Budget 2019: India will become a $3-billion economy this year, says Nirmala Sitharaman.

Budget 2019: India will become a $3-billion economy this year, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman focuses on 'Gaon, Gareeb aur Kisan' in her first Budget in Union Budget 2019-20.

Budget 2019: Nirmala Sitharaman focuses on 'Gaon, Gareeb aur Kisan' in her first Budget

Budget 2019: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sets the 'ball rolling for New India'.

Budget 2019: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sets the 'ball rolling for New India'

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2019-20 in Lok Sabha. Watch this video for more in details. #Budget2019 #UnionBudget2019 #IndiaBudget2019 #Budget

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2019-20 in Lok Sabha

<p>In the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-budget-session-pm-modi-chairs-all-party-meet-opposition-demands-debate-on-unemployment-farm-distress-227603"> all-party meeting</a> here on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament in which crucial Bills are likely to be tabled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all leaders to keep political differences aside and not to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament.</p>

<p>"We are for the people. We cannot win hearts by disrupting the functioning of the Parliament. All parties must keep political differences aside and commit themselves to tirelessly work in the direction of the nation's progress," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the all-party meeting.</p>

<p>Modi also urged the leaders to introspect whether members of Parliament are able to fulfill the people's aspirations as their representatives or not. In the meeting, while the government put forth its legislative agenda, the Opposition parties raised other issues including the problems related to farmers and water supply.</p>

<p>The Budget Session, beginning Monday, would also see the tabling of many important Bills.</p>

<p>Besides the Triple Talaq Bill, the other Bills, which are likely to be introduced in the Parliament, are the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Bill and Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill 2019.</p>

<p>The Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a Bill to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank accounts and procuring mobile phone connections.</p>

<p>A resolution seeking the extension of Proclamation issued by the President on December 19, 2018, under Article 356 of the Constitution of India in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir is also required to be approved by both the Houses of Parliament by July 2, 2019.</p>

<p>Ten Ordinances have been promulgated during the inter-session period, which are to be replaced by Acts of Parliament as these shall cease to operate at the expiration of six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament, that is, by August 1, 2019.</p>

<p>As many as 46 Bills have lapsed on the dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha which were at various stages in both the Houses.</p>

<p>Some of these important Bills are likely to be revived and brought before Parliament.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi also exhorted all leaders to cooperate with the government and strive in the direction of making a New India by 2022 and achieve the true meaning of <em>'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.'</em></p>

<p>He also said that the government is always receptive to the issues raised by all political parties and is ready to discuss all issues of national importance on the floor of both the Houses of Parliament.</p>

<p>"We had a fruitful all-party meeting today. The first one after the election results and before the start of the Monsoon Session. Thankful to the leaders for their valuable suggestions. We all agreed on the smooth running of Parliament so that we can fulfill people's aspirations," said PM Modi in a tweet.</p>

<p>Briefing media persons after the all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said,&nbsp;"To ensure that 17th Lok Sabha starts functioning on a positive note, Prime Minister Modi has invited the party presidents of all parties to the Parliament on June 19, and MPs of both the Houses on June 20 interaction and exchange of views with the government.</p>

<p>"The session will mainly be devoted to oath-taking, the election of the speaker, the motion of thanks on the President's address, financial business relating to union budget for 2019-20. However, time will also be provided for the transaction of essential legislative and non-legislative business during the Session.</p>

<p>The Economic Survey of India will be presented tabled in the House on July 4 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.</p>

<p>She will present the Union Budget for 2019- 20 in the Lok Sabha on July 5 at 11 am.</p>

<p>Present in the meeting were also Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi and leader of BJP in the Rajya Sabha Thawar Chand Gehlot.</p>

<p>Other leaders who attended the meeting included V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRCP, Derek O'Brien of TMC, Farooq Abdullah of National Conference, NCP's Supriya Sule, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (Sonelal), AAP's Sanjay Singh, and Jayadev Galla of TDP.</p>


In the all-party meeting here on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament in which crucial Bills are likely to be tabled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all leaders to keep political differences aside and not to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament.

In the all-party meeting here on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament in which crucial Bills are likely to be tabled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all leaders to keep political differences aside and not to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament. "We are for the people. We cannot win hearts by disrupting the functioning of the Parliament. All parties must keep political differences aside and commit themselves to tirelessly work in the direction of the nation's progress," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the all-party meeting. Modi also urged the leaders to introspect whether members of Parliament are able to fulfill the people's aspirations as their representatives or not. In the meeting, while the government put forth its legislative agenda, the Opposition parties raised other issues including the problems related to farmers and water supply. The Budget Session, beginning Monday, would also see the tabling of many important Bills. Besides the Triple Talaq Bill, the other Bills, which are likely to be introduced in the Parliament, are the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Bill and Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill 2019. The Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a Bill to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank accounts and procuring mobile phone connections. A resolution seeking the extension of Proclamation issued by the President on December 19, 2018, under Article 356 of the Constitution of India in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir is also required to be approved by both the Houses of Parliament by July 2, 2019. Ten Ordinances have been promulgated during the inter-session period, which are to be replaced by Acts of Parliament as these shall cease to operate at the expiration of six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament, that is, by August 1, 2019. As many as 46 Bills have lapsed on the dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha which were at various stages in both the Houses. Some of these important Bills are likely to be revived and brought before Parliament. Prime Minister Modi also exhorted all leaders to cooperate with the government and strive in the direction of making a New India by 2022 and achieve the true meaning of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.' He also said that the government is always receptive to the issues raised by all political parties and is ready to discuss all issues of national importance on the floor of both the Houses of Parliament. "We had a fruitful all-party meeting today. The first one after the election results and before the start of the Monsoon Session. Thankful to the leaders for their valuable suggestions. We all agreed on the smooth running of Parliament so that we can fulfill people's aspirations," said PM Modi in a tweet. Briefing media persons after the all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "To ensure that 17th Lok Sabha starts functioning on a positive note, Prime Minister Modi has invited the party presidents of all parties to the Parliament on June 19, and MPs of both the Houses on June 20 interaction and exchange of views with the government. "The session will mainly be devoted to oath-taking, the election of the speaker, the motion of thanks on the President's address, financial business relating to union budget for 2019-20. However, time will also be provided for the transaction of essential legislative and non-legislative business during the Session. The Economic Survey of India will be presented tabled in the House on July 4 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. She will present the Union Budget for 2019- 20 in the Lok Sabha on July 5 at 11 am. Present in the meeting were also Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi and leader of BJP in the Rajya Sabha Thawar Chand Gehlot. Other leaders who attended the meeting included V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRCP, Derek O'Brien of TMC, Farooq Abdullah of National Conference, NCP's Supriya Sule, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (Sonelal), AAP's Sanjay Singh, and Jayadev Galla of TDP.

Keep political differences aside for smooth functioning of Parliament: PM Modi says in all-party meet

<p>No former&nbsp;Prime Minister&nbsp;will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament as Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a&nbsp;Rajya Sabha&nbsp;member ended on Friday and HD&nbsp;Deve Gowda&nbsp;lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded&nbsp;Lok Sabha&nbsp;elections.</p>

<p>Parliament's first Budget session after the constitution of the new government at Centre is scheduled to start on June 17. Deve Gowda, who served as the 11th&nbsp;Prime Minister&nbsp;of&nbsp;India&nbsp;from June 1996 to April 1997, lost to BJP's GS Basavaraj from Tumkur&nbsp;Lok Sabha&nbsp;constituency by little over 13,000 votes.</p>

<p>Earlier,&nbsp;Deve Gowda&nbsp;used to regularly contest from Hassan parliamentary constituency. However, he had vacated his seat to field his grandson&nbsp;Prajwal Revanna&nbsp;from there.</p>

<p>Soon after the&nbsp;Lok Sabha&nbsp;results were announced on May 23, Revanna, who defeated BJP's A Manju from Hassan by a margin of 1.41 lakh votes, offered to resign from the seat to get his grandfather re-elected.</p>

<p>"To reinstate the confidence of JD(S) cadre, we have to fill the gap left by the defeat of HD&nbsp;Deve Gowda.&nbsp;Therefore, I have decided to tender my resignation. I want him to be victorious once again from Hassan," said Prajwal, who was the only JD(S) candidate to be able to win his seat in&nbsp;Karnataka.</p>

<p>After his loss, Deve Gowda said, "As a former Prime Minister,&nbsp;I have been defeated twice. This is not a big issue. My concern is how to save a regional party. I will see that JD(S) strengthens its base. I will take responsibility and proceed forward. I am not going to blame anybody for the loss. How it happened is not to be discussed in media."</p>

<p>BJP&nbsp;ruled out JD(S)-Congress&nbsp;alliance in&nbsp;Karnataka&nbsp;by winning 25 out of 28 seats. The&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;and the JD(S) received one seat each, while one seat went to an&nbsp;independent candidate.</p>

<p>Similar to its performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;party didn't perform well in 2019&nbsp;general election&nbsp;too and only managed to win on 52 seats.</p>

<p>Due to Congress' poor performance, Manmohan Singh, who was the&nbsp;Prime Minister&nbsp;of&nbsp;India&nbsp;from 2004 to 2014, will be missed in the upcoming Budget session of the Parliament as his nearly 30-year-long tenure as a&nbsp;Rajya Sabha&nbsp;member ended on Friday.</p>

<p>Singh would not be present in the&nbsp;Rajya Sabha&nbsp;for the first time since his first election from&nbsp;Assam&nbsp;in 1991 as he could not make up to the Parliament' upper House due to Congress' poor strength in the state Assembly.</p>

<p>The Congress party could not get him re-elected from&nbsp;Assam&nbsp;as it has only 25 MLAs as against 43 first-preference votes needed. The party even cannot send Singh from other states where Rajya Sabha seats are vacant. With the election of BJP's Kamakhya&nbsp;Prasad Tasa&nbsp;and AGP's Birender Prasad Baishya's unopposed election from Assam, a total of nine seats are lying vacant in Odisha (4),&nbsp;Tamil Nadu&nbsp;(1),&nbsp;Bihar&nbsp;(2) and&nbsp;Gujarat&nbsp;(2).</p>

<p>Congress does not have required numbers to secure any Rajya Sabha berths in these states except&nbsp;Gujarat&nbsp;where it is eyeing to grab at least one seat. Although Singh can be sent to the House from Karnataka, Chhattisgarh,&nbsp;Rajasthan&nbsp;or Punjab, there are no immediate vacancies in these states.</p>

<p>During his tenure as Rajya Sabha MP, Singh led the upper House for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 and acted as the&nbsp;Leader&nbsp;of the Opposition for six years. Singh was last elected to the House in 2013.</p>


