Rajya Sabha&nbsp;got adjourned till&nbsp;11 am&nbsp;on&nbsp;December 27 amid the uproar by Congress demanding apology over the remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

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Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 AM on 27th December amid uproar by Congress demanding PM Modi&#39;s apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh
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Congress MPs also raised slogans on&nbsp;the same issue in Lok Sabha today.

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Uproar in Lok Sabha,Congress MPs raise slogans demanding PM Modi&#39;s apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh
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Early on Friday morning, Congress had sent an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-gives-adjournment-motion-notice-to-rajya-sabha-27427">adjournment motion notice</a> to Rajya Sabha under the rule 267&nbsp;of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also gave adjourned motion notice in Rajya Sabha under the same rule.

Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections.&nbsp;

Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-agrees-to-have-discussion-with-the-government-over-allegations-made-against-manmohan-singh-27177">opposition that the government</a>&nbsp;was open to discussion.&nbsp;

Congress MPs also raised slogans for the same issue in Lok Sabha also

Rajya Sabha got adjourned till 11 am on December 27 amid the uproar by Congress demanding apology over the remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 AM on 27th December amid uproar by Congress demanding PM Modi's apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Congress MPs also raised slogans on the same issue in Lok Sabha today. Uproar in Lok Sabha,Congress MPs raise slogans demanding PM Modi's apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Early on Friday morning, Congress had sent an adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also gave adjourned motion notice in Rajya Sabha under the same rule. Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections. Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the opposition that the government was open to discussion.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till Tuesday amid uproar over Modi's remark on Manmohan Singh

Congress continuing its standoff&nbsp;in Parliament over Prime Minister Modi&#39;s remarks on Manmohan Singh sent an adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha on Friday.

The notice was sent under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha.

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Congress given adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on PM Modi&#39;s remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh <a href="https://t.co/g5d7p9Bwdk">pic.twitter.com/g5d7p9Bwdk</a>
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Vice President and Speaker of Rajya Sabha will be taking a final decision on the adjournment today.

On Thursday, the parliament was adjourned for the day even before <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkars-unable-to-lead-debate-as-rajya-sabha-gets-adjourned-27360">Sachin Tendulkar</a> could begin his debate on &quot;Right to Play and the future of sports in India&quot; due to the Congress outcry.

The Rajya Sabha had been repeatedly adjourned since Monday as the opposition demanding an apology for the remarks made by PM Modi on former PM Manmohan Singh during an election rally in Gujarat last week.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-adjourned-over-pm-modi-remarks-against-manmohan-singh-27253">Parliament adjourned over PM Modi remarks against Manmohan Singh</a>

On Tuesday, the Congress also walked out of the Lok Sabha.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-agrees-to-have-discussion-with-the-government-over-allegations-made-against-manmohan-singh-27177">opposition that the government</a> was open to discussion.&nbsp;

Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The notice was sent under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha.

Congress continuing its standoff in Parliament over Prime Minister Modi's remarks on Manmohan Singh sent an adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha on Friday. The notice was sent under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha. Congress given adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on PM Modi's remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh pic.twitter.com/g5d7p9Bwdk — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Vice President and Speaker of Rajya Sabha will be taking a final decision on the adjournment today. On Thursday, the parliament was adjourned for the day even before Sachin Tendulkar could begin his debate on "Right to Play and the future of sports in India" due to the Congress outcry. The Rajya Sabha had been repeatedly adjourned since Monday as the opposition demanding an apology for the remarks made by PM Modi on former PM Manmohan Singh during an election rally in Gujarat last week. Also read: Parliament adjourned over PM Modi remarks against Manmohan Singh On Tuesday, the Congress also walked out of the Lok Sabha. Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the opposition that the government was open to discussion. Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections.

Congress sends adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha

I was standing with my boss, Sachidananda Murthy, the Resident Editor of The Week magazine when he received the call that gunshots could be heard from the Parliament. We worked on the 2nd floor of the UNI building in front of the VP House which is barely 300 metres from Parliament. I don&rsquo;t think I took more than 5 minutes to reach the reception gate of the Parliament. I ran without thinking. I did not realise that terror attack has taken place. I only realised the gravity of the event when I saw injured policeman being dropped from the top of the outer wall of the Parliament so that he could be treated.

&nbsp;

I heard police say, &quot;aatankwadi sansad mein ghus gaye hain.&rdquo; He was injured and bleeding from his knee. Everyone seemed to be in a shock and all gates to the Parliament were shut. The gates were being manned by highly charged faces. I immediately called the office and told them of the attack. I was asked to immediately move away from the spot to a safe location. I did the opposite. I ran towards the main gate of the Parliament which was shut.

&nbsp;

I hid behind a pillar to take a peek inside, not realising the gravity of events which preceded my presence. Here, I met a man who pushed me aside and asked me to keep my head down. Later, I would know that man was Prabhakar whose photo would be flashed on the front pages of newspapers the next day.

&nbsp;

In those days, security was minimal and press operated freely. Even Parliament security was not much to name. I distinctly remember that within 15 to 20 minutes a shot got fired. Later, it was revealed that the last terrorist was shot down by the SPG personnel in the Parliament House Complex.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There were bystanders, journalists and policemen. All buildings around Parliament were also immediately shut down. Gradually as the news spread, security men from various branches of the government rushed to the Parliament. Both me and Prabhakar stayed put in that position for 30 minutes with his gun out.

&nbsp;

Time had frozen for us. No one was sure whether all terrorists had been put down. Inside search and rescue operation continued and outside gathering of security forces. Since gates were locked even the senior officers were clueless outside. Meanwhile, two Member of Parliaments made their way outside and addressed the press. Police by then had moved most of the press back. I too was asked to move back which I did promptly.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;After an hour or so I saw a column of Army with heavy machinery move to the centre of Vijay Chawk. Though they were withdrawn later, it became clear that every security institution in the country acted on its own and no proper coordination existed between them for hours to continue. It was only after one and half hour or so that I understood that the operation is over and sanitisation exercise has kicked into action.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;I stood there for 4 hours. Empty Vijay Chawk turned into a crowded news reporting station within an hour. There were chaos and shock outside. India&#39;s most secure place had been breached.

&nbsp;

Until that fateful day, I had not covered Parliament. I would not do so for the next 2 years. The first brush with Parliament took place in the most horrible form which I would remember forever.

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

There were chaos and shock outside. India's most secure place had been breached.

I was standing with my boss, Sachidananda Murthy, the Resident Editor of The Week magazine when he received the call that gunshots could be heard from the Parliament. We worked on the 2nd floor of the UNI building in front of the VP House which is barely 300 metres from Parliament. I don’t think I took more than 5 minutes to reach the reception gate of the Parliament. I ran without thinking. I did not realise that terror attack has taken place. I only realised the gravity of the event when I saw injured policeman being dropped from the top of the outer wall of the Parliament so that he could be treated. I heard police say, "aatankwadi sansad mein ghus gaye hain.” He was injured and bleeding from his knee. Everyone seemed to be in a shock and all gates to the Parliament were shut. The gates were being manned by highly charged faces. I immediately called the office and told them of the attack. I was asked to immediately move away from the spot to a safe location. I did the opposite. I ran towards the main gate of the Parliament which was shut. I hid behind a pillar to take a peek inside, not realising the gravity of events which preceded my presence. Here, I met a man who pushed me aside and asked me to keep my head down. Later, I would know that man was Prabhakar whose photo would be flashed on the front pages of newspapers the next day. In those days, security was minimal and press operated freely. Even Parliament security was not much to name. I distinctly remember that within 15 to 20 minutes a shot got fired. Later, it was revealed that the last terrorist was shot down by the SPG personnel in the Parliament House Complex. There were bystanders, journalists and policemen. All buildings around Parliament were also immediately shut down. Gradually as the news spread, security men from various branches of the government rushed to the Parliament. Both me and Prabhakar stayed put in that position for 30 minutes with his gun out. Time had frozen for us. No one was sure whether all terrorists had been put down. Inside search and rescue operation continued and outside gathering of security forces. Since gates were locked even the senior officers were clueless outside. Meanwhile, two Member of Parliaments made their way outside and addressed the press. Police by then had moved most of the press back. I too was asked to move back which I did promptly. After an hour or so I saw a column of Army with heavy machinery move to the centre of Vijay Chawk. Though they were withdrawn later, it became clear that every security institution in the country acted on its own and no proper coordination existed between them for hours to continue. It was only after one and half hour or so that I understood that the operation is over and sanitisation exercise has kicked into action. I stood there for 4 hours. Empty Vijay Chawk turned into a crowded news reporting station within an hour. There were chaos and shock outside. India's most secure place had been breached. Until that fateful day, I had not covered Parliament. I would not do so for the next 2 years. The first brush with Parliament took place in the most horrible form which I would remember forever. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: I was there when terrorists attacked Indian Parliament

Yogi Adityanath has said it does not matter who built the Taj Mahal, or why it was built.&nbsp;

But that it was built with the blood and sweat of Indian labourers.&nbsp;

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It does not matter who built it and for what reason; it was built by blood and sweat of Indian labourers: UP CM Yogi Adityanath <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TajMahal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TajMahal</a> <a href="https://t.co/KSFU56KIRz">pic.twitter.com/KSFU56KIRz</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/920188361439977472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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It is very imp for us, especially from tourism perspective it is our priority to provide facilities &amp; safety to tourists there: CM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TajMahal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TajMahal</a> <a href="https://t.co/exOCYL0YgD">pic.twitter.com/exOCYL0YgD</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/920189104347742208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;It does not matter who built it and for what reason; it was built by blood and sweat of Indian labourers,&quot; ANI quoted him as saying.&nbsp;

He did however add that the Taj was &quot;very important for us, especially from tourism perspective&quot;.&nbsp;

The controvery had been brewed yesterday by BJP MLA Sangeet Som when he was quoted as having said the Taj was a blot on Indian culture.&nbsp;

That its maker -- Shahjahan -- had put his father in prison, and that he had &quot;wanted to wipe out HIndus&quot;.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-mla-sangeet-som-says-taj-creator-wanted-to-wipe-out-hindus-22478" target="_blank">WATCH: MLA Sangeet Som says Taj creator &#39;wanted to wipe out Hindus&#39;</a>

