Amid the coronavirus pandemic, India's Parliament is likely to be adjourned next week, reports said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-session-may-be-cut-short-as-covid-19-cases-among-indian-lawmakers-rise-sources-328605">Also Read:&nbsp;Parliament session may be cut short as COVID-19 cases among Indian lawmakers rise</a>

The Parliament which had opened on September 14 amid the pandemic has been hit by the virus with at least 30 lawmakers infected with the coronavirus.

Reports say the final decision on curtailing the session has been left to the Speaker in Lok Sabha.

There is reportedly consensus among MPs to adjourn the Parliament. The current session of Parliament was due to function till October 1.

The House had opened amid restrictions as it was decided that the Question Hour and private members' business during the session would be done away with. The Zero Hour was also restricted and the sessions were&nbsp;held in two shifts - 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm with no break during the session.

Both Houses were allowed to function on Saturdays and Sundays.&nbsp;

India's Upper House the Rajya Sabha conducted its session in the morning shift and the Lower House the Lok Sabha sat in the evening.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, India's Parliament is likely to be adjourned next week, reports said. Also Read: Parliament session may be cut short as COVID-19 cases among Indian lawmakers rise The Parliament which had opened on September 14 amid the pandemic has been hit by the virus with at least 30 lawmakers infected with the coronavirus.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, India's Parliament is likely to be adjourned next week, reports said. Also Read: Parliament session may be cut short as COVID-19 cases among Indian lawmakers rise The Parliament which had opened on September 14 amid the pandemic has been hit by the virus with at least 30 lawmakers infected with the coronavirus. Reports say the final decision on curtailing the session has been left to the Speaker in Lok Sabha. There is reportedly consensus among MPs to adjourn the Parliament. The current session of Parliament was due to function till October 1. The House had opened amid restrictions as it was decided that the Question Hour and private members' business during the session would be done away with. The Zero Hour was also restricted and the sessions were held in two shifts - 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm with no break during the session. Both Houses were allowed to function on Saturdays and Sundays. India's Upper House the Rajya Sabha conducted its session in the morning shift and the Lower House the Lok Sabha sat in the evening.

Parliament session likely to be curtailed next week over COVID-19: Report

Seventeen Members of Parliament tested positive for coronavirus as the Parliament monsoon session began on Monday morning.

Their tests were carried out before the session started.

Among the infected MPs, the BJP has 12. The YSR Congress has two MPs, the Shiv Sena, DMK and RLP one each.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier contracted the virus. He underwent a thorough medical examination before the parliament session started.

The parliament session is being held amid physical distancing guidelines and safety measures.

Also, ahead of the session, all members were requested to get themselves tested for COVID-19.&nbsp;The Lok Sabha members were tested at the Parliament House on September 13 and 14.

Seventeen Members of Parliament tested positive for coronavirus as the Parliament monsoon session began on Monday morning. Their tests were carried out before the session started.

Seventeen Members of Parliament tested positive for coronavirus as the Parliament monsoon session began on Monday morning. Their tests were carried out before the session started. Among the infected MPs, the BJP has 12. The YSR Congress has two MPs, the Shiv Sena, DMK and RLP one each. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier contracted the virus. He underwent a thorough medical examination before the parliament session started. The parliament session is being held amid physical distancing guidelines and safety measures. Also, ahead of the session, all members were requested to get themselves tested for COVID-19. The Lok Sabha members were tested at the Parliament House on September 13 and 14.

17 Lok Sabha MPs test positive for coronavirus as Parliament session begins

After a considerable delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 18-day monsoon session of Parliament is all set to kick off on Monday. Moreover, the Question Hour has been done away with, much to the chagrin of the Opposition.

Amid COVID-19 pandemic Indian Parliament resumes

'New Normal' for Indian Parliament: Session begins amid COVID-19 pandemic

Indian Parliament resumes: COVID-19 test mandatory for all MP's & staff

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices.

Facebook and its top lobbying executive in India, Ankhi Das, are facing criticism after a news report said she opposed applying hate-speech rules to a politician from India’s ruling party.

