The Parliament continues its Monsoon Session with discussions on key issues including NEET, unemployment, and airfare regulation. The session, which began on July 22, is scheduled to conclude on August 12.
Both houses adjourned to meet again on August 5
♦ Congress MP Jairam Ramesh filed the privilege notice in the Rajya Sabha:
The complaint challenges Shah's claim that early warnings were given to the Kerala government about the Wayanad landslides. Shah claimed that the Centre had given warnings seven days before the incident, and on July 26, there was a chance of heavy rainfall and landslides. The Congress privilege notice claims Shah misled the Rajya Sabha, breaching privilege and contempt of the House.
♦ AIIMS Request for Aligarh:
BJP's Aligarh MP Satish Kumar Gautam requested an AIIMS or Deen Dayal Upadhyay, hospital in Aligarh, citing religious concerns in existing healthcare facilities.
♦ Owaisi addresses Muslim fertility rates:
Asaduddin Owaisi stated,
"NHA budget has declined citing inflation, even though most primary healthcare centres (PHC) lack basic infrastructure. Most health expenses by Indians are out-of-pocket. The PM had spread lies that Muslims have more children. The ministry had informed that Muslims have lower fertility rates than Hindus and Muslim men use higher number of contraception than Hindu men".
♦ Ayushman Bharat Scheme Update:
Health Minister J.P. Nadda informed,
"All empanelled hospitals have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with their respective State Health Agencies (SHAs)."
♦ Jan Aushadhi Kendras' Impact:
Nadda reported,
"1,965 drugs and 235 medical devices are sold through Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country and are available at the centres at a discounted price of up to 52 to 80 percent. Because of the reduction of prices at Jan Aushadhi Kendras, patients have been able to save ₹28,000 crore so far."
♦ Covaxin Patent Clarification:
The Health Minister clarified,
"Bharat Biotech initially did not mention the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) as co-inventors in the patent application for the Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, but the application was corrected after objections were raised by the government."
♦ Delhi MP's Healthcare Concerns:
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari requested, "Delhi government is trying to take over UCMS, please stop this."
♦ Congress MP on Doctor-Patient Ratio:
Sunil Bose highlighted,
"India's doctor to patient ratio is 1:1105, which is lower than WHO recommendations. My constituency mainly comprises of below poverty levels. Most people are suffering from anaemia and tribals are suffering from sickle cell anaemia".
♦ Rajya Sabha Concludes NEET Discussion, adjourned :
The Rajya Sabha has concluded its discussion on repealing NEET and NTA, with Leader of the House Jagat Prakash Nadda defending NEET. He refuted claims of lack of representation and stated that NEET addresses regional aspirations and solves problems of alleged corruption in previous medical entrance examinations.
♦ MPs Raise Health Concerns in Lok Sabha:
- Nandurbaar MP Gowaal Kagada Padavi highlighted the 3.9% decrease in the Health and Family Welfare Budget from last year. He called for an AIIMS-like super speciality hospital in tribal areas of Nandurbar and requested funds for addressing sickle cell disease.
- Bangalore Rural MP Dr. C.N. Manjunath raised concerns about increasing heart attacks in young and middle-aged Indians. He noted that 60% of deaths today are due to non-communicable diseases, with heart attacks being the leading cause.
♦ AAP MP Criticises Education-Employment Gap:
Raghav Chadha, AAP MP in Rajya Sabha, pointed out a significant gap between education and employment in India. He criticised the practice of rote learning and stated that the education system doesn't align with modern world needs.
“We are pushing our students -- the future of this country -- into a trap of joblessness, and this will remain until we address what the market demands and what our education system imparts,” - he stated
♦ Sanitary Napkin Issue Raised:
Warangal MP Dr. Kadiyam Kavya pointed out the lack of sanitary napkin vending machines in the new Parliament building.
♦ We Should Not Use This Opportunity to Score Political Points, Says Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar:
The Chairman of the Upper House made the statement after a Congress MP pointed to alleged connections between those accused in the NEET paper leak and the BJP.
