : "Fiscal Deficit Has Reduced Continuously," states BJP MP Baijayant Panda

Panda praises Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her seventh consecutive budget presentation.
He highlights:
India's fiscal deficit has been continuously reduced in the past ten years. The allocation for health,education has increased.

“Many have commented that the budget is skewed towards the North East. Prime Minster is committed to developing the North East and East. Odisha has received Rs 5000 crores in the first Modi government itself, when we used to beg for Rs 1000 crores,”

- Lok Sabha : "An Andhra Bihar Budget" states TMC MP Sougata Roy

Roy criticises the budget's skew, terming it an "Andhra Bihar budget." stating ;

''Previously, there were no handouts and now there are five schemes to spur jobs among 4.1 crore youth” adding,“Finance minister has offered a tax cut bonanza for corporates. They are willing to spend on son’s wedding but bot investing in India,”

He claims: Education loans has been copied from West Bengal government's scheme.

Rajya Sabha : DMK MP Alleges "Marriage of Convenience"

DMK MP M. Mohamed Abdulla states: "There is a marriage of convenience between Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and the Centre. This is a budget of convenience."

Rajya Sabha : AITC MP Labels Budget as Anti-People

Trinamool Congress MP Samirul Islam says: "This Budget is anti-people, anti-poor and anti-Bengal."

Rajya Sabha : AIADMK MP Claims Tamil Nadu Neglected

AIADMK MP C. Ve. Shanmugam states: "Tamil Nadu has been receiving secondary treatment in terms of budgetary allocation and project implementation."

Rajya Sabha : Congress MP Alleges Borrowed Ideas

Congress MP Rajani Ashokrao Patil claims: "The budget speech has included points from the Congress manifesto."

Rajya Sabha : BJP MP Praises Budget Provisions for Maharashtra

BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni, in her maiden speech, states:

"Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made ample provision to Maharashtra in the Union Budget."

She highlights provisions for cleaning rivers and developing a textile park in Amravathi.
The House erupts in chaos, claiming she's discussing matters better suited for the Assembly.
Chair Priyanka Chaturvedi allows her to continue but asks her to stick to the Union Budget.

Rajya Sabha : BJD MP Criticizes Budget for Neglecting Regional Aspirations

BJD MP Debashish Samantaray, in his maiden speech, expresses:

"Regional aspirations are not addressed by the Union Budget."

He points out the lack of provisions for Odisha.
Samantaray warns the government: "If they don't mend their ways, they will be thrown out in the next election."

photo: lok sabha resumes

- Lok Sabha : Lok Sabha reconvenes

TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar is the new chair of the Lower House.
As he continues, NCP MP Sunil Tatkare praises Mr. Modi's historic third term. Thanking the Union Budget for giving Maharashtra money, he draws a comparison with how the Congress, when in power in the Centre, insulted numerous Maharashtra chief ministers. He should follow the Union Budget, the Chair says.

photo: NCP MP Sunil Tatkare continues his speech

♦ Alteration

- Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Chaos:

NCP MP Sunil Tatkare praises Prime Minister Narendra Modi for winning a historic third consecutive term.
Opposition MP Kalyan Banerjee's comments lead to protests from Treasury benches.
Chair Jagadambika Pal adjourns the house till 3 PM due to the chaos.

- Heated Exchange Between Bittu and Channi:

Congress alleges BJP minister Ravneet Bittu 'tried to attack' Congress's Charanjeet Singh Channi in Lok Sabha after a heated debate.
The clash began when Channi mentioned the assassination of Bittu's grandfather, former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
Bittu, who recently left Congress for BJP, retaliated with personal comments about Channi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

- Corruption Allegations:

BJP's Ravneet Bittu labels Congress leader Charanjeet Singh Channi as the 'most corrupt.'
This statement further intensifies the already tense atmosphere in the House.

- Earlier Adjournment:

The Lok Sabha was previously adjourned for 30 minutes due to the heated exchange between Channi and Bittu.
BJP member Sandhya Ray, who was presiding over the session, had adjourned the House until 2 pm.

- Lok Sabha: Session adjourned till 3 p.m. after heated exchange

Rajya Sabha: AAP MP Criticizes Budget

AAP MP Raghav Chaddha questions government services, saying: "The Indian people are paying taxes like in the United Kingdom while they are getting services like Somalia."
Chaddha also claims:
"The reason why BJP lost so many seats in Lok Sabha elections 2024 is economy, economy, and economy."

