Lok Sabha adjourned till 3 pm today.
Monsoon Session UPDATES: Lok Sabha passes Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill
Lok Sabha proceedings beginLok Sabha proceedings beginLok Sabha proceedings begin
00:29 September 22
00:29 September 22
Lok Sabha passes The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
23:47 September 21
Lok Sabha passes The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
22:49 September 21
Doctors who died of COVID must be declared 'martyrs': Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde on Monday told the Lok Sabha that doctors who have succumbed to COVID-19 after contracting it on duty, "should be treated as 'martyrs'". He added his arguments in the debate on the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill on Monday.
22:46 September 21
Discussions on how to run the markets smoothly in the wake of the three farm bills, passed by the Parliament, were done. It was also discussed that how do the produce be purchased on MSP: Haryana deputy CM Dushyant Chautala after meeting with chief minister ML Khattar
Government has decided that all produce will be sold in the market at 1% fee instead of the previous 4% fee
22:46 September 21
RLP supports Epidemics Diseases Amendment Bill
Hanuman Beniwal of the RLP supported the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha.
22:04 September 21
BJP leaders support Epidemics Bill
BJP MPs Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo and Heena Gavit lauded the Centre for bringing the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020.
While Deo said that the Bill "seeks to restore the dignity and morale of healthcare workers", Gavit added that "even though the medical fraternity worked relentlessly, they often became the target of violence and perceived as carriers of the disease."
21:38 September 21
Need to give protection to Police too: BJD on Epidemic Bill
BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab questioned the Centre's decision to bring an amendment to the Epidemics Diseases Act and said, "Why not bring a new Bill in 2020?" he added, "There is a need to give protection not just to health workers but also to the police."
21:26 September 21
JD(U), Shiv Sena support Epidemic Diseases Amendment bill
Shiv Sena's Shrikant Eknath Shinde and JD(U) MP Kaushalendra Kumar participated in the debate on the Centre's Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020 and supported the proposed legislation on Monday.
21:19 September 21
Deceased Covid doctors should be treated as 'martyrs': Shrikant Eknath Shinde
SS MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde demanded the COVID doctors who have died after contracting the disease on duty should be treated as 'martyr'. Supporting the Bill, he said the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill will help protect the doctors from attacks by patients' families
21:17 September 21
Suspended TMC MP Dola Sen sings sing outside Parliament
Suspended Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen was seen singing a song in the Parliament premises. 8 suspended Rajya Sabha MPs are protesting at Gandhi statue against their suspension from the House.
20:26 September 21
Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 moved in LS for discussion
20:24 September 21
Lok Sabha passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed in Lok Sabha through voice vote. The bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on September 19.
20:21 September 21
Till July 2020, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code rescued about 258 companies through resolution plans. Of the companies rescued, one third were either totally sick or defunct. The process under the code has yielded liquidation of 965 companies: FM Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha
20:01 September 21
IBC will provide immediate relief to companies: Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 has been brought in to provide "immediate relief" to companies.
"On the Bill, she said the ordinance brought on 5 June was a timely ordinance, which clearly suspended the application of three sections (7,9 and 10) of the Code,"
"We had to prevent any company, stressed because of COVID, from being pushed into insolvency".
"We did not want to hurt any other proceedings initiated before March 25 due to the reasons apart from those associated with the COVID-19 fallout," she added.
19:24 September 21
Supriya Sule compliments Sitharaman and her ministry
"In these extraordinarily difficult times that the world is going through, there is one Ministry which I think regularly, outperforms all other departments - that is Finance Ministry. We may have strong disagreements but I would like to compliment Finance Minister & her MoS that they are two people who constantly come with Bills to try and fix things which really need fixing at urgency," said Supriya Sule, NCP MP in Lok Sabha.
19:17 September 21
Government must link IBC to Covid-19 pandemic: Manish Tewari
Government must link IBC to Covid-19 pandemic: Manish Tewari
"In view of the current situation, there is a need for the government to link IBC (second amendment) to Covid-19 pandemic," said Congress leader Manish Tewari.
