Parliament Monsoon Session: The Monsoon session is scheduled to conclude on October 1. (File)
Rajya Sabha today passed two contentious farm bills, which have triggered protests by farmers at several places, amid uproar by opposition members.
The two bills -- Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 -- were passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday. The House also rejected the demand of several opposition parties to send the two bills to a Rajya Sabha Select Committee for greater scrutiny.
Here are the Highlights from the Parliament Monsoon Session 2020:
No-Confidence Motion Moved Against Rajya Sabha Deputy ChairmanAround 47 members of opposition parties moved a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Singh after today's proceedings, where two controversial farm bills were passed amid an unprecedented uproar. A no-confidence motion against the Deputy Chairman is a first in parliament and the convention is that Mr Singh should not preside over house sessions till the matter is settled.
The Deputy Chairman "attempted to have the bills passed in haste and without application of mind, circumvented all demands for proper voting by Division and violated all Covid-10 norms by not providing enough time for sanitisaton," read the MPs' letter to the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha.
The letter also said he "packed the house with security personnel deliberately designed to overawe and outnumber the Members of the Opposition".
In the letter, the MPs also alleged that the deputy chairperson did not allow many opposition members to speak or consider extending the session, which, owing to the safety measures imposed by the coronavirus outbreak, was to end at 2.
Read Rajnath Singh's "Main Bhi Kisan" Retort To Attacks On Farm BillsThe unprecedented "drama" by the opposition in Rajya Sabha today during the passage of the farm bills was an "attempt to confuse farmers", Union minister Rajnath Singh has said. "I'm also farmer, never believe government will hurt farmers," he added, appearing before the media in the evening, hours after the two controversial, big-ticket bills were passed amid unprecedented uproar by the opposition.
The opposition has alleged that the government lacked numbers in the Rajya Sabha and the breaking of rules helped them. More than 45 opposition MPs have also filed a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh.
Read "Akalis Quit Government Over A Rumour?": Shiv Sena's Dig At BJP
The Shiv Sena launched a spirited attack on former ally BJP during the discussion on farm bills today. Questioning the BJP's repeated assurance that the bills will not affect the Minimum Support Price of produce -- one of the key areas of concern for farmers -- the Sena questioned if the Akali Dal had quit the government just on basis of a "rumour".
The Akalis -- the oldest partners of the BJP who initially supported the big-ticket bills -- walked out from the government last week, saying a two-month discussion with the BJP on the subject has made no difference. The party -- under pressure from farmers and the Congress -- also said it would review the partnership at an internal meeting.
Trinamool's Derek O'Brien Tries To Tear Rule Book During Farm Bill DebateNew Delhi: Amid a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha against crucial farm bills, which cleared the parliament this afternoon, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien attempted to tear the rule book and snatch off Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan's microphone. He rushed to the well of the house to register his protest against the centre. "This is brutal murder of the parliamentary democratic system," the Trinamool Congress MP said amid the high drama, which led to a 10-minute adjournment of the house.
The chaos unfolded in the upper house of the parliament soon after the Trinamool Congress MP's remarks on the controversial bills in the parliament. Later, while talking to NDTV, he said: "I did not tear the rule book. You have seen the footage... I will resign as an MP. Government didn't have numbers.. yet they broke rules to get bills cleared. We have moved a notice to pass a resolution against the Deputy Chairman."
Read Sukhbir Singh Badal Urges President To Not To Sign The Farm Bill
Sukhbir Singh Badal has urged President Ram Nath Kovind to not to sign the farm bills passed by the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
The SAD leader has requested that the bills be returned to parliament for reconsideration.
"Please stand by the farmers, kisan mazdoors, arhtiyas, Mandi labour and Dalits," he said.
"Please intervene on their behalf with the govt. Otherwise they will never forgive us," he added.
"Watershed Moment In History Of Agriculture": PM After Farm Bills Passed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the passing of the farm bills in parliament was "watershed moment in history of Indian agriculture" as he hailed the laws cleared by Rajya Sabha amid chaos and drama in the Rajya Sabha.
"A watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture! Congratulations to our hardworking farmers on the passage of key bills in Parliament, which will ensure a complete transformation of the agriculture sector as well as empower crores of farmers," he tweeted.
Farmers protest new agriculture law by blocking major road in Sirsa, Haryana.