No former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament as Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

No former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament as Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Parliament's first Budget session after the constitution of the new government at Centre is scheduled to start on June 17. Deve Gowda, who served as the 11th Prime Minister of India from June 1996 to April 1997, lost to BJP's GS Basavaraj from Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency by little over 13,000 votes. Earlier, Deve Gowda used to regularly contest from Hassan parliamentary constituency. However, he had vacated his seat to field his grandson Prajwal Revanna from there. Soon after the Lok Sabha results were announced on May 23, Revanna, who defeated BJP's A Manju from Hassan by a margin of 1.41 lakh votes, offered to resign from the seat to get his grandfather re-elected. "To reinstate the confidence of JD(S) cadre, we have to fill the gap left by the defeat of HD Deve Gowda. Therefore, I have decided to tender my resignation. I want him to be victorious once again from Hassan," said Prajwal, who was the only JD(S) candidate to be able to win his seat in Karnataka. After his loss, Deve Gowda said, "As a former Prime Minister, I have been defeated twice. This is not a big issue. My concern is how to save a regional party. I will see that JD(S) strengthens its base. I will take responsibility and proceed forward. I am not going to blame anybody for the loss. How it happened is not to be discussed in media." BJP ruled out JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka by winning 25 out of 28 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) received one seat each, while one seat went to an independent candidate. Similar to its performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party didn't perform well in 2019 general election too and only managed to win on 52 seats. Due to Congress' poor performance, Manmohan Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, will be missed in the upcoming Budget session of the Parliament as his nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday. Singh would not be present in the Rajya Sabha for the first time since his first election from Assam in 1991 as he could not make up to the Parliament' upper House due to Congress' poor strength in the state Assembly. The Congress party could not get him re-elected from Assam as it has only 25 MLAs as against 43 first-preference votes needed. The party even cannot send Singh from other states where Rajya Sabha seats are vacant. With the election of BJP's Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and AGP's Birender Prasad Baishya's unopposed election from Assam, a total of nine seats are lying vacant in Odisha (4), Tamil Nadu (1), Bihar (2) and Gujarat (2). Congress does not have required numbers to secure any Rajya Sabha berths in these states except Gujarat where it is eyeing to grab at least one seat. Although Singh can be sent to the House from Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan or Punjab, there are no immediate vacancies in these states. During his tenure as Rajya Sabha MP, Singh led the upper House for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 and acted as the Leader of the Opposition for six years. Singh was last elected to the House in 2013.

Parliament to miss former Prime Minsters during this Budget session

<p>As Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, no former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament.</p>

<p>Parliament's first Budget session after the constitution of the new government at Centre is scheduled to start on June 17.</p>

<p>Deve Gowda, who served as the 11th Prime Minister of India from June 1996 to April 1997, lost to BJP's GS Basavaraj from Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency by little over 13,000 votes.</p>

<p>Earlier, Deve Gowda used to regularly contest from Hassan parliamentary constituency. However, he had vacated his seat to field his grandson Prajwal Revanna from there.</p>

<p>Soon after the Lok Sabha results were announced on May 23, Revanna, who defeated BJP's A Manju from Hassan by a margin of 1.41 lakh votes, offered to resign from the seat to get his grandfather re-elected.</p>

<p>"To reinstate the confidence of JD(S) cadre, we have to fill the gap left by the defeat of HD Deve Gowda. Therefore, I have decided to tender my resignation. I want him to be victorious once again from Hassan," said Prajwal, who was the only JD(S) candidate to be able to win his seat in Karnataka.</p>

<p>After his loss, Deve Gowda said, "As a former Prime Minister, I have been defeated twice. This is not a big issue. My concern is how to save a regional party. I will see that JD(S) strengthens its base. I will take responsibility and proceed forward. I am not going to blame anybody for the loss. How it happened is not to be discussed in media."</p>

<p>BJP ruled out JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka by winning 25 out of 28 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) received one seat each, while one seat went to an independent candidate.</p>

<p>Similar to its performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party didn't perform well in 2019 general election too and only managed to win on 52 seats.</p>

<p>Due to Congress'&nbsp;poor performance, Manmohan Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, will be missed in the upcoming Budget session of the Parliament as his nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday.</p>

<p>Singh would not be present in the Rajya Sabha for the first time since his first election from Assam in 1991 as he could not make up to the Parliament'&nbsp;upper House due to Congress'&nbsp;poor strength in the state Assembly.</p>

<p>The Congress party could not get him re-elected from Assam as it has only 25 MLAs as against 43 first-preference votes needed.</p>

<p>The party even cannot send Singh from other states where Rajya Sabha seats are vacant. With the election of BJP's Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and AGP's Birender Prasad Baishya's unopposed election from Assam, a total of nine seats are lying vacant in Odisha (4), Tamil Nadu (1), Bihar (2) and Gujarat (2).</p>

<p>Congress does not have required numbers to secure any Rajya Sabha berths in these states except Gujarat where it is eyeing to grab at least one seat.</p>

<p>Although Singh can be sent to the House from Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan or Punjab, there are no immediate vacancies in these states.</p>

<p>During his tenure as Rajya Sabha MP, Singh led the upper House for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 and acted as the Leader of the Opposition for six years. Singh was last elected to the House in 2013.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


As Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, no former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament.

As Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, no former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament. Parliament's first Budget session after the constitution of the new government at Centre is scheduled to start on June 17. Deve Gowda, who served as the 11th Prime Minister of India from June 1996 to April 1997, lost to BJP's GS Basavaraj from Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency by little over 13,000 votes. Earlier, Deve Gowda used to regularly contest from Hassan parliamentary constituency. However, he had vacated his seat to field his grandson Prajwal Revanna from there. Soon after the Lok Sabha results were announced on May 23, Revanna, who defeated BJP's A Manju from Hassan by a margin of 1.41 lakh votes, offered to resign from the seat to get his grandfather re-elected. "To reinstate the confidence of JD(S) cadre, we have to fill the gap left by the defeat of HD Deve Gowda. Therefore, I have decided to tender my resignation. I want him to be victorious once again from Hassan," said Prajwal, who was the only JD(S) candidate to be able to win his seat in Karnataka. After his loss, Deve Gowda said, "As a former Prime Minister, I have been defeated twice. This is not a big issue. My concern is how to save a regional party. I will see that JD(S) strengthens its base. I will take responsibility and proceed forward. I am not going to blame anybody for the loss. How it happened is not to be discussed in media." BJP ruled out JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka by winning 25 out of 28 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) received one seat each, while one seat went to an independent candidate. Similar to its performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party didn't perform well in 2019 general election too and only managed to win on 52 seats. Due to Congress' poor performance, Manmohan Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, will be missed in the upcoming Budget session of the Parliament as his nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday. Singh would not be present in the Rajya Sabha for the first time since his first election from Assam in 1991 as he could not make up to the Parliament' upper House due to Congress' poor strength in the state Assembly. The Congress party could not get him re-elected from Assam as it has only 25 MLAs as against 43 first-preference votes needed. The party even cannot send Singh from other states where Rajya Sabha seats are vacant. With the election of BJP's Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and AGP's Birender Prasad Baishya's unopposed election from Assam, a total of nine seats are lying vacant in Odisha (4), Tamil Nadu (1), Bihar (2) and Gujarat (2). Congress does not have required numbers to secure any Rajya Sabha berths in these states except Gujarat where it is eyeing to grab at least one seat. Although Singh can be sent to the House from Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan or Punjab, there are no immediate vacancies in these states. During his tenure as Rajya Sabha MP, Singh led the upper House for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 and acted as the Leader of the Opposition for six years. Singh was last elected to the House in 2013.

No former PMs to be in Parliament this Budget session

<p>Acting on the Supreme Court's direction, the Centre today constituted a Cauvery Water Management Authority (CMA) to address the dispute over sharing of river water among Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry.</p>

<p>On February 16, the apex court had directed the government to form the CMA within six weeks in a verdict that marginally increased Karnataka's share of Cauvery water, reduced the allocation for Tamil Nadu and sought to settle the protracted water dispute between the two southern states.</p>

<p>In a gazette notification, the Ministry of Water Resources said it has framed a scheme constituting the CMA and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee to give effect to the decision of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal as modified by the Supreme Court order.</p>

<p>The authority would comprise a chairman, eight members besides a secretary. Out of eight members, two each will be full-time and part-time members, while the rest four would be part-time members from states.</p>

<p>The chairman of the authority should either be a "senior and eminent engineer? with an experience of water resource management and handling of inter-state water dispute or an IAS officer with an experience in water resources management and handling the inter-state dispute.&nbsp</p>

<p>He will have the tenure of five years or until he reaches the age of 65, whichever is earlier.&nbsp</p>

<p>An emotive issue in all the states concerned and Puducherry, the demand to constitute the authority was one of the reasons behind disruption of the Budget Session by the members of the AIADMK who demanded the constitution of the board.</p>

<p>The apex court, in its verdict delivered on February 16, had asked the Centre to frame the Cauvery management scheme, including creation of the Cauvery Management Board.</p>

<p>The scheme would deal with the issue of water share of the four states in different circumstances like normal and deficient water years in the Cauvery river basin.</p>

<p>It had raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share, while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin, saying the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a "higher pedestal".&nbsp</p>

<p>The authority will exercise power and discharge such duty for "sufficient and expedient for securing compliance and implementation" of the Supreme Court order in relation to "storage, apportionment, regulation and control of Cauvery waters".</p>

<p>"If the authority finds that any government of the party states, namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Union territory of Puducherry do not cooperate in implementing the decision or direction of the tribunal, it can seek the help of the central government for implementation of the award...," the notification said.</p>

<p>Further, if any delay or shortfall is caused in release of water on account of default of any party state, the authority will take appropriate action.</p>

<p>The authority will also supervise operation of reservoirs and with regulation of water releases therefrom with the assistance of regulation committee, the notification said.</p>

<p>The authority will also look at regulated release of water by Karnataka, at the inter-state contact point presently identified as Billigundulu gauge and discharge station, located on the common border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The notification further said that the authority at the beginning of the water year (June 1 each year) would determine the total residual storage in the specified reservoirs.&nbsp</p>

<p>"As, it is not possible to know the amount of season-wise river flows which will be available during a season, it will be assumed that the inflows will be according to 50 per cent dependable year (yield 740 TMC)," it said.</p>

<p>The share of each state will be determined on the basis of the flows so assumed together with the available carry-over storage in the reservoirs.&nbsp</p>

<p>"The withdrawals will be allowed during the first time interval of ten days of the season on the basis of the share worked out for each party state, limited to the water requirements during the same period indicated by each party state by placing an indent of water demand with Cauvery Water Regulation Committee," it added.</p>

