The Lok Sabha was adjourned till Monday as disruptions continued in the House for the fifth consecutive day today.
When the House reassembled after the first adjournment at 12 noon, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government has been ready for a discussion on the NEET paper leak issue from the very first day. He said the discussion could not take place due to certain conditions imposed by the Congress. Mr Rijiju said there is a collective sentiment among members that the issue should be discussed meaningfully. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the nation that a stringent law will be brought to deal with paper leaks. The Minister said activists who had protested over the NEET issue have also emphasised the need for a discussion. He said if Members of Parliament avoid the debate, it will not send a positive message to the country.
Mr Rijiju said the Union Cabinet will take decisions today on strict measures and the introduction of a strong law to address the paper leak issue. He urged Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to guide his party colleagues so that the House can function smoothly and a constructive discussion can take place.
Presiding Officer Jagdambika Pal said the government is ready for a discussion on the NEET issue and appealed to the Opposition to cooperate in the smooth functioning of the House. Amid the uproar, the House was adjourned till Monday.
Earlier, when the Lok Sabha assembled at 11 a.m., members paid tributes to the martyrs of the Kargil War and observed silence in their memory.
Later, when Speaker Om Birla took up the Question Hour, Opposition members began sloganeering, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Despite repeated appeals by the Speaker to maintain order, the protests continued.
Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha was also adjourned till 2 p.m. over the NEET issue.
Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan attempted to take up the Question Hour, but Opposition members continued their sloganeering demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister. As the disruptions continued, the House was adjourned till 2 p.m.
Earlier, when the Rajya Sabha met at 11 a.m., members paid homage to the martyrs of the Kargil War and observed silence as a mark of respect.