Facebook has been summoned to appear on Sept. 2 before the information technology panel, which considers issues like social media abuse. The discussion with Facebook will last for 30 minutes, according to a notice published late on Thursday.

“The subject is serious because of Facebook’s extensive reach in India ... and the potential for hate speech to incite violence and other unlawful behaviour,” said the panel member, who declined to be identified.

“How worrying this is, is to be determined after a hearing process is concluded.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/facebook-director-receives-death-threats-for-favouring-bjp-321138">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP</a>

Facebook - which has more than 300 million users in India, its biggest market - did not respond to a request for comment.

Facebook has long faced criticism for high-profile content moderation issues.

The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Das told staff that applying hate-speech rules to politicians close to India’s ruling party “would damage the company’s business prospects in the country”.

Facebook has been battling political fallout in India since.

The opposition Congress Party criticised Facebook for its policies, while some ruling-party lawmakers have accused it of censoring nationalist voices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-says-its-fielding-questions-by-us-regulators-322034">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators</a>

Separately, Reuters this week reported that some Facebook employees in the United States and beyond have raised questions in internal forums about whether adequate content regulation practices are being followed by the India team and demanded some changes.

Facebook’s soon-to-be-operational content Oversight Board, which some have dubbed the company’s “Supreme Court”, said it was committed to protecting users.&nbsp;

“How Facebook treats posts from public figures that may violate the Community Standards are within the scope of the Board,” the board told Reuters in a statement.

“We won’t shy away from the tough cases and holding Facebook accountable,” said the board, which has powers to overturn decisions by the company and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on whether individual pieces of content should be allowed or not.

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices.

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices. Facebook and its top lobbying executive in India, Ankhi Das, are facing criticism after a news report said she opposed applying hate-speech rules to a politician from India’s ruling party. Facebook has been summoned to appear on Sept. 2 before the information technology panel, which considers issues like social media abuse. The discussion with Facebook will last for 30 minutes, according to a notice published late on Thursday. “The subject is serious because of Facebook’s extensive reach in India ... and the potential for hate speech to incite violence and other unlawful behaviour,” said the panel member, who declined to be identified. “How worrying this is, is to be determined after a hearing process is concluded.” Also read: Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP Facebook - which has more than 300 million users in India, its biggest market - did not respond to a request for comment. Facebook has long faced criticism for high-profile content moderation issues. The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Das told staff that applying hate-speech rules to politicians close to India’s ruling party “would damage the company’s business prospects in the country”. Facebook has been battling political fallout in India since. The opposition Congress Party criticised Facebook for its policies, while some ruling-party lawmakers have accused it of censoring nationalist voices. Also read: Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators Separately, Reuters this week reported that some Facebook employees in the United States and beyond have raised questions in internal forums about whether adequate content regulation practices are being followed by the India team and demanded some changes. Facebook’s soon-to-be-operational content Oversight Board, which some have dubbed the company’s “Supreme Court”, said it was committed to protecting users. “How Facebook treats posts from public figures that may violate the Community Standards are within the scope of the Board,” the board told Reuters in a statement. “We won’t shy away from the tough cases and holding Facebook accountable,” said the board, which has powers to overturn decisions by the company and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on whether individual pieces of content should be allowed or not.

India parliamentary panel to question Facebook on content controversy: Source

Sources told to WION that Indian Parliament is likely to shutdown amid the spread of 'pandemic' Coronavirus (COVID-19). Parliament shutdown could be done after passing the finance bill. The final decision is likely to be taken after 9 PM on Sunday.

Sources: Indian Parliament likely to shutdown amid the spread of 'pandemic' COVID-19

Union Home Minister and BJP President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-reviews-functioning-of-crpf-calls-for-action-against-maoists-262479">Amit Shah</a> is scheduled to speak in the Rajya Sabha later today, sources said on Wednesday. 
 
Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-house-has-seen-many-historic-moments-says-modi-in-rajya-sabha-address-262903">Narendra Modi</a> had on Monday addressed the Upper House of Parliament.

