The Parliament budget session 2020 resumes on February 7. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan is to make a statement on Government response to novel coronavirus outbreak in China.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adopted the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address to the joint sitting of the Parliament at the start of the Budget Session, through a voice vote, on February 6.
Here are the latest updates:
Md. Nadimul Haque, AITC, urges that stricter anti-torture measures be undertaken.
The adoption of an Anti-Torture Bill is particularly important given police brutality, especially since 2014, he says.
R.K. Sinha, BJP, starts with conceding that dissent is important in a democracy. He goes on to say that on the pretext of dissent, many anti-national activities have taken place.
M.V. Rajeev Gowda, INC, says according to the Economic Survey, female labour force participation has dropped considerably from 2017 to 2018. He urges that measures be taken to curb gender bias in MNCs and other sectors by strengthening the internal complaint committees, ensuring that half of the members are women, among other measures.
Rakesh Sinha, BJP, says tribal people are being alienated from their land rights, which has happened in every State with tribal population. In 2001-2011, there was 10% decline in tribals engaging in agriculture in non-tribal States. Is this because of genuine reasons or illiteracy and poverty, he asks.
Question Hour is underway. Speaker Om Birla is in the Chair.
The Poshan Abhiyan is being discussed.
Smriti Irani, Minister, Women and Child Development, requests the senior leaders of West Bengal to come on board the Poshan Abhiyan scheme.
National Clean Air Programme is being discussed.
Babul Supriyo, MoS, Environment, Forest and Climate Change responds to Members' questions.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, INC, says each year 3% of GDP is lost due to air pollution.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan speaks on the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
He responds to a Member's question, saying even if an individual does not possess the Ayushman Health Card, they can still avail the benefits under the scheme.
Chairman Venkaiah Naidu is in the Chair.