He said, "Even before COVID19 hit us, our GDP had been in a free fall for 7 quarters. Fundamentals of economy - savings, investment, consumption & employment have been under a stress for a while now."
19:10 September 21
Companies must be saved to save jobs: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP, said NPAs to the tune of Rs.14 lakh crore was a result of the decisions taken under the Congress-led government, adding that the entire banking system was in disarray when the NDA came to power.
"The banks could earlier recover dues through the Lok Adalat system, only 5.3% recovery was made through this system in 2018, just about 3% recovery was made through the Debt Recovery Tribunal route. However, the Code's recovery rate is about 42.5%.
"Isn't there a need to save companies to save jobs? As per an estimate, the world over 5% jobs will be lost amid the COVID-19 crisis." he asked.
18:38 September 21
Over 1,634 cr digital transactions registered in Apr-Aug: Dhotre
Digital payments have recorded a jump with 1,634.92 crore digital transactions being conducted between April-August this year, the Parliament was informed on Monday. Digital payments have increased in the country during the last three years from 2,071 crore digital transactions in FY2017-18 to 3,134 crores in FY2018-19, and further to 4,572 crores in FY2019-20, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Sanjay Dhotre said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
In the financial year (till August), 1,634.92 crore digital transactions were registered, he said, adding that final data for July and August 2020 has not yet been published by RBI. Replying to a separate question, Dhotre said 306.47 crore transactions were recorded in April, 329.22 crores in May and 412.14 crores in June this year. "In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, digital payments have increased as people are adopting more digital payments as these are easy, convenient and safe and enable a contactless mode of payment," Dhotre said.
18:25 September 21
Nishikant Dubey defends IBC Act
"The recovery rate of debts from Lok Adalat mechanism, brought by Congress, was 5.3%. Recovery rate from DRT mechanism, also brought by Congress was 3.5%. In 2016, NDA brought Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Act, whose recovery rate is more than 42%," said BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.
18:25 September 21
Govt hikes wheat MSP by Rs 50 to Rs 1,975 per quintal
The government on Monday hiked the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975 per quintal to encourage farmers to increase cultivation of the crop. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was announced by Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha.
The announcement comes in the backdrop of protests by Opposition parties and the farmer groups in Punjab, Haryana and some other states after Parliament passed two key farm bills on Sunday.
18:24 September 21
Promulgation of ordinances shouldn't be taken as a rule: Adhir Chowdhury
"I took a serious exception to the way one after another Ordinances are being promulgated on the pretext of COVID. What I would suggest the govt, is that the promulgation of ordinances shouldn't be taken as a rule. It should be considered as an exception," said Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress MP. "What I am afraid of is that this Ordinance savvy govt, on one pretext or the other, is resorting to the promulgation of the Ordinance," he added.
18:24 September 21
Lok Sabha discusses Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020, is moved in Lok Sabha for consideration and passing.
17:54 September 21
Agriculture minister Narendra Tomar announced revised MSP for 6 Rabi crops
17:49 September 21
LS passes Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020 has been passed in Lok Sabha
17:42 September 21
Can't term all NGOs bad based on work down by one NGO: Supriya Sule
NCP MP Supriya Sule further said it is not correct to read all the NGOs through the example set by one NGO, "As a retired Police from Maharashtra, what example did he (BJP MP Satya Pal Singh) give? That one NGO did not do good work. If he was the Police Commissioner what action did he take?" Supriya Sule, NCP MP on FCRA.
17:41 September 21
FCRA will prevent misuse of funds: Centre
Nityanand Rai, MoS, Home Affairs, responded to MPs' concerns. He said PM's attempts are to promote national security as "past mistakes" have endangered the country. This amendment is necessary for 'atmanirbhar Bharat', he said.
