R E S U M E of the Business Transacted by the Rajya Sabha During the Two Hundred and Fifty Third (253Rd) Session

Home , Amar Patnaik, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Bhagirathi Majhi, Bharat Ratna, Elamaram, Mamata Mohanta

R E S U M E OF THE BUSINESS TRANSACTED BY THE RAJYA SABHA DURING THE TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY THIRD (253RD) SESSION

(29thJanuary to 12th February, 2021 And 8th March to 25th March, 2021)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi (Website –http://rajyasabha.nic.in)

P R E F A C E

This publication contains a brief resume of the business transacted by the Rajya Sabha during its Two Hundred and Fifty Third Session.

NEW DELHI; DESH DEEPAK VERMA —————— Secretary-General. July 2, 2021

C O N T E N T S PAGES

1. Summons 1 2. Duration of the Session 1 3. National Anthem 2 4. President's Address to both Houses of Parliament —Laid on 2 the Table 5. Opening Remarks by the Chairman 3 6. Oath or Affirmation 4 7. Obituary References 5-8 8. References by the Chair 9-10 9. Tributes to Martyrs Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukhdev 11 10. Felicitations by the Chair 11 11. Farewell to the Retiring Members 12 12. Papers Laid on the Table 13-17 13. Reports/Statements of the Committees Presented/Laid on the 18-22 Table 14. Motions for Election of Members to various 22-23 Committees/Bodies 15. Messages from the Lok Sabha-Reported/Government Bills 23 Laid on the Table 16. Resignation by Members 23-24 17. Leave of Absence 24-25 18. Recommendations of the Business Advisory Committee 25 19. Statements regarding Government Business 26 20. Announcement s by the Chair 26-27 21. Observations by the Chair 28-30 22. Withdrawal of Members 30 23. Information to the House regarding time of sitting 30 24. Matters raised with permission 30-45 25. Dispensing with Zero Hour and Question Hour 45 PAGES 26. Questions 45 27. Statements by Ministers Correcting Answers to Questions 46 28. Statements by Ministers 47-53 29. Special Mentions 54-68 30. Motion of Thanks on the President's Address 69 31. Supplementary Demands for Grants — Laid on the Table 70 32. Budgets — Laid on the Table 71 33. Union Budget — General Discussion 72 34. Statements regarding Ordinances 73 35. Discussion on the working of the Ministries 74 36. Statutory Resolutions 75-76 37. Government Legislative Business 77-85 38. Division 86-87 39. Valedictory Remarks 88 40. National Song 88 41. Statement s howing the break-up of the time taken by the 89-90 Rajya Sabha on various items of business during the Session 42. Statement showing the time taken and time lost due 91 - 94 to adjournments of the House following interruptions during the Session 43. Highlights o f work transacted during the Session – At a 95-96 Glance

BRIEF RESUME' OF THE BUSINESS TRANSACTED BY THE RAJYA SABHA DURING ITS TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY THIRD SESSION (29-01-2021 to 12-02-2021 and 08-03-2021 to 25-03-2021) SUMMONS Summons for the Two Hundred and Fifty Third Session of the Rajya Sabha was issued to the Members on the 14th of January, 2021.@

DURATION OF THE SESSION The Two Hundred and Fifty Third Session of the Rajya Sabha was scheduled to be held in two parts, i.e. from the 29th of January, 2021 to the 15th of February, 2021 and from 8th of March, 2021 to 8th of April, 2021. However, the sitting scheduled for 15th February, 2021, was cancelled and instead a sitting was fixed for Saturday, the 13th February, 2021. Subsequently, that sitting was also cancelled and the House was adjourned on the 12th February, 2021, till 8th March, 2021, to enable the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees to examine and report on the Demands for Grants of various Ministries/Departments. The House re-assembled on the 8th of March, 2021 for the second part of the Session. However, the second part of the Session which was scheduled to conclude on 8th April, 2021 came to an early end on 25th March, 2021, on account of the increase in the cases of COVID-19 in the country. The sitting of the House was *cancelled for one day on 12th March, 2021, during the second part of the Session. The time of sittings of the Rajya Sabha during the first part of the Session was from 9.00 A.M. to 2.00 P.M. except on 29th January, 2021 and 1st February, 2021 when the House sat from 3-00 P.M. and 1-55 P.M. respectively. The time of sittings of the Rajya Sabha for the opening day of the second part of the Session i.e. 8th March, 2021 was as that was for first part of the Session, i.e. 9.00 A.M. to 2.00 P.M. and from next day onwards, i.e. 9th March, 2021, the House resumed the **usual timing of sittings i.e. 11.00 A.M. to 6.00 P.M. for rest of the sittings during second part of the Session. The House adjourned sine-die on the 25th of March, 2021. The House sat for 23 days and the actual hours of sittings were 104 hours and 26 minutes (excluding recess intervals). The House was prorogued by the President on the 29th of March, 2021.

@ As informed to Members through Parliamentary Bulletin Part-II No. 60342, Summons were issued electronically only through Members' Portal. * Members were informed about the cancellation of sitting of the House through Parliamentary Bulletin Part-II No. 60656 on the 9th of March, 2021 ** Members were informed about the time of sittings of Rajya Sabha during the remaining part of the 253rd Session through Parliamentary Bulletin Part-II No. 60645 on the 8th of March, 2021. 1

NATIONAL ANTHEM On the 29th of January, 2021, the Session commenced with the playing of the National Anthem. (Time taken: 01 Minute)

*PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT — LAID ON THE TABLE The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed Members of both Houses of Parliament assembled together in the Central Hall on the 29th of January, 2021. Secretary-General laid on the Table, a copy (in English and Hindi) of the President's Address on the same day.

(Time taken: 01 Minute)

______

*For Reference and Record. The sitting of the Rajya Sabha for transaction of Government Business commenced at 3-00 P.M. on 29th of January, 2021 (Parliamentary Bulletin Part- II No.60446, dtd. 28/1/2021) instead of one hour after the conclusion of the sitting of the Lok Sabha on that day (Parliamentary Bulletin Part-II No. 60344, dtd. 14/1/2021).

OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN

On the 2nd of February, 2021, the Chairman while making opening remarks inter-alia touched upon the landmark completion of 100 years of representative democracy in our country and suggested that on the occasion, the House may resolve to enhance its dignity through the conduct of proceedings as per rules and conventions. He also highlighted that the eight Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees of Rajya Sabha had worked very effectively, holding a total of 55 sittings during the inter-session period and discussed important issues including various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and its management in a bipartisan manner. He drew the attention of the House to the increase in use of regional languages by the Members, specially Dogri, Kashmiri, Konkani and Santhali which were used for the first time in the House since its inception in 1952. The Chairman, also stressed upon the importance of the Budget Session and requested to ensure smooth and effective functioning of the House and

utilization of all available Parliamentary devices by the Members. 3

(Time taken: 10 Mts.)

OATH OR AFFIRMATION

4 newly elected Members made and subscribed oath and took their seats in the House, as detailed below:—

Sl. No. Date Name of the Member State Time Taken

1. 08-02-2021 Shri Subrata Bakshi West Bengal 0-02 2. 08-03-2021 Shri Biswajit Daimary Assam 3. -do- Shri Dineshchandra Jemalbhai Anavadiya Gujarat 0-05 4. -do- Shri Rambhai Harjibhai Mokariya -do-

Total: 0-07 4

OBITUARY REFERENCES 26 Obituary References were made in the House during the Session, as detailed below: —

Sl. Date of Person in respect of whom Date of Time taken Remarks No. Obituary Reference was made demise Hrs. Mts. Reference

1. 29-01-2021 Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, 08-10-2020 The Chairman made references and sitting-Member the House observed silence, all Members standing, as a mark of 2. -do- Shri Ahmed Patel, 25-11-2020 sitting-Member respect to the memory of the departed. (For Sl. Nos. 1 to 17)

3. -do- Shri Abhay Bharadwaj, 01 - 12 -2020

sitting-Member

4. -do- Shri Jaswant Singh, 27-09-2020 0-20 ex-Member

5. -do- Shrimati Syeda Anwara 28-09-2020 Taimur, ex-Member 6. -do- Shri Rasheed Masood, 05 - 10 - 2020 ex-Member 7. -do- Shri Keshubhai S. Patel, 29 - 10 - 2020 ex-Member

Sl. Date of Person in respect of whom Date of Time taken Remarks No. Obituary Reference was made demise Hrs. Mts. Reference 8. 29-01-2021 Shri Bhagirathi Majhi, 02 - 11 - 2020 ex-Member