Trinamool's Derek O'Brien Tears Rule Book Amid Farm Bill Parliament Drama
Amid a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha against crucial farm bills, which cleared the parliament this afternoon, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien tried to tear the rule book and snatch off Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan's microphone. Derek O'Brien rushed to the well of the house to register his protest against the centre.
Read Here The government under the leadership of Narendra Modi ji has liberated the farmers from injustice they were facing for the last 70 years: BJP President JP Nadda.
The passage of these two bills will not only strengthen India's food security, but will also prove to be a major effective step towards doubling the income of farmers. I heartily congratulate the Prime Minister for this unprecedented agrarian reform: Rajnath Singh.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, the strong foundation of 'self-sufficient agriculture' has been laid today. After the passage of these two legislators in Parliament, a new history of growth and development in the agricultural sector will be written: Rajnath Singh.
It is a matter of great pleasure that after the passage in the Rajya Sabha, two bills capable of comprehensive reform in the agricultural sector, the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Price Assurance and Agricultural Services Agreement Bill Parliament has got approval.
Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till 9 AM Tomorrow
Rajya Sabha proceedings have been adjourned till 9 AM tomorrow.
The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020.has been passed by Rajya Sabha.
Voice vote on the agriculture Bills underway in Rajya Sabha.
Continuos sloganeering by Opposition MPs in the well of the House, against the agriculture Bills.
Opposition MPs in the well of the House raise slogans.
Rajya Sabha Proceedings have been adjourned till 1:42 PM.
TMC MP Derek O'Brien entered the well and showed the House rule book to Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, during discussion in the House on agriculture Bills.
Congress MP TN Prathapan has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over farmers' protest across the country against "anti-farmer legislations of the Government".
CPM MP AM Arif has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over "Government's decision to privatise Indian Railways"
Arvind Kejriwal Urges Non-BJP Parties To Vote Against Farm Bills In Rajya Sabha
National convener of AAP and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday appealed to all non-BJP parties to vote against three agriculture-related bills in the Rajya Sabha, saying farmers in the country wished so. Earlier, Kejriwal had said his party will vote against the three bills and termed them "anti-farmer". "Farmers all over the country are watching the Rajya Sabha today. The BJP is in a minority in the Rajya Sabha. I appeal to all the non-BJP parties to defeat these bills, this is what farmers in the country wish," Arvind Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.
Haryana Farmers Block Roads To Protest New Agri Bills
Farmers in Haryana have stepped up their protest against three new agriculture bills, which were tabled in Rajya Sabha this morning. The state government has intensified security arrangements after several farmer bodies gave the protest call, stressing that they will block the highways as a part of "Road Roko (block the road)" protest. Delhi Police is also on alert amid the protests in neighbouring states.
Read Here I'll talk about what BJP's President said about our manifesto. He studied our manifesto & brought out a few points from it to compare with their Bill. Our manifesto is a horse and they have tried to compare it with a donkey: Congress' Ahmed Patel in Rajya Sabha.
PM should explain why there's a hurry to pass the bills amid pandemic. He should explain what would farm bills do for farming community in short & long term & how it will help in achieving govt's goal of doubling farmers' income: Former PM & JD(S) MP HD Devegowda in Rajya Sabha.
PM has said that the government is not ending the MSP system. It is just a rumour. So, did a union minister resign on the basis of a rumour?: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut in Rajya Sabha.
PM Modi Making Farmers 'Slaves': Rahul Gandhi
With the anti-agriculture 'black law' of Modi government, farmers: 1. How will the MSP be received at the end of APMC / Kisan Market? 2. Why MSP not guaranteed? PM Modi is making farmers 'slaves' of the capitalists, which the country will never let succeed: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Can the Government assure the country that after the passing of the agriculture reform Bills, farmers' income will double and no farmer will commit suicide?....A special session should be called to discuss these Bills: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut in Rajya Sabha.
These Bills should be sent to a select committee so that all stakeholders can be heard...Don't think that the farmers of Punjab are weak: SAD MP Naresh Gujral, in Rajya Sabha, on agriculture Bills.
I salute power of farmers that made Akali Dal take U-turn and stand in their support. They were advocating ordinances but today they've realised seriousness of matter. Their MPs should oppose the Bills in Rajya Sabha and put united front: Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister BB Ashu.
Uproar by Congress MPs in Rajya Sabha after YSRCP MP VV Reddy says, "There is no reason for Congress to oppose these Bills. Congress is a party of middlemen 'dalals'."