To ensure FCRA is not violated, emergency measures have to be taken, he asked. " If we do not freeze the bank accounts of those under investigation, how will we conduct the probe?"
He said the misuse of foreign funds will be prevented through the amendments. He claimed that many NGOs use public funds for their personal use, to justify the step to cut administrative expenses from 50% to 20%.
While the Supreme Court has said that Aadhar is not compulsory for identification, but it is a necessity in certain scenarios, he said. T
17:32 September 21
FCRA Bill must be sent to select committee for scrutiny
Congress demanded that FCRA Bill must be sent to select committee for scrutiny. TMC MP Mohua Mitra also attacked the government for targetting the NGOs for doing good work.
17:32 September 21
Main aim of FCRA Bill is to bring transparency: Centre responds to debate on Bill
Nityanand Rai, MoS Home Minister responds to debate on FCRA Amendment Bill by saying that the amendments are not against NGOs and are not stopping foreign funds. "FCRA is a national & internal security law to ensure that foreign fund shouldn't affect national interests. Here transparency is the main aim,"
17:04 September 21
YSRCP backs FRCA Bill, says draft law will bring transparency
YSRCP MP Bellana Chandra Sekhar while speaking on FCRA Amendment Bill said public servants can not take foreign funds. "It will prevent officials from taking money to show favouritism which could otherwise be detrimental to the nation. Aadhaar will bring transparency," he said while supporting the Bill.
16:56 September 21
There's govt & intelligence report that how insurgency increased there with money under FCRA: SP Singh
"We know what happened in the northeast, how things changed there in last 50 yrs & a particular religion rose. There's govt & intelligence report that how insurgency increased there with money under FCRA," said SP Singh, BJP while discussing Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill.
He added, "There was uproar over Graham Staines. What happened to him & his 2 children was wrong. But CBI, Odisha Crime Branch & Justice DP Wadhwa Commission probe concluded that tribals were being converted there. It was the biggest reason that people turned against him."
16:38 September 21
Bill will block pathway of NGOs: TMC
TMC leader Sougata Ray said this bill is similar to 'Big Brother is watching'. The Home Minister will keep a tab of all the transactions which NGOs will receive and trying to put a screw on the organisations.
This will block the pathway of NGOs registered under FCRA. SC has said Aadhar card is not compulsory but still the govt demands furnishing the Aadhar card.
16:33 September 21
FCRA amendments targetting minorities: Opposition
A Bill seeking to regulate Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has been currently being taken up for discussion. Anto Antony from Congress said that the Bill "another exotic adventure" and warned the Bill will kill the NGOs.
Opposition party DMK raised conversion agenda related to the bill and talked about Hindutva approach of the BJP govt.
16:16 September 21
Bengali language should be identified as 'Classical Language': Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Bengali language should be identified as 'Classical Language': Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that Bengali language should be given the identity of a 'Classical Language'.
16:16 September 21
Lok Sabha discusses The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020, being discussed in Lok Sabha.
16:16 September 21
TDP demands Central govt's interference on temple attack in AP
TDP demands Central govt's interference on temple attack in AP
The Telugu Desam Party attacked the YSRCP govt over the burning of the chariot in AP in two old ancient Hindu temples. The party also condemned the stealing of 23 idols and stated that no case has been registered.
The opposition has requested Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Modi to interfere in the matters which has hurt Hindu sentiments.
15:59 September 21
Lok Sabha will take up a bill to amend the Factoring Regulation Act s
Lok Sabha will take up a bill to amend the Factoring Regulation Act seeking to help micro, small and medium enterprises by providing additional avenues for getting credit facility. The Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on September 14. The Factoring Regulation Act, 2011, was enacted to provide for regulating the assignment of receivables to factors, registration of factors carrying on factoring business and the rights and obligations of parties to the contract for assignment of receivables, PTI reported.
