Parliament Updates: Lok Sabha passes Taxation, Companies Amendment bills; both Houses adjourned till tomorrow
22:39 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Lok Sabha passes Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to the Opposition's arguments on the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in the Lok Sabha on Saturday.
She said, "This Bill will help companies doing their business easily, will help them in ease of leaving. It will also amend companies law to decriminalise various offences."
The House is adjourned till 3 pm on Sunday.
22:01 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Lok Sabha takes up Companies Amendment Bill for discussion
BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi said that the Companies Amendment Bill will be of benefit to investors.
"India’s ease of doing business ranking improved to 63 from 142, as per the report of World Bank. This is only possible because of the strong leadership of PM Modi. And this bill will improve business environment in the country," she said.
21:17 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Lok Sabha passes Taxation Amendment Bill
The Lok Sabha on Saturday passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020 on Saturday.
20:53 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Nirmala Sitharaman provides comparison on PM CARES, PMNRF funds
The specifications of the PM CARES and PMNRF funds are "similar", Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha on Saturday. Stating that while the PM CARES fund is registered and the PMNRF is not, she addressed the Opposition's questions on the former.
Many MPs raised concerns over the audit of the PM CARES, because it is outside the ambit of the CAG. In reply, Sitharaman said that both the funds are being audited by a firm, SARC and Associates.
She said that neither funds are under the purview of the RTI Act. She added that that objectives of both the funds were "similar".
The finance minister also slammed the Opposition over Congress' president Sonia Gandhi's inclusion on the board of trustees of the PMNRF.
20:37 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Nirmala Sitharaman slams Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury over 'chokra' remark about Anurag Thakur
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's remark on MoS Anurag Thakur in the Lok Sabha on Saturday. On Friday, Chowdhury had said he was "Himachal ka chokra" while raising slogans against his comments in the House.
On Saturday, Sitharaman said that the Opposition must not belittle Union minister Thakur. She also asked the Congress to answer the questions posed by Thakur about the funds set up by the party and erstwhile governments.
"You must answer the questions asked by the MoS regarding the use of money in the other funds. If you don't answer, you can't question," she said.
20:06 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Nirmala Sitharaman begins reply in debate on Taxation Amendment Bill
19:56 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
'Will be forced to leave House,' says Congress
As Union minister Anurag Thakur targetted the Gandhi family by name in his speech on the PM CARES fund, Congress MPs said that if the Treasury benches name MPs who are not present in the House, while making allegations, the party's MPs "will be forced to leave the House".
While Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "The rules don’t allow such allegation without prior notice and when the member isn’t present to defend," another MP Gaurav Gogoi questioned the Centre over when the donation money taken from China will be returned.
19:35 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Anurag Thakur targets Gandhis in Lok Sabha
MoS Anurag Thakur targetted the Gandhi family during the discussion on the Taxation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on Saturday.
Claiming that "not a single rupee in PM CARES will be misused", he said, "What about the various trusts runs by a specific family? Who is doing their audit?"
He added that the PM CARES fund is a "public charitable trust and hence doesn’t need CAG audit".
"Public fund and government machinery was used to serve one family so far. They have trusts, funds and foundations under their name. They have systematically looted public funds. The funds were taken from people like Zakir Naik in 2011 and was returned only in 2015. Three lakh dollars were taken from China. Funds from PM relief fund were diverted to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation from where it was diverted to various foundation including to Christian missionaries," he adds.
19:20 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
PM CARES trustees are all ex-officio members, says Anurag Thakur
"The Trustees of the PM CARES Fund are all ex officio members, such as Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Finance," said Union Minister Anurag Thakur in the Lok Sabha on Saturday.
19:08 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Monsoon Session of Parliament likely to be cut short, say reports
The Parliament's Monsoon Session which began on 13 September is likely to be curtailed and might be cut short next week in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports said.
Reports said that most members of the Lok Sabha's business advisory committee supported the early curtailment of the Session in a meeting on Saturday.
Originally, the session was set to end on 1 October. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs will reportedly take the final decision.