"Anyone who commits a culpable act is condemnable, irrespective of their political parties," Mr. Dhankhar said. "The House has to show objectivity," he added.
♦ I Oppose This Bill Because All Students in the Country Should Appear for a Uniform Exam, Says BJP MP Anil Sukhdeorao Bonde
Mr. Bonde recalled previous processes of medical entrance examinations in India.
"Applying for multiple entrance exams for different universities was a burden on students, especially those from rural areas or underprivileged backgrounds," the MP said. "Should we scrap the entire examination because of scattered leaks?" Mr. Bonde questioned.
♦ Not Preventing the MP From Moving His Resolution but the Government’s Position in the Matter is Clear, Says Kiren Rijiju
Opposition MPs protested as Mr. Rijiju stated,
"I will not agree if the majority of the House will not agree. We will put it to vote."
♦Members Debate the Validity of the Discussion on Repealing NEET and NTA
"This matter is not sub-judice," said Congress MP Shaktisingh Govil. "Private Member resolutions are included in the list of the day’s business with Chairman’s approval. It is unfair to stop it now," Mr. Govil added.
♦ States Also Have to Contribute to the 2.5% of the Budget to be Allocated to Health
Rajahmundry MP Daggubati Purandheshwari said, "The health infrastructure in the country needs to be ramped up." She praised the wellness centres introduced by the Centre for primary health screening, adding that "CHCs and PHCs are starved of infrastructure, where sometimes even electricity is cut off."
She pointed out that
"the 2.5% of the budget that needs to be allocated to Health is not only by the Centre but states also have to be forthcoming in that, which has not been the case so far."
♦ Modi Govt Will Continue to Provide Subsidised Fertilisers to Farmers: Shivraj Singh Chouhan in RS
"Government will consider all concrete suggestions for farmers’ welfare," said Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Rajya Sabha on Friday.
♦ Being ‘Anti-Farmer’ is in DNA of Congress: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
"Being ‘anti-farmer’ is in the DNA of Congress," said Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday as he took on Opposition parties for accusing the Modi government of working against the interest of the farm sector. He further stated,
"The Central government increased the budget outlay for the sector many-fold in the last 10 years from 2013-14."
♦ Rajya Sabha Takes Up Private Member Bills
M.M. Abdulla moved a resolution urging the government to bring legislation to move education from the concurrent list to the state list of subjects and to allow medical admissions based on the criteria of the state government by repealing NEET and NTA. MoS Jayant Chaudhary objected, stating,
"The resolution goes against several precedents and parliamentary norms and practices." He added, "A discussion on scrapping NEET and NTA will go against the spirit of the Supreme Court judgement," and urged Abdulla to withdraw the resolution.
♦ Lok Sabha: Mian Altaaf Ahmad Pushes for Speedy Cancer Treatment
Anantnag-Rajouri MP Mian Altaaf Ahmad said,
"The government should collaborate with international organisations for cancer treatment." He also raised concerns about the lack of proper medical facilities in his constituency and added, "There should be a rule that those doctors coming from hilly areas should be made to work there for at least 4-5 years."
♦ Union Health Minister JP Nadda Speaks on AIIMS Expansion:
In the Lok Sabha, Health Minister JP Nadda highlighted the government's vision for AIIMS, stating,
"Our vision of All India Institute of Medical Sciences is that people from every corner of the country do not have to come to Delhi for their treatment. The way AIIMS is served in Delhi, AIIMS should serve them with the same brand name."
He added that PM Modi has initiated the opening of over 17 AIIMS across various regions of the country, aiming to provide world-class tertiary healthcare.
♦ Lok Sabha Speaker Congratulates Olympic Medalist:
Speaker Om Birla, on behalf of the Lok Sabha, extended congratulations to Swapnil Kusale for winning the Bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle event at the Paris Olympics, 2024.
♦ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Speaks on Himachal Pradesh Tragedy:
BJP MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut says,
"It's the very saddening thing for us. The life of people living in the mountains is tough. Every year such tragedies come and damage the lives and property of the people of Himachal Pradesh. The PM and the Union HM have taken reports for all the things and have given assurance that more help through relief funds will be provided. I'll also meet different ministers to seek as much help as I can get. After my work is completed here, I'll visit Himachal to meet people in their tough times..."