To which the SP&#39;s Azam Khan had replied that by that logic, India&#39;s Parliament and Rashtrapati Bhavan -- built by the British -- were symbols of slavery.&nbsp;

And that they too should be demolished.&nbsp;

Yogi&#39;s most recent comments on the Taj came after Khan&#39;s.&nbsp;

Yogi had earlier said the Taj was not indicative of Indian culture.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taj-mahal-minarets-not-representative-of-indian-culture-yogi-adityanath-16904" target="_blank">Taj Mahal, minarets not representative of Indian culture: Yogi Adityanath</a>

He was at the time complaining about the practice of gifting visiting foreign dignitaries replicas of the Taj.&nbsp;

The Taj is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.&nbsp;

Yogi&#39;s government seemed to spite the Taj again recently when a booklet brought out by his government&#39;s tourism department left out the Taj from a list of the state&#39;s tourist spots.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/taj-mahal-not-on-list-of-up-tourist-spots-20914" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Taj Mahal not on list of UP tourist spots</a>

ANI also reported Yogi as saying he would be visiting Agra on October 25, and that while there he would visit the Taj.&nbsp;

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We are organizing a special event on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> in Ayodhya, it will be a world class event: Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh CM <a href="https://t.co/P3JPgjNj1K">pic.twitter.com/P3JPgjNj1K</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/920187513473458176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yogi-government-plans-tp-build-100-m-tall-statue-of-lord-ram-in-ayodhya-21204" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Yogi government plans 100-mt-tall Lord Ram statue in Ayodhya</a>

&nbsp;

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister added that the Taj was 'very important for us, especially from tourism perspective'

Yogi Adityanath has said it does not matter who built the Taj Mahal, or why it was built. But that it was built with the blood and sweat of Indian labourers. It does not matter who built it and for what reason; it was built by blood and sweat of Indian labourers: UP CM Yogi Adityanath #TajMahal pic.twitter.com/KSFU56KIRz — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 17, 2017 × It is very imp for us, especially from tourism perspective it is our priority to provide facilities & safety to tourists there: CM #TajMahal pic.twitter.com/exOCYL0YgD — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 17, 2017 × "It does not matter who built it and for what reason; it was built by blood and sweat of Indian labourers," ANI quoted him as saying. He did however add that the Taj was "very important for us, especially from tourism perspective". The controvery had been brewed yesterday by BJP MLA Sangeet Som when he was quoted as having said the Taj was a blot on Indian culture. That its maker -- Shahjahan -- had put his father in prison, and that he had "wanted to wipe out HIndus". WATCH: MLA Sangeet Som says Taj creator 'wanted to wipe out Hindus' To which the SP's Azam Khan had replied that by that logic, India's Parliament and Rashtrapati Bhavan -- built by the British -- were symbols of slavery. And that they too should be demolished. Yogi's most recent comments on the Taj came after Khan's. Yogi had earlier said the Taj was not indicative of Indian culture. Taj Mahal, minarets not representative of Indian culture: Yogi Adityanath He was at the time complaining about the practice of gifting visiting foreign dignitaries replicas of the Taj. The Taj is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Yogi's government seemed to spite the Taj again recently when a booklet brought out by his government's tourism department left out the Taj from a list of the state's tourist spots. Also read: Taj Mahal not on list of UP tourist spots ANI also reported Yogi as saying he would be visiting Agra on October 25, and that while there he would visit the Taj. We are organizing a special event on #Diwali in Ayodhya, it will be a world class event: Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh CM pic.twitter.com/P3JPgjNj1K — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 17, 2017 × Also read: Yogi government plans 100-mt-tall Lord Ram statue in Ayodhya

Yogi on Taj Mahal: Does not matter who built it & why, was built by blood & sweat of Indian labourers

Parliament today passed a bill that seeks to decriminalise suicide attempt by mentally ill people and provides for the right to better healthcare for people suffering from mental illness.

&#39;The Mental Healthcare Bill&#39; also has a provision to protect and restore the property right of the mentally ill people, Health Minister J P Nadda said in the Lok Sabha, just before it was passed by the House by a voice vote.

All the amendments moved by the opposition members were defeated.

The Rajya Sabha had passed it in August last year with 134 official amendments.

The bill provides for decriminalising suicide attempt by mentally ill persons by making it non-punishable under the Indian Penal Code.

It also focusses on community-based treatment and provides for special treatment for women.

The bill seeks to ensure health-care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness &quot;in a manner that does not intrude on their rights and dignity.&quot;

While replying to a debate on the bill, Nadda described it as a &quot;patient-centric&quot; measure and said there was a need to empower the patients so that they could secure proper treatment.

The legislation has been brought after wider consultations with the stakeholders, he said.

&quot;There were consultations at the regional level, as well at the Centre. After consultations with the stakeholders the bill was sent to the Standing Committee and post amendments it came to Rajya Sabha.&quot;

Most of the suggestions of the Standing Committee were accepted by the government, the Health Minister said.

Around 29 members participated in the discussion and almost all of them extended support to the bill.

Stating that the 1987 Mental Act was institutionalised, the minister said that in the present bill, instead of the institution, the focus was on the community.

The bill is a &quot;progressive legislation&quot; and intends to take care of everyone in case of any exigency, he said.

Describing the bill as &quot;historic&quot;, the Health Minister said with the support of all, &quot;we can develop the mental health services.&quot;

There was a need to take care of the health and hygiene of the patients, he said, adding the right of a child with his/her mother will also be maintained.

Sterlisation would not be conducted on a person who is mentally ill, Nadda said, describing it as &quot;an insane and inhuman act.&quot;

If the need arises, he said, NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health &amp; Neuro Sciences) would be extended.

Responding to concerns expressed by some members over the safety of doctors in the wake of assault on a medico in Maharashtra recently by relatives of a patient, the Health Minister said instructions have been sent to the states that security of doctors should be ensured.

With regard to the issue raised by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on the inclusion of &quot;role model&quot;, the Health Minister said there was no need to include it in the bill.

However, he said, the government will definitely look at it at its own level.

Earlier, members cutting across the political spectrum supported the Metal Health Care Bill.

NCP&#39;s Supriya Sule said the Standing Committee has &quot;walked an extra mile&quot; to incorporate the suggestions of all stake holders.

BJD&#39;s Bhartruhari Mahtab said this legislation is the only bill which received 124 amendments and almost all have been accepted by the government.

Highlighting the shortage of medics and paremedics, BJP member Heena Gavit said there are only 4500 doctors specialised in mental health when the requirement was 12,500 and 3000 nurses per one lakh patients having mental disorders.

She rued that the country does not have any Phd seat for research in mental health. She said there should be a proper mechanism to take consent of patients for their treatment and they should not be treated as an &quot;experimental animals.&quot;

Sule wanted to know what would happen to the child after he/she turns the prescribed age.

Mahtab, along with Gavit and Sule, noted that the budget for the mental healthcare is abysmally low.

Sule also demanded inclusion of drug addiction and alcholism into the category of mental disease.

Supporting the legislation, Ravindra Babu (TDP) said, this was one of the &quot;finest legislation&quot; in last three years, but it mostly focuses on schirzophrenia.

K Vishweshwar Reddy (TRS) said while the earlier laws on mental health were &quot;regulation centric&quot;, the new bill is &quot;patient-centric&quot;.

Referring to Nobel prize winning mathematician John Nash, a patient of schizophrenia, who made fundamental contributions to game theory, Reddy said, at least he had support of his family. The movie &#39;A Beautiful Mind&#39; was based on his character. 
&quot;Although he had severe disabilities, he also had other capabilities,&quot; he said.

The TRS MP said the bill should have taken care of property of patients suffering from mental health as &quot;cruel relatives&quot; may exploit them under this pretext.

Supporting the legislation, Ratna Dey (TMC) demanded stringent punishment for doctors who falsify mental health cases.&nbsp;

P K Sreemathi Teacher (CPM) said the government should ensure that a mentally ill patient, after treatment, is accepted by the society and the people.

Besides, she said, free treatment for such kind of patient should be allowed.

Bansi Lal Mahto (BJP) suggested that ayurvedic clinic should be equipped to treat mentally ill people as this traditional method has precription for treatment of such diseases.

Jai Prakash Narain Yadav (RJD) there is a need to specify rehabilitation policy since the bill is silent about the exact modalties.

The government should look at providing conducive environment for mentally ill people after the treatment and suitable employment opportunity should be ensured.

Dushyant Chautala (INLD) said the level of stress is rising in the society and it is necessary to provide medical attention to the people suffering from mental disorder and depression.

He said that just like AIDS patients are give insurance cover, insurance cover with low premium should be provided to people with mental disorder as well.

N K Premachandran (RSP) said 5-6 per cent of people have mental problem and of them, 1-2 per cent have severe mental disorder.

He lauded the move to decriminalise attempt to suicide as a &quot;progressive&quot; move and said the government should also define &#39;severe stress&#39; in the Mental Health bill.

Others who participated in the debate included Idris Ali (TMC), Renuka Butta (YSRC), Janardan Mishra (BJP), Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) and Kaushlendra Kumar (JDU), Kaushalendra Kumar (JDU), Ashwini Kumar Choubey (BJP) and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM). 
 