"The Rajya Sabha is a symbol of India's development journey. Two things about the Rajya Sabha stand out, It's permanent nature. It is also a representative of India's diversity. This House gives importance to India's federal structure," he had stated.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/winter-session-of-parliament-government-set-to-push-citizenship-amendment-bill-263005">winter session of the Parliament</a>, which started from Monday earlier this week, will go on till December 13. It marks the 250th session of the Rajya Sabha.

Union Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah is scheduled to speak in the Rajya Sabha later today, sources said on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Monday addressed the Upper House of Parliament.

Union Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah is scheduled to speak in the Rajya Sabha later today, sources said on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Monday addressed the Upper House of Parliament. "The Rajya Sabha is a symbol of India's development journey. Two things about the Rajya Sabha stand out, It's permanent nature. It is also a representative of India's diversity. This House gives importance to India's federal structure," he had stated. The winter session of the Parliament, which started from Monday earlier this week, will go on till December 13. It marks the 250th session of the Rajya Sabha.

Amit Shah to speak in Rajya Sabha today

Giving a new ambience and aesthetics to the nation's biggest temple of democracy -- Parliament -- its exterior has been installed with permanent colourful lights ahead of the 73rd Independence Day celebrations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/my-upbringing-does-not-allow-me-to-take-a-life-pm-modi-to-bear-grylls-on-fighting-a-tiger-241981">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will inaugurate it at around 7:15 pm on Tuesday.

Lok Sabha Speaker, Vice Chairman of Rajya Sabha, cabinet minister and MPs will be present on the occasion.

These LED lights frequently change its colour making the Parliament House look more grandeur. Earlier, similar such light has been installed in South Block and North Block.

The LED lights used are environment-friendly and electricity saving lights. These lights are also installed in Parliament library and Parliament Annexure building.

In total 875 lights are installed for beautification.

The lighting installed in the Parliament House will be permanent.

Earlier, the Parliament House was decorated on special occasions such as on Independence Day, Republic Day and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, but now it has been installed with permanent lights.

Giving a new ambience and aesthetics to the nation's biggest temple of democracy -- Parliament -- its exterior has been installed with permanent colourful lights ahead of the 73rd Independence Day celebrations.

Giving a new ambience and aesthetics to the nation's biggest temple of democracy -- Parliament -- its exterior has been installed with permanent colourful lights ahead of the 73rd Independence Day celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it at around 7:15 pm on Tuesday. Lok Sabha Speaker, Vice Chairman of Rajya Sabha, cabinet minister and MPs will be present on the occasion. These LED lights frequently change its colour making the Parliament House look more grandeur. Earlier, similar such light has been installed in South Block and North Block. The LED lights used are environment-friendly and electricity saving lights. These lights are also installed in Parliament library and Parliament Annexure building. In total 875 lights are installed for beautification. The lighting installed in the Parliament House will be permanent. Earlier, the Parliament House was decorated on special occasions such as on Independence Day, Republic Day and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, but now it has been installed with permanent lights.

PM Modi will inaugurate permanent lighting in Parliament House

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad -- who was banned by Air India after he repeatedly beat their employee with a slipper --&nbsp;has regretted the incident in a letter to civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and requested that&nbsp;the flight ban on him be lifted.

A meeting between Minister of State for Aviation Jayant Sinha and Air India CMD on lifting of ban on Ravindra Gaikwad is currently underway at the Airlines House in Indian capital New Delhi.

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Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad conveys regret to Civil Aviation Min Ashok Gajapathi Raju, requests to lift fly ban imposed on him <a href="https://t.co/L933Cn2HKq">pic.twitter.com/L933Cn2HKq</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/849987671049076736">April 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Air India said earlier Thursday it will&nbsp;withdraw the flight ban imposed on the Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad if he apologised,&nbsp;ANI quoted sources as saying.