15:47 September 21
YSRCP MP raises issue of single plastic-ban issue
YSRCP MP raises issue of single plastic-ban issue
Kotagiri Sridhar, YSRCP MP said that although PM Modi had talked about a total ban of single-use plastic till 2022, so far there is no regulation to reach there. Villages in India still extensively burn single-use plastic, and this, according to Sridhar, is a long term pandemic.
15:40 September 21
BSP MP condemns custodial deaths, says Vikas Dubey should've been punished via legal procedure
BSP leader Ritesh Pandey raised the issue of the encounter of fugitive don Vikas Dubey and condemned the encounter
He added, "Incidents of murders in Police custody, in the form of Police encounters are before us. Such murders are threat to a civilised society & have lowered trust of people in Police. Real culprits aren't nabbed. Those nabbed are Dalits, oppressed, OBCs & Muslims."
15:39 September 21
Help BSNL, MTNL recover from crisis: Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant alleged that government did not keep the promise of starting 4G internet services for BSNL and did not provide VRS. He requested the government to help BSNL and MTNL to recover from their current crisis.
15:32 September 21
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor seeks compensation for fishermenCongress MP Shashi Tharoor seeks compensation for fishermen
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor seeks compensation for fishermen
Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, drew attention to the plight of fishermen due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the floods, seeking assistance from the central government.
He said, "The week-long pandemic has left them unemployed and they are still yet to get compensation. Their houses have been damaged.
He urged the Fisheries minister to come up with a holistic plan for fishermen.
15:32 September 21
Zero Hour proceedings begin in LS
Pankaj Choudhury, Gorakhpur MP, seeks government to declare Terai region as a tiger reserve. Rama Naidu (TDP) opposesed the closing down of Waltair division of Railways. He sought a new South Coast railway zone comprising Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
15:19 September 21
Lower House discusses matters of urgent public importance
After some obituary references by Lok Sabha speaker, political leaders discuss matters of urgent public importance with speaker Om Birla. LS will also discuss Factoring Regulation Act that seeks to help micro, small and medium enterprises by providing additional avenues for getting credit facility. The Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the lower house on 14 September.
"Increase in the availability of working capital may lead to growth in the business of the micro, small and medium enterprises sector and also boost employment in the country," according to Statement of Objects and Reasons of the bill
15:03 September 21
Lok Sabha proceedings begin
After a session that went into the late hours of the night on Sunday, Lok Sabha will convene at 3 pm, LS has commenced its proceedings.
14:47 September 21
LIVE: Five Bills slated to be moved in LS for passage
New Delhi: The central government is slated to move six Bills, including four pertaining to ordinances, for passage in the Lok Sabha on Monday. These Bills will be moved soon after the House assembles for the day at 3 pm.
The Bills are related to the Ministries of Home Affairs, Finance, and Health.
These are the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020; Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020; Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020; Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020; Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020; and Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
As per the legislative Business of the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah's name is listed to move the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020, for passage.
The FCRA Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Sunday to make earlier law more stringent and make Aadhaar number mandatory for registration and give government powers to stop utilisation of foreign funds by an organisation through a "summary enquiry".
READ: Monsoon Session Updates: Centre passes two agriculture bills in LS
The Bill, which seeks amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, proposes to include "public servants" in the prohibited category and decrease administrative expenses through foreign funds by an organisation to 20 per cent from 50 per cent earlier.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will move the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, as passed by the Rajya Sabha, for consideration and passage.
The Bill will replace the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 promulgated by the President on June 5 this year.
She will also move the Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for consideration and passage. The Bill provides amendment to the Factoring Regulation Act, 2011.
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan will move the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for consideration and passage. The Bill seeks amendment to the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, as passed by the Rajya Sabha. The Bill will replace the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 promulgated by the President on April 22 this year.
The Minister will also move the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for passage. The Bill seeks amendment to the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973, as passed by the Rajya Sabha. It will replace the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 promulgated by the President on April 24 this year.
Harsh Vardhan will later move the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for its passage. The Bill seeks to amend the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970, as passed by the Rajya Sabha. It will replace the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 which was promulgated by the President on April 24 this year.