9. -do- Shri Kailash Narain Sarang, 14 - 11 - 2020

ex-Member

10. -do- Shri Motilal Vora, 21-12-2020 ex-Member

11. -do- Shri Madhavsinh Solanki, 09 - 01 - 2021 6 ex-Member — 12. -do Shri Kamal Morarka, 15 - 01 - 2021 ex-Member 13. -do Shri B. S. Gnanadesikan, 15 - 01 - 2021 ex-Member 14. -do Shri Ramji Lal, 15 - 01 - 2021 ex-Member 15. -do- Shri S. P. 25-09-2020 Balasubrahmanyam (renowned playback singer and music director)

16. 29-01-2021 His Highness Sheikh Sabah 28-09-2020 Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-

Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait — 17. -do- His Royal Highness Prince 11-11-2020 — Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Bahrain 18. 09-02-2021 Shri Mohinder Singh Lather, 02-01-2021 The Chairman made references and ex-Member the House observed silence, all Members standing, as a mark of 19. -do- Mr. Amadou Toumani Toure, 09-11-2020 respect to the memory of the

former President of Mali departed. 20. -do- Mr. Mamadou Tandja, 24-11-2020 0-06 former President of Niger 21. -do- His Excellency Mr. Ambrose 13-12-2020 Madvulo Dlamini, former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini 22. 10-02-2021 Shri Mahendra Bahadur 26-10-2020 0-03 The Chairman made reference and Singh, ex-Member the House observed silence, all Members standing, as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.

Sl. Date of Person in respect of whom Date of Time taken Remarks No. Obituary Reference was made demise Hrs. Mts. Reference 23. 08-03-2021 Shri Vidya Sagar Nishad, 14-07-2020 The Chairman made references and ex-Member the House observed silence, all Members standing, as a mark of 24. -do- Shri M. Rama Jois, 16 -02-2021 0-06 respect to the memory of the ex-Member departed. 25. -do- Shri Satish Sharma, 17 -02-2021 ex-Member 

26. 24-03-2021 Shri A. Mohammedjan, 23 -03-2021 0-03 The Chairman made reference and 8 sitting -Member the House observed silence, all Members standing, as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.

Total: 0-38 –———

 As a mark of respect to the memory of the departed, the House was adjourned for one hour.

REFERENCES BY THE CHAIR 5 References were made in the House during the Session, as detailed below: —

Sl. Date of Incident Date of the Time taken Remarks No. Reference Incident Hrs. Mts. 1. 29-01-2021 Crash of Sriwijaya Air Flight SJ182 into the 09-01-2021 0-01 The Java Sea. Chairman made reference and the House

observed silence, all Members standing, as a mark of respect to the memory of those, who had lost their lives in the tragic incident.

Sl. Date of Incident Date of the Time taken Remarks No. Reference Incident Hrs. Mts.

2. 08-03-2021 International Women’s Day. 8th March 0-24 —

3. 10-03-2021 Nationwide celebrations 'Azadi Ka Amrit — 0-02 — Mahotsav' to commemorate 75 years of India's Independence. 4. 16-03-2021 Nations' endeavour to end Tuberculosis in — 0-03 — the country by 2025, five years ahead of the Global Sustainable Development Goals target of 2030. 10

5. 22-03-2021 'World Water Day'. 22nd March 0-04 —

Total: 0-34

TRIBUTES TO MARTYRS BHAGAT SINGH, RAJGURU AND SUKHDEV On the 23rd of March, 2021, the Chairman paid tributes to the legendary heroes of our Freedom Movement, th Sardar Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, on the 90 anniversary of their martyrdom. The House observed silence, all Members standing, as a mark of respect in memory of the martyrs. (Time taken: 03 Mts.)

FELICITATIONS BY THE CHAIR

On the 2nd of February, 2021, the Chairman, on behalf of the whole House offered felicitations to the Indian Cricket Team, in particular the young members of the Team, for winning the recent test series against Australia.

(Time taken: 02 Mts.)

FAREWELL TO THE RETIRING MEMBERS

(1) On the 9th of February, 2021, the Chairman bade farewell to 4 Members from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, namely, Mir Mohammad Fayaz and Shri Shamsher Singh Manhas, who were retiring on the 10th of February, 2021, and Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Leader of Opposition and Shri Nazir Ahmed Laway who were retiring on the 15th of February, 2021.

The Prime Minister associated himself with the sentiments expressed by the Chairman. Members from other parties also spoke on the occasion. All the retiring Members responded to the sentiments expressed by the Chairman and others.

Deputy Chairman also associated himself with the sentiments expressed by the Chairman, Prime Minister and

other Members.

(2) On the 25th March, 2021, the Chairman bade farewell to three Members from the State of Kerala, namely, Shri Vayalar Ravi, Shri K.K. Ragesh and Shri Abdul Wahab, who were retiring on the 21st of April, 2021.

Shri Vayalar Ravi and Shri Abdul Wahab responded to the sentiments expressed by the Chairman.

The Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition, also spoke on the occasion.

(Total Time taken: 2 Hrs. & 42 Mts.)

PAPERS LAID ON THE TABLE 7920 Papers were laid on the Table during the Session. Some of the important papers that were laid are detailed below: —

Sl. Date Subject No. 1. 29- 01-2021 @The Economic Survey, 2020-21 (Volumes I and II).

2. -do- The Commission for Air Quality Management in Nationial Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020 (No.13 of 2020), promulgated by the President on the 28th of October, 2020. 3. -do- The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 (No.14 of 2020), promulgated by the President on the 4th of November, 2020.

4. -do- The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 (No.15 of 2020), promulgated by the President on the 30th of December, 2020. 5. -do- The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 (No.1 of 2021), promulgated by the President on the 7th of January, 2021. 6. 01- 02-2021 *Medium-term Fiscal Policy cum Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement and Macro-Economic Framework Statement, for the year 2021-22. 7. -do- Report of the Fifteenth Finance Commission for the years 2020-21 to 2025-26, along with explanatory Memorandum on the action taken on the recommendations contained in the above- said report.

@ Circulated to Members through Members' Portal. * Laid alongwith the Union Budget, 2021-22. For further details see under the heading "BUDGETS LAID ON THE TABLE".

Sl. Date Subject No. 8. 02- 02-2021 Thirty-fifth Progress Report on the Action Taken pursuant to the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Stock Market Scam and matters relating thereto (December, 2020). 9. 03- 02-2021 Annual Report and Accounts of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), New Delhi, for the year 2019-20. 10. -do- Annual Report and consolidated Accouuts of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, New

Delhi, for the year 2018-19. 14

11. 04- 02-2021 Annual Report of the Central Information Commission (CIC), New Delhi, for the year 2019-20.

12. 08- 02-2021 Annual Report and Accounts of the Coal India Limited (CIL), Kolkata, [Volume-I and Volume-II (Part 1, 2 and 3)], along with its subsidiary companies, for the year 2019-20. 13. -do- Administrative Report of the Haj Committee of India, Mumbai, for the year 2019-20.

14. -do- Annual Report of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), New Delhi, for the year 2018-19.

15. 09- 02-2021 Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year ended 31st March, 2019, on General Purpose Financial Reports of Central Public Sector Enterprises (Compliance Audit) - Union Government (Commercial) - Report No.7 of 2020.

16. -do- Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year ended 31st March, 2019, - Union Government (Commercial) - Report No.18 of 2020 (Compliance Audit Observations).

17. 10- 02-2021 Annual Report on the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, for the year 2018.

18. -do- Annual Report on the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, for the year 2018.

19. 09- 03-2021 Annual Report of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), New Delhi, for the year 2019-20.

20. 10- 03-2021 Annual Accounts of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi, for the year 2019-20.

21. 18- 03-2021 Annual Report and Accounts of the National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi, for the year 2019-20.

22. 19- 03-2021 Annual Report of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), New Delhi, for the year 2019-20.

Sl. Date Subject No.

23. 24- 03-2021 Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year ended March, 2019 - Performance Audit on Assessment of Co-operative Societies and Co-operative Banks - Union Government - Department of Revenue - Direct Taxes, Report No.16 of 2020.

24. -do- Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year ended March, 2019 - Union Government - Department of Revenue - Customs (Compliance Audit), Report No. 17 of 2020.

25. -do- Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year ended March, 2019 and

March, 2020 - Union Government - Department of Revenue (Indirect Taxes - Goods & 16

Service Tax, Central Excise & Service Tax), Report No.1 of 2021.

26. -do- Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year ended March, 2019 - Union Government (Civil), Compliance Audit Observations, Report No.2 of 2021.

27. -do- State Finances Audit Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year ended 31st March, 2019 - Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Report No.2 of the year 2020.