<p>The authority has also been tasked to advise the states to take suitable measures to improve water use efficiency, by way of promoting micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler), change in cropping pattern, improved agronomic practices, system deficiency correction and command area development.</p>

<p>It has to also prepare an annual report covering the activities of the authority for the preceding year.&nbsp</p>

<p>The Centre will initially contribute a sum of Rs 2 crore for the functioning of the authority.</p>

<p>Also, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee has to meet once in 10 days during the months of June and October when the south-west and north-east monsoon set in and again after the monsoon has set in.</p>


Acting on the Supreme Court's direction, the Centre today constituted a Cauvery Water Management Authority (CMA) to address the dispute over sharing of river water among Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry

Acting on the Supreme Court's direction, the Centre today constituted a Cauvery Water Management Authority (CMA) to address the dispute over sharing of river water among Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. On February 16, the apex court had directed the government to form the CMA within six weeks in a verdict that marginally increased Karnataka's share of Cauvery water, reduced the allocation for Tamil Nadu and sought to settle the protracted water dispute between the two southern states. In a gazette notification, the Ministry of Water Resources said it has framed a scheme constituting the CMA and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee to give effect to the decision of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal as modified by the Supreme Court order. The authority would comprise a chairman, eight members besides a secretary. Out of eight members, two each will be full-time and part-time members, while the rest four would be part-time members from states. The chairman of the authority should either be a "senior and eminent engineer? with an experience of water resource management and handling of inter-state water dispute or an IAS officer with an experience in water resources management and handling the inter-state dispute. He will have the tenure of five years or until he reaches the age of 65, whichever is earlier. An emotive issue in all the states concerned and Puducherry, the demand to constitute the authority was one of the reasons behind disruption of the Budget Session by the members of the AIADMK who demanded the constitution of the board. The apex court, in its verdict delivered on February 16, had asked the Centre to frame the Cauvery management scheme, including creation of the Cauvery Management Board. The scheme would deal with the issue of water share of the four states in different circumstances like normal and deficient water years in the Cauvery river basin. It had raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share, while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin, saying the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a "higher pedestal". The authority will exercise power and discharge such duty for "sufficient and expedient for securing compliance and implementation" of the Supreme Court order in relation to "storage, apportionment, regulation and control of Cauvery waters". "If the authority finds that any government of the party states, namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Union territory of Puducherry do not cooperate in implementing the decision or direction of the tribunal, it can seek the help of the central government for implementation of the award...," the notification said. Further, if any delay or shortfall is caused in release of water on account of default of any party state, the authority will take appropriate action. The authority will also supervise operation of reservoirs and with regulation of water releases therefrom with the assistance of regulation committee, the notification said. The authority will also look at regulated release of water by Karnataka, at the inter-state contact point presently identified as Billigundulu gauge and discharge station, located on the common border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The notification further said that the authority at the beginning of the water year (June 1 each year) would determine the total residual storage in the specified reservoirs. "As, it is not possible to know the amount of season-wise river flows which will be available during a season, it will be assumed that the inflows will be according to 50 per cent dependable year (yield 740 TMC)," it said. The share of each state will be determined on the basis of the flows so assumed together with the available carry-over storage in the reservoirs. "The withdrawals will be allowed during the first time interval of ten days of the season on the basis of the share worked out for each party state, limited to the water requirements during the same period indicated by each party state by placing an indent of water demand with Cauvery Water Regulation Committee," it added. The authority has also been tasked to advise the states to take suitable measures to improve water use efficiency, by way of promoting micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler), change in cropping pattern, improved agronomic practices, system deficiency correction and command area development. It has to also prepare an annual report covering the activities of the authority for the preceding year. The Centre will initially contribute a sum of Rs 2 crore for the functioning of the authority. Also, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee has to meet once in 10 days during the months of June and October when the south-west and north-east monsoon set in and again after the monsoon has set in.

Centre forms Cauvery Water Management Authority

<p>As PM Narendra began his fast on Thursday, Union minister Piyush Goyal began&nbsp;observing a fast in Thane, Maharashtra along with other party leaders as a protest against the Parliament "washout"&nbsp;during the Budget session.</p>

<p>In Delhi, several BJP leaders observed fast in the Townhall.</p>

<p>''The way in which Congress & other opposition parties did not let the Budget session run, is condemnable, to say the least," Piyush Goyal said.</p>

<p>BJP MPs in Bengaluru have also been&nbsp;observing&nbsp;a day-long fast over the disruption in Parliament during the Budget session.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Narendra Modi is observing a day-long fast along as he announced yesterday. He continued his day on fast while inaugurating the DefExpo at Mahabalipuram.</p>

<p>Party president Amit Shah will take part in a sit-in at Hubli-Dharwad against the Siddaramaiah government in poll-bound Karnataka.</p>

<p>The BJP has blamed Congress for practising divisive politics accusing it of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low".</p>

<p>On last day of budget session PM Modi had announced his decision to observe a fast and urged all his BJP parliamentarians to do the same.</p>

<p>Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had responded saying "farce of a fast by the Modi government and BJP".</p>

<p>Congress said BJP should be on a fast to seek an apology over issues like banking frauds, CBSE paper leak and dilution of SC/ST Act.</p>


BJP MPs in Bengaluru as well are observing a fast in over the parliament disruptions during the budget session

As PM Narendra began his fast on Thursday, Union minister Piyush Goyal began observing a fast in Thane, Maharashtra along with other party leaders as a protest against the Parliament "washout" during the Budget session. In Delhi, several BJP leaders observed fast in the Townhall. ''The way in which Congress & other opposition parties did not let the Budget session run, is condemnable, to say the least," Piyush Goyal said. BJP MPs in Bengaluru have also been observing a day-long fast over the disruption in Parliament during the Budget session. Meanwhile, Narendra Modi is observing a day-long fast along as he announced yesterday. He continued his day on fast while inaugurating the DefExpo at Mahabalipuram. Party president Amit Shah will take part in a sit-in at Hubli-Dharwad against the Siddaramaiah government in poll-bound Karnataka. The BJP has blamed Congress for practising divisive politics accusing it of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low". On last day of budget session PM Modi had announced his decision to observe a fast and urged all his BJP parliamentarians to do the same. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had responded saying "farce of a fast by the Modi government and BJP". Congress said BJP should be on a fast to seek an apology over issues like banking frauds, CBSE paper leak and dilution of SC/ST Act.

BJP MPs in Bengaluru, Maharashtra & Delhi observe fast along with Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will observe a day-long fast on Thursday with BJP MPs to protest the recent washout of the Budget session of Parliament, while party chief Amit Shah will hold a sit-in at Hubli in poll-bound Karnataka on the same day.</p>

<p>While observing fast, Modi will not disturb his daily official routine of meeting people and officials, and clearing files, sources in the know said.</p>

<p>Addressing BJP MPs on Friday, Modi had accused the Opposition, particularly the Congress, of practising divisive politics and said that BJP MPs will observe a fast on April 12 to protest the impasse in Parliament.</p>

<p>The Congress had tried to preempt the BJP event by announcing that the party members would observe a fast on April 9 to promote communal harmony in the country.</p>

<p>All BJP MPs will also observe fast on April 12 in their respective constituencies.</p>

<p>Shah will hold a 'dharna' (sit-in) in poll-bound Karnataka's Hubli.</p>


The development comes a day after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi lead a similar protest against the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will observe a day-long fast on Thursday with BJP MPs to protest the recent washout of the Budget session of Parliament, while party chief Amit Shah will hold a sit-in at Hubli in poll-bound Karnataka on the same day. While observing fast, Modi will not disturb his daily official routine of meeting people and officials, and clearing files, sources in the know said. Addressing BJP MPs on Friday, Modi had accused the Opposition, particularly the Congress, of practising divisive politics and said that BJP MPs will observe a fast on April 12 to protest the impasse in Parliament. The Congress had tried to preempt the BJP event by announcing that the party members would observe a fast on April 9 to promote communal harmony in the country. All BJP MPs will also observe fast on April 12 in their respective constituencies. Shah will hold a 'dharna' (sit-in) in poll-bound Karnataka's Hubli.

PM Modi to observe day-long fast on April 12 to protest disruption of Parliament by opposition

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will observe a day-long fast on April 12 in New Delhi to protest the disruptions in parliament by Opposition.</p>

<p>Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday during the BJP's 38th foundation day celebrations had accused the opposition of divisive politics and announced that BJP MPs will observe a fast on April 12 to protest the impasse in Parliament, for which he blamed the Congress.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be joining all BJP lawmakers.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will observe a day-long fast on April 12 in New Delhi to protest the disruptions in parliament by Opposition. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday during the BJP's 38th foundation day celebrations had accused the opposition of divisive politics and announced that BJP MPs will observe a fast on April 12 to protest the impasse in Parliament, for which he blamed the Congress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be joining all BJP lawmakers.

PM Modi to observe day-long fast on April 12 with all BJP MPs over disruption of Parliament by Opposition

<p>Disruptions led to loss of more than 127 hours of the Budget session in the Lok Sabha with just about 0.58 per cent of starred questions answered during 29 sittings before the House adjourned sine die on Friday.</p>

<p>Protests by members from various parties on diverse issues marred proceedings almost every day during the two-phase Budget session. The second leg of the session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted.</p>

<p>In her summary report, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the House functioned for a total of 34 hours and 5 minutes during the 29 sittings.</p>

<p>A total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected due to "interruptions and forced adjournments". Around 9 hours and 47 minutes went in to transact urgent government business, Mahajan said.</p>

<p>According to her, out of the 580 starred questions, answers were given to 17 of them in the floor of the House and this translates to "0.58" questions being answered on an average every day.</p>

<p>Written replies for remaining starred questions and 6,670 unstarred questions were tabled in the House.</p>

<p>Just five bills were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>'The Finance Bill 2018', 'The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017' and 'The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017' were among those bills that were passed.</p>

<p>Discussions on Presidential address took place for 10 hours and 43 minutes while that on Budget went on for 12 hours and 13 minutes.</p>

<p>"This House is a sacred platform for members to raise issues related to public interest and public welfare," Mahajan said even as she emphasised that they need to keep in mind the larger interest of the country.</p>

<p>"I have always tried that members who have given notices raise their issues in the House...," she said.</p>

<p>She also thanked all parties for their support in organising the National Legislators' Conference on March 10 and 11.</p>

<p>Ministers gave 43 statements on various important issues and 1,185 papers were tabled.</p>

<p>Under Rule 377, which pertains to urgent matters of public interest, members raised 238 issues.</p>

