Rajya Sabha passes Coconut Development Board (Amendment) Bill, 2021 sans discussion

Rajya Sabha passed Coconut Development Board (Amendment) Bill, 2021 through voice vote amid the continuous din.

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha passed Coconut Development Board (Amendment) Bill, 2021 through voice vote amid the continuous din. It is the fourth Bill passed in the Upper House during the Monsoon Session without discussion.

Minister of Agriculture, Narendra Singh Tomar moved the Bill for consideration and Muzibulla Khan, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP, Odisha raised the demand to prioritise coastal regions, especially in Odisha and appoint permanent members in Coconut Development Board from the state.

Reports said the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979 was decided to be amended to allocate the post of chairman non-executive to bolster production in the sector. A CEO would be appointed for executive powers and those with field experience would be given the charge. Apart from the current four members in the board, two members will be nominated by the Centre. The board is also permitted to undertake activities abroad as well.

During the last days, the Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill,2021, Juvenile Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2021, Marine Aids to Navigation Bill (Amendment) were passed without discussion in Rajya Sabha. The session is scheduled to end on August 13. Twenty-eights Bills have to be taken for consideration and passing.

The House has been witnessing stormy sessions since its commencement. Opposition MPs created ruckus over Pegasus snooping row, farm laws, Covid crisis. Some of the MPs ventured into the Well of the House holding placards and raising slogans. Chairman M Venkaih Naidu referring to the protesting MPs, during early hours of the day's session said that howling and whistling are not permitted in the House.