Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi. Photo: ANI
With disruptions in Rajya Sabha in the past hindering passage of crucial legislations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Upper House of Parliament was essential for checks and balance in democracy but a distinction needs to be drawn between checking and clogging.
Speaking on the occasion of the landmark 250th session of Rajya Sabha, he lauded Sharad Pawar's NCP and the Biju Janata Dal for never rushing to the well of the House to raise their issues and yet raising their points effectively.
"The Rajya Sabha is about checks and balances. This is absolutely essential for our democracy. Debates have to be many and effective. But, there is also a difference between checking and clogging (and between) balance and blocking," he said.
With some within the ruling party questioning the effectiveness of Rajya Sabha as crucial legislative work got stalled because NDA lacked majority in the House, Modi recalled the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's words that the Upper House "may be the second house but no one should think of it as a secondary house."
"Today, I echo the sentiments of Atal Ji and add that the Rajya Sabha must be a vibrant supportive House for national progress," he said, adding makers of the Constitution envisioned a bicameral legislative framework and this vision has enriched the democracy.
He, however, wanted the House to function and not disrupt work.
"Today I want to appreciate two parties - NCP and BJD. These parties have wonderfully adhered to Parliamentary norms. They have never ventured into the well. Yet, they have made their points very effectively. Much can be learnt from these practices," he said.
"Our Constitution inspires us to work for a Welfare State. It also motivates us to work for the welfare of states. The Rajya Sabha, as the Council of States, enables us to further the spirit of cooperative federalism," he said.
Recalling the work done by Rajya Sabha, Modi said none can forget the role of the House when Bills pertaining to Articles 370 and 35(A) were passed.
"This House has worked to further unity."
3:01 PM IST
The Rajya Sabha is about checks and balance. This is absolutely essential for our democracy. Debates have to be many and effective.
But, there is also a difference between:
Checking and clogging.
Balance and blocking: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
2:53 PM IST PM Modi in Rajya Sabha: Today, I want to appreciate two parties, NCP and BJD. These parties have strictly adhered to parliamentary norms. They have never gone into the well. Yet, they have raised their points very effectively. Other parties including mine can learn from them.
2:46 PM IST PM Modi: In 2003, Atal ji had remarked that Rajya Sabha may be the second house but it should not be called a secondary house. Today, I agree with the thoughts of Atal ji and add that the Rajya Sabha must be an active supportive house for national development.
2:40 PM IST Rajya Sabha allows non-politicians to contribute to the nation, Modi said. “Babasaheb Ambedkar is a shining example of what leaders have given to our country through this House. He could not sit in the Lok Sabha for some reason, but it is this Rajya Sabha that recognised his work,” he said.
2:38 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha: Whenever it has been about good of the nation, Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion. It was widely believed that Triple Talaq bill would not pass here but it did. Even GST became a reality after it was passed in this house.
2:35 PM IST "Rajya Sabha is the place that values experience of those who excel in their respective professions without contesting elections," PM Modi adds.
2:33 PM IST Modi in Rajya Sabha during discussion on 250th session of the House: The Rajya Sabha gives an opportunity to people away from electoral politics to contribute to the country and its development.
2:28 PM IST "It is a pride to be part of Rajya Sabha. I feel great to be here on the 250th session of Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha is grounded but Rajya Sabha can look beyond and far. The Upper House sabha has witnessed some historical days," says PM Modi
2:27 PM IST PM Modi congratulates all the Members of Parliament for the 250th session of Rajya Sabha. "250th in itself is not just time but a journey," he says.
Modi hails NCP and BJD for adhering to parliamentary norms
PM Modi in Rajya Sabha: Today, I want to appreciate two parties, NCP and BJD. These parties have strictly adhered to parliamentary norms. They have never gone into the well. Yet, they have raised their points very effectively. Other parties including mine can learn from them.
Rajya Sabha may be the second house but it should not be called a secondary house: Modi quotes Atal Behari Vajpayee
PM Modi: In 2003, Atal ji had remarked that Rajya Sabha may be the second house but it should not be called a secondary house. Today, I agree with the thoughts of Atal ji and add that the Rajya Sabha must be an active supportive house for national development.
Rajya Sabha allows non-politicians to contribute to the nation, says Modi
Rajya Sabha allows non-politicians to contribute to the nation, Modi said. “Babasaheb Ambedkar is a shining example of what leaders have given to our country through this House. He could not sit in the Lok Sabha for some reason, but it is this Rajya Sabha that recognised his work,” he said.
Whenever it has been about good of the nation, Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion, says Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha: Whenever it has been about good of the nation, Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion. It was widely believed that Triple Talaq bill would not pass here but it did. Even GST became a reality after it was passed in this house.