(PTI)

The bill decriminalises suicide attempt by mentally ill persons by making it non-punishable under the Indian Penal Code

Parliament today passed a bill that seeks to decriminalise suicide attempt by mentally ill people and provides for the right to better healthcare for people suffering from mental illness. 'The Mental Healthcare Bill' also has a provision to protect and restore the property right of the mentally ill people, Health Minister J P Nadda said in the Lok Sabha, just before it was passed by the House by a voice vote. All the amendments moved by the opposition members were defeated. The Rajya Sabha had passed it in August last year with 134 official amendments. The bill provides for decriminalising suicide attempt by mentally ill persons by making it non-punishable under the Indian Penal Code. It also focusses on community-based treatment and provides for special treatment for women. The bill seeks to ensure health-care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness "in a manner that does not intrude on their rights and dignity." While replying to a debate on the bill, Nadda described it as a "patient-centric" measure and said there was a need to empower the patients so that they could secure proper treatment. The legislation has been brought after wider consultations with the stakeholders, he said. "There were consultations at the regional level, as well at the Centre. After consultations with the stakeholders the bill was sent to the Standing Committee and post amendments it came to Rajya Sabha." Most of the suggestions of the Standing Committee were accepted by the government, the Health Minister said. Around 29 members participated in the discussion and almost all of them extended support to the bill. Stating that the 1987 Mental Act was institutionalised, the minister said that in the present bill, instead of the institution, the focus was on the community. The bill is a "progressive legislation" and intends to take care of everyone in case of any exigency, he said. Describing the bill as "historic", the Health Minister said with the support of all, "we can develop the mental health services." There was a need to take care of the health and hygiene of the patients, he said, adding the right of a child with his/her mother will also be maintained. Sterlisation would not be conducted on a person who is mentally ill, Nadda said, describing it as "an insane and inhuman act." If the need arises, he said, NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences) would be extended. Responding to concerns expressed by some members over the safety of doctors in the wake of assault on a medico in Maharashtra recently by relatives of a patient, the Health Minister said instructions have been sent to the states that security of doctors should be ensured. With regard to the issue raised by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on the inclusion of "role model", the Health Minister said there was no need to include it in the bill. However, he said, the government will definitely look at it at its own level. Earlier, members cutting across the political spectrum supported the Metal Health Care Bill. NCP's Supriya Sule said the Standing Committee has "walked an extra mile" to incorporate the suggestions of all stake holders. BJD's Bhartruhari Mahtab said this legislation is the only bill which received 124 amendments and almost all have been accepted by the government. Highlighting the shortage of medics and paremedics, BJP member Heena Gavit said there are only 4500 doctors specialised in mental health when the requirement was 12,500 and 3000 nurses per one lakh patients having mental disorders. She rued that the country does not have any Phd seat for research in mental health. She said there should be a proper mechanism to take consent of patients for their treatment and they should not be treated as an "experimental animals." Sule wanted to know what would happen to the child after he/she turns the prescribed age. Mahtab, along with Gavit and Sule, noted that the budget for the mental healthcare is abysmally low. Sule also demanded inclusion of drug addiction and alcholism into the category of mental disease. Supporting the legislation, Ravindra Babu (TDP) said, this was one of the "finest legislation" in last three years, but it mostly focuses on schirzophrenia. K Vishweshwar Reddy (TRS) said while the earlier laws on mental health were "regulation centric", the new bill is "patient-centric". Referring to Nobel prize winning mathematician John Nash, a patient of schizophrenia, who made fundamental contributions to game theory, Reddy said, at least he had support of his family. The movie 'A Beautiful Mind' was based on his character. "Although he had severe disabilities, he also had other capabilities," he said. The TRS MP said the bill should have taken care of property of patients suffering from mental health as "cruel relatives" may exploit them under this pretext. Supporting the legislation, Ratna Dey (TMC) demanded stringent punishment for doctors who falsify mental health cases. P K Sreemathi Teacher (CPM) said the government should ensure that a mentally ill patient, after treatment, is accepted by the society and the people. Besides, she said, free treatment for such kind of patient should be allowed. Bansi Lal Mahto (BJP) suggested that ayurvedic clinic should be equipped to treat mentally ill people as this traditional method has precription for treatment of such diseases. Jai Prakash Narain Yadav (RJD) there is a need to specify rehabilitation policy since the bill is silent about the exact modalties. The government should look at providing conducive environment for mentally ill people after the treatment and suitable employment opportunity should be ensured. Dushyant Chautala (INLD) said the level of stress is rising in the society and it is necessary to provide medical attention to the people suffering from mental disorder and depression. He said that just like AIDS patients are give insurance cover, insurance cover with low premium should be provided to people with mental disorder as well. N K Premachandran (RSP) said 5-6 per cent of people have mental problem and of them, 1-2 per cent have severe mental disorder. He lauded the move to decriminalise attempt to suicide as a "progressive" move and said the government should also define 'severe stress' in the Mental Health bill. Others who participated in the debate included Idris Ali (TMC), Renuka Butta (YSRC), Janardan Mishra (BJP), Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) and Kaushlendra Kumar (JDU), Kaushalendra Kumar (JDU), Ashwini Kumar Choubey (BJP) and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM). (PTI)

Indian Parliament passes Mental Health Care Bill decriminalising suicide

Congress Party&#39;s walkout from Rajya Sabha over Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s speech was not without difference of opinion.

Sources confirmed to WION that Janardhan Dwivedi, AK Antony, KR Rehman, Karan Singh and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh themselves were of the view that too much should not be made of the PM&#39;s barb and Congress should continue to sit in the house.

Sources said that an agitated Kapil Sibal, deputy leader of the Congress in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma, P Chidambaram, BK Hariprasad and Ahmad Patel decided otherwise. They took an immediate call and left the House.

This was the reason why Manmohan Singh and Janardhan Dwivedi, Karan Singh and AK Antony were the last to leave the Rajya Sabha as they continued to sit in the House.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram had to go back to Manmohan Singh to ask him to leave the House as other members had already left.

Even after the walkout was done, many Congress members were heard saying that PM&#39;s barb should have been downplayed. This section felt that purpose would have been served if they continued to sit and oppose the government in the House rather than giving the prime minister full room to say what he liked.

PM Narendra Modi in the house had said that Manmohan Singh had made an art of taking bath with a raincoat on as he remained untainted despite all scandals around him. The Opposition felt that the Prime Minister had lowered the level of political discourse but BJP countered by saying that Congress too had called the PM Hitler and Mussolini in the House.

Sources within the Congress party feel&nbsp;that Modi&#39;s comment on Manmohan Singh will have a lasting impact on the functioning of both the Houses.

(WION)

Narendra Modi said that Manmohan Singh had made an art of taking bath with a raincoat on as he remained untainted by scams in his govt

Congress Party's walkout from Rajya Sabha over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech was not without difference of opinion. Sources confirmed to WION that Janardhan Dwivedi, AK Antony, KR Rehman, Karan Singh and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh themselves were of the view that too much should not be made of the PM's barb and Congress should continue to sit in the house. Sources said that an agitated Kapil Sibal, deputy leader of the Congress in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma, P Chidambaram, BK Hariprasad and Ahmad Patel decided otherwise. They took an immediate call and left the House. This was the reason why Manmohan Singh and Janardhan Dwivedi, Karan Singh and AK Antony were the last to leave the Rajya Sabha as they continued to sit in the House. Former finance minister P Chidambaram had to go back to Manmohan Singh to ask him to leave the House as other members had already left. Even after the walkout was done, many Congress members were heard saying that PM's barb should have been downplayed. This section felt that purpose would have been served if they continued to sit and oppose the government in the House rather than giving the prime minister full room to say what he liked. PM Narendra Modi in the house had said that Manmohan Singh had made an art of taking bath with a raincoat on as he remained untainted despite all scandals around him. The Opposition felt that the Prime Minister had lowered the level of political discourse but BJP countered by saying that Congress too had called the PM Hitler and Mussolini in the House. Sources within the Congress party feel that Modi's comment on Manmohan Singh will have a lasting impact on the functioning of both the Houses. (WION)

Modi's jibe at Manmohan Singh: Congress' decision to walkout from Parliament not unanimous

The Lower House of India&#39;s Parliament, Lok Sabha, today, passed by a voice vote the Motion of Thanks to President&#39;s address amid protests by the Opposition led by the Congress party.

&quot;That the members of the Lok Sabha assembled in this session are deeply grateful to the President for the address which he has been pleased to deliver to both houses of Parliament assembled together on January 31, 2017,&quot; the motion said.

In his reply to the discussion on Motion of Thanks on President&#39;s address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an attack on the Congress for promoting dynastic politics. He asked the Congress why was the Benami law that was passed in 1988 during Rajiv Gandhi&#39;s tenure not notified for 26 years.

He also defended the government&#39;s decision to demonetise higher denomination currency and hailed the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian army.&nbsp;

The Congress and Communist Party of India-Marxist members staged a walkout in Parliament.&nbsp;

All the amendments proposed to the President&#39;s address were defeated.

(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Congress and Communist Party of India-Marxist staged a walkout

The Lower House of India's Parliament, Lok Sabha, today, passed by a voice vote the Motion of Thanks to President's address amid protests by the Opposition led by the Congress party. "That the members of the Lok Sabha assembled in this session are deeply grateful to the President for the address which he has been pleased to deliver to both houses of Parliament assembled together on January 31, 2017," the motion said. In his reply to the discussion on Motion of Thanks on President's address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an attack on the Congress for promoting dynastic politics. He asked the Congress why was the Benami law that was passed in 1988 during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure not notified for 26 years. He also defended the government's decision to demonetise higher denomination currency and hailed the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian army. The Congress and Communist Party of India-Marxist members staged a walkout in Parliament. All the amendments proposed to the President's address were defeated. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India's Lower House passes Motion of Thanks to President's address amid ruckus by Opposition

Indian&nbsp;finance minister Arun Jaitley&nbsp;is expected to present the annual union budget on schedule later on Wednesday despite the death of a sitting member of parliament, a spokesman for the prime minister&#39;s office said, Reuters reported.

Doubts were being raised over the presentation of the budget, after the death of former union minister and sitting Member of Parliament E Ahamed.

The parliament typically adjourns for a day after the death of a member, although Indian TV channels cited an earlier incident where the budget presentation had gone ahead in a previous year.

A final decision on the timing of the budget will be taken when political parties and the speaker of the house meet early on Wednesday, officials said, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Jaitley is expected to ease&nbsp;back on cutting the deficit and boost spending after growth was hit by the government&#39;s demonetisation move.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

A final decision on the timing of the budget will be taken when political parties and the speaker of the house meet

Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley is expected to present the annual union budget on schedule later on Wednesday despite the death of a sitting member of parliament, a spokesman for the prime minister's office said, Reuters reported. Doubts were being raised over the presentation of the budget, after the death of former union minister and sitting Member of Parliament E Ahamed. The parliament typically adjourns for a day after the death of a member, although Indian TV channels cited an earlier incident where the budget presentation had gone ahead in a previous year. A final decision on the timing of the budget will be taken when political parties and the speaker of the house meet early on Wednesday, officials said, Reuters reported. Jaitley is expected to ease back on cutting the deficit and boost spending after growth was hit by the government's demonetisation move. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Indian budget on schedule today despite death of sitting MP: Prime Minister's Office

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee started off budget 2017 by addressing both the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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Budget session of Parliament begins with President Pranab Mukherjee&#39;s address to members of both the houses. <a href="https://t.co/glkplFHeEb">pic.twitter.com/glkplFHeEb</a>
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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.