19:02 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Anurag Thakur says PM CARES to be audited by authority that audits PMNRF fund
MoS Finance Anurag Thakur addressed arguments made by the Opposition MPs over the PM CARES fund in the Lok Sabha on Saturday.
"Why is there such distrust about PM cares fund? Is there any past experience which has caused it?" he was quoted as saying by The Hindu.
"The initial fund was given by PM Modi's mother and other ordinary people. This will be audited by the same group that audits the PM Relief fund. This will be dispensed by a committee and is not person specific. This is a registered trust," he said.
18:50 (IST)
Parliament LATEST Updates
TRS to oppose agriculture bills in Rajya Sabha
Alleging that the agriculture bills brought in by the NDA government would cause great injustice to farmers in the country, TRS president and Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday asked his party MPs to vote against them in the Rajya Sabha.
Observing that the bills would hurt farmers and benefit corporates, Rao told the TRS parliamentary party leader K Keshav Rao to strongly oppose them in parliament.
"Chief Minister Sri K Chandrasekhar Rao said that the Farmers and farming related Bills introduced by the Centre in Parliament would do a lot of injustices to the farm sector in the country.
The CM has instructed TRSPP Leader Dr K Keshav Rao to oppose the Bills tooth and nail in the Parliament, as it would benefit the Corporates and adversely impact the farmers, an official release said.
18:33 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
NCP says Center must provide 'unutilized cess to states if GST compensation falling short'
NCP MP Shriniwas Patil questioned whether the Centre can provide untilised cess to state governments if compensation is falling short, The Hindu reported.
"State governments have been asked to borrow from market as Centre can't pay GST compensation, but States need to know the timeline in which compensation will come," he said.
18:13 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Why is Centre accepting donations from 'enemy' companies, says Mahua Moitra
TMC MP Mahua Moitra added to the debate on the Taxation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, and slammed the Centre on multiple counts including the donations made by Chinese companies to the PM CARES fund.
She said that the bill is "deeply problematic because it further weakens the rights and resources available to states by taking away statutory promises made under the new GST regime. It also corners the public funds for PM CARES to the direct detriment of state relief funds."
She added, "Government allowed CSR to PM CARES, but disallowed to state relief fund, which is an unfair step. Also, 38 PSUs donated to PM CARES, but no audit has been done regarding it."
"Massive donations were done by Chinese companies to PM CARES — Xiaomi, TikTok, etc. Why is the government accepting donations from our enemy companies, the tainted money should be returned," she added.
17:56 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Congress says Centre must disclose spending from PM CARES
Congress MP Manickam Tagore said that the House should be informed about what money from the PM CARES fund is being spent on.
"Why the need to set up a private trust? Why not form a Parliament trust, a defence trust? Let everything run like this," he said.
"Government appointed a private auditor for PM CARES, without any open tender, how this is possible? How is this auditor connected to BJP?" he added.
17:33 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Opposition says PM CARES fund lacks transparency
RSP MP NK Premachandran spoke about the Centre's PM CARES fund during the debate on the Taxation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Asking what the logic was "behind having a separate fund" despite the existence of the PMNRF, he said, "PM CARES fund lacks transparency as not audited by Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). Even RTI is not apllicable."
17:17 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Lok Sabha begins discussion on Taxation Amendment Bill
The Lok Sabha has begun debate on the Taxation Amendment Bill moved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The introduction of the bill caused lively discussion on the PM CARES fund, GST, and the state of the economy on Friday.
16:50 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Farooq Abdullah says Jammu and Kashmir 'must have equal rights' as other states, UTs
National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, who is attending a Parliament session one year after he was detained during the abrogation of Article 370, on Saturday said that the Jammu and Kashmir UT "should have the same right as the rest of the country to progress".
"Children today aren’t getting the education they should. I also demand adequate compensation for the three youth killed recently," he said.
He also added that "there has been no progress" in the UT, and said, "People there do not have access to 4G facility, how are they going to grow in the present time when the rest of the country has access to every facility on the internet."