IANS
00:29 September 22
Lok Sabha adjourned till 3 pm today.
00:29 September 22
Lok Sabha passes The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
23:47 September 21
Lok Sabha passes The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
22:49 September 21
Doctors who died of COVID must be declared 'martyrs': Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde on Monday told the Lok Sabha that doctors who have succumbed to COVID-19 after contracting it on duty, "should be treated as 'martyrs'". He added his arguments in the debate on the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill on Monday.
22:46 September 21
Discussions on how to run the markets smoothly in the wake of the three farm bills, passed by the Parliament, were done. It was also discussed that how do the produce be purchased on MSP: Haryana deputy CM Dushyant Chautala after meeting with chief minister ML Khattar
Government has decided that all produce will be sold in the market at 1% fee instead of the previous 4% fee
22:46 September 21
RLP supports Epidemics Diseases Amendment Bill
Hanuman Beniwal of the RLP supported the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha.
22:04 September 21
BJP leaders support Epidemics Bill
BJP MPs Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo and Heena Gavit lauded the Centre for bringing the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020.
While Deo said that the Bill "seeks to restore the dignity and morale of healthcare workers", Gavit added that "even though the medical fraternity worked relentlessly, they often became the target of violence and perceived as carriers of the disease."
21:38 September 21
Need to give protection to Police too: BJD on Epidemic Bill
BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab questioned the Centre's decision to bring an amendment to the Epidemics Diseases Act and said, "Why not bring a new Bill in 2020?" he added, "There is a need to give protection not just to health workers but also to the police."
21:26 September 21
JD(U), Shiv Sena support Epidemic Diseases Amendment bill
Shiv Sena's Shrikant Eknath Shinde and JD(U) MP Kaushalendra Kumar participated in the debate on the Centre's Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020 and supported the proposed legislation on Monday.
21:19 September 21
Deceased Covid doctors should be treated as 'martyrs': Shrikant Eknath Shinde
SS MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde demanded the COVID doctors who have died after contracting the disease on duty should be treated as 'martyr'. Supporting the Bill, he said the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill will help protect the doctors from attacks by patients' families
21:17 September 21
Suspended TMC MP Dola Sen sings sing outside Parliament
Suspended Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen was seen singing a song in the Parliament premises. 8 suspended Rajya Sabha MPs are protesting at Gandhi statue against their suspension from the House.
20:26 September 21
Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 moved in LS for discussion
20:24 September 21
Lok Sabha passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed in Lok Sabha through voice vote. The bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on September 19.
20:21 September 21
Till July 2020, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code rescued about 258 companies through resolution plans. Of the companies rescued, one third were either totally sick or defunct. The process under the code has yielded liquidation of 965 companies: FM Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha
20:01 September 21
IBC will provide immediate relief to companies: Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 has been brought in to provide "immediate relief" to companies.
"On the Bill, she said the ordinance brought on 5 June was a timely ordinance, which clearly suspended the application of three sections (7,9 and 10) of the Code,"
"We had to prevent any company, stressed because of COVID, from being pushed into insolvency".
"We did not want to hurt any other proceedings initiated before March 25 due to the reasons apart from those associated with the COVID-19 fallout," she added.
19:24 September 21
Supriya Sule compliments Sitharaman and her ministry
"In these extraordinarily difficult times that the world is going through, there is one Ministry which I think regularly, outperforms all other departments - that is Finance Ministry. We may have strong disagreements but I would like to compliment Finance Minister & her MoS that they are two people who constantly come with Bills to try and fix things which really need fixing at urgency," said Supriya Sule, NCP MP in Lok Sabha.
19:17 September 21
Government must link IBC to Covid-19 pandemic: Manish Tewari
Government must link IBC to Covid-19 pandemic: Manish Tewari
"In view of the current situation, there is a need for the government to link IBC (second amendment) to Covid-19 pandemic," said Congress leader Manish Tewari.