Here are some key quotes from the Indian President&#39;s speech:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience demonstrated by our countrymen particularly the poor, in the fight against black money and corruption, is remarkable.</li>
	<li>Postal network has wider network with over 1.5 lakh crore reach.</li>
	<li>Under Deendayal Upadhyay Yojana, deprived sections have been provided 16,000 crore.</li>
	<li>Over 1.2 crore consumers have voluntarily given up their subsidy and it has helped the poor.</li>
	<li>1.4 lakh villages, over 450 cities, 70 districts and 23 states have declared them open defecation free.</li>
	<li>&nbsp;At the core of all my government policies, is the welfare of &#39;gareeb&#39;,&nbsp;&#39;peedit&#39;, &#39;Dalit&#39;, &#39;vanchhit&#39;.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>26 crore plus Jan Dhan accounts have been opened. Over 20 crore RuPay card have been given to enable cashless scheme.</li>
	<li>My government has taken various initiatives to improve the quality of life of poor.</li>
	<li>My government is committed to provide shelter to the homeless under Pradhan Mantri&nbsp;Aawas Yojna.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>In farmer&rsquo;s welfare lies the country&rsquo;s economic prosperity. &nbsp;My government has taken many steps to improve the lives of farmers.</li>
	<li>Affordable credit, improved irrigation facilities, improved productivity through soil health care cards. Three crore Kisan or farmer cards will be converted to rupee debit cards.</li>
	<li>My government is making &quot; naari shakti&quot; an integral part of our development journey, they deserve equal opportunities.</li>
	<li>
	PV Sindhu, Sakshi Malik, Deepa illustrate strength of our women.
	</li>
	<li>
	Social and economic equality for deprived sections is the first promise of our constitution, our Govt is committed to fulfilling it.
	</li>
	<li>
	Through the Stand-Up India initiative, the govt plans to empower over 2-and-a-half lakh SCs, STs and women entrepreneurs.
	</li>
	<li>
	North East is our gateway for trade and communication with South East Asia.
	</li>
	<li>
	India has been facing grave challenge of terrorism, threat to global community.
	</li>
	<li>
	India gave a befitting reply to repeated incursions by conducting successful surgical strikes.
	</li>
	<li>
	J&amp;K affected by terrorism sponsored and supported from across the border.
	</li>
</ul>

(Agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The President called this session 'historic'

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee started off budget 2017 by addressing both the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday. Budget session of Parliament begins with President Pranab Mukherjee's address to members of both the houses. pic.twitter.com/glkplFHeEb — ANI (@ANI_news) January 31, 2017 × 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. Here are some key quotes from the Indian President's speech: Resilience demonstrated by our countrymen particularly the poor, in the fight against black money and corruption, is remarkable. Postal network has wider network with over 1.5 lakh crore reach. Under Deendayal Upadhyay Yojana, deprived sections have been provided 16,000 crore. Over 1.2 crore consumers have voluntarily given up their subsidy and it has helped the poor. 1.4 lakh villages, over 450 cities, 70 districts and 23 states have declared them open defecation free. At the core of all my government policies, is the welfare of 'gareeb', 'peedit', 'Dalit', 'vanchhit'. 26 crore plus Jan Dhan accounts have been opened. Over 20 crore RuPay card have been given to enable cashless scheme. My government has taken various initiatives to improve the quality of life of poor. My government is committed to provide shelter to the homeless under Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojna. In farmer’s welfare lies the country’s economic prosperity. My government has taken many steps to improve the lives of farmers. Affordable credit, improved irrigation facilities, improved productivity through soil health care cards. Three crore Kisan or farmer cards will be converted to rupee debit cards. My government is making " naari shakti" an integral part of our development journey, they deserve equal opportunities. PV Sindhu, Sakshi Malik, Deepa illustrate strength of our women. Social and economic equality for deprived sections is the first promise of our constitution, our Govt is committed to fulfilling it. Through the Stand-Up India initiative, the govt plans to empower over 2-and-a-half lakh SCs, STs and women entrepreneurs. North East is our gateway for trade and communication with South East Asia. India has been facing grave challenge of terrorism, threat to global community. India gave a befitting reply to repeated incursions by conducting successful surgical strikes. J&K affected by terrorism sponsored and supported from across the border. (Agencies)

Budget 2017: President Pranab Mukherjee addresses joint session of Parliament

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&#39;s address to the joint sitting of the two Houses, the pre-budget &nbsp;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&#39;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) 
&nbsp;

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

Whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decides to engage the Opposition or not for the next Parliament session, it is clear that battle between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Gandhi family will be even more up close and personal.

Modi&#39;s decision to attack former prime minister Indira Gandhi on the issue of demonetisation and the campaign against corruption was unexpected. During his speech at the BJP parliamentary party meeting, Modi said that Indira Gandhi rejected the demonetisation proposal made by YB Chavan. PM Modi went on to say that Indira Gandhi even snubbed Chavan by asking if he did not want to contest elections. So in one stroke the PM not only challenged Indira&rsquo;s commitment to drive out corruption, but also the perception of her being strong leader&nbsp;who always took bold decisions. 
&nbsp; 
Despite her flaws and imposition of the Emergency in 1975, Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s personal integrity towards the nation and her commitment to the poor remains intact. Even on the issue of national security, Indira&rsquo;s reputation still exceeds that of any prime minister in the country. She is not only credited for the victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, but also acknowledged for her ability to rise up to any challenge. Even RSS in its long campaign against the Congress rarely attacked Indira Gandhi as it felt comfortable with the soft Hindutva which she projected during the early 80s. Modi has decided to change it once and for all. This has to be understood in current discourse on strong leadership. 
&nbsp; 
Of&nbsp;late a tendency to compare Modi&rsquo;s style of governance with that of Indira Gandhi has emerged in the context of a strong leadership model. This talk becomes even more important with India&#39;s Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi&rsquo;s statement that Indira Gandhi cannot be compared with Narendra Modi. It tells us two things. 
&nbsp; 
One, Congress is uncomfortable with the idea of Modi being compared with Indira as a strong leader, as it makes Rahul&rsquo;s standing in front of him very weak. Two, Narendra Modi himself doesn&rsquo;t want any comparison of his tenure with any prime minister, including that with BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is an attempt to carve out a distinct narrative for himself which remains untouched by any political legacy. Modi not only seems to be challenging the wisdom and beliefs of contemporary leaders, but trying to change the political narrative around them. Congress would off course argue that it is an attempt to re-cast the past in present political lexicon, which to a large extent is true, but it also stands as an intellectual challenge to the Congress that has been comfortable with its accepted heritage. 
&nbsp; 
This was not the case during Atal Bihari Vajpayee&rsquo;s tenure who accommodated the Congress&#39;s heritage with minor tinkering. This will not be the case now. It will not be tinkering. It will be a makeover and Congress should be ready to rise up the challenge it if it needs to save its legacy in popular perception as relevant and living.

(WION)

This was not the case during Atal Bihari Vajpayee?s tenure who accommodated the Congress's heritage with minor tinkering

Whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decides to engage the Opposition or not for the next Parliament session, it is clear that battle between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Gandhi family will be even more up close and personal. Modi's decision to attack former prime minister Indira Gandhi on the issue of demonetisation and the campaign against corruption was unexpected. During his speech at the BJP parliamentary party meeting, Modi said that Indira Gandhi rejected the demonetisation proposal made by YB Chavan. PM Modi went on to say that Indira Gandhi even snubbed Chavan by asking if he did not want to contest elections. So in one stroke the PM not only challenged Indira’s commitment to drive out corruption, but also the perception of her being strong leader who always took bold decisions. Despite her flaws and imposition of the Emergency in 1975, Indira Gandhi’s personal integrity towards the nation and her commitment to the poor remains intact. Even on the issue of national security, Indira’s reputation still exceeds that of any prime minister in the country. She is not only credited for the victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, but also acknowledged for her ability to rise up to any challenge. Even RSS in its long campaign against the Congress rarely attacked Indira Gandhi as it felt comfortable with the soft Hindutva which she projected during the early 80s. Modi has decided to change it once and for all. This has to be understood in current discourse on strong leadership. Of late a tendency to compare Modi’s style of governance with that of Indira Gandhi has emerged in the context of a strong leadership model. This talk becomes even more important with India's Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi’s statement that Indira Gandhi cannot be compared with Narendra Modi. It tells us two things. One, Congress is uncomfortable with the idea of Modi being compared with Indira as a strong leader, as it makes Rahul’s standing in front of him very weak. Two, Narendra Modi himself doesn’t want any comparison of his tenure with any prime minister, including that with BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is an attempt to carve out a distinct narrative for himself which remains untouched by any political legacy. Modi not only seems to be challenging the wisdom and beliefs of contemporary leaders, but trying to change the political narrative around them. Congress would off course argue that it is an attempt to re-cast the past in present political lexicon, which to a large extent is true, but it also stands as an intellectual challenge to the Congress that has been comfortable with its accepted heritage. This was not the case during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure who accommodated the Congress's heritage with minor tinkering. This will not be the case now. It will not be tinkering. It will be a makeover and Congress should be ready to rise up the challenge it if it needs to save its legacy in popular perception as relevant and living. (WION)

PM Modi's attack on Indira on '71 war anniversary points to a new strategy

Keeping aside the acrimony over demonetisation issue which paralysed the Winter session, the Indian Parliament today passed the Disabilities Bill which stipulates up to two-year jail term and a maximum fine of Rs 5 lakh for discriminating against differently-abled persons.

The Lok Sabha passed the bill within two hours after a short debate on the last day of the session with the treasury and opposition benches, who have been at loggerheads over demonetisation and other issues, joining hands to clear the legislation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House during the passage of the bill.

&quot;Passage of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill - 2016 is a landmark moment &amp; will add tremendous strength to &#39;Accessible India movement&#39;,&quot; he tweeted.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha too had witnessed similar bonhomie for passage of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2016.

Replying to the debate, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot announced that a scheme of &#39;universal identity card for the disabled&#39; is on the anvil and an agency has already been finalised for the purpose.