28. -do- Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Social, General, Economic and Revenue Sectors for the year ended 31st March, 2019 - Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Report No.1 of the year 2021.

29. 24- 03-2021 Finance Accounts - 2018-2019, Volume-I and Volume-II, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

30. -do- Appropriation Accounts - 2018-2019, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

(Total Time taken: 25 Mts.)

REPORTS/ STATEMENTS OF THE COMMITTEES PRESENTED/ LAID ON THE TABLE

The following Reports/Statements of various Committees were presented/laid on the Table:––

Date Name of the Committee Report/Statement

29-01-2021 Public Undertakings 1st to 7th Reports -do- Social Justice and Empowerment 14th Report 02-02-2021 Education, Women, Children, 317th to 322nd Reports# Youth and Sports -do- Health and Family Welfare 121st to 124th Report@ -do- Home Affairs 226th to 229th Reports -do- Coal and Steel 9th to 15th Reports -do- Public Accounts 21st to 23rd Reports and Action Taken Statements. 03-02-2021 Industry 300th to 303rd Reports -do- Science and Technology, 340th Report Environment, Forests and Climate Change -do- Transport, Tourism and Culture 280th to 286th Reports

# The Reports were presented to Hon'ble Chairman on 24th December, 2020 under Direction 30(i) of Directions by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha when the House was not in Session. Reports were also forwarded to the Lok Sabha Secretariat on the same day. @ The Reports were presented to the Hon'ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha on 21st November, 2020 and forwarded to Speaker, Lok Sabha on 25th November, 2020. 19

Date Name of the Committee Report/Statement

03-02-2021 Finance 12th to 24th Reports% -do- Labour 10th to 15th Reports 04-02-2021 Science and Technology, 333rd to 339th Reports$ Environment, Forests and Climate Change -do- Railways 4th and 5th Reports and Action Taken Statements -do- Urban Development 3rd and 4th Reports 05-02-2021 Social Justice and Empowerment 10th to 13th *Reports 08-02-2021 Information Technology 13th to 21st Reports 09-02-2021 Subordinate Legislation 244th Report -do- Water Resources 6th to 9th Reports -do- Public Accounts 24th to 30th Reports 10-02-2021 Commerce 155th to 158th Reports -do- Food, Consumer Affairs and 5th to 8th Reports Public Distribution

% 12th to 23rd Reports were presented to Hon'ble Speaker (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) on 9th September, 2020 under Direction 71 A of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha when the House was not in Session and the same were seen by the Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha on 11th September, 2020. $ The Reports were presented to Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha on 30th November, 2020 and were forwarded to Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha the same day. * Tenth to Thirteenth Reports were presented to Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha on 10th September, 2020 under Direction 71A of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha and the same were seen by the Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha on 14th September, 2020. 20

Date Name of the Committee Report/Statement

10-02-2021 Petroleum and Natural Gas 3rd and 4th Reports 11-02-2021 Government Assurances 74th Report -do- Agriculture 14th to 23rd Reports -do- Chemicals and Fertilizers 9th to 15th Reports -do- External Affairs @4th to 7th Reports -do- Labour 16th Report 12-02-2021 Defence 9th to 16th Reports -do- Rural Development 7th to 12th Reports -do- Social Justice and Empowerment 15th to 18th Reports -do- Empowerment of Women 4th Report 08-03-2021 Health and Family Welfare 125th to 127th Reports -do- Science and Technology, 341st to 347th Reports Environment, Forests and Climate Change -do- Energy 6th and 7th Reports -do- Railways 6th and 7th Reports -do- Urban Development 5th Report -do- Water Resources 10th and 11th Reports 09-03-2021 Education, Women, Children, 323rd and 324th Reports Youth and Sports -do- Papers Laid on the Table 161st Report -do- Transport, Tourism and Culture 287th and 288th Reports -do- Agriculture 24th to 26th Reports

@ The Fourth Report was presented to the Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha on 9th September, 2020 under Direction 71 A of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha and the same was also placed before the Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha for his perusal. 21

Date Name of the Committee Report/Statement

09-03-2021 Rural Development 13th to 15th Reports -do- Social Justice and Empowerment 19th Report 10-03-2021 Information Technology 22nd to 25th Reports -do- Petroleum and Natural Gas 5th and 6th Reports 15-03-2021 Home Affairs 230th to 232nd Reports -do- Transport, Tourism and Culture 289th and 290th Reports -do- Public Accounts 31st to 35th Reports 16-03-2021 Education, Women, Children, 325th and 326th Reports Youth and Sports -do- Personnel, Public Grievances, 106th and 107th Reports Law and Justice -do- Coal and Steel 16th to 20th Reports -do- Defence 17th to 22nd Reports -do- Finance 25th to 31st Reports -do- Labour 17th to 19th Reports -do- Social Justice and Empowerment 20th to 22nd Reports 17-03-2021 Commerce 159th and 160th Reports -do- Health and Family Welfare 128th Reports -do- Industry 304th to 307th Reports -do- Transport, Tourism and Culture 291st Report -do- Agriculture 27th and 28th Reports -do- Chemicals and Fertilizers 16th to 22nd Reports -do- External Affairs 8th Report -do- Urban Development 6th and 7th Reports and Action Taken Statements -do- Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Action Taken Statement Scheduled Tribes 22

Date Name of the Committee Report/Statement

18-03-2021 Petitions 58th Report -do- Energy Action Taken Statements -do- Information Technology Action Taken Statements -do- Rural Development Action Taken Statements 19-03-2021 Health and Family Welfare 129th Report -do- Energy 8th to 17th Reports -do- Food, Consumer Affairs and 9th to 12th Reports Public Distribution -do- Water Resources Action Taken Statement 23-03-2021 Privileges 70th and 71st Reports 24-03-2021 Subordinate Legislation 245th and 246th Reports -do- Public Undertakings 8th and 9th Reports

(Total Time taken: 57Mts.)

MOTIONS FOR ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO VARIOUS COMMITTEES/BODIES

Sl. Date Name of the Committee/Body Time taken No. Hrs. Mts.

1. 11-02 -2021 Committee on Official Language 0-02

2. 12-02 -2021 Welfare of Other Backward Classes 0-01

(OBCs) 3. -do- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 0-01 Awantipora (Jammu and Kashmir) 4. -do- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 0-01 Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 5. -do- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 0-01 Jodhpur (Rajasthan) 23

Sl. Date Name of the Committee/Body Time taken No. Hrs. Mts.

6. 09-03-2021 Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamanagar. 0-01 7. 10-03-2021 Committee on Public Accounts 0-01 8. -do- Committee on Public Undertakings 9. -do- Welfare on the Scheduled Castes and 0-01 Scheduled Tribes Total : 0-09

MESSAGES FROM THE LOK SABHA — REPORTED / GOVERNMENT BILLS — LAID ON THE TABLE Secretary-General reported to the Rajya Sabha, 26 messages received from the Lok Sabha and laid on the Table, 15 Government Bills, as passed by the Lok Sabha, during the Session. (Time taken: 18Mts.)

RESIGNATION BY MEMBERS

(1) On the 29th of January, 2021, the Chairman informed the House that he had received letters from Shri Biswajit Daimary and Shri Jose K. Mani, Members, representing the States of Assam and Kerala respectively resigning their seats in the Rajya Sabha and that he had accepted the resignation of Shri Biswajit Daimary with effect from the 21st of November, 2020 and of Shri Jose K. Mani with effect from the 11th of January, 2021.

(2) On the 12th of February, 2021, Shri Dinesh Trivedi, representing the State of West Bengal, resigned his seat in the Rajya Sabha and his resignation was accepted by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha on the same day.

 For Reference and Record No announcement was made by the Chairman in the House and the vacation of seat in the Rajya Sabha was informed to Members vide Parliamentary Bulletin Part-II No. 60613 on the 16th of February, 2021. 24

(3) On the 17th of March, 2021, the Deputy Chairman made the following announcement in the House:— "I have to inform Members that the Hon'ble Chairman had received a letter dated the 16th of March, 2021, from Shri Swapan Dasgupta, a Nominated Member, resigning his seat in the Rajya Sabha. The Hon'ble Chairman has accepted his resignation with effect from the 17th of March, 2021." (Time taken: 02 Mts.)