The Shiv Sena, meanwhile, remained defiant about Ravindra Gaikwad&#39;s behaviour. Party leader Sanjay Raut called the airline the &quot;servant of the public&quot; and said Air India had no right to insult a person on social media.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a> As Shiv Sena continues to back their MP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RavindraGaikwad?src=hash">#RavindraGaikwad</a>, Sanjay Raut says, &quot;Kya hai Air India? Kaun hai CMD? Kya aukat hai unki?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/bo36tomVEd">pic.twitter.com/bo36tomVEd</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/849972525195034626">April 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;What is Air India? Who is CMD? What is their status and where do they even stand? How can they even insult an MP so openly on social media? Who has given them this right? It is peoples&#39; servant, India&#39;s servant. If you expect us to learn to behave properly, then first you learn the same,&quot; Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said while addressing a press conference.

The Indian government&nbsp;said Thursday it will hold discussions with stakeholders to find an &quot;amicable solution&quot; to the stand off between the Shiv Sena and the government after the flight ban imposed on Shiv Sena legislator Ravindra Gaikwad.

The assurance from federal home minister Rajnath Singh came after Shiv Sena members, including Union Minister Anant Geete, surrounded civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and yelled at him during today&#39;s proceedings in the Lok Sabha.

Rajnath Singh said Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju will hold discussions with the stakeholders to arrive at an &quot;amicable solution&quot; at the earliest.

As soon as the House met at 13:15 hours after three adjournments over the issue, Rajnath Singh said the incident related to Air India was unfortunate and it would have been better if it had not happened.

The Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre, threatened to boycott an NDA meeting if the flight ban on Ravindra Gaikwad was not revoked. Party sources earlier said the travel ban, imposed after the MP beat up a flight attendant, is likely to be revoked today, PTI reported.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said there has been a conspiracy behind the ban and the party will expose it at an appropriate time.

&quot;We will not attend the NDA meeting on April 10 if the travel ban on Gaikwad is not revoked,&quot; Raut said, noting that this is an &quot;instruction from party chief Uddhav Thackeray&quot;.

Ravindra Gaikwad today attended the Lok Sabha proceedings for the first time after the incident. He denied any wrongdoing on his part and instead accused Air India officials of misbehaving with him and sought action against them.

Gaikwad tendered an apology to Parliament but insisted that he owed no apology to the airline officials as he sought removal of the ban imposed on him by domestic airlines after he allegedly beat up an Air India officer with slippers.

&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad evades questions on Air India staffer assault case. <a href="https://t.co/BrLVahGqdR">pic.twitter.com/BrLVahGqdR</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/849934601984323585">April 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The civil aviation minister&nbsp;said it was up to Gaikwad to decide if he wanted to defuse the matter or aggravate it, asserting that what has happened is as per the law which will take its own course. Refusing any preferential treatment to the Sena member, he said the matter was not about an MP but a passenger.

&quot;Aircraft is a machine where people fly. Safety is important. Safety cannot be compromised,&quot; Raju said, apparently justifying the ban on Gaikwad.

Upset with Raju&#39;s brief but pointed remarks, Shiv Sena members, including Union Minister Anant Geete, surrounded the civil aviation minister after he refused to heed their demand to revoke the flying ban.

BJP members watched in shock as their allies hit Raju&#39;s bench in anger and did not allow him to leave.

Soon after, several leaders, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh, tried to placate Geete and his colleagues while Raju was ushered out.

Ravindra Gaikwad was barred by Air India and six other domestic airlines from flying after he assaulted an Air India staffer last month.

Air India, meanwhile, is likely to step up security for its staff at the Mumbai and Pune airports after Shiv Sena lawmakers allegedly threatened to stall the airline&#39;s operations at the two key airports, PTI reported.

The Sena MPs had warned of grounding Air India operations at the two airports in Maharashtra after the party failed to get an assurance from Gajapathu Raju over lifting of the flying ban on Ravindra Gaikwad.

