- The five-day “Amrit Kaal” session of parliament begins today.
- Monday’s discussion on 75 years of parliament will be opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha and BJP’s senior leader Piyush Goyal in the Rajya Sabha.
- Earlier this week, the government announced the agenda, putting an end to days of speculation about the country’s name change or a bill on “One Nation One Election”.
- After Tuesday’s function at the Central Hall, the sitting will be shifted to the new parliament building.
- Calling the special session of parliament, a “diversionary tactic” of the BJP, Opposition leaders said it was time to prioritize critical issues.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the special session of parliament starting today “may be brief but would be big on occasion”, adding that it would be a session of “historic decisions”.
The five-day “Amrit Kaal” session of parliament begins today. The agenda includes discussions on the evolution of India’s parliamentary democracy. Eight bills are listed, including a controversial one on the Chief Election Commissioner’s pick.
Monday’s discussion on 75 years of parliament will be opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha and BJP’s senior leader Piyush Goyal in the Rajya Sabha. At 11 a.m. on Tuesday, there will be an assembly of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs in the Central Hall for a function to “commemorate the rich legacy of the Parliament of India and resolve to make Bharat a developed Nation by 2047”.
After Tuesday’s function at the Central Hall, the sitting will be shifted to the new parliament building. A small puja may take place as it happens to be Ganesh Chaturthi. The legislative business will include the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, the Post Office Bill, the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill.
Earlier this week, the government announced the agenda, putting an end to days of speculation about the country’s name change or a bill on “One Nation One Election”. The government claimed there is no tradition of revealing the agenda of a special session, which the Opposition has vehemently contested.
Calling the special session of parliament, a “diversionary tactic” of the BJP, Opposition leaders said it was time to prioritize critical issues.
A special session of parliament was also held when India completed 50 years of Independence. On 15 August 1997, a midnight session was convened.
In his remarks just before the session, PM Modi highlighted the Chandrayaan moon landing and the G20 as big achievements for the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the special session of parliament starting today “may be brief but would be big on occasion”, adding that it would be a session of “historic decisions”.
He said a special aspect of the session was that the 75-year journey of the country was beginning afresh. “The atmosphere is filled with enthusiasm and a new self-confidence across the country. The session may be short in duration, but in terms of time, it is significant; it is a session of historic decisions,” said PM Modi.
(With inputs from agencies)