LEAVE OF ABSENCE The following Members were granted leave of absence during the Session on the dates and for the period as mentioned against each:—

S. No. Name of Member State Date of grant Period of of Leave of Absence Absence 1. Shri Rewati Raman Uttar 02-02-2021 29th January to Singh Pradesh 13th February, 2021. 2. Dr. Narendra Jadhav Nominated -do- -do- 3. Shri Ripun Bora Assam -do- -do- 4. Shrimati M.C. Mary Nominated 05-02-2021 29th January, Kom to 8thApril, 2021 5. Shri Oscar Karnataka -do- -do- Fernandes 6. Dr. Anbumani Tamil -do- 1st February, Ramadoss Nadu to 13th February, 2021 7. Shri K.K. Ragesh Kerala -do- -do- 8. Shri Vaiko Tamil 10-02-2021 29th January, Nadu to 13th February, 2021 25

S. No. Name of Member State Date of grant Period of of Leave of Absence Absence 9. Shri K. Somaprasad Kerala 10-02-2021 1st to 13th February, 2021 10. Shri Ripun Bora Assam 08-03-2021 *8th March, to 8th April, 2021 11. Shri M.V. Shreyams Kerala 17-03-2021 *8th March, to Kumar 8th April, 2021 12. Shri Kamakhya Assam 25-03-2021 8th March, Prasad Tasa 2021 to the remaining 13. Shri Ajit Kumar Assam -do- period of the Bhuyan 2nd part of the Session. Total : 0-06

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

5 Meetings of the Business Advisory Committee were held during the Session to allocate time for Government Legislative and other Business. Recommendations of the Committee were reported to the House on the dates, as mentioned below: —

Sl. No. Date of BAC Date of announcement of Time taken Meeting the recommendations of Hrs. Mts. BAC in the House 1. 31-01-2021 02-02-2021 0-01 2. 11-02-2021 11-02-2021 0-01 3. 08-03-2021 09-03-2021 0-02 4. 16-03-2021 16-03-2021 0-01 5. 24-03-2021 24-03-2021 0-01

Total: 0-06

* However, the House was adjourned sine-die on 25/03/2021. 26

STATEMENTS REGARDING GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

3 Statements regarding Government Business were made in the House on the following dates during the Session: —

Sl. Date Time taken No. Hrs. Mts. 1. 05-02-2021 0-02 2. 10-03-2021 0-02 3. 19-03-2021 0-02

Total: 0-06

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CHAIR

(1) On the 2nd of February, 2021, the Chairman informed the House that as regards Papers to be Laid on the Table and laying of Statements related to the Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees listed in the Business for the day in the names of other Ministers, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs or the Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs would lay the same on their behalf.

(2) On the 8th of March, 2021, the Vice-Chairman (Shrimati Vandana Chavan) made the following announcement:—

"Hon'ble Members, on the request received from many Members from various parties, the Chairman has decided that from tomorrow, i.e., Tuesday, the 9th March, 2021, the sitting of the Rajya Sabha will be from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. as per usual timings of the House. The Members will be seated in the Rajya Sabha Chamber and its Galleries only, with some distancing. Details of the sitting plan will be intimated to Party Leaders, today."

(3) On the 9th of March, 2021, the Deputy-Chairman made the following announcement:—

"Hon’ble Members as you are aware, on the request from several Members, it has been decided that during the remaining part of the Budget Session, Members will be seated in the Rajya Sabha Chamber and its Galleries only with some physical distancing. Accordingly, 142 seats have been made available for Members in the Rajya Sabha Chamber and remaining Members are being seated in the four Galleries. Seats earmarked for the Parties/Groups have already been communicated to their leaders.

2. While every Member seated in the Rajya Sabha Chamber will have a sound console with microphone on the allotted seat, some of the Members sitting in the Galleries may not find the microphone and the sound console system on their seats as it is not possible to provide this facility at such a short time. However, in order to facilitate their participation in the proceedings, one seat in each Gallery has been kept vacant to which these Members can come and speak when called by the Chair. I request the Members to please bear with this temporary seating arrangement made for the remaining part of the current Budget Session. Your cooperation in this regard is highly appreciated. Once the COVID-19 situation normalizes, we will revert to full seating in the Rajya Sabha Chamber with proper allocation of seats."

(4) On the 25th of March, 2021, the Chairman made an announcement that there will be no Zero Hour and Question Hour today. However, the answers to the listed questions will be deemed to have been laid on the Table of the House.

(Total Time taken: 05Mts.)

OBSERVATIONS BY THE CHAIR (I) (I) On the 29th of January, 2021, the Chairman made some observations informing the Members that the normal seating arrangement with fixed Seat/Division Nos. has been dispensed with in this Session as was done in the previous Session. Further, the number of seats for each party at different places, that is, Rajya Sabha Chamber, Rajya Sabha Gallaries and Lok Sabha Chamber, have been fixed as per their numerical strength for allocation amongst their Members by the respective parties. Members were requested to raise their hands, introduce themselves and also announce the place i.e. Gallery Number/ Lok Sabha Chamber clearly from where they are speaking before taking part in a discussion so that they can be identified easily. It was also informed that for the sake of reaching out to people through proper voice, Members are permitted to speak while sitting observing that this is not done normally but this is an arrangement made since the last Session. The Members were also informed that the Economic Survey 2020-2021 which would be laid that day on the Table of the House would be made available to members on Members’ Login Portal soon after its laying.” (II) On the 2nd of February, 2021, the Chairman made the following observations:—

(i) Staggered seating arrangements have been made in the House after consultations with the Speaker, different Ministries, Leaders and all others concerned. However, some Members are occupying seats other than their designated places, making it difficult to recognize the Member and also posing hindrance in coverage of proceedings. Members should occupy the seats designated exclusively for them. (ii) Rules 180(5) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States provides that admitted Calling Attention notices shall be raised at 2-00 PM. However, in view of the change in timings of the sittings, the Calling Attention shall be raised in the House at such a time as may be decided. Similarly, rule 180 (C) (1) provides that the time for submitting notices for Special Mentions shall be upto 5-00 p.m. on a day for raising the matter on the next day. It has been decided that in view of changed time of sittings, the time for submitting notices of Special Mentions shall be upto 12-00 noon. (iii) In view of the time constraint, Zero Hour submissions may be made within two minutes in place of the earlier time of three minutes by each Member. 29

(III) On the 3rd of February, 2021, the Chairman made the following observation:—

"As Members are aware, there is a restriction on the usage of cellular phones within the Rajya Sabha Chambers which is notified in the Parliamentary Bulletin Part-II, issued prior to the commencement of the sittings of a Session.

It has been observed that some Members are using their mobile phones to record the proceedings of the House while sitting in the Chamber. Such conduct is against the Parliamentary etiquettes and is not expected from the honorable Members.

Members should desist from such unwarranted activities inside the Chamber. Such unauthorized recording of the proceedings of the House and its circulation in the social media may lead to breach of privilege and contempt of the House.

Members are, therefore, advised to be careful in this regard."

(IV) On the 8th of February, 2021, the Chairman, in commemoration of the "International Mother Language Day" on the 21st of February, 2021, exhorted all Members to hold some functions in their respective States to highlight the importance of the mother tongue.

(V) On the 12th of February, 2021, the Chairman made some observations regarding the first part of the current Session. (VI) On the 8th of March, 2021, at the onset of the second part of the current session, the Chairman on behalf of the House and on his own behalf, complimented Shri Mallikarjun Kharge on assuming the office of the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. He also made observations regarding the high productivity of the House, particularly, during the last five Sessions, and the first part of the current Session. Further, he gave a brief account of the functioning of the 8 Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees serviced by Rajya Sabha Secretariat, during the recess period. The Chairman also exhorted all Members to make efficient use of the Parliament Library, which has a huge collection of books and journals and is completing its 100 years.

(VII) On the 19th of March, 2021, the Chairman made the following observations:—

(i) Need to adhere to safety protocols pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic in view of the recent increase in Covid cases in the country.

(ii) Admissibility of notices for Matters raised with Permission (Zero Hour Submissions) and Special Mentions.

(Total Time taken: 33Mts.)

WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERS On the 3rd of February, 2021, the Chairman, under Rule 255 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), directed Shri Sanjay Singh, Shri Sushil Kumar Gupta and Shri Narain Dass Gupta, to withdraw immediately from the Council.

(Time taken: 01 Minute) INFORMATION TO THE HOUSE REGARDING TIME OF SITTING

On the 23rd of March, 2021, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Minister of Coal and Minister of Mines, informed the House that as agreed to by the Leaders of parties and approved by the Chairman, the House would meet at 10-00 a.m. on 24/03/2021. (Total Time taken: 01 Minute)

MATTERS RAISED WITH PERMISSION

I. On the 3rd of February, 2021:— (1) Shri Ayodhya Rami Reddy raised a matter regarding need for immediate attention of Government towards key issues being faced by Infrastructure Sector companies. (2) Shri Tiruchi Siva raised a matter regarding need for steps to be taken to tackle harassment of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. Dr. M Thambidurai also spoke.