(WION with inputs from PTI) 
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Air India has said it will?withdraw the flight ban imposed on the Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad if he apologises

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad -- who was banned by Air India after he repeatedly beat their employee with a slipper -- has regretted the incident in a letter to civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and requested that the flight ban on him be lifted. A meeting between Minister of State for Aviation Jayant Sinha and Air India CMD on lifting of ban on Ravindra Gaikwad is currently underway at the Airlines House in Indian capital New Delhi. Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad conveys regret to Civil Aviation Min Ashok Gajapathi Raju, requests to lift fly ban imposed on him pic.twitter.com/L933Cn2HKq — ANI (@ANI_news) April 6, 2017 × Air India said earlier Thursday it will withdraw the flight ban imposed on the Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad if he apologised, ANI quoted sources as saying. The Shiv Sena, meanwhile, remained defiant about Ravindra Gaikwad's behaviour. Party leader Sanjay Raut called the airline the "servant of the public" and said Air India had no right to insult a person on social media. #WATCH As Shiv Sena continues to back their MP #RavindraGaikwad, Sanjay Raut says, "Kya hai Air India? Kaun hai CMD? Kya aukat hai unki?" pic.twitter.com/bo36tomVEd — ANI (@ANI_news) April 6, 2017 × "What is Air India? Who is CMD? What is their status and where do they even stand? How can they even insult an MP so openly on social media? Who has given them this right? It is peoples' servant, India's servant. If you expect us to learn to behave properly, then first you learn the same," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said while addressing a press conference. The Indian government said Thursday it will hold discussions with stakeholders to find an "amicable solution" to the stand off between the Shiv Sena and the government after the flight ban imposed on Shiv Sena legislator Ravindra Gaikwad. The assurance from federal home minister Rajnath Singh came after Shiv Sena members, including Union Minister Anant Geete, surrounded civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and yelled at him during today's proceedings in the Lok Sabha. Rajnath Singh said Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju will hold discussions with the stakeholders to arrive at an "amicable solution" at the earliest. As soon as the House met at 13:15 hours after three adjournments over the issue, Rajnath Singh said the incident related to Air India was unfortunate and it would have been better if it had not happened. The Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre, threatened to boycott an NDA meeting if the flight ban on Ravindra Gaikwad was not revoked. Party sources earlier said the travel ban, imposed after the MP beat up a flight attendant, is likely to be revoked today, PTI reported. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said there has been a conspiracy behind the ban and the party will expose it at an appropriate time. "We will not attend the NDA meeting on April 10 if the travel ban on Gaikwad is not revoked," Raut said, noting that this is an "instruction from party chief Uddhav Thackeray". Ravindra Gaikwad today attended the Lok Sabha proceedings for the first time after the incident. He denied any wrongdoing on his part and instead accused Air India officials of misbehaving with him and sought action against them. Gaikwad tendered an apology to Parliament but insisted that he owed no apology to the airline officials as he sought removal of the ban imposed on him by domestic airlines after he allegedly beat up an Air India officer with slippers. #WATCH: Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad evades questions on Air India staffer assault case. pic.twitter.com/BrLVahGqdR — ANI (@ANI_news) April 6, 2017 × The civil aviation minister said it was up to Gaikwad to decide if he wanted to defuse the matter or aggravate it, asserting that what has happened is as per the law which will take its own course. Refusing any preferential treatment to the Sena member, he said the matter was not about an MP but a passenger. "Aircraft is a machine where people fly. Safety is important. Safety cannot be compromised," Raju said, apparently justifying the ban on Gaikwad. Upset with Raju's brief but pointed remarks, Shiv Sena members, including Union Minister Anant Geete, surrounded the civil aviation minister after he refused to heed their demand to revoke the flying ban. BJP members watched in shock as their allies hit Raju's bench in anger and did not allow him to leave. Soon after, several leaders, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh, tried to placate Geete and his colleagues while Raju was ushered out. Ravindra Gaikwad was barred by Air India and six other domestic airlines from flying after he assaulted an Air India staffer last month. Air India, meanwhile, is likely to step up security for its staff at the Mumbai and Pune airports after Shiv Sena lawmakers allegedly threatened to stall the airline's operations at the two key airports, PTI reported. The Sena MPs had warned of grounding Air India operations at the two airports in Maharashtra after the party failed to get an assurance from Gajapathu Raju over lifting of the flying ban on Ravindra Gaikwad. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Shiv Sena MP 'regrets' unruly behaviour, requests civil aviation minister to lift flight ban

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee kickstarted Budget 2017 by addressing a joint session of both the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The President advocated for a constructive debate on simultaneous elections in the Lower House (Lok Sabha) and Assemblies, as well as funding of polls to eliminate money power.&nbsp;

&quot;Frequent elections put on hold development programmes, disrupt normal public life and impact essential services and burden human resource with prolonged period of election duty.