- Lok Sabha: Heated Exchange Over Unparliamentary Language:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh demands action:

"If someone has used unparliamentary language or tried to break the decorum of Parliament, he should be thrown out of the proceedings. Let us all maintain peace in this House."

photo; rajnath singh in lok sabha

- Lok Sabha: Controversy Over Minister's Response:

House erupts in protest as MoS Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh responds to Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi. Singh states: "My grandfather's sacrifice was for the country, not Congress," and makes allegations against Channi.

- Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 p.m. Rajya Sabha now discussing Budget 2024 and Jammu & Kashmir Budget

- Lok Sabha: Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi raises concern : Opposition Questions Ministers' Absence.

Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi raises concern over the absence of key ministers during the Budget discussion. He states: "Look at these empty seats in the House," pointing to empty treasury seats in the Lower House. He notes that the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Finance Minister are all absent.
Other MPs support Mr. Channi's remarks, questioning Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's sincerity in her absence during the Budget discussion.
Congress MP Charanjit Channi continues his discussion of the budget by asking,

“What is your enemity towards farmers? Why can’t you guarantee Minimum Support Price (MSP)? Farmers want to meet PM, but they have put concrete barriers. Why are you not giving farm loan waiver?”.

photo: MP Charanjit Singh Channi

- Lok Sabha: Budget Discussion Resumes

Lok Sabha resumes discussion on Budget 2024.

- Lok Sabha: Zero Hour Concludes

Zero Hour ends in the Lok Sabha.

- Lok Sabha: Debut Speech on Cultural Heritage

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, in her maiden speech, inquires about steps to preserve Himachal Pradesh's cultural heritage.

Ranaut highlights:

"In Mandi, there are various art forms that are on the verge of becoming extinct. In our Himachal Pradesh there is an indigenous construction technique called kath-kuni; the skin of sheep is used to make various kinds of clothes, such as jackets, caps, shawls, sweaters."

She raises concerns about the extinction of folk music, especially tribal music from Spiti, Kinnaur and Bharmour.
Ranaut questions: "What are we doing about them?" regarding the preservation of these cultural elements.

photo:Kangana Ranaut gives her first speech in Parliament
♦ Legal Challenge to Ranaut's Election:

The Himachal Pradesh High Court issues notice to Kangana Ranaut on a petition challenging her election from Mandi Lok Sabha seat. (Laik Ram Negi Vs. Kangna Ranaut)
The court directs Ranaut to file a reply by August 21.
Ranaut had won the Mandi seat by 74,755 votes against Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh.

- Lok Sabha: Urgent Public Matters

House takes up matters of urgent public importance.

Rajya Sabha: Fair Chance for Disabled in Civil Services

NCP MP Fauzia Khan raises concerns about disabled candidates in civil services exams. She states:

While a Puja Khedkar acquired a posting in UPSC with false documents, there is a Kartik Kansal on the other side who has cleared the UPSC exam multiple times but hasn't acquired a posting because he suffers from muscular dystrophy.

Rajya Sabha: Demand for IIM in Hyderabad

BJP MP Dr. K Lakshman calls for an IIM in Hyderabad, saying: "Hyderabad is conducive for setting up higher education universities due to the city's safety and climate."

- Lok Sabha: Question Hour Concludes

Question Hour ends in the Lok Sabha. Members lay papers on the table of the House.

- Lok Sabha : Air Travel Discounts for Seniors

AITC MP Sayani Ghosh questions discounts for senior citizens on air travel. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu says he lacks specific information but will inform the MP later.

- Lok Sabha: Purnia Airport Plans

Independent MP Pappu Yadav inquires about plans for an airport in Purnia, Bihar. Speaker Om Birla makes a light-hearted comment about Bihar "people will say that Bihar is getting too much". Minister Naidu assures that land acquisition issues will be resolved soon.

- Lok Sabha: Climate Change Debate

Congress MP Manish Tewari questions the government's stance on the 1.5-degree C warming limit mentioned in the Economic Survey. Power Minister Manohar Lal offers to discuss the matter privately.

Rajya Sabha: Judicial Reform Concerns

INC MP Vivek Tankha raises concerns about judicial reform, questioning the judicial appointment process and the backlog of cases.

"How do we move forward when we have 3 crore pending cases in the court today? How do we trust a system where a judge after looking over the proceedings of the court joins a political party on the next day?"

Rajya Sabha: Housing for Sports Players