The proposed card would also be linked to the Aadhar card to help the disabled all over the country in a seamless fashion, he said.

Gehlot said the universal identity card is being acted upon to overcome the problem of disability certificate being faced by those affected.

He said the government has joined hands with German and British firms for making available state-of-the-art limbs to the disabled wherever possible.

The lower house of the Indian parliament&nbsp;Lok Sabha witnessed a division on an amendment by Congress and TRS members seeking to raise the reservation in the bill from 4 to 5 per cent. It was defeated by 121 to 43 votes. K C Venugopal of the Congress who had given the amendment pressed for the division.

Members from both sides supported the bill but suggested certain changes to improve the measure.&nbsp;

(PTI)

The Bill will stipulate up to two-year jail term and a maximum fine of Rs 5 lakh for discriminating against differently-abled persons

Keeping aside the acrimony over demonetisation issue which paralysed the Winter session, the Indian Parliament today passed the Disabilities Bill which stipulates up to two-year jail term and a maximum fine of Rs 5 lakh for discriminating against differently-abled persons. The Lok Sabha passed the bill within two hours after a short debate on the last day of the session with the treasury and opposition benches, who have been at loggerheads over demonetisation and other issues, joining hands to clear the legislation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House during the passage of the bill. "Passage of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill - 2016 is a landmark moment & will add tremendous strength to 'Accessible India movement'," he tweeted. Earlier on Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha too had witnessed similar bonhomie for passage of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2016. Replying to the debate, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot announced that a scheme of 'universal identity card for the disabled' is on the anvil and an agency has already been finalised for the purpose. The proposed card would also be linked to the Aadhar card to help the disabled all over the country in a seamless fashion, he said. Gehlot said the universal identity card is being acted upon to overcome the problem of disability certificate being faced by those affected. He said the government has joined hands with German and British firms for making available state-of-the-art limbs to the disabled wherever possible. The lower house of the Indian parliament Lok Sabha witnessed a division on an amendment by Congress and TRS members seeking to raise the reservation in the bill from 4 to 5 per cent. It was defeated by 121 to 43 votes. K C Venugopal of the Congress who had given the amendment pressed for the division. Members from both sides supported the bill but suggested certain changes to improve the measure. (PTI)

India: Lok Sabha passes Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill

Parliament erupted in protests over the deployment of the Indian Army at toll plazas across&nbsp;West Bengal with the state&#39;s ruling party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), &nbsp;accusing the federal government of &quot;sinister designs&quot; and the government maintaining that it was a routine exercise conducted in full knowledge of the local authorities.

The row started after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged yesterday that the Army was deployed at the behest of the federal government at 19 toll plazas in the state without taking her government into confidence.&nbsp;

Mamata Banerjee, who is camped at the state secretariat, has refused to budge from there until the army retreats across the West Bengal plazas.&nbsp;&quot;What happened that central government did not deem it necessary to discuss with state government before deploying Army. Army, which is there for the protection of people, is now being used for political purpose. They are now doing political work,&quot; the West Bengal chief minister alleged.

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The ruling party in the state of West Bengal has accused India&#39;s central government of deploying the army in various parts of the state. Calling it similar to a military coup. (WION)
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TMC leaders in both Houses alleged that neither the state government, nor local administration including police were taken into confidence nor was their permission sought before the exercise.

The main opposition Congress also asked the federal government how such an &quot;unprecedented move&quot; to carry out an army exercise was done without taking state government into confidence.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati called the military deployment a deliberate move by the federal government to humiliate Mamata Banerje for protesting the government&#39;s demonetisation policy.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar defended the government in the Lower House, Lok Sabha, terming the deployment a &quot;routine exercise not unique to West Bengal.&quot;&nbsp;

The minister said that a similar exercise was also being conducted in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, &nbsp;Meghlaya and Mizoram and similar operations had already been conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand last month.

The purpose of these exercises was to collect information on heavy vehicle movement that could be used during national emergencies, Parrikar said.

&quot;It is shocking that a Chief Minister is saying this. The Army&#39;s deployment was part of routine exercise which has been going on for several years, which has been going on for last 15-20 years. Even last year it was held on 
November 19 to 21,&quot; Parrikar said.

&quot;It was very unfortunate that army has been dragged into an unnecessary controversy,&quot; he added. &quot;It was political frustration rather than projection of correct situation.&quot;

Parrikar also said that originally the exercise was planned for November 28-30 but was shifted to December 1 and 2 at the request of Kolkata Police as those dates were clashing with the protests against demonetisation.

&quot;Concerned officials were informed in West Bengal. The original date was fixed for November 28 to 30 but due to Bharat Bandh (all-India strike),&nbsp;the local police had advised the army to shift it to December 1 and 2,&quot; he said. &quot;Due to traffic congestion, the exercise is being done with the help of local police.&quot;

Trinamool Congress MLAs also staged protests outside the Governor&#39;s House in Kolkata demanding withdrawal of army from toll plazas.

&nbsp;

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(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged yesterday that the Army was deployed without taking her government into confidence

Parliament erupted in protests over the deployment of the Indian Army at toll plazas across West Bengal with the state's ruling party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing the federal government of "sinister designs" and the government maintaining that it was a routine exercise conducted in full knowledge of the local authorities. The row started after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged yesterday that the Army was deployed at the behest of the federal government at 19 toll plazas in the state without taking her government into confidence. Mamata Banerjee, who is camped at the state secretariat, has refused to budge from there until the army retreats across the West Bengal plazas. "What happened that central government did not deem it necessary to discuss with state government before deploying Army. Army, which is there for the protection of people, is now being used for political purpose. They are now doing political work," the West Bengal chief minister alleged. The ruling party in the state of West Bengal has accused India's central government of deploying the army in various parts of the state. Calling it similar to a military coup. (WION) × TMC leaders in both Houses alleged that neither the state government, nor local administration including police were taken into confidence nor was their permission sought before the exercise. The main opposition Congress also asked the federal government how such an "unprecedented move" to carry out an army exercise was done without taking state government into confidence. Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati called the military deployment a deliberate move by the federal government to humiliate Mamata Banerje for protesting the government's demonetisation policy. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar defended the government in the Lower House, Lok Sabha, terming the deployment a "routine exercise not unique to West Bengal." The minister said that a similar exercise was also being conducted in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghlaya and Mizoram and similar operations had already been conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand last month. The purpose of these exercises was to collect information on heavy vehicle movement that could be used during national emergencies, Parrikar said. "It is shocking that a Chief Minister is saying this. The Army's deployment was part of routine exercise which has been going on for several years, which has been going on for last 15-20 years. Even last year it was held on November 19 to 21," Parrikar said. "It was very unfortunate that army has been dragged into an unnecessary controversy," he added. "It was political frustration rather than projection of correct situation." Parrikar also said that originally the exercise was planned for November 28-30 but was shifted to December 1 and 2 at the request of Kolkata Police as those dates were clashing with the protests against demonetisation. "Concerned officials were informed in West Bengal. The original date was fixed for November 28 to 30 but due to Bharat Bandh (all-India strike), the local police had advised the army to shift it to December 1 and 2," he said. "Due to traffic congestion, the exercise is being done with the help of local police." Trinamool Congress MLAs also staged protests outside the Governor's House in Kolkata demanding withdrawal of army from toll plazas. Trinamool Congress MLAs stage dharna outside Raj Bhavan demanding withdrawal of army from toll plazas. pic.twitter.com/3raSWtfiSm — ANI (@ANI_news) December 2, 2016 × (WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian Parliament adjourned till December 5 after protests over army deployment at toll plazas

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today once again remained absent in the afternoon session of the Rajya Sabha -- the upper house of the Indian Parliament.

Both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha were later adjourned for the day.

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Finance minister Arun Jaitley, while addressing opposition in the House, said that the government was ready for debate.

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The Opposition has been calling for Modi to come to Parliament and make a statement on demonetisation ever since the start of the winter session last week.&nbsp;

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh kicked off the debate in the morning, saying it is &quot;important to take note of the grievances of the people suffering&quot;.&nbsp;

And that &quot;those who say demonetisation is good in the long run, should recall (the) quote, &#39;In the long run we are all dead&#39;.&quot;

Earlier in the day too, both houses of Parliament were adjourned&nbsp;till noon Thursday because of the uproar over demonetisation.

Parliament has now been disrupted every single day since the start of the winter session last week. The Lok Sabha or the lower house has been adjourned for the day, again because of the continuing uproar over demonetisation. &nbsp;

The Opposition has also decided not to hold talks with the government up to November 28, which is when they will hold their nationwide Akrosh rally to protest against the demonetisation of the country&#39;s 500- and 1,000-rupee notes. Akrosh means &quot;rage&quot;.&nbsp;

Home minister Rajnath Singh had called a meeting with leaders of the Opposition today but they skipped it, deciding to meet on their own.&nbsp;

Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar had earlier reached out to the Opposition in an attempt to break the deadlock in Parliament.

(WION)

Let's talk, says the government. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh debates on demonetisation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today once again remained absent in the afternoon session of the Rajya Sabha -- the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha were later adjourned for the day. Opposition creates uproar in Rajya Sabha over PM's absence — ANI (@ANI_news) November 24, 2016 × Finance minister Arun Jaitley, while addressing opposition in the House, said that the government was ready for debate. Opposition ka pramukh prastav tha ke PM charcha me rahen or fir unhone bahane dhundne shuru kar diye: FM Arun Jaitley on RS uproar — ANI (@ANI_news) November 24, 2016 × The Opposition has been calling for Modi to come to Parliament and make a statement on demonetisation ever since the start of the winter session last week. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh kicked off the debate in the morning, saying it is "important to take note of the grievances of the people suffering". And that "those who say demonetisation is good in the long run, should recall (the) quote, 'In the long run we are all dead'." Earlier in the day too, both houses of Parliament were adjourned till noon Thursday because of the uproar over demonetisation. Parliament has now been disrupted every single day since the start of the winter session last week. The Lok Sabha or the lower house has been adjourned for the day, again because of the continuing uproar over demonetisation. The Opposition has also decided not to hold talks with the government up to November 28, which is when they will hold their nationwide Akrosh rally to protest against the demonetisation of the country's 500- and 1,000-rupee notes. Akrosh means "rage". Home minister Rajnath Singh had called a meeting with leaders of the Opposition today but they skipped it, deciding to meet on their own. Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar had earlier reached out to the Opposition in an attempt to break the deadlock in Parliament. (WION)

Demonetisation: Both Houses of Parliament adjourned after opposition protests Indian Prime Minister's absence

Opposition today disrupted the proceedings of the Lok Sabha for the fourth consecutive day today demanding discussion on demonetisation on a rule which entails voting forcing Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House for about 50 minutes soon after it assembled.