Rajya Sabha is the place that values experience of those who excel in their respective professions without contesting elections: PM
"Rajya Sabha is the place that values experience of those who excel in their respective professions without contesting elections," PM Modi adds.
Parliament LIVE: Triple talaq bill a landmark step by Rajya Sabha
Modi in Rajya Sabha during discussion on 250th session of the House: The Rajya Sabha gives an opportunity to people away from electoral politics to contribute to the country and its development.
Lok Sabha is grounded but Rajya Sabha can look beyond and far, says PM Modi
"It is a pride to be part of Rajya Sabha. I feel great to be here on the 250th session of Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha is grounded but Rajya Sabha can look beyond and far. The Upper House sabha has witnessed some historical days," says PM Modi
PM Modi congratulates all the Members of Parliament for the 250th session of Rajya Sabha. "250th in itself is not just time but a journey," he says.
Parliament LIVE updates: Proud to be a part of this historic session, says Modi
Rajya Sabha has witnessed and created history: Modi
Lok Sabha adjourned till 3 pm
The Chit Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2019, will be introduced by MoS Finance Anurag Singh Thakur at 3 pm.
JNU students stopped during march towards the Parliament
In protest against the fee hike, students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University marched towards the Parliament, where the first day of the Winter Session is underway.
HRD Ministry constituted a committee on JNU will initiate dialogues with students and administration, submit recommendations on resolution of all issues.
Parliament session LIVE: Congress, NC leaders walks out of Lok Sabha
Congress and National Conference leaders walked out of Lok Sabha over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir lockdown and detention of its leaders.
Shashi Tharoor, Congress: When Opposition tried to raise the issue that we're starting the Parliament Session even when one of us, Farooq Abdullah isn't even there because he has been arrested, we weren't even given the opportunity to raise the issue. So we had to raise our voice.
The Rajya Sabha will have a special discussion marking the 250th session of this august House.
PM @narendramodi will be speaking in the House at around 2 PM.
Rajya Sabha remembers MPs including Arun Jaitley, Ram Jethmalani
The Rajya Sabha on Monday paid rich tributes to Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Sukhdev Singh Libra, Ram Jethmalani and Gurudas Dasgupta, who served as lawmakers in the Upper House of the Parliament.
After Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu gave obituary references to its sitting and former members, MPs present in the House paid homage to the distinguished parliamentarians.
PDP MPs stage protest outside Parliament over abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir
PDP's Rajya Sabha MPs Nazir Ahmad Laway and Mir Mohammed Fayaz on Monday staged a protest outside Parliament over the issue of abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ahmad and Fayaz were seen holding placards, which read "scrapping of Article 370 and 35 A is not acceptable, respect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, bring back normalcy in Kashmir."
Another placard read, "restore statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, save our future (students), release all political prisoners, detention is not solution and respect state subjects of Jammu and Kashmir."
JNU students defy Section 144, march to Parliament
Demanding complete rollback of the hostel fee hike, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) on Monday carried out a march to Parliament, as the winter session begins.
"It's a way to appeal to lawmakers to fight on their behalf inside the floor of the house," says JNUSU.
As hundreds of students tried to march, barricades were put in place by Delhi Police and a massive deployment of personnel was reinforced around the JNU campus. Section 144 was imposed and prohibitory orders were also put in place.
Manoj Tiwari, Mansukh Mandaviya ride bicycles to Parliament
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari and Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya arrived at the Parliament riding a bicycle on Monday to attend day 1 of the winter session.
When asked to comment, Tiwari had a message for the Chief Minister of Delhi. "Save the environment and give clean water to Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal."
Mandaviya said that cycling is good not just to keep fit but also to solve the pollution problem.
"Cycling is like a passion for me. We can use them to reduce traffic as well as to can solve the problem of pollution. Not only this but riding a cycle is a good exercise for a fit India," he said.
Parliament Session LIVE updates: Opposition raises Farooq's detention, Kashmir
The Congress and some other opposition parties on Monday protested in the Lok Sabha seeking release of detained Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and others, as well as on the "instability" in Kashmir.
The protest began soon after the House assembled for the day one of the winter session which will culminate on December 13.
Congress members raised slogans demanding a response from the Prime Minister. The members later came near the Speaker's podium raising slogans like "stop dividing the country".
Congress was joined by leaders of National Conference, Nationalist Congress Party, Revolutionary Socialist Party and Dravida Munetra Kazhgam.
The protesting MPs started sloganeering as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla invited Telugu Desam Party MP Kesineni Srinivas to pose the first question during the Question Hour.
The opposition MPs raised slogans demanding release of Abdullah, apart from the various detained leaders in the newly-formed Union Territory.
Lakshadweep MP Faizal PP Mohammad: We have sent a proposal to MHA to extended service of DANICS to local people
Lakshadweep MP Faizal PP Mohammad in Lok Sabha: We have sent a proposal to MHA to extended service of DANICS to local people so that issues peculiar to Lakshadweep can be addressed properly and the area gets developed. We request MHA to look at the proposal seriously.