16:45 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says Bengal labourers left out of PMGKY
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that migrant labourers in West Bengal have been left out of the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY).
"116 districts throughout India selected for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY), but so far no district in Bengal has been chosen for the yojana. In my district there alone are 1.5 lakh migrant workers, but nothing has been done for them so far. I have also written to the PM, regarding that," he said.
16:32 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
TMC says political detainees in Jammu and Kashmir should be released
TMC MP Sougata Ray raised the issue of the political detainees in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir during the time dedicated to 'Issues of Public Importance' in the Lok Sabha.
He said, "The situation in Kashmir is a cause of concern mor than a year since the abrogation of Article 370 — political leaders are still not released, journalists are being harassed, State human rights commissions are closed, education of children is adversely hit, jails have become COVID hot-spots."
"We demand that political leaders be released immediately", he says.
16:05 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Congress argues against labour ministry's bills
Congress MPs Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor opposed the introduction of the three bills by the Labour ministry in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
They said that the bills were introduced in the House without adequate prior notice.
"Many sectors have been left out in these bills. Every bill has to be put in public domain for at least 30 days. Code on Social Security is discriminatory," he said. He added, "Labour rights are intertwined with fundamental rights. There are definitional mistakes in the bill."
Meanwhile, Tharoor said that the bills are "discriminatory to women, migrant workers, unorganised sectors".
15:46 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
MoS Labour Santosh Kumar Gangwar introduces three bills
MoS Labour and Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar sought to introduce three bills in the Lok Sabha on Saturday: The Occupational Safety, Health And Working Conditions Code, 2020, The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, The Code On Social Security, 2020.
15:15 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Congress MP gives notice to discuss Assam Accord Clause 6
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha demanding discussion on the status of clause 6 of the Assam Accord.
15:06 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Bills for consideration and passing in LS
- The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill,2020
- The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020, The National Forensic Sciences University Bill, 2020
- The Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020
- The Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020
- The Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
15:00 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Lok Sabha to assemble shortly
14:28 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Violence against health workers declined dramatically after ordinance: Harsh Vardhan
A "dramatic" decline in the number of incidents of violence against health workers have been witnessed in the country after an ordinance was brought, making such activities a non-bailable offence, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan informed the Rajya Sabha on Saturday.
The government brought an ordinance on 22 April to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to make incidents of violence on health workers treating COVID-19 patients a non-bailable offence with provisions of penalty and a jail term of up to seven years.
Moving an amendment bill in this regard for passage in the Upper House, the health minister said after the ordinance, such incidents against healthcare workers have declined.
14:26 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Issues not added under Epidemic Act to be included in Public Health Act: Harsh Vardhan
On being asked why ASHA workers, policemen or sanitation workers were not included in the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said "all issues not included under Epidemic Act or National Disaster Management Act will be included in the Public Health Act."
"Issues were raised on charges by private hospitals. Centre gave support to States, synchronised Ayushman Bharat rates, drug controller has taken action. In Mumbai and Surat, legal action was taken against black marketeers. ASHA workers were taken care of, the salary and other issues raised- States were given funds under NDRF. Many States have been given PPEs, ventilators etc., many States do not have space to keep them now," said the health minister.
13:36 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 9 am tomorrow
13:35 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill passed in RS
13:26 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Centre must consult States to expand protection beyond doctors: Anand Sharma
Congress leader Anand Sharma said the protection should be expanded to a lot more services than just doctors. "Police, should be included in the extended list of those affected by the pandemic."
He asked the health minister to constitute a task force in this regard, for a comprehensive review. He also sought that the Centre consult the State governments as an important stakeholder in decisions.
13:13 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Opposition leaders want policemen, sanitation workers also be included in Ordinance
Doctor Sasmit Patra of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill leaves out policemen, panchayat workers and sanitation workers.
Similarly, Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said "Healthcare workers should be given PPEs, work hours should be regulated and salaries should be disbursed on time. Policemen, safai karamcharis and ASHA workers should be taken care of."
She further added that few hospitals turned the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity and sought some check against them.