<p>A total of 61 reports by various department-related Standing Committees were presented during the Budget session.&nbsp</p>


Disruptions led to loss of more than 127 hours of the Budget session in the Lok Sabha with just about 0.58 per cent of starred questions answered during 29 sittings before the House adjourned sine die on Friday

Disruptions led to loss of more than 127 hours of the Budget session in the Lok Sabha with just about 0.58 per cent of starred questions answered during 29 sittings before the House adjourned sine die on Friday. Protests by members from various parties on diverse issues marred proceedings almost every day during the two-phase Budget session. The second leg of the session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted. In her summary report, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the House functioned for a total of 34 hours and 5 minutes during the 29 sittings. A total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected due to "interruptions and forced adjournments". Around 9 hours and 47 minutes went in to transact urgent government business, Mahajan said. According to her, out of the 580 starred questions, answers were given to 17 of them in the floor of the House and this translates to "0.58" questions being answered on an average every day. Written replies for remaining starred questions and 6,670 unstarred questions were tabled in the House. Just five bills were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha. 'The Finance Bill 2018', 'The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017' and 'The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017' were among those bills that were passed. Discussions on Presidential address took place for 10 hours and 43 minutes while that on Budget went on for 12 hours and 13 minutes. "This House is a sacred platform for members to raise issues related to public interest and public welfare," Mahajan said even as she emphasised that they need to keep in mind the larger interest of the country. "I have always tried that members who have given notices raise their issues in the House...," she said. She also thanked all parties for their support in organising the National Legislators' Conference on March 10 and 11. Ministers gave 43 statements on various important issues and 1,185 papers were tabled. Under Rule 377, which pertains to urgent matters of public interest, members raised 238 issues. A total of 61 reports by various department-related Standing Committees were presented during the Budget session.

Lok Sabha lost over 127 hours due to disruptions in Budget session

<p>Union minister Vijay Goel will meet key opposition leaders at their residence in an effort to break the logjam in Parliament, which has been paralysed for 14 days due to protests by various parties.</p>

<p>The government is willing for a discussion on no-confidence motions against it and enjoys a strong majority in the Lok Sabha, Goel, who is Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, said on Thursday, wondering why the opposition leaders were debating on television and not in the House.</p>

<p>Goel said he will be visiting key leaders of opposition parties, including the Congress, AIADMK, TDP and TRS, to persuade them to call off their protests, which have resulted in a washout of Parliament&#39;s proceedings since March 5 when it met after a recess to continue the Budget session.</p>

<p>At a press conference, Goel noted that over Rs 2.5 lakh is spent per minute in running Parliament, and asked opposition parties to raise their issues and debate them in the two Houses.</p>

<p>The second leg of the Budget Session is of 23 days and all 14 days so far have been wasted, Goel said.</p>

<p>&quot;I have been meeting opposition leaders in Parliament and will now visit their homes to persuade them to call off their protests and start discussion on their issues&quot; in the two Houses, he said.</p>

<p>On issues like the PNB scam, the government has more to tell the people than the opposition, he claimed and said the Modi government has been an honest dispensation which has worked against corruption.</p>

<p>&quot;Parliament is meant for debate. It is sad that opposition leaders can debate outside and on TV channels but not in Parliament. It is also strange for some of them to keep protesting in the Well of the two Houses and then say that it is the government&#39;s job to run them,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Arjun Ram Meghwal, who is also a junior minister for parliamentary affairs, said it is difficult for the Speaker to take up notices for no-confidence motions as long as members are present in the Well as she is required to do a head-count of members supporting the notices.</p>

<p>The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress have given notices for no confidence motion against the government following the Centre&#39;s stand that it cannot provide special category status to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>Several parties have been protesting in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over various of issues such as banking scam, Cauvery board, special status to Andhra Pradesh and quota hike, leading to daily adjournments.</p>

<p>A large number of bills, including on triple talaq, whistleblower protection and OBC Commission, are pending in Parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the crucial Finance Bill without any discussion. A couple of other bills have also been pushed in the two houses amid the din.&nbsp;</p>


Union minister Vijay Goel will meet key opposition leaders at their residence in an effort to break the logjam in Parliament, which has been paralysed for 14 days due to protests by various parties

Union minister Vijay Goel will meet key opposition leaders at their residence in an effort to break the logjam in Parliament, which has been paralysed for 14 days due to protests by various parties. The government is willing for a discussion on no-confidence motions against it and enjoys a strong majority in the Lok Sabha, Goel, who is Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, said on Thursday, wondering why the opposition leaders were debating on television and not in the House. Goel said he will be visiting key leaders of opposition parties, including the Congress, AIADMK, TDP and TRS, to persuade them to call off their protests, which have resulted in a washout of Parliament's proceedings since March 5 when it met after a recess to continue the Budget session. At a press conference, Goel noted that over Rs 2.5 lakh is spent per minute in running Parliament, and asked opposition parties to raise their issues and debate them in the two Houses. The second leg of the Budget Session is of 23 days and all 14 days so far have been wasted, Goel said. "I have been meeting opposition leaders in Parliament and will now visit their homes to persuade them to call off their protests and start discussion on their issues" in the two Houses, he said. On issues like the PNB scam, the government has more to tell the people than the opposition, he claimed and said the Modi government has been an honest dispensation which has worked against corruption. "Parliament is meant for debate. It is sad that opposition leaders can debate outside and on TV channels but not in Parliament. It is also strange for some of them to keep protesting in the Well of the two Houses and then say that it is the government's job to run them," he said. Arjun Ram Meghwal, who is also a junior minister for parliamentary affairs, said it is difficult for the Speaker to take up notices for no-confidence motions as long as members are present in the Well as she is required to do a head-count of members supporting the notices. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress have given notices for no confidence motion against the government following the Centre's stand that it cannot provide special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Several parties have been protesting in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over various of issues such as banking scam, Cauvery board, special status to Andhra Pradesh and quota hike, leading to daily adjournments. A large number of bills, including on triple talaq, whistleblower protection and OBC Commission, are pending in Parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the crucial Finance Bill without any discussion. A couple of other bills have also been pushed in the two houses amid the din.

Union minister Vijay Goel to reach out to opposition leaders to break Parliament logjam

<p>The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day today amid continuing protests by regional parties over various issues.</p>

<p>It was the sixth straight day of washout of proceedings in the lower house since the second leg of the Budget Session began on March 5.</p>

<p>Speaker Sumitra Mahajan first adjourned the House immediately after the Question Hour started as the TRS, TDP, AIADMK and YSR Congress members stormed the Well carrying placards and raised slogans in support of their demands.</p>

<p>There was no let-up in protests as the House met again at noon but the Speaker went ahead with the proceedings, including introduction of two bills by Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla, amid the din.</p>

<p>Bhartruhari Mahtab of the BJD opposed the introduction of The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, saying its provisions violated the citizens&#39; fundamental rights and that it is based on the premise of &quot;guilty till proven innocent&quot; and not the other way round.</p>

<p>He questioned the provision of seizing assets of an accused before he was proven guilty.&nbsp;However, Shukla said these provisions can be debated during the discussion on the bill and introduced the bill. Soon after this, the House was adjourned.</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha has been witnessing similar scenes since March 5 with opposition parties besides the TDP, which remains a member of the ruling NDA though it has pulled out of the central government, raising a host of issues such as special status for Andhra Pradesh, enhanced reservation in Telangana and constitution of the Cauvery river board to settle Tamil Nadu&#39;s water dispute with neighbours.</p>


It was the sixth straight day of washout of proceedings in the lower house since the second leg of the Budget Session began on March 5.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day today amid continuing protests by regional parties over various issues. It was the sixth straight day of washout of proceedings in the lower house since the second leg of the Budget Session began on March 5. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan first adjourned the House immediately after the Question Hour started as the TRS, TDP, AIADMK and YSR Congress members stormed the Well carrying placards and raised slogans in support of their demands. There was no let-up in protests as the House met again at noon but the Speaker went ahead with the proceedings, including introduction of two bills by Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla, amid the din. Bhartruhari Mahtab of the BJD opposed the introduction of The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, saying its provisions violated the citizens' fundamental rights and that it is based on the premise of "guilty till proven innocent" and not the other way round. He questioned the provision of seizing assets of an accused before he was proven guilty. However, Shukla said these provisions can be debated during the discussion on the bill and introduced the bill. Soon after this, the House was adjourned. The Lok Sabha has been witnessing similar scenes since March 5 with opposition parties besides the TDP, which remains a member of the ruling NDA though it has pulled out of the central government, raising a host of issues such as special status for Andhra Pradesh, enhanced reservation in Telangana and constitution of the Cauvery river board to settle Tamil Nadu's water dispute with neighbours.

Lok Sabha adjourned for sixth day as parties continue protests

<p>The second part of the Budget session resumes today with the Opposition determined to corner the government on the PNB scam.</p>

<p>Union railway minister Piyush Goyal was quick to take on the Opposition asserting that &nbsp;&quot;Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are connected to Congress&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;The problem started during their time, they cannot mislead the nation on this issue,&quot; the railway minister told reporters outside Parliament.</p>

<p>Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 11.20 am after protests&nbsp;by TDP over &#39;Special Category Status&#39; to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">YSR Congress Party MPs protest in Delhi demanding &#39;Special Category Status&#39; to Andhra Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/DO6ox9oNFe">pic.twitter.com/DO6ox9oNFe</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970535699471523840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the Lok Sabha too Opposition MPs were quick to raise a ruckus on&nbsp;the Nirav Modi connection in the PNB scam, as a result, the lower house of Parliament had to adjourned&nbsp;by the Speaker.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Telugu Desam Party MP Siva Prasad dressed as Lord Krishna during TDP protest demanding &#39;Special Category Status&#39; to Andhra Pradesh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/wp0nyAW4Ez">pic.twitter.com/wp0nyAW4Ez</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970531876153757696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi arrives in parliament, welcomed by BJP Chief Amit Shah and Union Ministers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/fKOA0C4Shb">pic.twitter.com/fKOA0C4Shb</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970527939505872896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Union railway minister Piyush Goyal was quick to take on the Opposition asserting that "Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are connected to Congress".

