The Lok Sabha today took up discussion on Motion of Thanks on President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Participating in the discussion, BJP MP Anurag Singh Thakur lauded the initiatives taken by the government in different sectors in the last ten years. He said several steps have been taken by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the welfare of people and growth of the economy. He said that 25 crore people have been uplifted from poverty and the government has provided 80 crore people free food-grain under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. He said, four crore homes were built for the poor and 12 crore toilets were built.
On the initiatives taken for speeding up the economy, Mr. Thakur said, bank capitalisation increased multifold and NPA reduced in the last ten years. Taking a dig at the previous UPA government, he said, the economy was in the fragile five category when they were in power, now the country has become the fifth largest economy and soon it will become the third largest. He also attacked the previous UPA government for rampant scams, crony capitalism and policy paralysis. He also accused Congress of undermining the constitution during its tenure.
Another party MP Bansuri Swaraj said welfare of farmers and women empowerment are the priorities of the government. She said, over three lakh crore rupees have been disbursed to the farmers so far under the PM KISAN scheme and Minimum Support Price of foodgrains have also been increased to provide relief to the farmers. She said 81 crore poor people are being given free foodgrain under the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana to ensure their food security. The discussion is underway.
Earlier, when the House met, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. He said, a message should be sent to the country, from Parliament on the NEET issue and it should be discussed in the House. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, Parliament proceedings are carried out based on rules and traditions. He said, any discussion should be done only after the Motion of thanks on the President’s address. Later, Opposition members staged a walk out from the House over the NEET issue.
In the Rajya Sabha, when the House met this morning, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar disallowed the adjournment notices moved by the opposition members on alleged irregularities in NEET examination. Later, the House resumed discussion on Motion of Thanks on President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of both the Houses. Participating in the discussion, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said the address of the President lacked vision and direction. He alleged that it has nothing for the poor, SC and minorities. Mr. Kharge also raised the issue of paper leak, train accidents, militant attack in J&K and other matters. Mr. Kharge questioned the decision to relocate the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr BR Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji in Parliament House complex.
The Chairman rejected Mr. Kharge’s comments saying criticism for the sake of criticism is not right. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also responded to the issue saying that all the statues have been placed at a good place where people can visit and pay their respect. Mr. Kharge said, people have given a befitting reply to the ruling party as 17 Ministers lost their election during the Lok Sabha polls. He said, opposition will continue their fight to save the constitution and democracy for the people of the country. Mr. Kharge also raised the issue of vacancies in Railways saying over three lakh posts are vacant which should be filled. Responding to it, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, over five lakh people got jobs in the last ten years in the Railways which is much higher then as compared to previous UPA regime. The discussion is underway. Earlier, both the Houses congratulated the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for winning the T20 World Cup.