13:03 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Ordinance will give unqualified power to Centre: Derek O'Brien
Derek O'Brien of the TMC said the Bill gives unqualified power to the Centre to interfere into affairs of the State. "You cannot cross constitutional bars. There are sinister provisions in the Bill. The States must be authorised to take decisions."
"BJP is telling us no politics, that is why we have not given any amendments. We want to recommend some suggestions. We have health insurance in Bengal for allied workers also, include that. Include the mental wellness of healthcare workers. The State is paying 40%, but when it comes to taking credit, the Centre takes all credit."
"West Bengal brought in what the Ayushman Bharat brings in, two years ago. Imitation is the best form of flattery. Features like card being registered in the name of the woman of the house we already had," the TMC leader said.
12:58 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Ordinance brought in due to attacks on medical professionals: BJP MP
Supporting the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, BJP's Saroj Pandey said that it was brought owing to the attacks on healthcare professionals. "We showered flowers on them, the healthcare workers couldn't even meet their families for months as they wanted to protect them from infection."
12:37 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Epidemic Diseases Bill must include provisions to deal with inflated prices of PPE kits, says SP leader
Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav wanted a provision in the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill to be included that addresses the inflated prices at which the PPE kits were sold to States.
"What about those black marketers who hoarded medicines claiming to cure coronavirus and fooled people? There should be provisions in the Bill to address these issues. Moreover, if the sole bread winner of a family has died due to COVID-19, he should be compensated and protected by the government," said Yadav.
12:31 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Centre using COVID-19 an excuse to economic losses: Congress MP
Neeraj Dangi of Congress said Rahul Gandhi had forewarned the Centre, but the Centre did not take it seriously." It was the time when Assembly elections in Delhi were being held. The Centre was busy in CAA, NRC and NPR. It was busy in welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump. While Rahul Gandhi warned, the Centre was busy breaking State governments. They were successful in Madhya Pradesh, but not in Rajasthan."
"The Centre is using COVID-19 as an excuse to gloss over economic losses due to demonetisation and GST. 80 lakh people were forced to withdraw their EPF contributions, people are asking for jobs," said the Congress leader.
12:17 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
What is the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill?
The Ordinance seeks amendments to the 125-years-old Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, that protects health workers in the country.
Earlier in April, the government had approved an ordinance that recognised any crime against health professionals as a "cognizable and non-bailable" offence. It means that offenders can be arrested without a warrant, and no bail would be granted.
Offenders can also be fined anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh and will also have to serve a prison term between three months to five years, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar had said in April.
12:07 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Centre wants to introduce law to protect health professionals: Harsh Vardhan
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said due to the stigma attached to COVID-19 warriors including doctors and paramedics, the Centre wanted to introduce a prohibitory mechanism to protect them from indignity.
11:46 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Epidemic Diseases Bill tabled in RS
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan tabled The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for consideration in Rajya Sabha on Saturday.
11:38 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
IBC is critical part of business now: Sitharaman
The Finance Minister stressed the importance to suspend sections 7, 9 and 10 of IBC to prevent businesses from getting pushed into insolvency. "With this intention, Section 10A of the ordinance was brought in," said Sitharaman.
Our intention of initiating corporate insolvency for matters that occurred during lockdown, was to give immunity during this period. This is only for those which arrive during COVID-19 period, amendment of section 66 that no obligation shall be filed by a resolution professional, said the finance minister.
11:26 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Only Rs 33 is given to people per day as subsistence, says RJD leader
Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD raised the issue of unemployment during the coronavirus-induced lockdown. "How many people have lost their jobs? "Look at the thali of underprivileged people. Only Rs 33 is given to people per day as subsistence, that much money is spent on three coffees in Parliament's central hall."
11:23 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
PM's priority was to save lives before livelihood: Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman began her response to all the 16 ministers who raised issues with Insolvency Bill. "The situation before us in March was clearly of putting lives before livelihood. When Narendra Modi announced the Janta curfew, he said it was a preventive remedy and did not know for how long it would last. Naturally, lockdown impacted business and financial market, did we just sit and watch? No."
