Opposition slams govt over pandemic handling, abrupt lockdown

22:11 September 20

Lok Sabha passes 'The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, 2020'

Lok Sabha passed 'The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, 2020'

22:08 September 20

LS passes Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020

Lok Sabha passed the Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020 through voice vote.  

22:08 September 20

The Bilateral Netting Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020, moved in Lok Sabha

The Bilateral Netting Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020, moved in Lok Sabha for consideration and passing.

21:58 September 20

Lok Sabha passes the Rashtriya Raksha University Bill 2020

Lok Sabha passed the Rashtriya Raksha University Bill 2020 through voice vote. 

21:51 September 20

Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020moved in Lok Sabha for passing

Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020 is moved in Lok Sabha for consideration and passing.

21:51 September 20

Adhir Chowdhury demands transparency of PM-CARES fund

"PM-CARES Fund was established for tackling COVID-19 pandemic. I ask the health minister...how much fund has been received by your ministry and state governments from PM-CARES Fund?" Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury asked during discussion on COVID-19.

21:46 September 20

Lok Sabha passes National Forensic Science University Bill 2020

Lok Sabha passed The National Forensic Science University Bill 2020 through voice vote.

21:21 September 20

Harsh Vardhan lists Central govt's measures to fight COVID

Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that under the leadership of the prime minister, citizens, religious organisations, health workers and others have been fighting against the pandemic for the past nine months. "There hasn't been an occasion when the prime minister has not taken the country into the confidence," he said.

Health ministry got Rs 893.93 crores from PM-CARES Fund for 50,000 Made in India ventilators, Dr Harsh Vardhan told Lok Sabha during the discussion on COVID-19 pandemic

21:20 September 20

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suggests separate ministry for migrant labourers

Congress's Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury drew attention to "under-reporting of deaths" and also demands details of the PM Cares fund. He also warned of a second wave and asks the government to plan ahead. The Congress MP suggested forming a separate ministry for migrant labourers.

20:57 September 20

PM Modi brought nation together to battle COVID: BJP leader Nishikant Dubey

BJP's Nishikant Dubey said that how the country worked together has not been highlighted. "Over one lakh labourers from my constituency were stranded outside," he said. This is one subject where religions, caste creed all broke down, he says giving the examples of MPs present in the House who were active during the crisis. He credited the prime minister for bringing everyone together in the fight against the pandemic.

20:56 September 20

Leaders continue discussion on COVID 19 pandemic

BJD MP Achyutanand Samant claimed that the COVID-19 death rate in Odisha is lesser than the national average.  BSP's Shiromani Ram Verma said that even though the salaries of MPs have been cut, facilities and services are not reaching the poor. Verma said that the continuation of free ration to the poor should continue the government must provide free internet and laptops to poor students.

20:56 September 20

50% of testing cost in Tamil Nadu should be covered by PM-CARES, says AIADMK MP

AIADMK MP P Raveendranath Kumar said that Tamil Nadu has already incurred costs of about ₹7,200 on various relief measures and updating infrastructure.  

More than 80,000 tests are performed per day at the cost of nearly Rs 400 crore, he said, adding that at least 50 per cent of the test cost should be covered under PM CARES fund.

19:57 September 20

Extend insurance scheme for one more year, says TDP MP Jayadev Gall

"The insurance cover for COVID warriors is going to expire by end of this month. As many scientists, epidemiologists & doctors have been saying that the virus is going to stay for 1 or 2 years more, I urge that the insurance scheme be extended for 1 more year," said TDP MP Jayadev Gall

19:34 September 20

No 4G in JK makes digital education impossible, says Hasnain Masoodi 

Hasnain Masoodi lashed out at Centre for unplanned lockdown announced with just four hours notice. "Over 1 lakh migrant workers from  Jammu and Kashmir were stranded in Himachal Pradesh," he pointed out. 

With the return of the migrants, the virus spread as there was no infrastructure. The government is stressing on digital education but how is it possible when there is no 4G in the UT, he asked.