The second part of the Budget session resumes today with the Opposition determined to corner the government on the PNB scam. Union railway minister Piyush Goyal was quick to take on the Opposition asserting that "Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are connected to Congress". "The problem started during their time, they cannot mislead the nation on this issue," the railway minister told reporters outside Parliament. Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 11.20 am after protests by TDP over 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh. YSR Congress Party MPs protest in Delhi demanding 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/DO6ox9oNFe — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × In the Lok Sabha too Opposition MPs were quick to raise a ruckus on the Nirav Modi connection in the PNB scam, as a result, the lower house of Parliament had to adjourned by the Speaker. Delhi: Telugu Desam Party MP Siva Prasad dressed as Lord Krishna during TDP protest demanding 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/wp0nyAW4Ez — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × PM Narendra Modi arrives in parliament, welcomed by BJP Chief Amit Shah and Union Ministers. #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/fKOA0C4Shb — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 ×

Parliament Budget Session: House adjourned after Opposition protests

<p>Parliament&#39;s<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-session-to-resume-in-parliament-from-today-34685"> Budget Session resumed</a> after a month-long break today. Ahead of the session, lawmakers from the Opposition parties gave an adjournment motion notice for various reasons including the Punjab National Bank and the SSC scams.</p>

<p>In the Rajya Sabha, CPI Leader D Raja and SP MP Naresh Agarwal gave adjournment motion notices over the alleged Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.</p>

<p>In the Lok Sabha, Jan Adhikar Party chief Pappu Yadav gave an adjournment motion notice over the alleged SSC exams scam.</p>

<p>BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe gave an adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on &quot;reports of corrupt practices indulged in by relatives of former ministers under tacit protection by ministers.&quot;</p>

<p>The Punjab National Bank scam relates to the alleged Rs 12,636-crore fraud by billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi.</p>

<p>The SSC exams leak is about the alleged leak of questions of the Combined Graduate Level (Tier-II) Examination 2017 held from February 17 to 22. Screenshots of the question paper of the exam along with answers were found circulating on social media.</p>

<p>The SSC had cancelled the exam that was slated to be held on February 21, 2018. The commission later said that this exam will be re-conducted on March 9, 2018.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Parliament's Budget Session resumed after a month-long break today

Parliament's Budget Session resumed after a month-long break today. Ahead of the session, lawmakers from the Opposition parties gave an adjournment motion notice for various reasons including the Punjab National Bank and the SSC scams. In the Rajya Sabha, CPI Leader D Raja and SP MP Naresh Agarwal gave adjournment motion notices over the alleged Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. In the Lok Sabha, Jan Adhikar Party chief Pappu Yadav gave an adjournment motion notice over the alleged SSC exams scam. BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe gave an adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on "reports of corrupt practices indulged in by relatives of former ministers under tacit protection by ministers." The Punjab National Bank scam relates to the alleged Rs 12,636-crore fraud by billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi. The SSC exams leak is about the alleged leak of questions of the Combined Graduate Level (Tier-II) Examination 2017 held from February 17 to 22. Screenshots of the question paper of the exam along with answers were found circulating on social media. The SSC had cancelled the exam that was slated to be held on February 21, 2018. The commission later said that this exam will be re-conducted on March 9, 2018.

Budget Session: Lawmakers give adjournment motion notice

<p>The second part of the Budget session resumes today with both houses of Parliament meeting after a month-long break.</p>

<p>The Opposition parties are likely to corner the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on the Rs 12,636 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam involving celebrity jewellery designer Nirav Modi and his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi.</p>

<p>The government&#39;s priorities are likely to be the passage of the triple talaq bill andd the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union cabinet had approved the proposal to introduce the offenders bill 2018 in the Parliament on March 1.</p>

<p>The purpose of the bill is to confiscate the assets of a fugitive, including Benami assets.</p>

<p>The Parliament will also take up a discussion on the Union budget, which was tabled in the first half of the session, and pass it.</p>

<p>The government has listed a few bills for consideration and passage in both Houses.</p>

<p>In the Lok Sabha, it intends to bring The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017, on March 5, and The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017, on March 6.</p>

<p>In the Rajya Sabha, the government has listed The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and The State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017, for the first day of the session.</p>

<p>(With inputs from ANI)</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The government's priorities are likely to be the passage of the triple talaq bill and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill

The second part of the Budget session resumes today with both houses of Parliament meeting after a month-long break. The Opposition parties are likely to corner the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on the Rs 12,636 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam involving celebrity jewellery designer Nirav Modi and his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi. The government's priorities are likely to be the passage of the triple talaq bill andd the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union cabinet had approved the proposal to introduce the offenders bill 2018 in the Parliament on March 1. The purpose of the bill is to confiscate the assets of a fugitive, including Benami assets. The Parliament will also take up a discussion on the Union budget, which was tabled in the first half of the session, and pass it. The government has listed a few bills for consideration and passage in both Houses. In the Lok Sabha, it intends to bring The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017, on March 5, and The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017, on March 6. In the Rajya Sabha, the government has listed The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and The State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017, for the first day of the session. (With inputs from ANI)

Budget Session to resume in Parliament from today

<p>Dismissing allegations of corruption in the contract for 36 Rafale jets, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman today asserted there can be no comparison between the scam-hit Bofors gun deal and the procurement of the fighter aircraft.</p>

<p>&quot;Do not even compare it (Rafale deal) with Bofors. There is no scam here,&quot; Sitharaman told reporters when asked whether Rafale deal will go the Bofors way.</p>

<p>Sitharaman said she would welcome if the Congress raises the issue of procurement of Rafale jets when the budget session of the Parliament reconvenes from Monday.</p>

<p>&quot;I will welcome it (if Congress raises it),&quot; she said.</p>

<p>The Congress has been ramping up attack on the government over the Rafale issue, claiming that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore.</p>

<p>Official sources claimed the original deal to procure 126 fighter jet could not go through during the UPA rule despite reaching the final stage due to an intervention by the then defence minister A K Antony as he felt something wrong in the process.</p>

<p>They said the government selected Rafale for procurement of the 36 fighter jets not because of the price arrived at during the UPA tenure but due to the &quot;overarching&quot; assessment of the jet.</p>

<p>There were allegations that payoffs were made in the procurement of the artillery guns from Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors in the late 1980s during the then Congress government. The allegations and its subsequent political ramifications had severely crippled the Indian Army&#39;s procurement of artillery guns.</p>

<p>Alleging corruption, the Congress has been asking the government whether the per aircraft price of Rafale, according to international bids opened on December 12, 2012, comes to $80.95 million (Rs 526.1 crore) as against the</p>

<p>Modi government&#39;s per aircraft negotiated price of&nbsp; $241.66 Million (Rs 1,570.8 crore) as per current exchange rates.</p>

<p>The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for the purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) for the Air Force and, post negotiations, two of them--Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- remained in the reckoning.</p>

<p>However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime.</p>

<p>The Congress had also claimed that Qatar had purchased 12 Rafale fighter jets in November 2017 for $108.33 million per aircraft (Rs 694.80 crore), noting that the per aircraft rate at which the Gulf nation is buying the jet is much lower than the rate at which India will procure them.</p>

<p>The government has refused to give details of the price break up of each rafale aircraft, citing confidentiality provisions of a 2008 Indo-France pact.</p>

<p>In a detailed statement, the defence ministry last month had termed as &quot;unfounded&quot; allegations made by the Congress about the Rafale deal, asserting that the demand to disclose details such as its value was &quot;unrealistic&quot; as doing so might compromise India&#39;s national security.</p>

<p>It had said giving an item-wise cost and other information would reveal details about weapons systems and customisation of the jet.</p>

<p>The ministry had said that in 2012, the then defence minister exercised an unprecedented personal veto on the laid down institutional process then underway for the procurement of the 126 jets.&nbsp;</p>


Sitharaman said she would welcome if the Congress raises the issue of procurement of Rafale jets when the budget session of the Parliament reconvenes from Monday

Dismissing allegations of corruption in the contract for 36 Rafale jets, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman today asserted there can be no comparison between the scam-hit Bofors gun deal and the procurement of the fighter aircraft. "Do not even compare it (Rafale deal) with Bofors. There is no scam here," Sitharaman told reporters when asked whether Rafale deal will go the Bofors way. Sitharaman said she would welcome if the Congress raises the issue of procurement of Rafale jets when the budget session of the Parliament reconvenes from Monday. "I will welcome it (if Congress raises it)," she said. The Congress has been ramping up attack on the government over the Rafale issue, claiming that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore. Official sources claimed the original deal to procure 126 fighter jet could not go through during the UPA rule despite reaching the final stage due to an intervention by the then defence minister A K Antony as he felt something wrong in the process. They said the government selected Rafale for procurement of the 36 fighter jets not because of the price arrived at during the UPA tenure but due to the "overarching" assessment of the jet. There were allegations that payoffs were made in the procurement of the artillery guns from Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors in the late 1980s during the then Congress government. The allegations and its subsequent political ramifications had severely crippled the Indian Army's procurement of artillery guns. Alleging corruption, the Congress has been asking the government whether the per aircraft price of Rafale, according to international bids opened on December 12, 2012, comes to $80.95 million (Rs 526.1 crore) as against the Modi government's per aircraft negotiated price of $241.66 Million (Rs 1,570.8 crore) as per current exchange rates. The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for the purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) for the Air Force and, post negotiations, two of them--Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- remained in the reckoning. However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime. The Congress had also claimed that Qatar had purchased 12 Rafale fighter jets in November 2017 for $108.33 million per aircraft (Rs 694.80 crore), noting that the per aircraft rate at which the Gulf nation is buying the jet is much lower than the rate at which India will procure them. The government has refused to give details of the price break up of each rafale aircraft, citing confidentiality provisions of a 2008 Indo-France pact. In a detailed statement, the defence ministry last month had termed as "unfounded" allegations made by the Congress about the Rafale deal, asserting that the demand to disclose details such as its value was "unrealistic" as doing so might compromise India's national security. It had said giving an item-wise cost and other information would reveal details about weapons systems and customisation of the jet. The ministry had said that in 2012, the then defence minister exercised an unprecedented personal veto on the laid down institutional process then underway for the procurement of the 126 jets.

No question of Rafale deal going the Bofors way: Nirmala Sitharaman

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi will on Thursday meet senior party leaders over strategy for upcoming budget session of Parliament.</p>

<p>He is expected to finalise the Congress&rsquo; strategy to corner government in the parliament.</p>

<p>First part of budget session is to be held from January 29 to February 9.</p>

<p>The session assumes importance as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government will present its last budget in its tenure on February 1.</p>

<p>The second part of the Budget session will be held from March 5 to April 6.</p>


He is expected to finalise the Congress’ strategy to corner government in the parliament.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will on Thursday meet senior party leaders over strategy for upcoming budget session of Parliament. He is expected to finalise the Congress’ strategy to corner government in the parliament. First part of budget session is to be held from January 29 to February 9. The session assumes importance as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government will present its last budget in its tenure on February 1. The second part of the Budget session will be held from March 5 to April 6.