Shri S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, responded.

(3) Dr. Sasmit Patra raised a matter regarding need for initiatives for socio-political-economic empowerment of women.

(4) Shri G.V. L. Narasimha Rao raised a matter regarding need to take action against culprits responsible for attacks on Hindu Temples in Andhra Pradesh.

(5) Dr. Fauzia Khan raised a matter regarding need for more recruitment of bureaucrats in the country.

(6) Shri Subhas Chandra Bose Pilli raised a matter regarding need to withdraw tax on handlooms.

(7) Shri Rajmani Patel raised a matter regarding need for proper implementation of "PM Fasal Bima Yojana".

(8) Shri Digvijaya Singh raised a matter regarding need for withdrawal of FIRs against politicians and journalists.

II. On the 8th of February, 2021:—

(9) Shri Subhash Chandra Singh raised a matter regarding need for reduction of GST on Kendu leaves for the State of Odisha.

(10) Shri Syed Zafar Islam raised a matter regarding Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC).

(11) Dr. Santanu Sen raised a matter regarding glitches in CoWIN portal for Covid vaccination.

(12) Shri Kumar Ketkar raised a matter regarding urban crisis due to reckless constructions.

(13) Shri P. Wilson raised a matter regarding need to address the problems of sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu.

(14) Shri Nabam Rebia raised a matter regarding need for creation of a separate All India Service Cadre for Arunachal Pradesh. 32

(III) On the 9th of February, 2021:—

(15) Shri Mahesh Poddar raised a matter regarding need to ban use of objectionable language/derogatory content on OTT platforms. Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, responded.

(16) Shri Neeraj Dangi raised a matter regarding need for enhancement of minimum pension with free medical facilities to EPS-95 pensioners.

Shri M. Shanmugam also spoke.

(17) Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav raised a matter regarding direct recruitment for the post of Joint Secretary in Central Government. (18) Shri N. Gokulakrishnan raised a matter regarding need for release of legacy loan of ` 2200 crore as a special package for Puducherry. (19) Shri Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar raised a matter regarding proposal to privatise the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL).

(20) Shrimati Priyanka Chaturvedi raised a matter regarding need for safe return of Indian sailors stranded in China. Shri Mansukh Mandavia, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Shipping and Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, responded.

(21) Shrimati Vandana Chavan raised a matter regarding need to increase efforts towards afforestation and conservation of forests and tree cover to meet 2030 carbon sink target. (22) Shri Tiruchi Siva raised a matter regarding non teaching of Tamil language in the Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools in Tamil Nadu. (23) Dr. Banda Prakash raised a matter regarding need to change operational guidelines of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sanmpada Yojana.

(24) Dr. Sasmit Patra raised a matter regarding need for support of Central Government for holistic development of Odisha. 33

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Ministry of Civil Aviation and Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, responded.

(IV) On the 10th of February, 2021:—

(25) Dr. Vinay P. Sahasrabuddhe raised a matter regarding need for a policy for promoting Indian consultancy firms in Government establishments.

(26) Shri N.R. Elango raised a matter regarding non-implementation of reservation in M. Tech courses in Anna University, Chennai.

(27) Shri A. Mohammedjan raised a matter regarding need to allow Haj pilgrims from Tamil Nadu to board from Chennai instead of Cochin Airport.

(28) Shri Subhash Chandra Bose Pilli raised a matter regarding release of pending dues of Andhra Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd. (APSCSCL).

(29) Shri Shaktisinh Gohil raised a matter regarding capture of Gujarat fishermen and their fishing boats by Pakistan Marine Police.

(30) Shri K. Vanlalvena raised a matter regarding closure of Indo-Myanmar border trade at Zokhawthar village in Mizoram.

(31) Shri Prasanna Acharya raised a matter regarding need for constitution of a separate authority for the recognition, protection and all round development of abandoned orphans.

(32) Shri Anil Baluni raised a matter regarding need for a mechanism to study glaciers to manage and prevent disasters such as recent glacier outburst in Uttarakhand.

(33) Shri Mallikarjun Kharge raised a matter regarding need for establishment of Centre for Excellence in Microwave, wireless and photonics in the Central University, Gulbarga.

(34) Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia raised a matter regarding need to curb increasing child marriages during the pandemic.

(V) On the 11th of February, 2021:—

(35) Shri Harnath Singh Yadav raised a matter regarding need for use of Hindi and other languages in the Supreme Court and High Courts.

(36) Shrimati Jharna Das Baidya raised a matter regarding need for introduction of new railway line in Santir Bazar and Sonaichari Belonia Sub- Divisions in Tripura.

(37) Shri Narain Dass Gupta raised a matter regarding problems being faced by daily commuters in Delhi/NCR.

(38) Shri Digvijaya Singh raised a matter regarding need to extend benefits under special category to Saharia tribals living in Sagar and Bhopal divisions in Madhya Pradesh.

Shri Thaawarchad Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, responded.

(39) Dr. Amar Patnaik raised a matter regarding unfair fixed charges on account of Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation (RPO).

(40) Lt. Gen. (Dr.) D. P. Vats (Retd.) raised a matter regarding Ex-Gratia Commission to war widows in Armed Forces.

(41) Dr. L. Hanumanthaiah raised a matter regarding need for autonomous status to Kannada, Classical Language Institute.

(42) Shri Elamaram Kareem raised a matter regarding need to waive NOC for construction work in Defence Establishment area in West Hill, Kozhikode.

(43) Shri G.V.L. Narasimha Rao raised a matter regarding need to establish a National Chilli Research Centre in Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh.

(44) Shri Rajeev Satav raised a matter regarding need to fill vacant posts of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Chairman of the National Trust and Rehabilitation Commission.

(45) Shrimati Sampatiya Uikey raised a matter regarding need for inclusion of "Gondi" language in Eighth Schedule. 35

(46) Shri Sanjay Singh raised a matter regarding need for financial help to people affected by the disaster in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand.

(VI) On the 12th of February, 2021:—

(47) Shri Rajmani Patel raised a matter regarding need to declare Deur Kothar, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh as National Archaeological tourist place.

(48) Shri B. Lingaiah Yadav raised a matter regarding need to establish industrial corridors in Telangana.

(49) Shri Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba raised a matter regarding inclusion of Manipuri Language in Manipuri script on Indian currency notes.

(50) Shri Ashok Siddharth raised a matter regarding reduction in scholarship amount being given to students belonging to the Scheduled Castes.

Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, responded.

(51) Shri Muzibulla Khan raised a matter regarding poor condition/maintenance of toilets constructed under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

(52) Shri Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar raised a matter regarding proposal to shift head quarters of the Krishna River Management Board from Vijayawada to Vishakhapatnam.

(53) Shri Bikash Ranjan raised a matter regarding alleged violation of basic human rights of persons with disabilities.

(54) Shri M.V. Shreyams Kumar raised a matter regarding traffic problems and delayed development works at Kozhikode Airport.

(55) Prof. Manoj Kumar Jha raised a matter regarding alleged fudging and manipulation of COVID testing data in Bihar.

(56) Shri Shamsher Singh Dullo raised a matter regarding withholding of degrees of the Scheduled Caste students by private colleges/institutions in Punjab due to non-payment of funds by the Central Government. 36

Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, responded.

(VII) On the 9th of March, 2021:—

(57) Dr. Sasmit Patra raised a matter regarding need to ensure more participation of women in leadership roles and for legislations ensuring gender equality.

(58) Shri Ram Nath Thakur raised a matter regarding need for implementation of Jannayak Karpuri Thakur formula for OBC reservation.

(59) Shri Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar raised a matter regarding proposal to merge Centre of Excellence for studies in classical Telugu with Bharatiya Bhasha.

(VIII) On the 10th of March, 2021:—

(60) Shri Harnath Singh Yadav raised a matter regarding need for conservation of mother tongue/native languages.

(IX) On the 15th of March, 2021:—

(61) Shri Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba raised a matter regarding need to set up a Special Task Force for protection of archaeological sites and historical monuments of Manipur.

(62) Shri Prashanta Nanda raised a matter regarding need for giving Classical music status to Odishi music.

(63) Shrimati Phulo Devi Netam raised a matter regarding need for relaxation in rules related to allotment of accommodation to personnel of the Central Para Military Forces.

(64) Shri Tiruchi Siva raised a matter regarding need to honour Rani Abbakka Chowta and inclusion of her story in school curriculum.

