Farmers Movement Archive

Lok Sabha worked only 21 of 96 hours this session, Rajya Sabha 28 of 98 hours

NEW DELHI: Hit by the government-opposition logjam over issues like the Pegasus spyware controversy, the monsoon session witnessed the lowest productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha so far, as it could function only 21 hours and 14 minutes against the stipulated time of 96 hours. The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die two days ahead of schedule on Wednesday. Together the first to fifth sessions lost approximately 40 hours, far less than the 74 hours and 46 minutes lost in the sixth session. The Rajya Sabha was equally affected due to opposition protests as the 17 sittings witnessed barely 28% productivity, in comparison to the 95% average of the previous five sessions. In this session, of the available 97 hours and 30 minutes, the RS could run for 28 hours — a loss of almost 70 hours. The Lok Sabha lost 74 hours and 46 minutes to interruptions and the productivity of the House during the session was barely 22% with protests by opposition MPs over the Pegasus controversy, farm laws and other issues leading to daily disruptions. The previous sessions of the current Lok Sabha have had record productivity, exceeding 100%, as House sittings took place till late hours to compensate for disruptions. Read AlsoManhandled by marshals, say women MPs, government denies itNEW DELHI: Amid chaotic scenes in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, leader of the House Piyush Goyal demanded a special committee to probe various “incidents” where opposition MPs conducted themselves in an unruly manner while the opposition claimed marshals were used to run roughshod over protests.The opposition has blamed the government for refusing to accept a discussion on the Pegasus allegations and the Centre said issues like Covid and other matters could not be discussed in the Lok Sabha due to the blockade of proceedings. Read AlsoOpposition leaders hold protest march over abrupt end to monsoon session of ParliamentOpposition leaders on Thursday marched towards Vijay Chowk from Parliament demanding the repeal of Centre's three farm laws. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also joined the march and said that the he has come to speak to the media as opposition is not being allowed to speak in the Parliament.At a press conference, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said 13 bills were introduced and 20, including those from the Rajya Sabha, were passed during the session. Some of the important bills which were passed are the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2021, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and Appropriation Bills relating to Supplementary Grants for 2017-18 and 2020-21.

The Times of India

2021-08-12

India