Rahul to finalise budget session strategy tomorrow

<p>The Congress Party on Monday said that it will raise special CBI Justice Loya&#39;s death case in the upcoming budget session of the parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Judge Loya, who, before his death, was presiding over the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. BJP president Amit Shah was the prime accused in the case. Shah was subsequently discharged by the judge who succeeded Loya.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress to raise Judge Loya death case in upcoming budget session of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Parliament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Parliament</a> <a href="https://t.co/nA9dZkfOpI">pic.twitter.com/nA9dZkfOpI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955418848378761217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra started hearing a batch of PILs seeking an investigation into the suspicious death of Loya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the hearing, the SC transferred to itself two petitions from Bombay High Court regarding the case on Monday. The court also restrained all high courts from entertaining any petition relating to the judge&#39;s death. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The court also asked lawyers not to cast aspersions on BJP President Amit Shah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;As of today, it was a natural death. Do not cast aspersions,&quot; the court said.</p>

<p>The court termed as &quot;serious&quot; the issues raised in the pleas; saying &quot;we must look into all documents with the utmost seriousness&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


Judge Loya, who, before he died, was presiding over the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.

The Congress Party on Monday said that it will raise special CBI Justice Loya's death case in the upcoming budget session of the parliament. Judge Loya, who, before his death, was presiding over the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. BJP president Amit Shah was the prime accused in the case. Shah was subsequently discharged by the judge who succeeded Loya. Congress to raise Judge Loya death case in upcoming budget session of #Parliament pic.twitter.com/nA9dZkfOpI — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × Meanwhile, Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra started hearing a batch of PILs seeking an investigation into the suspicious death of Loya. During the hearing, the SC transferred to itself two petitions from Bombay High Court regarding the case on Monday. The court also restrained all high courts from entertaining any petition relating to the judge's death. The court also asked lawyers not to cast aspersions on BJP President Amit Shah. "As of today, it was a natural death. Do not cast aspersions," the court said. The court termed as "serious" the issues raised in the pleas; saying "we must look into all documents with the utmost seriousness".

Congress to raise Judge Loya death case in upcoming budget session of Parliament

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said that a sustained debate is required on the subject of simultaneous elections in his inaugural speech at the Budget Session of Parliament which began today.</p>

<p>&quot;A sustained debate is required on the subject of simultaneous elections and all political parties need to arrive at a consensus on this issue,&quot; President Kovind said in his opening address to the joint session of Parliament on Monday.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, in an interview to WION, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections should be held together and that he has discussed this idea with various policymakers. &quot;If the elections happen together, then the country can save a lot,&quot; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/upa-government-was-unable-to-solve-gst-issues-pm-modi-to-wion-30214" target="_blank">PM Modi had said in the interview</a>.</p>

<p>Today, while addressing the joint session of Parliament, President Kovind reiterated his government&#39;s commitment in passing the triple talaq bill.</p>

<p>&quot;My government has presented a bill to end the practice of triple talaq. I hope the Triple Talaq Bill will be passed soon so that Muslim women can live a life of dignity and without fear,&quot; President Kovind said.</p>

<p>Committed to &#39;empowerment and not appeasement&#39;, my government is making intensive efforts for the economic, social and educational empowerment of the minorities, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-session-live-31051" target="_blank">President Kovind said in his maiden address to Parliament</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, sailed through the Lok Sabha, the Triple Talaq Bill is pending in the Rajya Sabha as several opposition parties demanded that it be referred to a select committee.</p>

<p>Highlighting the achievements of Modi government, President Kovind said, &quot;My government has introduced insurance schemes for poor at a premium of Rs 1 per month and 90 paise per day. Over 18 crore poor have been covered under the &#39;PM Suraksha Bima Yojana&#39; and &#39;PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana&#39; and about Rs 2 thousand crore has been paid out as claims.&quot;</p>

<p>The government is committed to double the income of farmers by the year 2022, he said.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke before the commencement of Parliament&rsquo;s Budget Session, where he appealed to the opposition to pass the Triple Talaq Bill,&nbsp; saying it would be a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-session-2018-we-have-to-pass-triple-talaq-bill-and-protet-muslim-women-says-pm-modi-31049" target="_blank">New Year gift for Muslim women</a>.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, Modi said despite his government&#39;s efforts and people&#39;s expectations the triple talaq bill could not be passed in the last session.</p>

<p>The Budget Session of Parliament began on Monday. The first leg of the session will be between January 29 and February 9 during which the government will present the economic survey on January 29, followed by the Union Budget on February 1.</p>

<p>Following a recess after February 9, Parliament will meet again from March 5 to April 6.</p>


PM Modi had first mooted the idea of simultaneous elections to the states and Parliament. He has repeatedly asked all parties to rise above politics and consider it

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said that a sustained debate is required on the subject of simultaneous elections in his inaugural speech at the Budget Session of Parliament which began today. "A sustained debate is required on the subject of simultaneous elections and all political parties need to arrive at a consensus on this issue," President Kovind said in his opening address to the joint session of Parliament on Monday. Earlier this month, in an interview to WION, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections should be held together and that he has discussed this idea with various policymakers. "If the elections happen together, then the country can save a lot," PM Modi had said in the interview. Today, while addressing the joint session of Parliament, President Kovind reiterated his government's commitment in passing the triple talaq bill. "My government has presented a bill to end the practice of triple talaq. I hope the Triple Talaq Bill will be passed soon so that Muslim women can live a life of dignity and without fear," President Kovind said. Committed to 'empowerment and not appeasement', my government is making intensive efforts for the economic, social and educational empowerment of the minorities, President Kovind said in his maiden address to Parliament. While the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, sailed through the Lok Sabha, the Triple Talaq Bill is pending in the Rajya Sabha as several opposition parties demanded that it be referred to a select committee. Highlighting the achievements of Modi government, President Kovind said, "My government has introduced insurance schemes for poor at a premium of Rs 1 per month and 90 paise per day. Over 18 crore poor have been covered under the 'PM Suraksha Bima Yojana' and 'PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana' and about Rs 2 thousand crore has been paid out as claims." The government is committed to double the income of farmers by the year 2022, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke before the commencement of Parliament’s Budget Session, where he appealed to the opposition to pass the Triple Talaq Bill, saying it would be a New Year gift for Muslim women. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, Modi said despite his government's efforts and people's expectations the triple talaq bill could not be passed in the last session. The Budget Session of Parliament began on Monday. The first leg of the session will be between January 29 and February 9 during which the government will present the economic survey on January 29, followed by the Union Budget on February 1. Following a recess after February 9, Parliament will meet again from March 5 to April 6.

Budget session 2018: President Ram Nath Kovind pushes for discussion on simultaneous polls

<p>The Budget session of Parliament begins on Monday as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) readies to present its last full budget on 1 February before its five-year term ends.</p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind&#39;s address to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha&nbsp;marked the beginning of the Budget Session 2018. The Economic Survey of India will be tabled later in the day.</p>

<p>The upcoming budget is significant because the ruling NDA will go into the poll mode in 14 months as general elections are scheduled for early next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, the parliamentary party executive of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold a meeting on Monday, followed by another meeting of NDA allies to discuss the strategy for the session.</p>

<p><strong>Here are the highlights President Kovind&#39;s speech:</strong></p>

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<h5>It&rsquo;s a matter of pride for us that Unesco recognised Kumbh Mela as intangible cultural heritage of humanity: President Kovind</h5>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The government is committed to double the income of farmers by the year 2022: President Ram Nath Kovind <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Ydo4cw5Ph">pic.twitter.com/1Ydo4cw5Ph</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/957851770612457472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<h5>Work has started to increase broadband connectivity in villages. 2.5 lakh Panchayats have already been connected: President Kovind</h5>
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<h5>President Kovind says that to provide food to everyone, the government under National Food Security Act is providing supplies at minimal rates to the poor.</h5>
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<h5>2.70 Lakh Common Service Centers have been set up across the nation. These Centers provide digital service at low rates for various services even in the far off remote areas: President Ram Nath Kovind</h5>
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<h5>The highest priority of my Govt is to remove various difficulties faced by farmers &amp; to raise their standard of living. The schemes of my Govt are not only removing their hardships but also reducing the expenditure incurred by them on farming, says the President.</h5>
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<h5>Parliament approved a bill granting working woman paid maternity leave of 26 weeks.The government is committed to double the income of farmers by the year 2022: President Ram Nath Kovind</h5>
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<h5>We will realise the dream of &#39;New India&#39; in 2018, says the President during his address in the Parliament.</h5>
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<h5>My government has presented a bill in relation to Triple Talaq. I hope Parliament will soon make it legal, so that Muslim sisters and daughters will be able to live a fearless life with self respect: President Ram Nath Kovind</h5>
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<h5>It is our duty that when we celebrate Mahatma Gandhi&#39;s 150th birth anniversary in 2019 we pay tribute to him by making our country completely clean: President Ram Nath Kovind</h5>
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<h5>Baba Saheb Ambedkar used to say that without economic and social democracy, political democracy is unstable: President Kovind</h5>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-session-2018-we-have-to-pass-triple-talaq-bill-and-protet-muslim-women-says-pm-modi-31049" target="_blank">READ:&nbsp;We have to pass Triple Talaq bill and protect Muslim women, says PM Modi</a><br />
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The upcoming budget is significant because the ruling NDA will go into poll mode in 14 months as general elections are scheduled for early next year.