Farmers who contribute at least 20% to the total GDP of the country, will be made slaves by these Bill. It will kill the farmers and make them a commodity: DMK MP TKS Elangovan, in Rajya Sabha, on agriculture Bills.
Centre Rushing Through BIlls: Samajwadi Party MP
It appears that there is a compulsion that the ruling party doesn't want a debate or discussion on these Bills. They are only rushing through these Bills. You have not even consulted any farmer associations: Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav in Rajya Sabha.
Opposition parties have mislead led the farmers for their own political gains. The PM has assured farmers of MSP. Farmers will be able to freely trade their produce anywhere. During this pandemic, blocking roads in protest is not correct: Haryana Minister Anil Vij on agriculture Bills.
PM said that Opposition is misleading the farmers. You (Centre) said double farmer income by 2022. But, at current rates, the farmer income will not be doubled before 2028. Your credibility is low to make promises: TMC MP Derek O'Brien in Rajya Sabha, on agriculture Bills.
Workers of Punjab Youth Congress and farmers arrive at Delhi-Chandigarh national highway in Zirakpur to take part in tractor rally from Zirakpur to Delhi, against Agriculture Bills.
I want to ask why has rural income reduced in the years you (Congress) were in power...Why are you opposing these Bills?: BJP MP Bhupender Yadav, in Rajya Sabha, on the agriculture Bills.
Answer to Farm Bills is No: Randeep Singh Surjewala
Modi government will get all the three anti-farmer black laws passed by whip in Rajya Sabha today. But the answer is no. How will MSP be available in the fields of 15.50 crore farmers, who will give it? Why did the government-run away from giving legal responsibility to MSP? Who will guarantee MSP out of the market?: Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.
CPI(M)'s KK Ragesh, TMC's Derek O'Brien and DMK's T Siva have moved an amendment to send the two Bills to the Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha.
Congress MP from Punjab Partap Singh Bajwa today termed the farm bills as 'ill-conceived' and 'ill-timed'. "We will not sign on this death warrant of farmers. Agriculture markets are a state subject. APMC and MSP should not be tinkered with. I am unable to understand why there is a need to bring this bill at the time when the country is fighting a pandemic and its neighbour along the Line of Actual Control. Narendra Singh Tomar has only spoken to his alliance partners, did he speak to any stakeholders? Why can't you start this from Gujarat first? If it is a success, others will follow."
It is very clear that this government's motive is to destroy our farmers and help the corporate sector. Our party has decided to oppose the Agriculture Bills. Government has to reconsider the bills, at least they should have sent it to the select committee: Congress MP KC Venugopal.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar moves Farmers' and Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, in Rajya Sabha.
16-17 farmers' associations in Haryana have given a protest call: Y Puran Kumar, IG, Ambala Range, Haryana.
Haryana Farmers To Block Highways As Farm Bills Go To Rajya Sabha
The Haryana wing of farmers' organisation Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has said it would block all major highways in the state for three hours - 12PM to 3PM - tomorrow as part of its protest against the central government's refusal to withdraw contentious farm sector bills, which the BJP claims will open the agri market, and benefit small and marginal farmers.
Read Here Police deployment at Sadopur border in Ambala, Haryana, in view of farmers' protest against Agriculture Bills.
Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda today took oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Parliament Schedule For TodayLOK SABHA
Bills to be introduced
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment
Bill, 2020.
Bills for consideration and passing
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.
RAJYA SABHA
Bills for consideration and passing
The Farmers'' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion
and Facilitation) Bill, 2020
The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement
on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020.
The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill,
2020.
The Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws
(Amendment) Bill, 2020.
The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill,
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Saroj Pandey has given Zero-Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over the demand to implement Ayushman Bharat Yojna in the state of Chhattisgarh.
Lok Sabha Session Likely To End On Wednesday As Coronavirus Cases Rise
The ongoing monsoon session of Lok Sabha will be curtailed by several days, the government decided on Saturday after consulting with the opposition at the Business Advisory Committee meeting. The Centre is concerned for the safety of MPs after three of them - who had attended the session - tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this week, days after their mandatory test reports turned out negative.
Read Here Congress MP Ripun Bora has given Zero-Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over "demand for modification of modalities of the Rs 20 lakh crores stimulus package announced to combat the economic loss due to COVID-19 pandemic".
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Vivek Thakur has given Zero-Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over "the need for clarity on the uniform implementation of proposed COVID-19 vaccine in all states".
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar to move Farmers' and Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, in Rajya Sabha today.