During this session, the House had 18 sessions with 83 hours 12 minutes. The productivity of the House was recorded at 82 per cent while 18 hours and 46 minutes were lost due to protests, reports Asian Lite News
The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were adjourned sine die on Wednesday, a day ahead of schedule. Soon after the House resembled at 11 a.m., Speaker Om Birla said that the House was heading towards the closure of the winter session.
Addressing the members, he said that during this session, the House had 18 sessions with 83 hours 12 minutes. The productivity of the House was recorded at 82 per cent while 18 hours and 46 minutes were lost due to protests.
“During this period, 12 Bills were introduced in the House while nine Bills were passed which includes the withdrawal of the three farm laws, Bills related to extension of the service tenure of the Directors of Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation, the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Amendment) Bill and Supplementary Demands of grants,” Birla informed the House, adding that on December 2, the House recorded the highest productivity of 204 per cent.
He also said that during the winter session, a total of 91 starred questions were replied to by the government, 563 questions were answered during the ‘Question Hour’ while several important issues were discussed under Rule 377.
The Speaker informed that 44 reports of the Department-related Standing Committee were presented in the House and 2,058 papers were laid by the Ministers.
“The House also discussed the situation of Covid-19 and climate change. The discussion on Covid was 12-hour long in which 99 members participated and shared their experiences with the House. The discussion on climate change was held for over six hours and the discussion remained inconclusive,” the Speaker said.
He also informed that a six-member Mongolian parliamentary delegation led by Mongolian Parliament Chairman Gombojav Zandanshatar visited Parliament and witnessed the proceedings of Lok Sabha on December 1.
The House also continued its discussion on the Private Member Bills. The discussions were held on the Bill brought by the BJP Member Janardan Singh Sigriwal and on the Compulsory Voting and discussion on the perks of the Aaganwadi workers brought by the BSP Member Ritesh Pandey, the Lok Sabha Speaker said, adding that the debate remained inconclusive.
Birla thanked the Secretary General and all parliamentary staff for their cooperation during the running of the House. After playing the national song ‘Vande Matram’, he adjourned the House sine die.
The opposition members, since last week, continued their tirade against the government and staged protests demanding the sacking of Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Misra Teni from the Union Cabinet in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident.
Speaker slams protests
Expressing anger at the Members of Parliament who storm into the Well of the House and protest, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday said it cannot be a part of the tradition to protest in this way and even if there was any tradition, then it is wrong and should be stopped.
Talking to mediapersons after the end of the winter session of Parliament, Om Birla said that he tried to run the House smoothly.
The Speaker said that he converses with all political parties from time to time so that the House can become the centre of discussion.
“At times we reach a conclusion and at times we do not,” he added. Om Birla said that he will continue to try to run the House without disruptions. He hoped that his efforts will bring positive results. Birla said discussions on every subject and Bill should be held.
When asked about Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Misra Teni’s absence, Om Birla said no business was listed in Teni’s name, so he cannot say anything.
On the Opposition’s demand for holding a discussion on the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, the Speaker said the subject of discussion is decided by process and rules.
On the low attendance of MPs in Parliament, Om Birla said he will urge all lawmakers and parties to attend the House.
He said the construction of the new Parliament House will be completed by November 2022.
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