The Budget session of Parliament begins on Monday as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) readies to present its last full budget on 1 February before its five-year term ends. President Ram Nath Kovind's address to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha marked the beginning of the Budget Session 2018. The Economic Survey of India will be tabled later in the day. The upcoming budget is significant because the ruling NDA will go into the poll mode in 14 months as general elections are scheduled for early next year. Also, the parliamentary party executive of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold a meeting on Monday, followed by another meeting of NDA allies to discuss the strategy for the session. Here are the highlights President Kovind's speech: A sustained debate is required on the subject of simultaneous elections and all political parties need to arrive at a consensus on this issue: President Kovind × It’s a matter of pride for us that Unesco recognised Kumbh Mela as intangible cultural heritage of humanity: President Kovind × The government is committed to double the income of farmers by the year 2022: President Ram Nath Kovind #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/1Ydo4cw5Ph — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2018 × Work has started to increase broadband connectivity in villages. 2.5 lakh Panchayats have already been connected: President Kovind × President Kovind says that to provide food to everyone, the government under National Food Security Act is providing supplies at minimal rates to the poor. × 2.70 Lakh Common Service Centers have been set up across the nation. These Centers provide digital service at low rates for various services even in the far off remote areas: President Ram Nath Kovind × The highest priority of my Govt is to remove various difficulties faced by farmers & to raise their standard of living. The schemes of my Govt are not only removing their hardships but also reducing the expenditure incurred by them on farming, says the President. × Parliament approved a bill granting working woman paid maternity leave of 26 weeks.The government is committed to double the income of farmers by the year 2022: President Ram Nath Kovind × We will realise the dream of 'New India' in 2018, says the President during his address in the Parliament. × My government has presented a bill in relation to Triple Talaq. I hope Parliament will soon make it legal, so that Muslim sisters and daughters will be able to live a fearless life with self respect: President Ram Nath Kovind × It is our duty that when we celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary in 2019 we pay tribute to him by making our country completely clean: President Ram Nath Kovind × Baba Saheb Ambedkar used to say that without economic and social democracy, political democracy is unstable: President Kovind × READ: We have to pass Triple Talaq bill and protect Muslim women, says PM Modi

Budget Session: Govt working towards strengthening social justice, economic democracy says President

<p>Days before&nbsp;presenting the Union Budget, the NDA government on Thursday held a pre-budget session in Delhi.</p>

<p>Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley chaired the meeting with Finance Ministers of all states and Union Territories.</p>

<p>Suggestions relating to Union Budget were presented from different state ministers in the meeting.</p>

<p>The Budget session will begin on January 29 and the budget will be presented on February 1.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley chairs Pre-Budget meeting with Finance Ministers of all states and Union Territories. <a href="https://t.co/ymrSsB8ONF">pic.twitter.com/ymrSsB8ONF</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953854436241108993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the pre-budget meeting, the finance minister will hear the state ministers from the Union Budget

Days before presenting the Union Budget, the NDA government on Thursday held a pre-budget session in Delhi. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley chaired the meeting with Finance Ministers of all states and Union Territories. Suggestions relating to Union Budget were presented from different state ministers in the meeting. The Budget session will begin on January 29 and the budget will be presented on February 1. Delhi: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley chairs Pre-Budget meeting with Finance Ministers of all states and Union Territories. pic.twitter.com/ymrSsB8ONF — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2018 ×

Arun Jaitley chairs pre-budget meeting in Delhi

<p>The Budget Session of Parliament will commence from January 29 and the Union Budget will be presented on February one, the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs recommended on Friday.</p>

<p>President Ramnath Kovind will address the joint sitting of the two Houses on January 29 and the Economic Survey will be tabled on the same day, Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar said.</p>

<p>The first phase of the session will be from January 29 to February 9. After a recess, Parliament will meet again from March 5 to April 6, Kumar said.</p>

<p>The recommendation of the session dates were made by the CCPA which met in New Delhi.</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-adjourned-sine-die-12-bills-passed-in-winter-session-28617">Winter Session of Parliament</a> ended today.</p>


President Ramnath Kovind will address the joint sitting of the two Houses on January 29 and the Economic Survey will be tabled on the same day, Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar said.

The Budget Session of Parliament will commence from January 29 and the Union Budget will be presented on February one, the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs recommended on Friday. President Ramnath Kovind will address the joint sitting of the two Houses on January 29 and the Economic Survey will be tabled on the same day, Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar said. The first phase of the session will be from January 29 to February 9. After a recess, Parliament will meet again from March 5 to April 6, Kumar said. The recommendation of the session dates were made by the CCPA which met in New Delhi. The Winter Session of Parliament ended today.

Union Budget to be presented on February 1

<p>The Medical Council Bill which had led to protests by doctors was sent to the Standing Committee today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move led the doctors to call off the 12-hour nationwide stir that was called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).</p>

<p>&quot;We called off our strike as the Bill has been referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee which has members from diverse fields and there should now be a fruitful discussion. We are thankful to all the Lok Sabha members for supporting us,&quot; IMA&#39;s K K Aggarwal said as quoted by PTI.</p>

<p>The IMA protested against the legislation saying that the new bill will &quot;cripple&quot; the functioning of medical professionals by&nbsp;making them subservient to the bureaucracy and non-medical administrators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Medical Association declared today as a &quot;Black Day&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The central government has left us no option but to call it a &#39;black day&#39; in the history of medical profession. &#39;No to NMC (National Medical Commission)&#39; is a slogan for medical community as well as every patient: Parthiv Sanghvi, Indian Medical Association <a href="https://t.co/svYGvxyaJL">pic.twitter.com/svYGvxyaJL</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948087121130094592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The protest went on for eight hours before it was called off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill was tabled in the Parliament on Friday. The legislation proposed to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body.&nbsp;It also proposed for allowing practitioners of alternative medicines such as homoeopathy and Ayurveda to practice allopathy after completing a &quot;bridge course&quot;.</p>

<p>The Standing Committee has been&nbsp;asked to give its report before the Budget session.</p>


The Standing Committee is asked to give its report before the Budget session

The Medical Council Bill which had led to protests by doctors was sent to the Standing Committee today. The move led the doctors to call off the 12-hour nationwide stir that was called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). "We called off our strike as the Bill has been referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee which has members from diverse fields and there should now be a fruitful discussion. We are thankful to all the Lok Sabha members for supporting us," IMA's K K Aggarwal said as quoted by PTI. The IMA protested against the legislation saying that the new bill will "cripple" the functioning of medical professionals by making them subservient to the bureaucracy and non-medical administrators. The Indian Medical Association declared today as a "Black Day". The central government has left us no option but to call it a 'black day' in the history of medical profession. 'No to NMC (National Medical Commission)' is a slogan for medical community as well as every patient: Parthiv Sanghvi, Indian Medical Association pic.twitter.com/svYGvxyaJL — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 × The protest went on for eight hours before it was called off. The bill was tabled in the Parliament on Friday. The legislation proposed to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body. It also proposed for allowing practitioners of alternative medicines such as homoeopathy and Ayurveda to practice allopathy after completing a "bridge course". The Standing Committee has been asked to give its report before the Budget session.

Medical Council Bill sent to Standing Committee, Doctors call off protest

<p>The second part of the Budget session&nbsp;resumed today after a month-long recess.</p>

<p>Addressing the media,&nbsp;Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed confidence about the passage of the GST bill in&nbsp;this session.</p>

<p>&quot;I am hoping that the process of GST will be completed in this session itself. Matters that will benefit the poor will be discussed during this session,&quot; he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am hoping that the process of GST will be completed in this session itself: PM Modi ahead of budget session second leg <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash">#BudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/UdEvge8439">pic.twitter.com/UdEvge8439</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/839706445461475328">March 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The government is keen to pass the much awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) in this session. The GST will replace the existing indirect tax structure in the country by bringing in a single tax on both goods and services.</p>

<p>Home minister, Rajnath Singh, is expected to make a statement on the floor of the House on the killing of the suspected Islamic State terrorist in Lucknow and blast on a train in Madhya Pradesh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Home Minister Rajnath Singh likely to make a statement in the Parliament on Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train explosion, and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LucknowTerrorOp?src=hash">#LucknowTerrorOp</a> <a href="https://t.co/S6wTcEQXYm">pic.twitter.com/S6wTcEQXYm</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/839664627139084292">March 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Yesterday, finance minister, Arun Jaitley, said that the Finance Bill will be passed by the end of this month.</p>

<p>The first part of the sesssion concluded on February 9 after the presentation of the Union Budget and the passage of the motion of thanks to the President&#39;s address to the jopint sitting of the Parliament.</p>

<p>The Parliament had passed the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Laibilities) Act, 2017 in the first part of the Budget Session. The law ends the liability of the RBI on the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, which were demonetised on November 8 last year. It also makes the holding and transferring of the demonetised currency a criminal offence.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


The home minister is expected to make a statement on anti-terror operation in Lucknow and train blast in Madhya Pradesh

The second part of the Budget session resumed today after a month-long recess. Addressing the media, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed confidence about the passage of the GST bill in this session. "I am hoping that the process of GST will be completed in this session itself. Matters that will benefit the poor will be discussed during this session," he said. I am hoping that the process of GST will be completed in this session itself: PM Modi ahead of budget session second leg #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/UdEvge8439 — ANI (@ANI_news) March 9, 2017 × The government is keen to pass the much awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) in this session. The GST will replace the existing indirect tax structure in the country by bringing in a single tax on both goods and services. Home minister, Rajnath Singh, is expected to make a statement on the floor of the House on the killing of the suspected Islamic State terrorist in Lucknow and blast on a train in Madhya Pradesh. Home Minister Rajnath Singh likely to make a statement in the Parliament on Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train explosion, and #LucknowTerrorOp pic.twitter.com/S6wTcEQXYm — ANI (@ANI_news) March 9, 2017 × Yesterday, finance minister, Arun Jaitley, said that the Finance Bill will be passed by the end of this month. The first part of the sesssion concluded on February 9 after the presentation of the Union Budget and the passage of the motion of thanks to the President's address to the jopint sitting of the Parliament. The Parliament had passed the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Laibilities) Act, 2017 in the first part of the Budget Session. The law ends the liability of the RBI on the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, which were demonetised on November 8 last year. It also makes the holding and transferring of the demonetised currency a criminal offence. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister hopes for passage of GST as Budget session resumes today

<p>The Congress has said that it will boycott Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament for the rest of the budget session.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party also said that it will try to rope in other opposition parties as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We will boycott the Prime Minister. We will not listen to him, but we will not assault the dignity of the office of the Prime Minister... He has demeaned his office repeatedly by his choice of words and language,&quot; Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma told reporters.</p>

<p>Congress this morning held a strategy meet of opposition parties including JD(U), Left, DMK and Samajwadi Party over the issue.</p>

<p>Sharma claimed that the other parties too will join them.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi had yesterday mocked his predecessor Manmohan Singh while replying to a debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President&#39;s Address in Rajya Sabha, saying one should learn the art of &quot;bathing with a raincoat on&quot; from him as there was not a single taint on him despite so many scams taking place during his regime.</p>

<p>Congress had yesterday taken strong exception to the &quot;raincoat&quot; jibe and staged a walkout and demanded an apology from him. Congress also disrupted the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha today and protested in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>The Congress leader said the Prime Minister &quot;is intolerant to criticism. He lives in denial. He is also arrogant. He has lowered the dignity of office repeatedly and has used language which is unacceptable in political debates&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;He has dragged the political debates to unacceptable depths. We have been urging the PM to desist from doing this. But, he relishes using foul languages and insulting the Opposition,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;The Congress party consciously took this decision because we could not be sitting there as he was abusing our leaders, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh without any provocation from him, and insulted the memory of Indira Gandhi, who was martyred,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Sharma said Modi violated the rules of business and ethics of the House and breached the privileges of members, as Manmohan Singh is a sitting member and the Prime Minister could not have said anything against him without informing him and bringing a substantive motion. This, he said, has been pointed out today.</p>