19:33 September 20

We should focus on mental health issues, says Apna Dal leader  

Anupriya Patel, Apna Dal leader raised the mental health issue in the Parliament. "One in every seven citizens is depressed and teenagers are facing suicidal thoughts. We must take steps to address these health issues," said Patel

Talking about post-COVID-19 trauma, she said, "Patients are facing lung aliment. Diabetes, Alzheimer are also noticed and we should brace ourselves up. Bio-medical waste collectors are also at risk as they are exposed to the virus. We should take note of these serious concerns."

19:06 September 20

Lockdown just like Vayu Chakra: Karti P. Chidambaram slams Modi govt

Lashing out at the Modi govt, Congress leader Karti P. Chidambaram said that Modi has failed to control the pandemic. The lockdown imposition and the plans to tackle it is like 'Vayu Chakra."

"FM needs to worry about '23' number as the GDP is stumbling.  The 20 lakh crore package has not benefitted people. There is a suspension of MP LAD funds. Has the govt learned anything?", he added.  

He also posed a set of questions to the Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan about vaccine manufacturing.  

18:57 September 20

"Covid-19 has become a major challenge for mankind. We are also facing extraordinary circumstances due to Covid. Whenever a problem arose before the nation, this Parliament showed a path. People have hopes with this Session, held in such circumstances," speaker Om Birla.

Birla added, "COVID19 has become a major challenge for mankind. We are also facing extraordinary circumstances due to COVID. Whenever a problem arose before the nation, this Parliament showed a path. People have hopes with this Session, held in such circumstances."

18:35 September 20

MNREGA only source of livelihood, says BSP MP Nagina Girish

BSP MP from Nagina Girish Chandra brings up the issue of the lack of oxygen facing many hospitals. The BSP MP stated that employment under the MGNREGA is the only source of livelihood available to many, including degree holders and urges the govt to provide more employment options. 

18:35 September 20

YSRCP demands direct cash transfer to fight COVID

Beesetti Venkata Satyavathi, YSRCP leader, said, "Andhra Pradesh is conducting 72,000 COVID tests everyday. She also listed more measures taken by the State, adding that these may be replicated in other parts of the country, adding that direct cash transfers must be done by the govt.

18:09 September 20

Nitish govt took correct steps to handle pandemic: JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan

Rajiv Ranjan Singh, JD(U) leader backed Modi govt and said that opposition parties should give advice to the govt rather than criticising it.  

"Govt took the right decision of imposing lockdown and saved lives. The mortality rate is low in India as compared to other nations. Recovery rate is also high in our nation. Shramik trains were also started to ferry the migrant workers to their homes. I request the govt that survey of families must be done.

Talking about Bihar, JD(U) leader said, "Bihar is a densely populated state and govt has worked to fight COVID battle. Today the state has 13,000 active cases with 91% recovery rate. Mortality is also less. Floods also ravaged Bihar at the time of COVID. We decided that flood victims ferrying on boats to various places should be tested for the virus and hence we were able to stop 'community spread'. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar kept an eye on the overall situation and made all the adequate arrangements. 

17:39 September 20

Kalyan Banerjee attacks Adhir Ranjan for making false promises

Attacking Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee said," Chowdhury has made false promises and never made a visit to his constituency. He was in Delhi and was busy giving big speeches.  

He added, "Ayushman Bharat has not been implemented in West Bengal, stating that the state government had introduced free treatment in government hospitals. He also refutes the charge that West Bengal has not given the number of migrant labourers to the Centre, saying that the figures were provided on 23 June.

Banerjee said that FM Nirmala Sitharam has turned a deaf ear to the situation of West Bengal. Giving details of COVID data of Bengal, he said, "There 92 COVID dedicated hospitals in the state along with some private ones. We have made self-made homes.  

He said that Mamata govt came up with various schemes to help the people to battle COVID-19.  

