After a smooth start to monsoon session of Parliament on Monday, government introduced two more Bills in Rajya Sabha.

From today (September 15), Rajya Sabha is being convened in the morning and Lok Sabha in the afternoon.

Parliament proceedings: Sept. 14 updates

Here are the live updates

Rajya Sabha discusses COVID-19

The House will now take up discussion on COVID-19 situation.

Binoy Viswom complains he is yet to get a copy of the statement. "Please wait Binoy Viswom ji. It will take time to come from earth to heaven," Mr. Naidu remarks. Mr. Viswom is seated in the gallery of the Rajya Sabha.

That's where CPI MP Binoy Viswom sits - in Rajya Sabha Gallary No. 4.   | Photo Credit: Courtesy RSTV

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan repeats his statement on COVID-19 that he read out in Lok Sabha on Monday.  Here is The Hindu's report on his statement.

No compromise on aviation safety, says Puri

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri replies to members. In the last three years, we have recruited 1,000 air traffic controllers in the last three years. The vacancy stands at 3,500. It would have been filled up this year itself had COVID-19 not slowed down the process, he says.

In response to Mr. Tankha, Mr. Puri says AAI received Rs. 29,000 crores from privatisation and that money is used to develop other airports.

Mumbai and Delhi, the two privatised airports, account for 33% of our traffic and earnings. The six airports which were privatised in 2018 account for 9%. Mr. Puri says we went for open bidding. Mr. Patel clarifies the same law was used to privatise Bangalore airport too, which happened way before 2005.

On privatisation of Thiruvananthapuram airport, Mr. Puri says the bid couldn't be granted to Kerala government as it was 19% lesser than what was quoted by the successful bidder. Kerala MPs, both Congress and Left, oppose.

On Mr. Acharya's comments, Mr. Puri says the DGCA was awarded the President's Award for ICAO in 2019. We are in Category 1. We cannot be compared with Pakistan, which is in Category 2, he says.

When the Vande Bharat mission was planned for 1.3 lakh but we repatriated Around 16 lakh Indians. We got 36 lakh hits on the first day when we opened ticket booking, obviously the site will crash. Our prices were the lowest, he points out.

On Air India, the minister says the choice is between privatisation and closing it down.

The Bill is taken up for voting.  The Bill is passed.

Harshvardhan Singh Dungarpur (BJP) is the last speaker. He supports the Bill. He differs with Mr. Tankha on the poor safety standards. He says India certainly fares better than its South Asian peers. Mr. Singh also says the country needs more airports and existing airstrips can be developed as airports.

Why different punishments for Kunal Kamra and media personnel, asks Vivek Tankha

Vivek Tankha (Congress) presents four critiques to the Bill. He points India's safety audit declined in the last five years. We are claiming to become a superpower when our audit score is worse than Pakistan and North Korea, he adds.

Mr. Tankha says DGCA has not imposed any penalities so far, what is the point of enhancing it?

Citing the Kunal Kamra incident, Mr. Tankha points out no action was taken against media personnel covering the air travel of Kangana Ranaut. Mr. Kamra was given three-month ban, but media personnel were let off with warning.

On appointment of Director Generals, Mr. Tankha points out bureaucrats are being appointed in civil aviation bodies, while in other countries they appoint experts.

Mr. Tankha  also points out reduction in budget allocation for the ministry.

Binoy Viswom (CPI) speaks from Rajya Sabha gallery. He accuses the government of "frantically privatising everything". This government's policy is anti-worker, anti-labour. He also the government of making India "Adani's India".

K. Ravindra Kumar (TDP) says the Ministry needs to look at the issue of high rise buildings near airports.

Anil Desai (Shiv Sena) notes the civil aviation safety scores are low. He hopes the new Bill will improve it. He says the Minister should reconsider the government's superintendence over the statutory bodies. He also urges the government not to sell Air India, and asks the government to revive Jet Airways.