(65) Shri Subhash Chandra Bose Pilli raised a matter regarding need to amend Section 54 of the Limitation Act, 1963 regarding registration of sale agreements. 37

(66) Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw raised a matter regarding racism in the United Kingdom.

Shri S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, responded.

(67) Shrimati Priyanka Chaturvedi raised a matter regarding alleged discrimination by Government between different online news portals.

(68) Shrimati Vandana Chavan raised a matter regarding need to criminalise marital rape.

(69) Dr. Ashok Bajpai raised a matter regarding need for inclusion of Awadhi language in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.

(70) Dr. Sasmit Patra raised a matter regarding need for COVID vaccination for Indian Delegation for Tokyo Olympics, 2021.

(71) Shri Partap Singh Bajwa raised a matter regarding need for development aid to Punjab.

(72) Shri Harnath Singh Yadav raised a matter regarding epidemic proportion of cancer in the country.

(73) Shri Hardwar Dubey raised a matter regarding need for concrete steps for conservation of Taj Mahal.

(74) Shri Subhash Chandra Singh raised a matter regarding need to start passenger train from Haridaspur to Paradip via Kendrapada.

(75) Dr. Narendra Jadhav raised a matter regarding need to give priority to teachers and school staff for vaccination.

(76) Shri Rakesh Sinha raised a matter regarding need for establishment of libraries in prisons.

(X) On the 16th of March, 2021:—

(77) Shrimati Mamata Mohanta raised a matter regarding need for widening the Ghat road on NH-49 in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. 38

(78) Dr. Bhagwat Karad raised a matter regarding need to give Marathi language the status of a Classical language.

(79) Shri Mallikarjun Kharge raised a matter regarding the situation arising out of ongoing strike by bank employees.

(80) Shri Ram Nath Thakur raised a matter regarding need for solutions to prevent food wastage.

(81) Shri K. Vanlalvena raised a matter regarding Myanmar refugees in the North-Eastern States.

(82) Shri Rewati Raman Singh raised a matter regarding delay in the establishment of refinery at Lohgara in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh.

(83) Shri M. Shanmugam raised a matter regarding need to constitute an enquiry committee and social audit into the distribution of food grains from the central pool to the States during the lockdown period.

(84) Shri Shaktisinh Gohil raised a matter regarding slow speed of Corona vaccination in the country.

(85) Shri Sanjay Singh raised a matter regarding need for extra attempt for candidates in Civil Services Exam, 2021 due to Covid situation.

(86) Shri K.R. Suresh Reddy raised a matter regarding need to release of a postal stamp in the honour of Raja Bahadur Vernkata Rama Reddy, on the occasion of his 150th birthday celebrations.

(87) Shri Brijlal raised a matter regarding need for development of Kapilvastu, the birth place of Gautam Buddha.

(88) Shri Prasanna Acharya raised a matter regarding need for setting up of more Courts for fast track trial of offences against women and children.

(89) Shri Sanjay Seth raised a matter regarding low number of seats for Forensic Science in Medical colleges.

(90) Prof. Manoj Kumar Jha raised a matter regarding need to include caste based socio-economic parameters in Census, 2021. 39

Shrimati Chhaya Verma also spoke.

(91) Shri B. Lingaiah Yadav raised a matter regarding need for release of MPLADS funds.

Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs, responded.

(XI) On the 17th of March, 2021

(92) Shri Ram Vichar Netam raised a matter regarding corruption in Maa Mahamay Cooperative Sugar Mills, Kerta, in Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh.

(93) Shrimati Jharna Das Baidya raised a matter regarding rise in prices of LPG cylinders.

(94) Shri A.D. Singh raised a matter regarding acquiring of fertile land for NTPC plant in Barauni, Bihar.

(95) Dr. Amee Yajnik raised a matter regarding safety of women and girls in rural areas.

(96) Shri Muzibulla Khan raised a matter regarding need to honour freedom fighters and to confer Bharat Ratna on Shri Biju Patnaik posthumously.

(97) Ch. Sukhram Singh Yadav raised a matter regarding need to release funds under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana for the development of villages.

(98) Dr. Fauzia Khan raised a matter regarding need to develop the birthplace of Sri Sai Baba at Pathri in Prabhani District of Maharashtra.

(99) Shri Mahesh Poddar raised a matter regarding need for suitable housing facility for construction workers at their work place.

(100) Shri K.T.S. Tulsi raised a matter regarding controversial statements by persons holding public offices.

(101) Shri Vishambhar Prasad Nishad raised a matter regarding need to confer Bharat Ratna on Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia posthumously on his 111th birth anniversary. 40

(102) Shri Sushil Kumar Modi raised a matter regarding need to enact law for sharing of revenue earned on news items by social media with print and electronic media.

(103) Shri Vivek K. Tankha raised a matter regarding need for financial and medical aid for children suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

(104) Shri Vijay Pal Singh Tomar raised a matter regarding need to establish a separate bench of the Allahabad High Court in Western Uttar Pradesh.

(105) Dr. Amar Patnaik raised a matter regarding need to enact Womens Reservation Bill and obligatory paternity leave to bridge gender pay gap in the country.

(106) Shri Ramkumar Verma raised a matter regarding need to make OTP mandatory for withdrawal from ATMs.

(107) Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla raised a matter regarding fraudulent activities through online platforms, fake call centers and fake domains of various banks.

(108) Shrimati Priyanka Chaturvedi raised a matter regarding need to fill up the vacant faculty posts in premier educational institutions.

(XII) On the 18th of March, 2021

(109) Shri Ahmad Ashfaque Karim raised a matter regarding need for exemption of Charitable Educational Institutions from GST.

(110) Dr. Banda Prakash raised a matter regarding need for effective implementation of reservation in higher educational institutions and Judiciary.

(111) Shri Kumar Ketkar raised a matter regarding crimes in Maharashtra.

(112) Shri K.C. Ramamurthy raised a matter regarding need for setting up of a Bench of the Supreme Court at Bangalore.

(113) Shri Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar raised a matter regarding need to confer Bharat Ratna on Shri N.T. Rama Rao, founder of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh posthumously. 41

(114) Shri P. Wilson raised a matter regarding insistence by the Central Government to follow central reservations in State institutions.

(115) Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia raised a matter regarding increasing cases of malnutrition among women and children.

(116) Shri Anand Sharma raised a matter regarding need for effective measures to redress the problems in education being faced by students during COVID-19 pandemic.

(117) Gen. (Dr.) D.P. Vats (Retd.) raised a matter regarding NCR becoming the most polluted region in the world.

Shrimati Priyanka Chaturvedi also spoke.

(118) Shri G.C. Chandrashekhar raised a matter regarding need for peaceful resolution of border issues between Karnataka and Maharashtra.

(119) Shri T.G. Venkatesh raised a matter regarding backwardness of Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.

(120) Shri Rajmani Patel raised a matter regarding need to open pre-matric and post-matric hostel facility for OBC category students.

(121) Shrimati Vandana Chavan raised a matter regarding need to extend benefits under the Ujjwala Scheme.

(122) Shri Samir Oraon raised a matter regarding need for an additional A.C. Coach in Ranchi Dumka Intercity Express.

(123) Shrimati Geeta alias Chandraprabha raised a matter regarding deteriorating condition of workers at NTPC in Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh.

(124) Shri Iranna Kadadi raised a matter regarding need to establish ESIC sub-regional office and hospital in Belagavi.

(125) Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla raised a matter regarding need to start direct international flights from Kushinagar to Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Japan and Bangkok. 42

(126) Shri Ram Chander Jangra raised a matter regarding decreasing values of human relationship.

(XIII) On the 19th of March, 2021

(127) Shri Om Prakash Mathur raised a matter regarding need to implement the Recharge Plan for Jawai Dam in western Rajasthan.

(128) Shri Rajeev Satav raised a matter regarding need to ensure proper data analysis for OBCs in Census 2021.

(129) Shri G.V.L. Narasimha Rao raised a matter regarding problems being faced by spice exporters.

(130) Shri Sujeet Kumar raised a matter regarding need to reduce GST on cancer treatment drugs.

(131) Shrimati Seema Dwivedi raised a matter regarding need to allow admissions for academic year 2020-21 in respect of Diploma in Elementary Education without treating it as zero year.

(132) Shri Bhupender Yadav raised a matter regarding increasing cases of phone tapping in various parts of the country.

Shri G.V.L. Narasimha Rao also spoke.

(133) Shrimati Mamata Mohanta raised a matter regarding problems of mobile network in Odisha.

(134) Shri A.D. Singh raised a matter regarding large number of pending prohibition cases causing delay in disposal of other cases in Bihar.

