Parliament session Day 6 LIVE: Kharge targets government on Manipur, NEET-UG paper leak.
Both Houses of Parliament congratulated the Men in Blue on their triumphant T20 World Cup win. Members from various political parties expressed their joy and pride in the Indian cricket team’s achievement during sessions held today. The unanimous sentiment across both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha underscored the nation’s support for the team’s remarkable performance in the international tournament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders lauded the players’ dedication and skill, highlighting their exemplary sportsmanship. The victory was celebrated as a moment of unity and pride for the entire country.
Parliament reconvened on July 1 with heated debates dominating the proceedings, particularly focused on the NEET paper leak controversy. Here are the key developments and points from the day’s sessions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha:
- NEET Paper Leak Debate: The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed intense discussions on the NEET paper leak issue. Anurag Thakur, BJP member and former Union Minister, initiated the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha. However, opposition parties, part of the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) group, walked out after Speaker Om Birla declined their request to discuss the NEET row.
- Motion of Thanks Debate: The Lok Sabha has allocated 16 hours for the debate on the Motion of Thanks, scheduled to conclude with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply on Tuesday. The discussion serves as a platform for various parties to critique and support the government’s policies and initiatives as outlined in the President’s Address.
- Reservation Policy: The Congress party advocated for passing a law to exceed the 50% cap on reservations. This comes in the wake of demands by NDA constituent Janata Dal (United) to include Bihar’s quota increase in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.
- JD(U) Concerns: The Janata Dal (United) expressed concern over a Patna High Court verdict that struck down Bihar government’s decision to raise reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 50% to 65%. This issue has significant implications for state-level reservation policies and constitutional provisions.
- Parliamentary Dynamics: The day highlighted the complexities and dynamics within Parliament, with opposition parties using various parliamentary tactics to push for their demands and concerns, particularly regarding the NEET paper leak and reservation policies.
- Government Response: The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to address the debates and concerns raised during the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. The response will likely outline the administration’s stance on key issues and address criticisms from opposition parties.
- Public and Political Reaction: The debates in Parliament have drawn attention from the public and political commentators, reflecting widespread interest in issues such as education, reservation policies, and government accountability.
- Legislative Proposals: The call for a law to exceed the 50% reservation cap underscores ongoing discussions on social justice and equality in India. Such legislative proposals often spark broader debates on constitutional amendments and their implications for marginalized communities.
- Judicial Scrutiny: The Patna High Court’s decision on Bihar’s reservation policy highlights the role of the judiciary in interpreting and enforcing constitutional provisions related to reservations. This judicial scrutiny adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing political and legal discourse on affirmative action.
- Future Course of Action: As Parliament continues its sessions, the outcomes of the debates on NEET paper leaks and reservation policies will shape legislative priorities and political agendas. The government’s response and parliamentary consensus will influence future policy directions and public perception ahead of upcoming elections and legislative sessions.
The discussions and debates in Parliament reflect the diversity of views and interests within India’s democratic framework, showcasing the importance of legislative scrutiny and public discourse in shaping national policies and priorities.