Sanjay Singh (AAP) recalls how during lockdown the bus fares and air fares for a trip from Delhi to Bihar was the same. He thanks the Minister for interfering and ensuring a Chhattisgarh patient got his air ambulance refund. He seeks the government to provide adequate compensation for Ayodhya land owners who are giving their land for Sri Ram Airport.

M. Thambidurai (AIADMK) seeks Union government to start Hosur airport under UDAN. Mr. Thambidurai, former Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker, spoke from Lok Sabha.

Lt. Gen (Retd) D.P. Vats (BJP) says there are 123 functional airports, if we include those operated by Air Force. There might be 488 airports, if we include air strips too, he observes. He suggests appointing Army veterans in these statutory bodies.

' Airports are huge opportunity for economic development'

Praful Patel (NCP), former Civil Aviation Minister, is the next speaker.  He says the Bill itself is important because with the growth of the sector you have to bring your regulations in line with the international requirements.

Mr. Patel points out there is a shortage for technical people to head statutory bodies. While we are making these three bodies statutory, we have not answered how they will be appointed. We are lacking in specialists, he says.

Airports in Jewar and Navi Mumbai were approved in 2007 and 2005, but till today they haven't been completed. There is a need to increase the number of airports, he observes.

If you want to sustain growth, there is a need to expand large airports. He pitches for additional airports in Chennai and Kolkata. Airports are huge opportunity for economic development, he says.

Aviation was in turbulence even before COVID: Manoj Jha

Manoj Jha (RJD) observes the aviation was in turbulence even before COVID due to policy or non-policy of the government. He wonders if the Minister spoke to stakeholders before taking decisions. He speaks on salary cuts and retrenchment of Air India employees.

Quid pro quo appears to the integral part of the government, he says. The government always goes for low hanging fruit. Many times it is dangerous, he warns.

Vijaisai Reddy (YSRCP) lauds the government for its Vande Bharat Mission. He also welcomes the Bill. Mr. Reddy speaks on dangers of tabletop runways. He also says commercial and defence aviation should be demerged. He notes the centralisation of power in aviation. He wants similar statutory bodies in Railways too.

Ram Chandra Prasad Singh (JD-U) uses the opportunity to draw the attention of the Minister on expansion of Patna airport and new airports in Darbhanga and Punia.

Jharna Das (CPI-M) claims the Adani group will be the principal beneficiary of the Bill. We should consider the social responsibility of airlines. She says Air India needs restructuring and not selling. She alleges the Centre wants to appoint its own people in statutory bodies. It is completely unethical.

Nod for Bill, not for aviation industry

Vishambar Prasad Nishad (SP) wants to know what will be the fate of employees of Air India, after the entity is sold. He seeks to know how many poor people managed to utilise the services of UDAN.

Mr. Nishad also speaks on flexi-fares, how airlines are making money in the times of crisis.

P. Wilson (DMK) says his party welcomes the Bill but there is a complete letdown of the airport industry. He wants the Minister to reconsider Section 4(D) of the Bill that gives overwhelming powers to statutory bodies. He seeks further development of airports in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai airport. He seeks a separate law for airport land acquisition.

'Safety and security prime concerns'

Prasanna Acharya (BJD) says it is a good Bill.  He says India fares poorer than Pakistan and Nepal in aviation safety audit. We fared poorly in security audit too. It is very discouraging.

I am happy that safety and security concerns are addressed in the Bill. The increase in penalty is also a good feature.

He wants to know whether there is provision for appeal in the courts, if a person is not happy with the statutory bodies' decisions.

He also seeks to know why Air India is unable to run with full occupancy when private airlines are able to do so.

'Don't sell Air India'

Dinesh Trivedi (Trinamool) speaks in Bengali. He thanks party chief Mamata Banerjee for giving him an opportunity to serve in Rajya Sabha.