&quot;My government welcomes a constructive debate on simultaneous conduct of elections to Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Funding of elections to eradicate misuse of money power also needs to be debated,&quot; he said.

In his speech, he praised people, especially the poor for showing &#39;&#39;resilience&quot; in the fight against black money and corruption.&nbsp;

He also listed various achievements of the government saying all initiatives target the welfare of the &#39;gareeb&#39;, &#39;peedit&#39;, &#39;Dalit&#39; and &#39;vanchhit&#39; (the poor, discriminated and deprived section).&nbsp;

The President assured that the government is committed to fulfilling the &quot;social and economic quality&quot; for the deprived sections of society.&nbsp;

He cited various schemes like Jan Dhan accounts, Pradhan Mantri Yojana, Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana and Deen Dayal Upadhayay Gram Jyoti Yojana which have aided the poor.&nbsp;

&quot;Under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, over Rs 16000 crore have been made available to SHGs in the current Financial Year,&quot; President Mukherjee said.

&quot;Under Deen Dayal Upadhayay Gram Jyoti Yojana over 11,000 villages have been electrified in a record time,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The President also spoke on women empowerment, saying &quot;naari shakti&quot; intrinsic part of India&#39;s development.&nbsp;

He referred to the Save the girl child scheme (Beti Bachao Beti Padhao) produced &quot;encouraging results&quot; and the &quot;Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (free health check-ups for pregnant women) will provide comprehensive ante-natal care to all pregnant women.&quot;

The President said the government will combat terrorism and ensure that the perpetrators do not go unpunished. He praised the government&#39;s decision to carry out surgical strikes against militant launch pads along the Line of Control as a fitting reply to the repeated incursions. He said the country was proud and &quot;owed a debt of gratitude&quot; to the soldiers for their bravery.&nbsp;

The Economic Survey will be tabled later in the day while the Rail and General Budget will be presented together on Wednesday, a departure from tradition.&nbsp;

Some 34 bills will also be introduced for passing and consideration. These include three ordinances which will be replaced through bills: The ordinance&nbsp;of Enemy Property, Payment of Wages and Specified Bank Notes.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The Economic Survey will be tabled later in the day while the Rail and General Budget will be presented together on February 1

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee kickstarted Budget 2017 by addressing a joint session of both the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday. The President advocated for a constructive debate on simultaneous elections in the Lower House (Lok Sabha) and Assemblies, as well as funding of polls to eliminate money power. "Frequent elections put on hold development programmes, disrupt normal public life and impact essential services and burden human resource with prolonged period of election duty. "My government welcomes a constructive debate on simultaneous conduct of elections to Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Funding of elections to eradicate misuse of money power also needs to be debated," he said. In his speech, he praised people, especially the poor for showing ''resilience" in the fight against black money and corruption. He also listed various achievements of the government saying all initiatives target the welfare of the 'gareeb', 'peedit', 'Dalit' and 'vanchhit' (the poor, discriminated and deprived section). The President assured that the government is committed to fulfilling the "social and economic quality" for the deprived sections of society. He cited various schemes like Jan Dhan accounts, Pradhan Mantri Yojana, Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana and Deen Dayal Upadhayay Gram Jyoti Yojana which have aided the poor. "Under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, over Rs 16000 crore have been made available to SHGs in the current Financial Year," President Mukherjee said. "Under Deen Dayal Upadhayay Gram Jyoti Yojana over 11,000 villages have been electrified in a record time," he said. The President also spoke on women empowerment, saying "naari shakti" intrinsic part of India's development. He referred to the Save the girl child scheme (Beti Bachao Beti Padhao) produced "encouraging results" and the "Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (free health check-ups for pregnant women) will provide comprehensive ante-natal care to all pregnant women." The President said the government will combat terrorism and ensure that the perpetrators do not go unpunished. He praised the government's decision to carry out surgical strikes against militant launch pads along the Line of Control as a fitting reply to the repeated incursions. He said the country was proud and "owed a debt of gratitude" to the soldiers for their bravery. The Economic Survey will be tabled later in the day while the Rail and General Budget will be presented together on Wednesday, a departure from tradition. Some 34 bills will also be introduced for passing and consideration. These include three ordinances which will be replaced through bills: The ordinance of Enemy Property, Payment of Wages and Specified Bank Notes. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Budget 2017: President Pranab Mukherjee welcomes debate on simultaneous Lower House and Assembly elections