Banerjee said, "Govt failed to take measures to handle COVID. Mamata Banerjee asked to stop international flights in March but it was not heard. This is the time to come together and fight against the pandemic."

17:22 September 20

No strategic planning before lockdown, alleges DMK's Dayanidhi Maran

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran criticised the government and prime minister for imposing lockdown abruptly within four hours of announcement. "Every time, PM comes to speak at 8 pm, there's always bad news. A similar thing happened in 2016 when he announced demonetisation and made people stand in queues to withdraw their own money."

He added, "There was no strategic planning before the lockdown, he alleges stating that India has never faced a lockdown of this scale and chaos ensued after the lockdown was announced on 24 March.

16:56 September 20

People supported Modi's decision to battle COVID:  Kirit Solanki

BJP leader Kirit Solanki gave a reply to Tharoor and said that Congress leaders have skipped most of the Parliament sittings.  

Hailing PM Modi's efforts to take 'right' decisions amid pandemic, he said, "We have managed to handle the COVID pretty well. India is a polulous country. With so many limitations of rural medical infrastructure, Modi's government has managed it. People have supported Modi's decision. After Sardar Vallah Patelm, people have listened to PM Modi's request.  

He thanked all the COVID warriors for their efforts to battle COVID. 

16:34 September 20

Shashi Tharoor lists five failures of govt on pandemic handling

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor takes a jibe at Modi government and said that the Central govt has got an opportunity to hide its 'face' amid this pandemic. The discussion under Rule 193 on Covid-19 pandemic is underway in Lok Sabha.

He said, "Rahul Gandhi had warned govt about the pandemic but no actions were taken.  

He said that most of the countries across the world have either managed to keep its country safe from the virus or have kept the economy running while suffering the onslaught of the disease. India has become the poster child of the worst case scenario during pandemic. 

He added, "We have the worst of both worlds. We have neither managed to limit the spread of the virus nor have we managed to keep the economy afloat. GDP for the first time in 41 years will actually shrink."

16:27 September 20

Opposition raises objections on FCRA bill

Manish Tewari of Congress raised objections on four clauses of Foreign Contribution (Regulations) Amendment FCRA bill. He said that provisions need to be relaxed rather than to be stringent. 

''Your respect to the opposition will be remembered in the history of Parliament," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to Om Birla. 

16:11 September 20

Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill has been introduced in Lok Sabha. The opposition has raised objection on it and discussion is underway. 

16:01 September 20

Lok Sabha reconvenes again

15:17 September 20

Lok Sabha adjourned till 4 pm

Speaker Om Birla said House will convene after 4pm

15:11 September 20

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury calls for normalcy

Lok Sabha convenes, Congress leader of the House Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury calls for normalcy to return to Rajya Sabha before Lok sabha proceedings begin, because of space sharing by members of both Houses.

He said, "There is no difference in both the houses. This should not happen.

Chowdhury asked for Lok Sabha proceedings to be delayed by 2 hours

14:53 September 20

Four Bills slated to be moved in LS for passage

New Delhi:The Centre will move four Bills on Sunday for consideration and passage during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The National Forensic Sciences University Bill, 2020; Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020; Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020; and Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 are listed on the legislative Business of the Lower House.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is slated to move the National Forensic Sciences University Bill, 2020, which provides for establishment and declaration of a National Forensic Sciences University as an institution of national importance to facilitate and promote studies and research, and to achieve excellence in the field of forensic science in conjunction with applied behavioural science studies, law, criminology and other allied areas and fields.

The Minister's name is also listed for moving the Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020, for the consideration and passage in the House. The Bill seeks to establish and declare Rashtriya Raksha University as an institution of national importance and to provide for its incorporation and matters connected thereof.

Shah will also introduce the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020, which seeks amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is slated to move the Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020 to ensure financial stability and promote competitiveness in Indian financial markets by providing enforceability of bilateral netting of qualified financial contracts.

The Minister will also move the Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which seeks amendment in the Factoring Regulation Act, 2011.
IANS