10:55 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Section 10A of IBC to lead to erosion of value, says BJD leader
Amar Patnaik of BJD said that the Insolvency Bill has been linked to a time frame. "260 such cases were initiated by corporate debtors, Section 10 A will only lead to erosion of value going into resolution process," said Patnaik.
"What happens to people who are dependent on global business?" he asks. the IBC has been fairly successful since 2016, 40% recovery, what was the need for three ordinances rather than bringing in changes as it is an evolving law.
10:32 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Following Ministers to table papers in Lower House
- Santosh Kumar Gangwar for Ministry of Labour and Employment
- Prahalad Singh Patel for Ministry of Culture
- Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao for Ministry of Education
- Anurag Singh Thakur for Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Corporate Affairs
10:19 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code a bold step of Modi govt, says Arun Singh
BJP MP Arun Singh said the amendment to Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 was a "remarkable and bold step" by the Narendra Modi government. Citing statistics, including ease of doing business ranking, Singh said there has been an overall improvement under the NDA government.
10:15 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Farmers in Amritsar protest over agriculture ordinances
Amritsar: Farmers hold a protest demonstration against the Centre over recent agriculture ordinances#Punjab pic.twitter.com/XDG6Y5CB21
— ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2020
10:01 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Insolvency Bill to affect MSME traders: Congress MP
Speaking on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Bill, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha on Saturday that small traders will be affected by this ordinance and accused the Centre of trying to protect big corporates. "MSMEs must be allowed to initiate CIRB proceedings irrespective of the provisions," he said.
He said: "the enactment of 10A will be counterproductive as there is no certainty in how long the pandemic will continue. So I have moved an amendment to remove the cap."
09:47 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Congress MPs raise issues with Agri Bills in Zero Hour
Ruckus followed as Opposition demanded discussion on Agriculture Bills passed in Rajya Sabha on Saturday. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said that Bills are to be taken next day, and the discussion can take place then.
09:43 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Derek O'Brien appeals to reopen Handloom and Handicrafts Boards
TMC leader Derek O'Brien pointed out that the All India Handicraft Board in Kolkata has been abolished by the Centre. He added that All India Handloom and Powerloom board has also faced the same fate, and appealed that they be reopened.
09:36 (IST)
Rajya Sabha LATEST Updates
Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 to be discussed
Among the ordinances to be discussed in the Upper House is Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2020. The Ordinance seeks amendments to the 125-years-old Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, that protects health workers in the country.
Earlier in April, the government had approved an ordinance that recognised any crime against health professionals as a "cognizable and non-bailable" offence. It means that offenders can be arrested without a warrant, and no bail would be granted.
09:22 (IST)
Lok Sabha LATEST Updates
Bills to be introduced in Lower HouseParliament LATEST Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to the Opposition's arguments on the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in the Lok Sabha on Saturday.
She said, "This Bill will help companies doing their business easily, will help them in ease of leaving. It will also amend companies law to decriminalise various offences."
The House is adjourned till 3 pm on Sunday.
MoS Finance Anurag Thakur addressed arguments made by the Opposition MPs over the PM CARES fund in the Lok Sabha on Saturday.
"Why is there such distrust about PM cares fund? Is there any past experience which has caused it?
"The initial fund was given by PM Modi's mother and other ordinary people. This will be audited by the same group that audits the PM Relief fund. This will be dispensed by a committee and is not person specific. This is a registered trust," he said.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra added to the debate on the Taxation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, and slammed the Centre on multiple counts including the donations made by Chinese companies to the PM CARES fund.
She said that the bill is "deeply problematic because it further weakens the rights and resources available to states by taking away statutory promises made under the new GST regime. It also corners the public funds for PM CARES to the direct detriment of state relief funds."
She added, "Government allowed CSR to PM CARES, but disallowed to state relief fund, which is an unfair step. Also, 38 PSUs donated to PM CARES, but no audit has been done regarding it."