Mr. Trivedi, continuing in English, praises Mr. Puri for his Vande Bharat mission. When you compliment Vande Bharat Mission, remember it was Air India, that came to the rescue. There will be no private sector, if Air India was not there. He requests the government not to sell Air India.

Mr. Trivedi, a trained pilot, says Aircraft Act has to be completely revamped as it has become outdated now. The amendment is welcome, but we need an overhaul, he says.

'Air travel for all, not just elites'

GVL Narasimha Rao (BJP) notes the civil aviation sector has undergone transformation. The passenger traffic has more than doubled in the last five years.  He speaks on government's flagship UDAN scheme. He claims to have travelled from Vijayawada to Kadapa in just Rs. 800.

The objective of the Prime Minister is to make air travel safer and accessible for all sections of society, not just the elite, says Mr. Rao.

He lauds government's Vande Bharat mission to evacuate Indians from across the world during COVID-19 lockdown. 

Mr. Rao says the real crony capitalism was seen during UPA era and cities 2G and coal auctions, says Mr. Rao inviting the ire of opposition. Deputy Chairperson Harivansh intervenes.

Mr. Rao continues. He speaks on how the new policy will create employments and reduce cost of operation for airlines.

Fear favouritism in awarding six airports to Adani, says Congress MP

Rajya Sabha member K.C. Venugopal during a debate on Aircraft (Amendment) Bill on September 15, 2020.   | Photo Credit: Courtesy RSTV

K.C. Venugopal (Congress) highlights the near-miss incidents. He says this could be due to shortage of flight security officers. He also recalls the Karipur aircraft tragedy. "We still don't know the reason for the cause of the accident," he says. Mr. Venugopal raises doubts on table top airports handling wider aircrafts.

Mr. Venugopal fears crony capitalism in privatisation of airports. How come all the six bids were won by Adani group? Were conditions modified to help Adani, he asks.  Citing DEA and Niti Ayog reports, he says the government favoured one company by ignoring its own recommendations.

There is a move to monopolise Indian airports, he says. AAI (Airport Authority of India) will become AAA, Airport Authority of Adani, he warns.  The government is ignoring State government, he blames and seeks enquiry into awarding contracts to Adani.

What is the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 about?

The Bill seeks to convert DGCA, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security , and Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau to statutory bodies.

Under the Act, the penalty for various offences is imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh, or both.  These offences include: (i) carrying arms, explosives, or other dangerous goods aboard aircraft, (ii) contravening any rules notified under the Act, and (iii) constructing building or structures within the specified radius around an aerodrome reference point.  The Bill raises the maximum limit on fines for all these offences from Rs 10 lakh to one crore rupees.

Lok Sabha passed the Bill during Budget session

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri during a debate in Rajya Sabha on September 15, 2020.   | Photo Credit: Courtesy RSTV

The House takes up discussion on The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri speaks about the Bill.  He lists the achievements in civil aviation. He also explains the COVID-induced challenges and how the ministry was overcoming it.

Mr. Puri says by the time we reach Diwali and towards the end of the year, we would have pre-COVID 3,00,000 passengers a day.

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu says  Civil Aviation Minister can shed some light on resumption of international flights after discussing with External Affairs Minister.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan seeks to withdraw The Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018. The bill is withdrawn.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduces The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan introduces The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020.

Santanu Sen (Trinamool) wants use the term physical distancing, instead of social distancing. It is only increasing social stigma. The Chair suggests safe distancing as the alternative term. A member suggest "mutual distancing", the Chair says it will lead to problem at homes.

Tiruchi Siva (DMK) speaks on digital divide. Sasmit Patra (BJD) seeks land in Delhi for establishing Odisha cultural centre.

P.L.Poonia (Congress) says the migrants who returned to their homelands should be given jobs through MNREGA.

Anil Desai (Shiv Sena) says the hike of platform tickets should be revoked. It has been hiked from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50.

Ripun Bora (Congress) speaks on closure of two paper mills in Assam.

Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) says industries have shut down due to the lockdown and the result is that people are suffering from depression. He says government should give those who lost their jobs Rs 15,000

Anand Sharma (Congress) speaks on rise in suicides. India accounts 15% of suicides in the world. He says there is a 4% increase in suicides. He also speaks on mental health issues, especially after COVID-19 and lockdown. Mental Health demands active policy intervention, he says. He wants life insurance to cover mental illness too.

K.C. Ramamoorthy (BJP) speaks against online Rummy. It is nothing but gambling, it has to be banned, he says. Cricketers and film stars are advertising it. They should also refrain, he says. The Chair says, though it is a State subject, Law Minister should look into it.

Maratha reservation: Two perspectives

Sambhaji Chatrapati (BJP) speaks in Marathi. He raises the issue of Supreme Court quashing quota for Marathas. He asks State government to take cue from Tamil Nadu and provide quota for Marathas.

Rajeev Satav (Congress) also speaks on Maratha reservation, but he speaks in Hindi. Mr. Satav blames the Centre for not presenting their views in the Supreme Court. Mr. Satav addresses the Chair as Speaker. Mr. Naidu says your in Upper House and seated in upper gallery. So address the Chair as Chairperson.

Jaya Bachchan during a debate in Rajya Sabha on September 15, 2020.   | Photo Credit: Courtesy RSTV

Jaya Bachchan (SP) removes her mask while speaking. The Chair asks her to wear it. She says she won't be audible. "I'll clean the microphone, sir," she says. She speaks about online harassment of actors and celebrities.  Govt should stand by the entertainment industry. People who earned fame through the industry are speaking ill of it, I am embarrassed and ashamed, she says.

'Censor for web series'

Vikas Mahatme (BJP) speaks from Rajya Sabha gallery. He says web series should also be certified like movies. He highlights the recent agitation in Maharashtra over wrong potrayal of a leader. Web series show abusive language, sex scandals etc, but there is no law to regulate it, he points out. The Chair agrees with him.

Chhaya Verma (Congress) speaks from Lok Sabha. "But I am a Rajya Sabha member," she says. I didn't de-promote you. Your leaders Azadji and Ramesh are responsible, Mr. Naidu says. She speaks on MNREGA.

Newly-elected member Suresh Reddy (TRS) speaks on water sharing between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

M. Shanmugam (DMK) speaks from Lok Sabha. He speaks on PM-KISAN scheme. He wants tenant farmers also to be included in the scheme. He says, in fact, all farmers should be included.

Rajya Sabha now takes up motions for election of members for various boards.

The Chairperson moves to Zero Hour. He suggests the mentions be made within two minutes.

Vijaisai Reddy (YSRCP) is the first speaker. He seeks the Centre to release funds allocated to Polavaram project.  Mr. Reddy is speaking from the Rajya Sabha chambers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responds. I am in touch with the water resources minister and State finance minister. I'll follow it up, she says.

Today is September 15, International Day of Democracy, Chairperson M. Venkaiah Naidu informs the House, as Rajya Sabha assembles.

We as legislators are flagbearers of democracy, he says.

The members are requested to identify themselves and mention where they are speaking, so that I can follow you, and it will be easy for the officials also, says Mr. Naidu.

The Chair acknowledges that there were some issues pertaining audio yesterday. There will be a mock session at 7.30 am, he says.

Papers are being laid on the table of the House.

List of Bills for introduction

• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020.
• The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020.

Bills for consideration and passing

• The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
• The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020.
• The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

Bills for withdrawal

• The Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018.

Will PM speak in Parliament on China issue, asks Congress

The government should give a clarification on the India-China border issue, the Congress said on Monday, the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament.

Speaking to reporters, Deputy Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said that the government had so far not said a word on when this subject would come for a debate in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi had been questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence. “Will the Prime Minister speak on this issue? These are clarifications, we did not want debate, but, at least a clarification should be given on day one as the entire country is watching,” Mr. Gogoi said.