Delhi: BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury at the Parliament today. Winter session of Parliament has commenced today. #WinterSessionpic.twitter.com/gB1HxbRTcG
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm after obituary references on the demise of Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Gurudas Dasgupta, Ram Jethmalani and Sukhdev Singh Libra
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Lok Sabha: I want to raise the issue of withdrawal of SPG cover of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
Actor and TMC MP Nusrat Jahan is not attending the Parliament session today. She was admitted to Apollo Hospital in West Bengal's Kolkata yesterday due to some respiratory issue. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/zqKlsGypeQ
Section 144 has been imposed near the Parliament ahead of the JNUSU protest march
The HRD Ministry on Monday appointed a three-member committee to recommend ways to restore normal functioning of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), officials said. The Ministry's committee on JNU will initiate dialogues with students and administration as well as submit recommendations on resolution of all issues.
JNU students march towards Parliament over their demand of complete fee roll back
Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University Students march towards Parliament over their demand of complete fee roll back along with other demands pic.twitter.com/iqdyDCzZQh
Delhi: Opposition MPs in Lok Sabha raise slogans, "Vipaksh par hamla bandh karo, Farooq Abdullah ji ko riha karo, We want justice". #WinterSessionpic.twitter.com/F0IdPG2NGA
It has been 108 days today since Farooq Abdullah was detained, says Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Lok Sabha: It has been 108 days today since Farooq Abdullah Ji was detained. Yeh kya zulm ho raha hai? We want that he should be brought to the Parliament. It is his constitutional right.
Prakash Javadekar arrives at the parliament in an electric car
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar arrived at Parliament in an electric car today, he says, "Government is gradually switching to electric cars as they are pollution-free. I appeal to people to contribute to fight pollution- start using public transport, electric vehicles etc"
Delhi: Shiv Sena leaders hold protest near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Parliament premises, demanding to declare unseasonal rains in Maharashtra as natural calamity pic.twitter.com/RvEHPOGMzl
Parliament session LIVE updates: Sloganeering begins in Lok Sabha
Sloganeering erupts in the House seeking the release of detained Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, apart from the various detained leaders in the newly-formed Union Territory.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla invites TDP MP Kesineni Srinivas to pose the first question during the Question Hour
Gaurav Gogoi protests against rising air pollution levels
Delhi: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi protests in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament premises against rising air pollution levels. #WinterSessionpic.twitter.com/BnvSg7AMUJ
Jaitley's death a loss to the nation, says Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress, in Rajya Sabha: I had known Arun Jaitley personally. The rare political sourness between us used to turn into sweetness due to our personal relations. From his student life till his death, he remained very active. He was a good student, good orator and a good leader. Death of people like Jaitley is not a loss to a party alone but the entire country. I pray that his soul rests in peace.
Winter session: Shiv Sena MPs protest at Parliament
Delhi: Shiv Sena MPs protest at Parliament demanding to declare unseasonal rains in Maharashtra as natural calamity pic.twitter.com/KbyWwga2Jo
Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi arrives at the Parliament
Delhi: Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi arrives at the Parliament. The government recently withdrew SPG cover of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The government has accorded them Z Plus security. pic.twitter.com/6MaTGzA1xS
Rajya Sabha remembers Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Sukhdev Singh Libra, Ram Jethmalani, Gurudas Gupta - former and sitting members of the House who passed away.
Rajya Sabha remembers Arun Jaitley
Former finance minister Arun Jaitley died on August 24, 2019.
This is the second Parliament session of the BJP-led NDA government, which returned to power with a greater mandate in the Lok Sabha elections.
The government plans to convert two crucial ordinances into law during the winter session
One ordinance reducing corporate tax rate for new and domestic manufacturing companies to arrest slowdown in the economy and boost growth was issued in September to give effect to amendments in the Income Tax Act, 1961 and Finance Act, 2019.
The second ordinance, also issued in September, banned sale, manufacture and storage of e-cigarettes and similar products.
Parliament is meant for discussion, debate and dialogue: Congress
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress: It is incumbent upon the govt to run the House smoothly so that Opposition parties will be able to express their views, articulate their opinion in an appropriate manner. This is the essence of Parliamentary democracy. We also expect from the PM and the ruling party that all the issues concerning to the interest of the common people must be allowed to be discussed inside the Parliament. Parliament is meant for discussion, debate & dialogue.
Parliament session: TMC gives adjournment notice over detention of Farooq Abdullah
TMC has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over detention of National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah.
Congress must lead Parliament charge against govt over economy: Chidambaram
The Congress must lead the Opposition in Parliament to expose the government's "utter mismanagement" of the economy, said senior party leader P Chidambaram on Monday.