Speaking to WION&nbsp;exclusively , the deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, PJ Kurien said that the reason why Parliament is not functioning is because the&nbsp;give and take between the Opposition and Treasury is not happening.

&ldquo;What is required is dialogue between the government and Opposition outside the Parliament.&rdquo;he said.

The current Winter Session of the Parliament&nbsp;was a complete wash out where both houses could only discuss and legislate one bill.

Most of the session got trampled over the issue of demonetisation and Agusta Westland deal. Worried,&nbsp; deputy chairman told WION that the democratic way is the way of compromise and adjustments. &ldquo;As of now no adjustment has taken place,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; 
 
The deputy chair even expressed his surprise at the fact that even Treasury benches disrupted the house.&rdquo; I&rsquo;m surprised that even some of the MPS of the ruling party joined disruption,&rdquo;&nbsp;said PJ Kurien.

He says that for the larger interest of the country both Opposition and the ruling party must have a dialogue.

He added that both sides should introspect.&rdquo; I&rsquo;m disappointed but will not blame anyone&quot;.

&ldquo; If electoral representatives don&rsquo;t do the job then people will lose faith. There should be a limit and benchmark for emotional outbursts,&rdquo; said PJ Kurien.&nbsp;

Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha could not function because of changing goal posts of the ruling party and the Opposition.

For the first time, the Opposition also dealt very aggressively with the Chairs. Not only members would pour into the well but shout so loud that it would drown the voice of the chair.

The ruling in both houses does not permit members to come to the well but both rulings were broken with impunity in both the houses.

Though no member faced any disciplinary action, PJ Kurien says, &ldquo; Coming inside the well and shouting is in itself&nbsp;a challenge to the chair.&nbsp; 
 
(WION)

The current Winter Session of the Parliament?was a complete wash out where both Houses could only discuss and legislate one bill

Speaking to WION exclusively , the deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, PJ Kurien said that the reason why Parliament is not functioning is because the give and take between the Opposition and Treasury is not happening. “What is required is dialogue between the government and Opposition outside the Parliament.”he said. The current Winter Session of the Parliament was a complete wash out where both houses could only discuss and legislate one bill. Most of the session got trampled over the issue of demonetisation and Agusta Westland deal. Worried, deputy chairman told WION that the democratic way is the way of compromise and adjustments. “As of now no adjustment has taken place,” he said. The deputy chair even expressed his surprise at the fact that even Treasury benches disrupted the house.” I’m surprised that even some of the MPS of the ruling party joined disruption,” said PJ Kurien. He says that for the larger interest of the country both Opposition and the ruling party must have a dialogue. He added that both sides should introspect.” I’m disappointed but will not blame anyone". “ If electoral representatives don’t do the job then people will lose faith. There should be a limit and benchmark for emotional outbursts,” said PJ Kurien. Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha could not function because of changing goal posts of the ruling party and the Opposition. For the first time, the Opposition also dealt very aggressively with the Chairs. Not only members would pour into the well but shout so loud that it would drown the voice of the chair. The ruling in both houses does not permit members to come to the well but both rulings were broken with impunity in both the houses. Though no member faced any disciplinary action, PJ Kurien says, “ Coming inside the well and shouting is in itself a challenge to the chair. (WION)

PJ Kurien, Deputy chairman of India's Upper House, tells WION 'What is needed is dialogue between Opposition and Government outside Parliament'

For the 11th consecutive day, opposition parties stalled India&#39;s Parliament today, even while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the upper house, Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;Members of Parliament have been demanding the resumption of debate on demonetisation.