As soon as the House met, members of the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, Left parties and the Aam Aadmi Party rushed to the Well of the House demanding a discussion on the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes.

Samjawadi Party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Rashriya Janata Dal (RJD) stood in the aisles in solidarity with the other opposition members.

While AIADMK members were also on the aisles raising the issue of Tamil fishermen injured allegedly in firing by Sri Lankan Navy, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was seen busy in his seat in an intimate discussion with AAP MP from Punjab Harinder Singh Khalsa.

Ignoring the slogan-shouting Opposition members, Speaker allowed the Question Hour to continue amidst noise.

When some Opposition members tried to bring a placard, denouncing the demonetisation move, in front of Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who was replying to a question related to his Ministry, the Speaker tried to intervene and asked the MPs not to disturb the Minister.

&quot;This is not good. Everyone will be shown on TV, but don&#39;t disturb the Minister. If you want to discuss something, raise it before the government. People are in pain, tell the government. But this is not the way to highlight people&#39;s grievances,&quot; Mahajan said asking them to return to their seats.

However, an unrelenting opposition continued to raise slogans.

The Speaker again appealed to the opposition to participate in the debate saying that the disruption of proceedings would not resolve the problem.

&quot;I am really pained. If you are people&#39;s representatives, you should stand by them,&quot; she said.

As pandemonium continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till noon after 20 minutes of proceedings.

(PTI)

An unrelenting Opposition continued to demand a debate on the demonetisation of 500- & 1,000-rupee notes

Opposition today disrupted the proceedings of the Lok Sabha for the fourth consecutive day today demanding discussion on demonetisation on a rule which entails voting forcing Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House for about 50 minutes soon after it assembled. As soon as the House met, members of the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, Left parties and the Aam Aadmi Party rushed to the Well of the House demanding a discussion on the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes. Samjawadi Party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Rashriya Janata Dal (RJD) stood in the aisles in solidarity with the other opposition members. While AIADMK members were also on the aisles raising the issue of Tamil fishermen injured allegedly in firing by Sri Lankan Navy, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was seen busy in his seat in an intimate discussion with AAP MP from Punjab Harinder Singh Khalsa. Ignoring the slogan-shouting Opposition members, Speaker allowed the Question Hour to continue amidst noise. When some Opposition members tried to bring a placard, denouncing the demonetisation move, in front of Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who was replying to a question related to his Ministry, the Speaker tried to intervene and asked the MPs not to disturb the Minister. "This is not good. Everyone will be shown on TV, but don't disturb the Minister. If you want to discuss something, raise it before the government. People are in pain, tell the government. But this is not the way to highlight people's grievances," Mahajan said asking them to return to their seats. However, an unrelenting opposition continued to raise slogans. The Speaker again appealed to the opposition to participate in the debate saying that the disruption of proceedings would not resolve the problem. "I am really pained. If you are people's representatives, you should stand by them," she said. As pandemonium continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till noon after 20 minutes of proceedings. (PTI)

India: Lok Sabha adjourned for fourth consecutive day

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said Tuesday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to stop addressing public meetings and be present in parliament to address the concerns of the opposition and 130 crore Indian citizens.

&quot;The Prime Minister comes to Parliament, sits in his chamber, but doesn&#39;t attend either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, which is a matter of concern not just for the Opposition, but also for the 130 crore people of this country. After all, we want to know the reason why the prime minister does not want to come to both houses, but feels free in giving speeches outside parliament,&quot; Azad told ANI.

&quot;We said the Opposition is ready for a discussion, but a prime minister who is addressing public rallies on daily basis, should at least be present in the house,&quot; he added.

Azad further said, &quot;The prime minister should have cancelled his public meeting after he got news of the Kanpur train tragedy. He should have thought that such a big accident had taken place and rescue operations to save passengers&#39; lives were still on. But, the Prime Minister commenced his meeting as he was more worried about abusing the opposition, rather than saving passengers.&quot;

Shifting his focus on the Centre&#39;s demonetisation policy, he said, &quot;Around 60 lives have been lost since the government brought into force the demonetisation policy. Children, women, elderly, farmers, and poor queue up for long time to get money. As all these lives were lost due to the wrong policy of the government, we demanded that the House should also pay tribute to them, along with the passengers who were killed in the rail mishap, but they refused.&quot;

When his response was sought on the government&#39;s claim that its drive got mass support, Azad shot back: &quot;If they are getting support of the people, then why he (PM) is shying away from making this statement in the House. Our complaint with the prime minister is that he visits abroad, addresses public meetings in Goa, Agra and other places; now Parliament is in session, but he is not attending.&quot;

&quot;The prime minister has taken such a big decision of demonetisation when parliament was not in session and that is why it becomes his prime responsibility that when parliament started functioning, he should have made statements in both houses on the very first day,&quot; he added.

Meanwhile, leaders of opposition parties will meet in Parliament at 9.30 am today.

(ANI)

'The prime minister should have cancelled his public meeting after he got news of the Kanpur train tragedy,' Ghulam Nabi Azad said

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said Tuesday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to stop addressing public meetings and be present in parliament to address the concerns of the opposition and 130 crore Indian citizens. "The Prime Minister comes to Parliament, sits in his chamber, but doesn't attend either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, which is a matter of concern not just for the Opposition, but also for the 130 crore people of this country. After all, we want to know the reason why the prime minister does not want to come to both houses, but feels free in giving speeches outside parliament," Azad told ANI. "We said the Opposition is ready for a discussion, but a prime minister who is addressing public rallies on daily basis, should at least be present in the house," he added. Azad further said, "The prime minister should have cancelled his public meeting after he got news of the Kanpur train tragedy. He should have thought that such a big accident had taken place and rescue operations to save passengers' lives were still on. But, the Prime Minister commenced his meeting as he was more worried about abusing the opposition, rather than saving passengers." Shifting his focus on the Centre's demonetisation policy, he said, "Around 60 lives have been lost since the government brought into force the demonetisation policy. Children, women, elderly, farmers, and poor queue up for long time to get money. As all these lives were lost due to the wrong policy of the government, we demanded that the House should also pay tribute to them, along with the passengers who were killed in the rail mishap, but they refused." When his response was sought on the government's claim that its drive got mass support, Azad shot back: "If they are getting support of the people, then why he (PM) is shying away from making this statement in the House. Our complaint with the prime minister is that he visits abroad, addresses public meetings in Goa, Agra and other places; now Parliament is in session, but he is not attending." "The prime minister has taken such a big decision of demonetisation when parliament was not in session and that is why it becomes his prime responsibility that when parliament started functioning, he should have made statements in both houses on the very first day," he added. Meanwhile, leaders of opposition parties will meet in Parliament at 9.30 am today. (ANI)

India: Come to Parliament, Opposition tells PM Modi

As&nbsp;the onset of winter session of India&#39;s parliament today, Congress, the opposition party, along with the Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP), demanded the setting up of a joint parliamentary committee to look into demonetisation, a move announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. 
 
Ahead of the parliamentary session today, Modi had said that he was optimistic of a positive winter session, which is expected to be a fiery one post the announcement of demonetisation, and reached out to all political parties while stating that the government was ready for any debate.

&quot;In the last session an important bill like the GST was passed, it was a big step. I had thanked all parties then. In the winter session, a very positive discussion will happen on all issues with the&nbsp;contribution of all parties,&quot; said Prime Minister Modi outside the parliament.

&quot;Our government believes in discussing all issues and we are ready to debate on any topic,&quot; he added.

&quot;If your money is valid, nothing will happen to it,&quot; union minister Venkaiah Naidu said.

Congress leader Anand Sharma blamed Narendra Modi for sending a message that whole of India&#39;s economy is run on black money. He demanded an apology for allegedly mocking those waiting in queues to deposit or swap money, The Indian Express reported.&nbsp;

&quot;An atmosphere has been created by the&nbsp;government where questioning the government has become the parameter to decide one&#39;s nationalism,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi lashed out at Modi for making the poor suffer.

&ldquo;The masses in India are standing in queues. Do you see any rich person, a big industrialist standing in a&nbsp;queue?&rdquo; he questioned. &ldquo;Your money will be given to select 15-20 industrialists.You all know their names,&rdquo; he added.

(WION with inputs from DNA)

Criticising the government's 'ill-timed' move, opposition leaders blamed the government for being 'insensitive' towards the common man

As the onset of winter session of India's parliament today, Congress, the opposition party, along with the Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP), demanded the setting up of a joint parliamentary committee to look into demonetisation, a move announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. Ahead of the parliamentary session today, Modi had said that he was optimistic of a positive winter session, which is expected to be a fiery one post the announcement of demonetisation, and reached out to all political parties while stating that the government was ready for any debate. "In the last session an important bill like the GST was passed, it was a big step. I had thanked all parties then. In the winter session, a very positive discussion will happen on all issues with the contribution of all parties," said Prime Minister Modi outside the parliament. "Our government believes in discussing all issues and we are ready to debate on any topic," he added. "If your money is valid, nothing will happen to it," union minister Venkaiah Naidu said. Congress leader Anand Sharma blamed Narendra Modi for sending a message that whole of India's economy is run on black money. He demanded an apology for allegedly mocking those waiting in queues to deposit or swap money, The Indian Express reported. "An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning the government has become the parameter to decide one's nationalism," he said. Meanwhile, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi lashed out at Modi for making the poor suffer. “The masses in India are standing in queues. Do you see any rich person, a big industrialist standing in a queue?” he questioned. “Your money will be given to select 15-20 industrialists.You all know their names,” he added. (WION with inputs from DNA)

India: 'Demonetisation in national interest,' union ministers assert

Voicing concern over prolonged curfew, violence and loss of lives in Kashmir Valley, lower house of the Indian parliament (Lok Sabha) today unanimously passed a resolution, appealing for urgent steps to restore order and peace in the Valley while asserting that there can be no compromise with the country&#39;s integrity and security.&nbsp; 
 
In the resolution read out by the speaker, Sumitra Mahajan, the lower house appealed to all sections of the society in northernmost state, Jammu and Kashmir to restore the confidence among the people in general and youth in particular.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The house conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation,&quot; it said.&nbsp; 
 
Amid thumping of desks by members from all sides, the resolution asserted that the house &quot;is of the firm and considered view that there cannot be any compromise on unity, integrity and national security. 
 