He said, "Even before COVID19 hit us, our GDP had been in a free fall for 7 quarters. Fundamentals of economy - savings, investment, consumption & employment have been under a stress for a while now."
19:10 September 21
Companies must be saved to save jobs: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP, said NPAs to the tune of Rs.14 lakh crore was a result of the decisions taken under the Congress-led government, adding that the entire banking system was in disarray when the NDA came to power.
"The banks could earlier recover dues through the Lok Adalat system, only 5.3% recovery was made through this system in 2018, just about 3% recovery was made through the Debt Recovery Tribunal route. However, the Code's recovery rate is about 42.5%.
"Isn't there a need to save companies to save jobs? As per an estimate, the world over 5% jobs will be lost amid the COVID-19 crisis." he asked.
18:38 September 21
Over 1,634 cr digital transactions registered in Apr-Aug: Dhotre
Digital payments have recorded a jump with 1,634.92 crore digital transactions being conducted between April-August this year, the Parliament was informed on Monday. Digital payments have increased in the country during the last three years from 2,071 crore digital transactions in FY2017-18 to 3,134 crores in FY2018-19, and further to 4,572 crores in FY2019-20, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Sanjay Dhotre said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
In the financial year (till August), 1,634.92 crore digital transactions were registered, he said, adding that final data for July and August 2020 has not yet been published by RBI. Replying to a separate question, Dhotre said 306.47 crore transactions were recorded in April, 329.22 crores in May and 412.14 crores in June this year. "In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, digital payments have increased as people are adopting more digital payments as these are easy, convenient and safe and enable a contactless mode of payment," Dhotre said.
18:25 September 21
Nishikant Dubey defends IBC Act
"The recovery rate of debts from Lok Adalat mechanism, brought by Congress, was 5.3%. Recovery rate from DRT mechanism, also brought by Congress was 3.5%. In 2016, NDA brought Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Act, whose recovery rate is more than 42%," said BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.
18:25 September 21
Govt hikes wheat MSP by Rs 50 to Rs 1,975 per quintal
The government on Monday hiked the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975 per quintal to encourage farmers to increase cultivation of the crop. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was announced by Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha.
The announcement comes in the backdrop of protests by Opposition parties and the farmer groups in Punjab, Haryana and some other states after Parliament passed two key farm bills on Sunday.
18:24 September 21
Promulgation of ordinances shouldn't be taken as a rule: Adhir Chowdhury
"I took a serious exception to the way one after another Ordinances are being promulgated on the pretext of COVID. What I would suggest the govt, is that the promulgation of ordinances shouldn't be taken as a rule. It should be considered as an exception," said Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress MP. "What I am afraid of is that this Ordinance savvy govt, on one pretext or the other, is resorting to the promulgation of the Ordinance," he added.
18:24 September 21
Lok Sabha discusses Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020, is moved in Lok Sabha for consideration and passing.
17:54 September 21
Agriculture minister Narendra Tomar announced revised MSP for 6 Rabi crops
17:49 September 21
LS passes Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020 has been passed in Lok Sabha
17:42 September 21
Can't term all NGOs bad based on work down by one NGO: Supriya Sule
NCP MP Supriya Sule further said it is not correct to read all the NGOs through the example set by one NGO, "As a retired Police from Maharashtra, what example did he (BJP MP Satya Pal Singh) give? That one NGO did not do good work. If he was the Police Commissioner what action did he take?" Supriya Sule, NCP MP on FCRA.
17:41 September 21
FCRA will prevent misuse of funds: Centre
Nityanand Rai, MoS, Home Affairs, responded to MPs' concerns. He said PM's attempts are to promote national security as "past mistakes" have endangered the country. This amendment is necessary for 'atmanirbhar Bharat', he said.
To ensure FCRA is not violated, emergency measures have to be taken, he asked. " If we do not freeze the bank accounts of those under investigation, how will we conduct the probe?"