Changing stance, the opposition demanded an apology from the Prime Minister for his remarks against those opposing demonetisation, and resorted to noisy protest when the demand was rejected.

During the first half of the day, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs expressed their concern over the way the commercial plane carrying West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was kept hovering for a long time while landing at Kolkata airport last night. Banerjee said the aircraft was low on fuel.&nbsp;The government said the incident will be probed.

Starting off the question hour, leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said that while the Prime Minister has been addressing his party MPs in Parliament House and even speaking outside, the opposition parties have been demanding his presence during the debate on demonetisation issue.

Modi sat through the question hour on a day which had&nbsp;questions listed against his name. Subsequently, he was present in the post-lunch session at 2 pm as well.

&quot;We had been demanding for last 15 days (presence of PM). ...We are against blackmoney. We want to speak on this issue but with whom? Our anguish is that the Prime Minister is holding weekly meetings with his MPs in Parliament House. He is also speaking outside. Our demand is that the Prime Minister should be here and listen to us,&quot; Azad said.

When the senior Congress leader also alleged that the PM had remarked that ppposition parties support blackmoney-holders and said it was a &quot;big allegation&quot;, Bharatiya Janata Party members protested the remark.

Law and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu insisted that the House should continue with the debate on demonetisation, which started on November 16, the first day of the winter session.

Ansari also said that the debate has not been concluded and called the listed speaker, A U Singh Deo of Biju Janata Dal&nbsp;to start.

Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal (United) also demanded that the Prime Minister be present in the House through the discussion.

&quot;Why are you assuming that he (PM) will not participate?&quot; Ansari asked Yadav.

As Singh Deo rose to speak on demonetisation, Congress members started raising slogans like &quot;Pradhan Mantri Mafi Maango (PM should apologise)&quot; from the aisles.

The House was adjourned for 15 minutes amid the din.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

The opposition MPs asked Modi to apologise for his remarks that targeted those opposing demonetisation

For the 11th consecutive day, opposition parties stalled India's Parliament today, even while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the upper house, Rajya Sabha. Members of Parliament have been demanding the resumption of debate on demonetisation. Changing stance, the opposition demanded an apology from the Prime Minister for his remarks against those opposing demonetisation, and resorted to noisy protest when the demand was rejected. During the first half of the day, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs expressed their concern over the way the commercial plane carrying West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was kept hovering for a long time while landing at Kolkata airport last night. Banerjee said the aircraft was low on fuel. The government said the incident will be probed. Starting off the question hour, leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said that while the Prime Minister has been addressing his party MPs in Parliament House and even speaking outside, the opposition parties have been demanding his presence during the debate on demonetisation issue. Modi sat through the question hour on a day which had questions listed against his name. Subsequently, he was present in the post-lunch session at 2 pm as well. "We had been demanding for last 15 days (presence of PM). ...We are against blackmoney. We want to speak on this issue but with whom? Our anguish is that the Prime Minister is holding weekly meetings with his MPs in Parliament House. He is also speaking outside. Our demand is that the Prime Minister should be here and listen to us," Azad said. When the senior Congress leader also alleged that the PM had remarked that ppposition parties support blackmoney-holders and said it was a "big allegation", Bharatiya Janata Party members protested the remark. Law and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu insisted that the House should continue with the debate on demonetisation, which started on November 16, the first day of the winter session. Ansari also said that the debate has not been concluded and called the listed speaker, A U Singh Deo of Biju Janata Dal to start. Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal (United) also demanded that the Prime Minister be present in the House through the discussion. "Why are you assuming that he (PM) will not participate?" Ansari asked Yadav. As Singh Deo rose to speak on demonetisation, Congress members started raising slogans like "Pradhan Mantri Mafi Maango (PM should apologise)" from the aisles. The House was adjourned for 15 minutes amid the din. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Opposition stalls India's Parliament even with PM Modi present

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