"Massive donations were done by Chinese companies to PM CARES — Xiaomi, TikTok, etc. Why is the government accepting donations from our enemy companies, the tainted money should be returned," she added.
The Lok Sabha has begun debate on the Taxation Amendment Bill moved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The introduction of the bill caused lively discussion on the PM CARES fund, GST, and the state of the economy on Friday.
MoS Labour and Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar sought to introduce three bills in the Lok Sabha on Saturday: The Occupational Safety, Health And Working Conditions Code, 2020, The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, The Code On Social Security, 2020.
Giving relief to taxpayers following the COVID-19 outbreak, the government had through the ordinance extended the deadline for filing of income tax returns for 2018-19 fiscal till 30 September and linking biometric Aadhaar with PAN till 31 March, 2021.
All issues not included under Epidemic Act or National Disaster Management Act will be included in the Public Health Act, said the Union health minister.
Sitharaman told the Rajya Sabha that the suspension of Sections 7, 9 and 10 of IBC was aimed at preventing businesses from getting pushed into insolvency. "With this intention, Section 10A of the ordinance was brought in," said Sitharaman.
Congress Vivek Tankha said the enactment of 10A will be counterproductive as there is no certainty in how long the pandemic will continue.
Uproar in Rajya Sabha followed as Opposition demanded discussion on Agriculture Bills passed in Lok Sabha. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said that Bills are to be taken next day, and the discussion can take place then.
On the sixth day of the Parliament's Monsoon session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday will table the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill 2020 for consideration and passing.
The Bill will replace the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, which was promulgated on 5 June and prohibited the initiation of insolvency proceedings for defaults arising during the six months from 25 March 2020 (extendable upto one year).
The Ordinance came as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had created uncertainty and stress for businesses. It was also felt that during the coronavorus lockdown, it may be difficult to find an adequate number of resolution applicants to rescue the corporate debtor who may default in discharging their debt.
Among the ordinances to be discussed in the Upper House is Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2020. The Ordinance seeks amendments to the 125-years-old Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, that protects health workers in the country.
Earlier in April, the government had approved an ordinance that recognised any crime against health professionals as a "cognizable and non-bailable" offence. It means that offenders can be arrested without a warrant, and no bail would be granted.
Offenders can also be fined anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh and will also have to serve a prison term between three months to five years, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar had said in April.
The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020, is listed to be taken in consideration in the Lower House on Saturday.
The Bill seeks to replace the Taxation and other Laws (Relaxation of Certain Provisions) Ordinance, 2020, issued in March 2020.
Giving relief to taxpayers following the COVID-19 outbreak, the government had through the ordinance extended the deadline for filing of income tax returns for 2018-19 fiscal till 30 September and linking biometric Aadhaar with PAN till 31 March, 2021.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called for introduction of the bill on Friday. However, since the minister was not present, the House then took up discussion on two farm sector related legislations.
Home Minister Amot Shah will move the Bill seeking to establish a National Forensic Sciences University as an institution of national importance by upgrading the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University in Gandhinagar, be taken into consideration.
Parliament proceedings on 18 September
On Friday, the Lower House witnessed first adjournment in the Monsoon Session over disruption when Treasury and Opposition members clashed over PM-CARES fund.
The proceedings in the Lower House were disrupted as the Opposition raised slogans against Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur for his allegation that the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was set up "only for the benefit of the Gandhi family".
"The trust was set up during the tenure of former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and was not even registered as a public trust but it got all relevant clearance, including FCRA," Thakur said, intervening during the introduction of the Taxation and other Laws (Relaxation of Certain Provisions) Bill.
"The PM Cares Fund is a constitutionally set up public charitable trust. PM National Relief Fund was set up only for the benefits of one family — the Nehru-Gandhi family," he said.
On the other hand Rajya Sabha passed four Bills in less than four hours. The Upper House too was adjourned for 30 minutes to mourn the death of Karnataka MP Ashok Gasti.
The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020; Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, 2020; Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020; and Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020, were passed in the Upper House.
With inputs from PTI
from Firstpost India Latest News https://ift.tt/3kz834I
FP Staff
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