&quot;It is equally an imperative that urgent steps are taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people,&quot; it said.&nbsp; 
 
The resolution was read out by the speaker after opposition parties suggested that she instead of home minister Rajnath Singh should propose it.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier, leader of grand old party Congress Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the house pass a resolution on Kashmir where the situation was turning complex and was deteriorating by the day. The House should appeal that the whole nation is united on the issue, Kharge said which was promptly agreed to by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia was seen having some discussions with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the home minister, apparently over the issue of adopting the resolution. 
 
Earlier this week, the upper house (Rajya Sabha) too had passed a resolution expressing its serious concern over the prolonged turbulence, violence and curfew in the Kashmir valley.&nbsp; 
 
The Lok Sabha adopted the resolution unanimously shortly before the monsoon session was adjourned sine-die by the speaker. 
 
(PTI)&nbsp;

The house said 'urgent steps need to be taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people'

Voicing concern over prolonged curfew, violence and loss of lives in Kashmir Valley, lower house of the Indian parliament (Lok Sabha) today unanimously passed a resolution, appealing for urgent steps to restore order and peace in the Valley while asserting that there can be no compromise with the country's integrity and security. In the resolution read out by the speaker, Sumitra Mahajan, the lower house appealed to all sections of the society in northernmost state, Jammu and Kashmir to restore the confidence among the people in general and youth in particular. "The house conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation," it said. Amid thumping of desks by members from all sides, the resolution asserted that the house "is of the firm and considered view that there cannot be any compromise on unity, integrity and national security. "It is equally an imperative that urgent steps are taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people," it said. The resolution was read out by the speaker after opposition parties suggested that she instead of home minister Rajnath Singh should propose it. Earlier, leader of grand old party Congress Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the house pass a resolution on Kashmir where the situation was turning complex and was deteriorating by the day. The House should appeal that the whole nation is united on the issue, Kharge said which was promptly agreed to by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Earlier Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia was seen having some discussions with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the home minister, apparently over the issue of adopting the resolution. Earlier this week, the upper house (Rajya Sabha) too had passed a resolution expressing its serious concern over the prolonged turbulence, violence and curfew in the Kashmir valley. The Lok Sabha adopted the resolution unanimously shortly before the monsoon session was adjourned sine-die by the speaker. (PTI)

Lower house of Indian Parliament passes resolution over Kashmir unrest, appeals for peace

Seeking to boost job creation in the&nbsp;manufacturing sector and facilitate ease of doing business, the Lok Sabha today approved a Bill to double the overtime working hours to 100 in a quarter for factory workers. 
 
The Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was opposed by several opposition parties, was passed after the Congress and Left parties staged a walkout. Besides Congress, the bill was opposed by Left parties, the Trinamool Congress, the Janata Dal (United) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) 
 
Piloting the bill, labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya said the changes in the law would enable workers to &quot;work more and earn more&quot;. 
 
Contending that the bill will safeguard workers&#39; interests, he said the total number of work hours in a day will not exceed 10 and total hours of work in a week after including overtime should not exceed 60. 
 
&quot;Overtime is only an opportunity. I have taken many safeguards. The proposed amendment is nowhere in conflict with the ILO norms and all provisions relating to daily or weekly hours. The total number of overtime shall not exceed 100 hours in a quarter,&quot; Dattatreya said. 
 
The current rules provide for overtime of 50 hours in a quarter, while the ILO provides for an&nbsp;upper limit of 144 hours. 
 
Citing statement of objects and reasons of the bill, the opposition parties said the bill was being brought at the behest of the industry. 
 
&quot;The need for increasing the total number of hours of work on overtime in a&nbsp;quarter is based on the demand from industries so that factories can carry out the work on an&nbsp;urgent basis,&quot; said the statement of objects and reasons. 
 
Dattatreya said the government is going with an&nbsp;innovative method in creating employment opportunities and a&nbsp;large number of women workers will also get additional work. 
 
&quot;The proposal to increase overtime hours is not at all mandatory. It is up to the workers to decide. It is not compulsory upon him or her. It is an incentive to get double wages,&quot; he said. 
 
(PTI)

The labour minister said the law would enable workers to 'earn more'. The total number of work hours in a day will not exceed 10

Seeking to boost job creation in the manufacturing sector and facilitate ease of doing business, the Lok Sabha today approved a Bill to double the overtime working hours to 100 in a quarter for factory workers. The Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was opposed by several opposition parties, was passed after the Congress and Left parties staged a walkout. Besides Congress, the bill was opposed by Left parties, the Trinamool Congress, the Janata Dal (United) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Piloting the bill, labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya said the changes in the law would enable workers to "work more and earn more". Contending that the bill will safeguard workers' interests, he said the total number of work hours in a day will not exceed 10 and total hours of work in a week after including overtime should not exceed 60. "Overtime is only an opportunity. I have taken many safeguards. The proposed amendment is nowhere in conflict with the ILO norms and all provisions relating to daily or weekly hours. The total number of overtime shall not exceed 100 hours in a quarter," Dattatreya said. The current rules provide for overtime of 50 hours in a quarter, while the ILO provides for an upper limit of 144 hours. Citing statement of objects and reasons of the bill, the opposition parties said the bill was being brought at the behest of the industry. "The need for increasing the total number of hours of work on overtime in a quarter is based on the demand from industries so that factories can carry out the work on an urgent basis," said the statement of objects and reasons. Dattatreya said the government is going with an innovative method in creating employment opportunities and a large number of women workers will also get additional work. "The proposal to increase overtime hours is not at all mandatory. It is up to the workers to decide. It is not compulsory upon him or her. It is an incentive to get double wages," he said. (PTI)

Lower house of Indian Parliament passes bill to double overtime hours for factory workers

Ahead of the Lok Sabha, the Indian Parliament&#39;s lower house, taking up the Constitution Amendment Bill, an enabling legislation to facilitate the key tax reform Goods and Services Tax (GST), two major parties on Sunday issued whips to their MPs, making it mandatory for them to remain present during the voting. 
 
Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia has asked his party MPs to attend the House and extend support to the bill.&nbsp;&quot;We are supporting Constitutional Amendment Bill. That is on the merit of it. GST is something important for the country. The party will support the Bill with the amendments which the ruling party has assured us,&quot; he said. 
 
The Bill had been passed by the Lok Sabha in 2014 but it was hanging in the Rajya Sabha, upper house of the Indian Parliament, all this time due to differences until the government came forward last week to consent to some of the changes suggested by the Congress. Amendments made by the Rajya Sabha in seven clauses will have to be passed by the Lok Sabha before the Bill goes to the state legislatures for approval to help the government move further to bring specific GST Bills for implementing the new tax encompassing all existing central and state indirect taxes from April 1, 2017. 
 
One of the changes brought by the government in the Rajya Sabha on its own and not on the Opposition&#39;s demand relates to not putting the entire tax collected in the consolidated fund of India so as to enable the Centre transfer part of it to the state concerned and vice versa. All other changes are based on the Congress demands. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to intervene once the debate starts in Lok Sabha on Monday. Aiming for early roll out of the GST, touted as the most major reform since 1991, Union ministers have spoken to chief ministers of NDA-ruled states to ensure that the constitutional amendment is ratified by state assemblies at the earliest. The chief ministers have assured that, if required, they will call a special session for the passage of the Bill in their state assemblies. The GST Bill has to be ratified by at least 16 states in 30 days after it is passed by Lok Sabha. 
 
Once implemented, GST will subsume various taxes, including excise, services tax, octroi and other levies, and the proceeds will be shared between the Centre and the states. Under the new GST regime goods would be taxed at the point of consumption, instead of the goods being taxed multiple times at different rates. 
 
Evaluating various provisions of Model GST Bill, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) here on Sunday supported the Congress contention that the 18 per cent standard tax rate will prove to be an ideal rate. Explaining the reasoning, CAIT National President BC Bhartia and secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said that under current VAT regime items placed under five per cent tax slab will be attracting standard rate of tax which may be 18 per cent, and it is feared that such a situation will lead to inflation. But these goods are largely used as raw material. 
 
On the other hand, currently the items under VAT slab of 12.5 per cent with various cess will also be placed under the standard tax rate of 18 per cent. They apprehend, that in spite of all the mathematics, there might be some inflation in the initial days, which may subside once the taxation system is fully adopted in its letter and spirit. 
 
(DNA)

GST will subsume various taxes, including excise, services tax, octroi and other levies. Proceeds will be shared between Centre and states

Ahead of the Lok Sabha, the Indian Parliament's lower house, taking up the Constitution Amendment Bill, an enabling legislation to facilitate the key tax reform Goods and Services Tax (GST), two major parties on Sunday issued whips to their MPs, making it mandatory for them to remain present during the voting. Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia has asked his party MPs to attend the House and extend support to the bill. "We are supporting Constitutional Amendment Bill. That is on the merit of it. GST is something important for the country. The party will support the Bill with the amendments which the ruling party has assured us," he said. The Bill had been passed by the Lok Sabha in 2014 but it was hanging in the Rajya Sabha, upper house of the Indian Parliament, all this time due to differences until the government came forward last week to consent to some of the changes suggested by the Congress. Amendments made by the Rajya Sabha in seven clauses will have to be passed by the Lok Sabha before the Bill goes to the state legislatures for approval to help the government move further to bring specific GST Bills for implementing the new tax encompassing all existing central and state indirect taxes from April 1, 2017. One of the changes brought by the government in the Rajya Sabha on its own and not on the Opposition's demand relates to not putting the entire tax collected in the consolidated fund of India so as to enable the Centre transfer part of it to the state concerned and vice versa. All other changes are based on the Congress demands. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to intervene once the debate starts in Lok Sabha on Monday. Aiming for early roll out of the GST, touted as the most major reform since 1991, Union ministers have spoken to chief ministers of NDA-ruled states to ensure that the constitutional amendment is ratified by state assemblies at the earliest. The chief ministers have assured that, if required, they will call a special session for the passage of the Bill in their state assemblies. The GST Bill has to be ratified by at least 16 states in 30 days after it is passed by Lok Sabha. Once implemented, GST will subsume various taxes, including excise, services tax, octroi and other levies, and the proceeds will be shared between the Centre and the states. Under the new GST regime goods would be taxed at the point of consumption, instead of the goods being taxed multiple times at different rates. Evaluating various provisions of Model GST Bill, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) here on Sunday supported the Congress contention that the 18 per cent standard tax rate will prove to be an ideal rate. Explaining the reasoning, CAIT National President BC Bhartia and secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said that under current VAT regime items placed under five per cent tax slab will be attracting standard rate of tax which may be 18 per cent, and it is feared that such a situation will lead to inflation. But these goods are largely used as raw material. On the other hand, currently the items under VAT slab of 12.5 per cent with various cess will also be placed under the standard tax rate of 18 per cent. They apprehend, that in spite of all the mathematics, there might be some inflation in the initial days, which may subside once the taxation system is fully adopted in its letter and spirit. (DNA)

India's goods and services tax bill to face lower house scrutiny

India&#39;s parliament today passed a landmark tax reform&nbsp;bill&nbsp;that will pave the way for the introduction of a new national sales tax, and create a common market across the country for the first time. 
 
