During the ongoing Winter Session of the Indian Parliament, scheduled discussions in the Rajya Sabha include a focused debate on the “economic situation in the country.” Notable MPs participating in this discussion are Ayodhya Rami Reddy, Birendra Prasad Baishya, Ghanshyam Tiwari, Lakshmikant Bajpayee, Sushil Kumar Modi, Aditya Prasad, and Shambhu Sharan Patel, as reported by ANI.
The Winter Session has been marked by significant discussions and decisions on various crucial aspects of the nation’s governance and public policy. Baishya, a leader from the Asom Gana Parishad, raised concerns about the increase in crude oil royalty to the Assam government in line with international prices. In response, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured that Assam’s earnings from the energy sector would witness an upswing with expanded capacity and production.
The first day of the Winter Session witnessed the passing of a crucial bill aimed at repealing the Indian Post Office Act of 1898. The legislation, consolidating and amending laws related to post offices in India, triggered a debate over potential surveillance concerns. The Opposition expressed apprehensions about creating a “surveillance state,” while Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan defended the bill, emphasizing its necessity for national security and monitoring illegal activities such as narcotics trafficking. The bill, passed by a voice vote, empowers the Central Government to intercept, open, or detain postal items for reasons related to state security, public order, or legal contraventions.
However, the Ethics Committee’s report on cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra was not tabled in the Lok Sabha despite being on the agenda.
In another development, Rajya Sabha decided to discontinue the suspension of AAP MP Raghav Chadha, considering his suspension since August 11 as a sufficient punishment. This decision followed the Privileges Committee finding him guilty of misleading the media and defying the resolutions of the Rajya Sabha Chairman. The Winter Session continues to be a platform for diverse discussions and decisions impacting the nation’s legislative landscape.