(135) Shri Subhash Chandra Singh raised a matter regarding need to route all major trains via Cuttack in Odisha

(136) Shri Hardwar Dubey raised a matter regarding problems being faced by tourism sector in Agra.

(137) Shrimati Priyanka Chaturvedi raised a matter regarding need to include obesity and asthma in the category of co-morbidity conditions for COVID-19 vaccination. 43

(138) Shri Jugalsinh Mathurji Lokhandwala raised a matter regarding need to enact a strict law to stop adulteration of milk.

(139) Shri Akhilesh Prasad Singh raised a matter regarding poor families returning to traditional fuels due to hike in prices of LPG.

(XIV) On the 22nd of March, 2021

(140) Shri Mahesh Poddar raised a matter regarding need to set up headquarters of Steel Research and Technology Mission of India (SRTMI) at Ranchi in Jharkhand.

(141) Dr. Narendra Jadhav raised a matter regarding need for strengthening cyber security.

(142) Dr. Sasmit Patra raised a matter regarding need for evacuation of surplus rice from Odisha and release of pending subsidy to the State.

(143) Shri Rewati Raman Singh raised a matter regarding havoc caused due to flood in Rishi Ganga in Uttarakhand and increased human intervention in the Ganga-Himalaya region.

(144) Shri Shaktisinh Gohil raised a matter regarding need to take steps to prevent deaths of Asiatic lions due to accidents on railway tracks.

(145) Ch. Sukhram Singh Yadav raised a matter regarding need to exempt local farmers from toll tax at Bara toll plaza in Kanpur.

(146) Prof. Manoj Kumar Jha raised a matter regarding need for reissuance of ration cards cancelled on account of not being biometrically linked to Aadhaar.

(147) Shri Ram Vichar Netam raised a matter regarding implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in Chhattisgarh.

Shri Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar also spoke.

(148) Shrimati Mamata Mohanta raised a matter regarding need for opening of a Navodaya Vidayalya at Mayurbhang in Odisha. 44

(149) Dr. Bhagwat Karad raised a matter regarding need for improving facilities at Ajanta- Ellora caves and Devagiri fort at Aurangabad.

(150) Shri Neeraj Dangi raised a matter regarding dilution of constitutional provisions for reservations for SC/ST candidates.

(151) Shri Harnath Singh Yadav raised a matter regarding low salaries of technical and supporting staff of private hospitals and medical education institutions.

(152) Shri Ram Chander Jangra raised a matter regarding welfare of backward classes.

(XV) On the 23rd of March, 2021

(153) Dr. Amee Yajnik raised a matter regarding need for better handling of Covid-19 related bio-medical waste.

(154) Shri Muzibulla Khan raised a matter regarding need for proper implementation of benefits under the Prime Minister's 15 point programme for minorities.

(155) Shri Shwait Malik raised a matter regarding need to start a direct train from Amritsar to Ayodhya.

(156) Shri K. Vanlalvena raised a matter regarding need to establish a consulate in Mizoram for Myanmar and Bangladesh.

(157) Dr. L. Hanumanthaiah raised a matter regarding need to keep in abeyance the implementation of Prevention of Anti-Social Activities (PASA) Regulations in Lakshadweep.

(158) Dr. M. Thambidurai raised a matter regarding need to support the Resolution of Sri Lankan Tamils at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) in Geneva.

(159) Shrimati Jaya Bachchan raised a matter regarding plight of manual scavengers.

(160) Dr. Amar Patnaik raised a matter regarding need to recognize the rights of women farmers of the country. 45

(161) Shri K.T.S. Tulsi raised a matter regarding phasing out of non-medical teachers in Medical Colleges.

(162) Shri Prasanna Acharya raised a matter regarding decision to close down 125 years old Sambalpur Road Railway Station in Odisha.

(163) Shri Subhash Chandra Singh raised a matter regarding need for renovation and conservation of Gadakhai Heritage project under the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) programme in Cuttack district of Odisha.

(Time taken: 6Hrs. &09Mts.)

DISPENSING WITH ZERO HOUR SUBMISSIONS, QUESTION HOUR AND PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

On the 3rd of February, 2021, on a suggestion made by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Minister of Coal and Minister of Mines, and agreed to by the House, in order to give more time for discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address; the Zero Hour for the 4th and 5th February, 2021, and Question Hour on the 3rd, 4th and 5th February, 2021 were dispensed with. Further, the Private Members' Business scheduled for Friday, the 5th February, 2021 was also dispensed with for the purpose. (Time taken: 04 Minute) QUESTIONS

329 Starred Questions were put down in the Lists of Questions for oral answers, out of which 113 Questions were orally answered and answers to the remaining ones were laid on the Table of the House. (Time taken: 11Hrs. & 48 Mts.) 3520 Unstarred Questions were also put down in the Lists of Questions and written answers in respect thereof were laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS CORRECTING ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

2 Statements correcting answers to Questions, as detailed below, were laid on the Table of the House, during the Session: —

Sl. Date Subject Ministry/ Name of the Time taken No. Department Minister Hrs. Mts.

1. 18-03-2021 Correcting the answer to Starred Question 111 Law and Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar 0-01 given in the Rajya Sabha on the 11th February, Communications Prasad 2021 regarding ‘Eligibility in Reserved and Electronics Constituencies’. and Information Technology

2. 19-03-2021 Correcting the answer given in the Rajya Sabha Rural Sadhvi Niranjan 0-01 on the 13th March, 2020 to a supplementary Development Jyoti question arising out of the answer to Starred Question 215 regarding ‘Registering rural workers under MGNREGA’. Total : 0-02

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

(I) 5 Suo moto Statements were made in the House by Ministers during the Session:–––

Sl. Date Subject matter of the Statement Name of the Time taken No. Minister Hrs. Mts.

1. 09-02-2021 An avalanche in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. Shri Amit Shah 0-09

2. 11-02-2021 "Present situation in Eastern Ladakh". Shri Raj Nath Singh 0-12

3. 15-03-2021 Recent developments pertaining to the welfare abroad of Shri S. Jaishankar 0-27 Indians, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in the COVID situation. 4. 17-03-2021 ‘India’s Vaccine Maitri Initiative’. Shri S. Jaishankar 0-16

5. 18-03-2021 "Vehicles Scrapping Policy". Shri Nitin Jairam 0-24 Gadkari Total: 1-28

(II) The following Statements were laid on the Table, by Ministers in pursuance of the Direction of the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, dated the 24th September, 2004 in accordance with the provisions of Rule 266 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States: —

Sl. Date Subject matter of the Statement Name of the Time taken No. Minister Hrs. Mts. 1. 09-02-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Dr. Harsh 0-01 Three Hundred and Twenty-ninth Report of the Department- Vardhan

related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change on Demands for Grants (2020-21) pertaining to the Department of

Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology. 48

2. 10-02-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Shri Pralhad Joshi 0-01 Third and Sixth Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal and Steel on Demands for Grants (2019-20) and Demands for Grants (2020- 21), respectively, pertaining to the Ministry of Coal.

3. 12-02-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Dr. Harsh Vardhan 0-01 One Hundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty-first Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare on the functioning of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

4. 12-02-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Sadhvi Niranjan Third Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Jyoti Committee on Rural Development on Demands for Grants (2019-20) pertaining to the Department of Land Resources, — Ministry of Rural Development. 5. -do- Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Fifth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development on Demands for Grants (2020-21) pertaining to the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development.

6. 09-03-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Shri Anurag Singh Second Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Thakur Standing Committee on Finance on Demands for Grants (2019- 20) pertaining to the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. 0-01 7. -do- Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Eighth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance on Demands for Grants (2020- 21) pertaining to the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

Sl. Date Subject matter of the Statement Name of the Time taken No. Minister Hrs. Mts. 8. 18-03-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Dr. Jitendra Singh Three Hundred and Thirty-eighth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change on Demands for Grants (2020-21) pertaining to the Department of Space.

9. -do- Status of implementation of recommendations/observations contained in the Sixth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology on Demands for Grants (2020-21) pertaining to the Department of 50

Telecommunication, Ministry of Communications. Shri V. 0-01 10. -do- Status of implementation of recommendations/observations Muraleedharan contained in the Seventh Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology on Demands for Grants (2020-21) pertaining to the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications. 11. -do- Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Three Hundred and Thirteenth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education on Demands for Grants (2020-21) of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.