He said the misuse of foreign funds will be prevented through the amendments. He claimed that many NGOs use public funds for their personal use, to justify the step to cut administrative expenses from 50% to 20%.
While the Supreme Court has said that Aadhar is not compulsory for identification, but it is a necessity in certain scenarios, he said. T
17:32 September 21
FCRA Bill must be sent to select committee for scrutiny
Congress demanded that FCRA Bill must be sent to select committee for scrutiny. TMC MP Mohua Mitra also attacked the government for targetting the NGOs for doing good work.
17:32 September 21
Main aim of FCRA Bill is to bring transparency: Centre responds to debate on Bill
Nityanand Rai, MoS Home Minister responds to debate on FCRA Amendment Bill by saying that the amendments are not against NGOs and are not stopping foreign funds. "FCRA is a national & internal security law to ensure that foreign fund shouldn't affect national interests. Here transparency is the main aim,"
17:04 September 21
YSRCP backs FRCA Bill, says draft law will bring transparency
YSRCP MP Bellana Chandra Sekhar while speaking on FCRA Amendment Bill said public servants can not take foreign funds. "It will prevent officials from taking money to show favouritism which could otherwise be detrimental to the nation. Aadhaar will bring transparency," he said while supporting the Bill.
16:56 September 21
There's govt & intelligence report that how insurgency increased there with money under FCRA: SP Singh
"We know what happened in the northeast, how things changed there in last 50 yrs & a particular religion rose. There's govt & intelligence report that how insurgency increased there with money under FCRA," said SP Singh, BJP while discussing Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill.
He added, "There was uproar over Graham Staines. What happened to him & his 2 children was wrong. But CBI, Odisha Crime Branch & Justice DP Wadhwa Commission probe concluded that tribals were being converted there. It was the biggest reason that people turned against him."
16:38 September 21
Bill will block pathway of NGOs: TMC
TMC leader Sougata Ray said this bill is similar to 'Big Brother is watching'. The Home Minister will keep a tab of all the transactions which NGOs will receive and trying to put a screw on the organisations.
This will block the pathway of NGOs registered under FCRA. SC has said Aadhar card is not compulsory but still the govt demands furnishing the Aadhar card.
16:33 September 21
FCRA amendments targetting minorities: Opposition
A Bill seeking to regulate Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has been currently being taken up for discussion. Anto Antony from Congress said that the Bill "another exotic adventure" and warned the Bill will kill the NGOs.
Opposition party DMK raised conversion agenda related to the bill and talked about Hindutva approach of the BJP govt.
16:16 September 21
Bengali language should be identified as 'Classical Language': Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Bengali language should be identified as 'Classical Language': Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that Bengali language should be given the identity of a 'Classical Language'.
16:16 September 21
Lok Sabha discusses The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020, being discussed in Lok Sabha.
16:16 September 21
TDP demands Central govt's interference on temple attack in AP
TDP demands Central govt's interference on temple attack in AP
The Telugu Desam Party attacked the YSRCP govt over the burning of the chariot in AP in two old ancient Hindu temples. The party also condemned the stealing of 23 idols and stated that no case has been registered.
The opposition has requested Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Modi to interfere in the matters which has hurt Hindu sentiments.
15:59 September 21
Lok Sabha will take up a bill to amend the Factoring Regulation Act s
Lok Sabha will take up a bill to amend the Factoring Regulation Act seeking to help micro, small and medium enterprises by providing additional avenues for getting credit facility. The Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on September 14. The Factoring Regulation Act, 2011, was enacted to provide for regulating the assignment of receivables to factors, registration of factors carrying on factoring business and the rights and obligations of parties to the contract for assignment of receivables, PTI reported.
15:47 September 21
YSRCP MP raises issue of single plastic-ban issue
YSRCP MP raises issue of single plastic-ban issue
Kotagiri Sridhar, YSRCP MP said that although PM Modi had talked about a total ban of single-use plastic till 2022, so far there is no regulation to reach there. Villages in India still extensively burn single-use plastic, and this, according to Sridhar, is a long term pandemic.
15:40 September 21
BSP MP condemns custodial deaths, says Vikas Dubey should've been punished via legal procedure
BSP leader Ritesh Pandey raised the issue of the encounter of fugitive don Vikas Dubey and condemned the encounter
He added, "Incidents of murders in Police custody, in the form of Police encounters are before us. Such murders are threat to a civilised society & have lowered trust of people in Police. Real culprits aren't nabbed. Those nabbed are Dalits, oppressed, OBCs & Muslims."
15:39 September 21
Help BSNL, MTNL recover from crisis: Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant alleged that government did not keep the promise of starting 4G internet services for BSNL and did not provide VRS. He requested the government to help BSNL and MTNL to recover from their current crisis.
15:32 September 21
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor seeks compensation for fishermenCongress MP Shashi Tharoor seeks compensation for fishermen
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor seeks compensation for fishermen
Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, drew attention to the plight of fishermen due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the floods, seeking assistance from the central government.
He said, "The week-long pandemic has left them unemployed and they are still yet to get compensation. Their houses have been damaged.
He urged the Fisheries minister to come up with a holistic plan for fishermen.
15:32 September 21
Zero Hour proceedings begin in LS
Pankaj Choudhury, Gorakhpur MP, seeks government to declare Terai region as a tiger reserve. Rama Naidu (TDP) opposesed the closing down of Waltair division of Railways. He sought a new South Coast railway zone comprising Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
15:19 September 21
Lower House discusses matters of urgent public importance
After some obituary references by Lok Sabha speaker, political leaders discuss matters of urgent public importance with speaker Om Birla. LS will also discuss Factoring Regulation Act that seeks to help micro, small and medium enterprises by providing additional avenues for getting credit facility. The Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the lower house on 14 September.
"Increase in the availability of working capital may lead to growth in the business of the micro, small and medium enterprises sector and also boost employment in the country," according to Statement of Objects and Reasons of the bill
15:03 September 21
Lok Sabha proceedings begin
After a session that went into the late hours of the night on Sunday, Lok Sabha will convene at 3 pm, LS has commenced its proceedings.
14:47 September 21
LIVE: Five Bills slated to be moved in LS for passage
New Delhi: The central government is slated to move six Bills, including four pertaining to ordinances, for passage in the Lok Sabha on Monday. These Bills will be moved soon after the House assembles for the day at 3 pm.
The Bills are related to the Ministries of Home Affairs, Finance, and Health.
These are the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020; Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020; Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020; Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020; Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020; and Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
As per the legislative Business of the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah's name is listed to move the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020, for passage.
The FCRA Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Sunday to make earlier law more stringent and make Aadhaar number mandatory for registration and give government powers to stop utilisation of foreign funds by an organisation through a "summary enquiry".
READ: Monsoon Session Updates: Centre passes two agriculture bills in LS
The Bill, which seeks amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, proposes to include "public servants" in the prohibited category and decrease administrative expenses through foreign funds by an organisation to 20 per cent from 50 per cent earlier.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will move the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, as passed by the Rajya Sabha, for consideration and passage.
The Bill will replace the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 promulgated by the President on June 5 this year.
She will also move the Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for consideration and passage. The Bill provides amendment to the Factoring Regulation Act, 2011.
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan will move the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for consideration and passage. The Bill seeks amendment to the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, as passed by the Rajya Sabha. The Bill will replace the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 promulgated by the President on April 22 this year.
The Minister will also move the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for passage. The Bill seeks amendment to the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973, as passed by the Rajya Sabha. It will replace the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 promulgated by the President on April 24 this year.
Harsh Vardhan will later move the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for its passage. The Bill seeks to amend the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970, as passed by the Rajya Sabha. It will replace the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 which was promulgated by the President on April 24 this year.
IANS
Last Updated : Sep 22, 2020, 12:33 AM IST