Parliament&#39;s upper house, Rajya Sabha, passed the long-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST)&nbsp;bill&nbsp;unanimously after Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s government reached a consensus with opposition parties over the new tax regime. The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014 was approved by the upper house with 203 votes in favour and none against, after a seven-hour debate during which a rare bonhomie was witnessed among the ruling and the opposition parties. 
 
The GST will replace a patchwork of central and state levies on goods and services and is one of the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party government&#39;s biggest reforms since taking power in May 2014.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi thanked the leaders and members of all the parties in a tweet&nbsp;after the bill received a thumbs up. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
On this truly historic occasion of the passage of the GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha, I thank the leaders and members of all parties.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/760874175766507521">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I would like to add that GST will also be the best example of cooperative federalism. Together we will take India to new heights of progress
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/760874652960821249">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
The battle to introduce the economy-boosting GST has been one of the fiercest of Modi&#39;s premiership, with Congress repeatedly blocking the bill for more than a year, before finally agreeing to several amendments. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s the biggest tax reform since independence,&quot; finance minister Arun Jaitley told the NDTV television channel earlier today.&nbsp;&quot;It integrates India into one economic entity India becomes a big market, there will be a seamless transfer of goods and services across the country.&quot; 
 
Investors have billed the GST as a &quot;silver bullet&quot; for India&#39;s economy that would supplant multiple federal and state levies, a chaotic structure that inflates costs for businesses. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
GST Bill passed.India&#39;s enormous market--a caged tiger--will now be unleashed. GoodShowTeam India!
&mdash; anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra/status/760876374634721280">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Passing of the GST Amendment Bill will boost foreign investor sentiment <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSTBill?src=hash">#GSTBill</a> 
Watch for inflows
&mdash; Mahesh (@invest_mutual) <a href="https://twitter.com/invest_mutual/status/760875005089423360">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
Hailing the passage of the bill as an extremely progressive step, Walmart India today reacted positively. 
 
&quot;Passing of the GST bill today in Rajya Sabha is an extremely progressive step and long awaited one. GST is one of the critical tax reforms which has potential to create one single market in India for goods &amp; services and will boost country&#39;s economy significantly,&quot; Walmart India president and CEO Krish Iyer said in a statement. 
 
Businesses have lobbied hard for the tax, with lobby group the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) estimating the GST will add 1.5 to 2 percentage points to the annual economic growth rate. 
 
&quot;It is very much in the category of what one would call a big-bang reform,&quot; CII president Naushad Forbes told AFP.&nbsp;&quot;It will be a huge benefit to the ease of doing business, it&#39;s a huge potential efficiency gainer. It&#39;s a very significant potential contribution to the economy in the longer term,&quot; he said. 
 
India&#39;s GDP expanded 7.6 per cent in 2015-16, making it the fastest-growing major economy in the world.&nbsp;The actual tax is still some way off, however, with the government targeting April 2017 for its introduction, a date many experts say is overly optimistic. 
 
The bill that cleared the upper house today simply amends the constitution to grant the government new taxation powers.&nbsp;The bill must also be ratified by at least half of India&#39;s 29 states, before a specific GST bill can be introduced to enshrine the tax in law. 
 
The main rate of GST is still a hot topic for debate, with experts suggesting it is likely to end up at around 18 per cent.&nbsp;While GST may push up inflation in the short term because the price of some goods will rise, economists say it will boost business activity and deter tax evasion. 
 
About 150 countries worldwide have some form of GST or VAT (Value Added Tax), according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. 
 
(Agencies)

The passage of the bill was held up for years by political infighting, and its advancement marks a victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi

India's parliament today passed a landmark tax reform bill that will pave the way for the introduction of a new national sales tax, and create a common market across the country for the first time. Parliament's upper house, Rajya Sabha, passed the long-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill unanimously after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government reached a consensus with opposition parties over the new tax regime. The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014 was approved by the upper house with 203 votes in favour and none against, after a seven-hour debate during which a rare bonhomie was witnessed among the ruling and the opposition parties. The GST will replace a patchwork of central and state levies on goods and services and is one of the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party government's biggest reforms since taking power in May 2014. Prime Minister Modi thanked the leaders and members of all the parties in a tweet after the bill received a thumbs up. On this truly historic occasion of the passage of the GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha, I thank the leaders and members of all parties. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2016 I would like to add that GST will also be the best example of cooperative federalism. Together we will take India to new heights of progress — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2016 The battle to introduce the economy-boosting GST has been one of the fiercest of Modi's premiership, with Congress repeatedly blocking the bill for more than a year, before finally agreeing to several amendments. "It's the biggest tax reform since independence," finance minister Arun Jaitley told the NDTV television channel earlier today. "It integrates India into one economic entity India becomes a big market, there will be a seamless transfer of goods and services across the country." Investors have billed the GST as a "silver bullet" for India's economy that would supplant multiple federal and state levies, a chaotic structure that inflates costs for businesses. GST Bill passed.India's enormous market--a caged tiger--will now be unleashed. GoodShowTeam India! — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 3, 2016 Passing of the GST Amendment Bill will boost foreign investor sentiment #GSTBill Watch for inflows — Mahesh (@invest_mutual) August 3, 2016 Hailing the passage of the bill as an extremely progressive step, Walmart India today reacted positively. "Passing of the GST bill today in Rajya Sabha is an extremely progressive step and long awaited one. GST is one of the critical tax reforms which has potential to create one single market in India for goods & services and will boost country's economy significantly," Walmart India president and CEO Krish Iyer said in a statement. Businesses have lobbied hard for the tax, with lobby group the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) estimating the GST will add 1.5 to 2 percentage points to the annual economic growth rate. "It is very much in the category of what one would call a big-bang reform," CII president Naushad Forbes told AFP. "It will be a huge benefit to the ease of doing business, it's a huge potential efficiency gainer. It's a very significant potential contribution to the economy in the longer term," he said. India's GDP expanded 7.6 per cent in 2015-16, making it the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The actual tax is still some way off, however, with the government targeting April 2017 for its introduction, a date many experts say is overly optimistic. The bill that cleared the upper house today simply amends the constitution to grant the government new taxation powers. The bill must also be ratified by at least half of India's 29 states, before a specific GST bill can be introduced to enshrine the tax in law. The main rate of GST is still a hot topic for debate, with experts suggesting it is likely to end up at around 18 per cent. While GST may push up inflation in the short term because the price of some goods will rise, economists say it will boost business activity and deter tax evasion. About 150 countries worldwide have some form of GST or VAT (Value Added Tax), according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. (Agencies)

Indian parliament's upper house passes landmark tax reform bill

The monsoon session of the Indian parliament began on Monday, amid government&#39;s effort to push through major reform bills including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill in the Rajya Sabha, upper house of the parliament. 
 
Ahead of the session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that all should work together in this session to take the country forward. 
 
Modi had on Sunday reached out to the opposition parties to ensure passage of the GST bill while urging all to keep national interests above other issues. Speaker of the Lok Sabha, lower house of the parliament, Sumitra Mahajan also expressed hope that the house would function smoothly without any adjournments. 
 
Buoyed by the restoration of its governments in two states - Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand - the Congress party is likely to target the Modi supporters for &quot;using all tricks&quot; to destabilise opposition-ruled states. 
 
The Congress, which originally piloted the GST bill, has said it is still in favour of the same. The changes it has demanded include putting a cap of 18 per cent on GST rate in the constitution amendment bill. 
 
Of the 10 bills expected to come up in the Lok Sabha during the 20-day sittings are the Consumer Protection Bill 2015, the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Bill 2015, and the Lok Pal and Lokayuktas and Other Related Laws (Amendment) Bill. 
 
A total of 25 bills are expected to come up for passing and consideration during the session. 
 
(DNA webdesk)

Prime Minister Modi has appealed to the opposition for smooth functioning of the house and keep national interests above others

The monsoon session of the Indian parliament began on Monday, amid government's effort to push through major reform bills including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill in the Rajya Sabha, upper house of the parliament. Ahead of the session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that all should work together in this session to take the country forward. Modi had on Sunday reached out to the opposition parties to ensure passage of the GST bill while urging all to keep national interests above other issues. Speaker of the Lok Sabha, lower house of the parliament, Sumitra Mahajan also expressed hope that the house would function smoothly without any adjournments. Buoyed by the restoration of its governments in two states - Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand - the Congress party is likely to target the Modi supporters for "using all tricks" to destabilise opposition-ruled states. The Congress, which originally piloted the GST bill, has said it is still in favour of the same. The changes it has demanded include putting a cap of 18 per cent on GST rate in the constitution amendment bill. Of the 10 bills expected to come up in the Lok Sabha during the 20-day sittings are the Consumer Protection Bill 2015, the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Bill 2015, and the Lok Pal and Lokayuktas and Other Related Laws (Amendment) Bill. A total of 25 bills are expected to come up for passing and consideration during the session. (DNA webdesk)

Tax bill in focus as monsoon session of Indian parliament begins

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