<p>&quot;This must be understood. We know what BJP is saying that we have disrespected the PM. The Prime Minister has insulted Indian democracy in Parliament and we cannot accept what he has done,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The party also said that it will try to rope in other opposition parties as well

The Congress has said that it will boycott Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament for the rest of the budget session. The party also said that it will try to rope in other opposition parties as well. "We will boycott the Prime Minister. We will not listen to him, but we will not assault the dignity of the office of the Prime Minister... He has demeaned his office repeatedly by his choice of words and language," Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma told reporters. Congress this morning held a strategy meet of opposition parties including JD(U), Left, DMK and Samajwadi Party over the issue. Sharma claimed that the other parties too will join them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had yesterday mocked his predecessor Manmohan Singh while replying to a debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in Rajya Sabha, saying one should learn the art of "bathing with a raincoat on" from him as there was not a single taint on him despite so many scams taking place during his regime. Congress had yesterday taken strong exception to the "raincoat" jibe and staged a walkout and demanded an apology from him. Congress also disrupted the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha today and protested in the Lok Sabha. The Congress leader said the Prime Minister "is intolerant to criticism. He lives in denial. He is also arrogant. He has lowered the dignity of office repeatedly and has used language which is unacceptable in political debates". "He has dragged the political debates to unacceptable depths. We have been urging the PM to desist from doing this. But, he relishes using foul languages and insulting the Opposition," he said. "The Congress party consciously took this decision because we could not be sitting there as he was abusing our leaders, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh without any provocation from him, and insulted the memory of Indira Gandhi, who was martyred," he said. Sharma said Modi violated the rules of business and ethics of the House and breached the privileges of members, as Manmohan Singh is a sitting member and the Prime Minister could not have said anything against him without informing him and bringing a substantive motion. This, he said, has been pointed out today. "This must be understood. We know what BJP is saying that we have disrespected the PM. The Prime Minister has insulted Indian democracy in Parliament and we cannot accept what he has done," he said. (PTI)

Congress to boycott Prime Minister Modi in Parliament

<p>The Budget session of the Indian Parliament will start from January 31, a day before the federal budget is likely to be presented.</p>

<p>President Pranab Mukherjee has summoned the Rajya Sabha to convene on January 31, an official notification said.</p>

<p>A similar notification is also expected from the Lok Sabha secretariat.</p>

<p>While the session will begin with the President&#39;s address to the joint sitting of the two Houses, the pre-budget &nbsp;economic survey will be tabled the same day.</p>

<p>The practice of separate railway budget presentation is being scrapped from this year. The railway estimates will be part of the federal budget.</p>

<p>The announcement comes in the middle of opposition parties objecting to the presentation of the budget on February 1 before assembly polls in five states. The parties are objecting that this will skew the balance in government&#39;s favour, enabling it to woo voters with sops.</p>

<p>Parties have petitioned the Election Commission which has asked Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha to respond on behalf of the government.</p>

<p>The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs had recently recommended that the Budget Session commence on January 31 and the federal budget be presented the next day so that the new financial provisions come into force from April 1, the beginning of the new fiscal.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)<br />
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The federal budget is likely to be presented on February 1

The Budget session of the Indian Parliament will start from January 31, a day before the federal budget is likely to be presented. President Pranab Mukherjee has summoned the Rajya Sabha to convene on January 31, an official notification said. A similar notification is also expected from the Lok Sabha secretariat. While the session will begin with the President's address to the joint sitting of the two Houses, the pre-budget economic survey will be tabled the same day. The practice of separate railway budget presentation is being scrapped from this year. The railway estimates will be part of the federal budget. The announcement comes in the middle of opposition parties objecting to the presentation of the budget on February 1 before assembly polls in five states. The parties are objecting that this will skew the balance in government's favour, enabling it to woo voters with sops. Parties have petitioned the Election Commission which has asked Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha to respond on behalf of the government. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs had recently recommended that the Budget Session commence on January 31 and the federal budget be presented the next day so that the new financial provisions come into force from April 1, the beginning of the new fiscal. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Indian Parliament's Budget Session to commence from January 31

<p>Amid ongoing opposition from political parties regarding the Budget Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said at the all-party meet that the Parliament should function despite differences over certain issues during election time.</p>

<p>Ahead of the Budget Session, an all-party meeting was held to seek the Opposition&#39;s support for the smooth conduct of proceedings in both the houses of the Parliament. A similar meeting has been convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.</p>

<p>The government also dismissed the Opposition&#39;s allegation that the advancement of the Budget Session would help the ruling party in upcoming assembly polls in the five states.</p>

<p>Two days ago, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had requested PM Modi to delay the budget, saying India&#39;s most populous state would be deprived of schemes which could have impact on 20 crore citizens and development of the state.</p>

<p>Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the government should not advance the Budget Session as it would impact assembly polls. The Opposition also demanded another all-party meet before next part of the Budget Session is convened in March.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress has issued a statement saying the party&#39;s MPs will not be present in Parliament on the first two days of the Budget Session in protest against demonetization which was implemented without taking the Parliament into confidence.</p>

<p>&quot;In the ensuing session, Trinamool will, among other issues, raise the issue of the illegal arrest of its Lok Sabha leader and another MP which is a clear case of political vendetta by the ruling party at the Centre by misusing CBI and abusing its power,&quot; Trinamool said in a statement.</p>

<p>Sixteen opposition parties had this month moved the Election Commission, urging the poll body to ask the government to present the 2017 Budget after the assembly elections are held in the five states of Goa, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur and Goa.<br />
<br />
(This report first appeared in DNA)</p>


An all-party meeting was held to seek the Opposition's support for the smooth conduct of proceedings in both the houses of the Parliament

Amid ongoing opposition from political parties regarding the Budget Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said at the all-party meet that the Parliament should function despite differences over certain issues during election time. Ahead of the Budget Session, an all-party meeting was held to seek the Opposition's support for the smooth conduct of proceedings in both the houses of the Parliament. A similar meeting has been convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. The government also dismissed the Opposition's allegation that the advancement of the Budget Session would help the ruling party in upcoming assembly polls in the five states. Two days ago, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had requested PM Modi to delay the budget, saying India's most populous state would be deprived of schemes which could have impact on 20 crore citizens and development of the state. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the government should not advance the Budget Session as it would impact assembly polls. The Opposition also demanded another all-party meet before next part of the Budget Session is convened in March. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress has issued a statement saying the party's MPs will not be present in Parliament on the first two days of the Budget Session in protest against demonetization which was implemented without taking the Parliament into confidence. "In the ensuing session, Trinamool will, among other issues, raise the issue of the illegal arrest of its Lok Sabha leader and another MP which is a clear case of political vendetta by the ruling party at the Centre by misusing CBI and abusing its power," Trinamool said in a statement. Sixteen opposition parties had this month moved the Election Commission, urging the poll body to ask the government to present the 2017 Budget after the assembly elections are held in the five states of Goa, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur and Goa. (This report first appeared in DNA)

Parliament should function despite differences: PM to Opposition at all-party meet ahead of Budget Session

<p>Rebutting the charge of Opposition parties that the annual federal budget was being deliberately presented ahead of the assembly elections in five states, the government said the federal budget was an annual constitutional exercise covering the entire country and not just a few states.</p>

<p>The federal government was replying to the Election Commission which had asked it to respond to a representation by opposition parties urging the poll panel to make the government postpone the budget till assembly polls are over, PTI reported.</p>

<p>The opposition had alleged that the budget would be used to woo voters in the poll-bound states.</p>

<p>The cabinet secretariat replied to the Election Commission today.</p>

<p>The government said that advancing the budget presentation was necessary as it would ensure that all budgetary provisions were allocated to different sectors from April 1, the beginning of the new fiscal.</p>

<p>The budget is usually presented around the last week of February and, as a result, the approval of the budget spills over to the next financial year, delaying the start of new programmes, the government said.</p>

<p>The Budget Session has been convened from January 31 when the President will address the joint sitting of the two Houses. The federal budget and the Economic Survey are to be presented the next day.</p>

<p>The parliamentary committees have already been informed to study budgetary proposals in the recess period between February 10 and March 8, the government had said earlier.</p>

<p>It said that the government had made its intentions clear to advance the session in September last year and the federal cabinet had also cleared the proposal.</p>

<p>The opposition parties had written to the President and the Election Commission objecting to the presentation of the federal budget on February 1 ahead of the assembly elections and demanded that the government be asked to defer the annual exercise till March 8, the last day of voting.</p>

<p>A delegation of opposition parties comprising Congress, JD U(), BSP, SP, DMK and RJD had met chief election commissioner, Nasim Zaidi, on January 5, urging it to defer the budget presentation till March 8 at the least.<br />
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Punjab and Goa go to polls on February 4 and the last phase of Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur will be held on March 8.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)<br />
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The opposition parties had alleged that the presentation of the budget was being pushed ahead to woo voters in the poll-bound states.

Rebutting the charge of Opposition parties that the annual federal budget was being deliberately presented ahead of the assembly elections in five states, the government said the federal budget was an annual constitutional exercise covering the entire country and not just a few states. The federal government was replying to the Election Commission which had asked it to respond to a representation by opposition parties urging the poll panel to make the government postpone the budget till assembly polls are over, PTI reported. The opposition had alleged that the budget would be used to woo voters in the poll-bound states. The cabinet secretariat replied to the Election Commission today. The government said that advancing the budget presentation was necessary as it would ensure that all budgetary provisions were allocated to different sectors from April 1, the beginning of the new fiscal. The budget is usually presented around the last week of February and, as a result, the approval of the budget spills over to the next financial year, delaying the start of new programmes, the government said. The Budget Session has been convened from January 31 when the President will address the joint sitting of the two Houses. The federal budget and the Economic Survey are to be presented the next day. The parliamentary committees have already been informed to study budgetary proposals in the recess period between February 10 and March 8, the government had said earlier. It said that the government had made its intentions clear to advance the session in September last year and the federal cabinet had also cleared the proposal. The opposition parties had written to the President and the Election Commission objecting to the presentation of the federal budget on February 1 ahead of the assembly elections and demanded that the government be asked to defer the annual exercise till March 8, the last day of voting. A delegation of opposition parties comprising Congress, JD U(), BSP, SP, DMK and RJD had met chief election commissioner, Nasim Zaidi, on January 5, urging it to defer the budget presentation till March 8 at the least. Punjab and Goa go to polls on February 4 and the last phase of Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur will be held on March 8. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Budget covers entire country, not few states: Indian Govt to election body on advancing budget date

budget-session

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