Chidambaram is jailed in Tihar in Delhi after investigating agencies arrested him on August 21 for alleged corruption and money laundering during his term as India’s finance minister. His family published his comments on Twitter on his behalf.
"When Parliament opens today, Congress must lead the Opposition to expose the utter mismanagement of the economy." "Which aspect of the economy is doing well? Not one," he said.
"The government seems knowledge proof and refuses to accept valid criticism and genuine advice."
#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi: We want frank discussions on all matter. It is important that there should be quality debates, there should be dialogues and discussions, everyone should contribute to enrich the discussions in the Parliament. #WinterSessionpic.twitter.com/paSyimPw0J
Rajya Sabha MPs Nazir Ahmad Laway and Mir Mohammed Fayaz protest over J&K issue
Rajya Sabha MPs Nazir Ahmad Laway and Mir Mohammed Fayaz protest in the Parliament premises over Jammu and Kashmir issue.
Modi speaks ahead of the parliament's winter session
PM Modi: In the past few days, I had the opportunity to meet leaders of almost all political parties. The last session was phenomenal due to the support of and active participation all MPs, that is an achievement of not only the govt or the treasury bench but the entire Parliament.
Winter Session LIVE updates: Shiv Sena gives adjournment motion notice over loss of crops in Maharashtra
Shiv Sena has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over loss of crops due to heavy rainfall in Maharashtra.
Winter Session LIVE updates: Congress gives adjournment motion notice over Kashmir issue
Congress party has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over "instability in J&K post abrogation of Article 370"
Amit Shah arrives for winter session of the Parliament
Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives for winter session of the Parliament. pic.twitter.com/S7qudb8vVo
PM Modi speaks ahead of Parliament's Winter Session
We want frank discussions on all matter. It is important that there should be quality debates, there should be dialogues and discussions, everyone should contribute to enrich the discussions in the Parliament, says PM Modi.
Personal Data Protection Bill for parliament's winter session
The Personal Data Protection Bill has been listed to be tabled in the Winter Session of Parliament. The long-awaited Bill deals with handling and processing of consumer data by corporate entities, while introducing restrictions and penalties.
The draft Bill, which was released last year, created a huge controversy, with several global technology companies alleging that the move will curtail their ability of doing business in the country apart from driving cost of operations. The proposals are mostly based on a report submitted by Justice B N Srikrishna in July 2018. The draft Bill has since gone through at least two updates based on inputs received from industry.Read more here
Winter session : What's in store
After ensuring the passage of a record 30 Bills in the first session of the current Lok Sabha, the Narendra Modi government has listed 35 Bills in the Winter Session that begins today. Twenty-seven of these will be new Bills
Some of the new bills to be introduced are:
Citizenship Amendment Bill
Personal Data Protection Bill
Companies Amendment Bill
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Amendment Bill
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill
Industrial Relations Code Bill
MSME Development (Amendment) Bill
International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill
Pesticides Management
Multi-State Cooperative Societies laws
-- compiled by Archis Mohan
P Chidambaram, Farooq Abdullah Sahab should be allowed to attend the winter session: Ghulam Nabi Azad
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress after all party meeting: Farooq Abdullah Sahab (National Conference President) who is under detention since over 3 months, should be allowed to attend winter session of Parliament. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/GjHaNLXEom
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress: Past precedents are such that MPs have been allowed to attend Parliament sessions even if their cases were being heard. So, P Chidambaram should also be allowed to attend the winter session (2/2)
Attended the All-Party Meeting earlier today. This time, we mark the 250th session of the Rajya Sabha. In both Houses, we shall have constructive debates on ways to empower citizens and further India’s development. https://t.co/kztPGUbfxPpic.twitter.com/XZignYwbsP
Had an extensive meeting with the @BJP4India Parliamentary Party. Our Party will utilise the upcoming Parliamentary session to further our views on various developmental issues and contribute to transforming people’s lives. pic.twitter.com/q1Tou9U3ar
Had a very good NDA meeting. Our alliance represents India’s diversity and the aspirations of 130 crore Indians. Together, we will leave no stone unturned in ushering a qualitative change in the lives of our farmers, youngsters, Nari Shakti and the poorest of the poor. pic.twitter.com/Mm8Rc5kkaO
At all-party meet, PM Narendra Modi says open to discuss all issues
Ahead of Parliament's winter session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday assured an all-party meeting that the government is ready to discuss all issues, while the opposition raised concerns over economic slowdown and farm distress and strongly demanded that detained Lok Sabha MP Farooq Abdullah be allowed to attend the House.
At the government-convened meeting attended by almost all major political parties, Prime Minister Modi said the most important job of the House is to discuss and debate and this session should also be as productive as the last one, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters.