As the five-day special session began today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the discussion on the parliamentary journey. The meeting is being held in the historic Parliament building.
However, on September 19, the second day of the session, the proceedings will be moved to the new facility. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told floor leaders of political parties about the plan on the eve of the extraordinary session, which will end on September 22.
Only three days of the session will be dedicated to government business, the specifics of which are unknown. The government stated that eight bills, four of which were already mentioned, will be considered during the extraordinary session. The Centre had already faced a barrage of inquiries about why it is preserving “secrecy” about the agenda for the session. Several opposition leaders felt it demonstrated the Centre’s lack of faith in Parliament.
Here are the Highlights of Parliament’s Special Session
The Upper House continues to debate 75 years of parliamentary democracy.
On the last day of the parliament’s current session, members offered their views on how democracy works. Members specifically discussed the current state of democracy and secularism in the country.
“You can build mansions and structures but that would not strengthen democracy,” said CPI(M) John Brittas.
Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP, said the historic Parliament building is rich with memories and history.
“It will be a sad moment. Let’s hope that the new building has better facilities, new technology and more convenience for the members of the Parliament… But still, it is always an emotional moment to leave an institution which is so full of history and memories…”
Speaking to media, the MP said “t is now becoming clear the government wanted to make a special moment out of shifting from one building to another. They have tried to do it in a special way. We can understand the objective there.”
Both India and Bharat make me happy and comfortable: Sudip Bandyopadhyay
“Before moving from old building to new, we need to understand the true meaning of our country India that is Bharat. We are happy and comfortable with both names.. we want to reiterate this,” says the Trinamool Congress MP.
He adds, “In a parliamentary democracy, the House should belong to the Opposition. Bills are being passed without debate or discussion. It is not a good precedence. Both sides are to be more objective in their approach and outlook.”
Mallikarjun Kharge wants women’s reservation to be examined alongside persistent unemployment and inflation.
He warned that if unemployment continues to rise, democracy could be jeopardized. Taking a jab at the Treasury, he stated that while the G20 was wonderful, something needed to be done on this front as well. He mentioned that the Lotus was obscuring the ‘0’ in G20, making it unclear whether it was “G2.”
Taking note of the remark, both Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Chair Jagdeep Dhankhar stated that the G20 meeting should not be denigrated in this manner.
Brief Arguments ensued in Upper House
When Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge declared that members of the opposition are not allowed to speak in the house in general during the current session, there was verbal anarchy in the Upper House. Chair Jagdeep Dhankhar objected, remarking that Mr Kharge had targeted the chair.
Opposition leaders claimed that the chair was continuously interfering with the LoP’s speech today.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questions ‘No Question Hour, Zero Hour’ move
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of the Congress questioned the administration on the nature of the special session, asking why the Question Hour and Zero Hour were eliminated from the session. He did, however, add that while Parliament would be relocated to a new edifice, the old will be remembered. As he finished his lecture, he said, “Old is gold.”