♦ Congress MP Gives Adjournment Motion Notice:
Congress MP Manickam Tagore gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha. "The opposition condemns the BJP government's misuse of agencies like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax for political harassment. Despite their reduced number from 303 to 240 seats and the reliance on alliances with TDP and JDU, the government continues to deploy these agencies to intimidate opposition leaders and force compliance, undermining democratic principles," reads the notice.
♦ Union Minister Criticises Rahul Gandhi:
Union Minister Giriraj Singh says,
"I believe that it is the country's misfortune that Rahul Gandhi is LoP. Along with lying inside the Parliament, he is also spreading disinformation outside...he is ashamed, he asks about the caste of the whole world..."
♦ Lok Sabha to Discuss Health Ministry Grants:
The Lok Sabha today will take up a discussion followed by voting on the demand for grants for the Health and Family Welfare Ministry for 2024–25. Discussion and voting on the demand for grants for Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy is also slated for the day. According to the list of businesses, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda will move a motion in the Lower House on Friday for the election of one member to the Governing Council of North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong.
♦ TMC MP Questions Bharat Biotech's Covaxin Patent Filing:
Sougata Ray, TMC MP from Dum Dum says, "Covaxin was developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research. " He adds, "₹35 crore was spend on developing the vaccine and Minister has given the split of how this money was spend." However, Mr. Ray notes,
"A strange thing happened, the patent which was initially filed, was filed alone by a company called Bharat Biotech International Limited. In initial application, he did not mention ICMR."
He raises the question of whether Bharat Biotech was questioned by the Ministry.
♦ Health Minister Addresses AIIMS Madurai Project Delay:
Responding to DMK MP A. Raja's criticism about the lack of progress on the AIIMS Madurai project, Health Minister J.P. Nadda said, "Because of some technical reasons, it has been delayed. We accept the delay but the government is committed and the work has started and very soon you will see the construction work will take place."
♦ Congress Raises Questions on Ayushman Bharat Scheme:
Amar Singh, Congress MP from Fatehgarh, raises questions about the difficulties related to the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. He notes people face difficulty in getting a Health Card. Anupriya Patel, MoS, Health, and Family Welfare replies to the question and says, "We have made 2,17,555 health cards in Fatehgarh constituency."
♦ DMK MP Calls for National Framework for Gig Workers:
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva raised the issue of precarious situation of gig workers and unorganised sector workers. He said health insurance coverage for them is either reduced or removed. "A national framework for their protection should be created," he said.
♦ Rahul Gandhi Claims ED Raid Planned Against Him:
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on August 2 claimed that Enforcement Directorate "insiders" have told him that a raid is being planned against him after his "chakravyuh" speech in Parliament. Mr. Gandhi said he was "waiting with open arms".
♦ Opposition Targets Centre Over Parliament Roof Leak:
The stark image of a blue plastic bucket placed in the new Parliament building's lobby to catch the drips from a leak in the roof triggered an opposition attack against the government on Thursday, with the Congress moving an adjournment motion to discuss the matter.
♦ Railways to Add More General Coaches:
The Railways will add nearly 2,500 coaches in general compartments in the upcoming months, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on August 1. Taking part in a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the demands for grants under the Railway Budget, he said the ratio of general coaches, including sleeper and non-AC coaches, to AC coaches was almost 2:1.
♦ Disaster Management Bill Introduced:
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai on August 1 introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to create a "disaster database at national and State level," and makes provision for constitution of "Urban Disaster Management Authority" for State capitals and large cities having municipal corporations, except the union territories of Delhi and Chandigarh.
The Monsoon Session, which began on July 22, is scheduled to conclude on August 12. Stay tuned for more updates as the Parliament continues to address these important national issues.
To catch up on the parliamentary sessions, click - Parliament Session Day 9: Demand for grants to the Ministry of Railways cleared in the Lok Sabha
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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