12. 22-03-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Second Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers on Demands for Grants (2019-20) pertaining to the Department of Chemicals and Shri Mansukh Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Mandaviya 0-01 13. -do- Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Sixth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers on Demands for Grants (2020-21) pertaining to the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

14. 23-03-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Dr. Harsh Vardhan 51 Three Hundred and Twenty-eighth Report of the Department- related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests on the Demands for Grants (2020-21) pertaining to the Department of Scientific and Industrial 0-01 Research (DSIR). 15. -do- Status of implementation of recommendations/observations Shri Raj Kumar contained in the Second Report of the Department-related Singh Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy on the Demands for Grants (2019-20) pertaining to the Ministry of Power.

Sl. Date Subject matter of the Statement Name of the Time taken No. Minister Hrs. Mts. 16. 23-03-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations/observations — — contained in the Fourth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy on the Demands for Grants (2020-21) pertaining to the Ministry of Power. 17. 24-03-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations/observations Shri Hardeep Singh 0-01 contained in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Report of the Puri Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce on "Export of Organic Products : Challenges and

Opportunities". 52

18. 25-03-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Shri V. 0-01 Two Hundred and Seventy-eighth Report of the Department-related Muraleedharan Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture on the Demands for Grants (2020-21) pertaining to the Ministry of Road, Transport and Tourism. 19. -do- Status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Shri Shripad Yesso 0-01 Fortieth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Naik Committee on Defence on the Demands for Grants (2018-19) on 'General Defence Budget, BRO, ICG, MES, DGDE, DPSUs, Welfare of Ex-servicemen, Defence Pension and ECHS (Demand No. 19 and 22)'.

20. 25-03-2021 Status of implementation of recommendations/observations Dr. Jitendra Singh 0-01 contained in the Two Hundred and Twenty-seventh Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs on the Action taken by the Government on the recommendations/observations contained in its Two Hundred and Twenty-fifth Report on the Demands for Grants (2020-21) pertaining to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Total: 0-11

SPECIAL MENTIONS The following 109 Special Mentions on Matters of Public Importance were made/laid on the Table of the House during the Session:–– Sl. Date Name of the Member Subject Time taken No. Hrs.Mts.

*1. 04-02-2021 Shri Tiruchi Siva Demand to draft a National Suicide Prevention policy under the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 to stop the growing incidents of suicide in Ithe country. * 2. -do- Shri Mahesh Poddar Demand for intervention to make the Pradhan Mantri

Jan Aushidhi Yojna successful in Jharkhand. 54

* 3. -do- Shri Maharaja Demand to declare Kangla, the ancient capital of Sanajaoba Leishemba Manipur as the world Heritage site. 0-03 *4. -do- Shri Nabam Rebia Demand to release funds for construction of Steel Superstructure Bridge over the River Pachin in Arunachal Pradesh.

*5. -do- Shri Elamaram Demand to remove encroachment of land of the Kareem University of Hyderabad. *6. -do- Shri Ram Nath Demand to ensure reservation in promotion for SCs Thakur and STs.

* Laid on the Table.

*7. 05-02-2021 Shri Rajmani Patel Need for adequate compensation to the farmers 0-01 whose land is being acquired for Bansagar Irrigation Project. *8. 08-02-2021 Shri Vishambhar Demand to repair the National Highways that have Prasad Nishad been damaged due to overloaded vehicles in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. *9. -do- Dr. Ashok Bajpai Demand for inclusion of children afflicted by Type - I diabetes in persons with disabilities list. *10. -do- Shri M. Shanmugam Demand for consultation with trade unions before 0-01 notifying rules/regulations in Labour codes. * 11. -do- Shri Ram Nath Demand to open more Medical Colleges/Nursing 55

Thakur Training Institutes and another AIIMS in Bihar. *12. -do- Shri Prashanta Nanda Demand to review parameters for Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation (REPO) for States like Odisha. *13. -do- Dr. Amar Patnaik Demand to review norms for paddy procurement and delivery of rice in Odisha.

* Laid on the Table.

Sl. Date Name of the Member Subject Time taken No. Hrs. Mts.

* 14. 09-02-2021 Dr. Amee Yajnik Need for steps to revive education affected due to COVID-19. 0-01 *15. -do- Shri Prasanna Need to revisit existing schemes to check severity of Acharya hunger and malnutrition in the country particularly amongst Adivasis. * 16. -do- Shri M.V. Shreyams Demand to re-examine the norms for eco-sensitive Kumar zones in Kerala and amend the related Notification. 0-01 *17. -do- Shri K.C. Demand to enact legislation to check

Ramamurthy misrepresentation of India's map by online portals. 56 * 18. 10-02-2021 Shri Kanakamedala Demand to resolve issues affecting retired bank Ravindra Kumar employees.

* 19. -do- Shri Md. Nadimul Demand for steps/strategy to check entry of Haque microplastic into the food chain

*20. -do- Shri Ashwini Demand to initiate Entrepreneurship Leave 0-01 Vaishnaw Programmes for Government Employees.

*21. -do- Shrimati Phulo Devi Demand for dedicated Doordarshan Channel for Netam broadcast in Chhattisgarhi language.

* Laid on the Table.

*22. 10-02-2021 Shri Ram Shakal Demand to provide employment to families/locals — displaced due to NCL, Singrauli and NTPC, Sonbhadra projects.

*23. -do- Ch. Sukhram Singh Demand for the construction of Kanpur outer ring — Yadav road to resolve the problem of traffic jam.

*24. -do- Shrimati Priyanka Demand for approval of the proposal for — Chaturvedi development in the vicinity of Defence establishments in Maharashtra.

*25. -do- Shri Mahesh Poddar Demand for execution of Jharia Master Plan — including BCCL Coal Mining area through a Central Agency.

*26. -do- Shri P. Wilson Demand for non-levy of taxes on petrol, diesel and — LPG.

* Laid on the Table.

Sl. Date Name of the Member Subject Time taken No. Hrs. Mts.

*27. 11-02-2021 Shrimati Chhaya Demand for approval and release of funds for the Verma Ram Van Gaman Path Project in Chhattisgarh.

*28. -do- Shri Abir Ranjan Concern over dismal state of National Highways in

Biswas North Bengal. 0-02 *29. -do- Shri Rakesh Sinha Demand to construct Satyagrah Sthal at Pusad, Yavatmal, Maharashtra.

*30. -do- Ms. Dola Sen Demand to provide adequate allocation to National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP). 58

*31. -do- Shri Sujeet Kumar Demand for budgetary allocation for research, documentation, translation and promotion of Odia

language. 0-01 *32. -do- Shri Neeraj Dangi Demand to extend welfare benefits to MGNREGA workers under the Building and Other Construction Workers Act.

* Laid on the Table.

*33. 12-02-2021 Shri Tiruchi Siva Need to enhance allocation of funds for Education. *34. -do- Dr. Banda Prakash Demand for establishing additional Central Government Health Scheme Hospitals in different

districts of Telangana.

*35. -do- Shri Jaiprakash Demand to implement the accidental insurance Nishad scheme for fishermen under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. 0-01 *36. -do- Shri Elamaram Demand to deploy widows of railway employees on

Kareem general duty. 59

*37. -do- Dr. Bhagwat Karad Demand to take action against hackers engaged in theft of money of consumers of various Cooperative and Government Banks. *38. -do- Dr. Fauzia Khan Demand to bring a legislation to provide reservation beyond 50% in States and to implement Maratha reservation.

* Laid on the Table.

Sl. Date Name of the Member Subject Time taken No. Hrs. Mts.

39. 15-03-2021 Shri Sakaldeep Demand to grant special economic package to revive 0-02 Rajbhar sugar and spinning mills in eastern Uttar Pradesh. 40. -do- Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena Demand to connect Delhi-Vadodara express highway 0-02 through an approachable road to a sacred place of tribals near district Dausa, Rajasthan. 41. -do- Dr. Amar Patnaik Demand for the establishment of AIIMS in 0-02

Sundargarh, Odisha. 60 42. -do- Shri K.C. Demand for release of funds and grant of additional 0-02 Ramamurthy mandays under the NREGA to Karnataka. 43. -do- Shri Jaiprakash Demand for steps for the welfare of denotified and 0-02 Nishad nomadic tribes. 44. -do- Shri Pradeep Tamta Demand for opening of SBI Branch in Ghindwara in 0-02 Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. 45. 16-03-2021 Dr. Fauzia Khan Demand to waive off fees for students of Kendriya 0-02 Vidyalayas.

46. 16-03-2021 Shri Mahesh Poddar Demand to improve the safety and security of bank 0-02 lockers. 47. -do- Shri Bhaskar Rao Demand to provide network connectivity in 69 0-01 Nekkanti Panchayats under Rayagada District of Odisha. 48. -do- Shri Kailash Soni Demand to include tribes under the Manjhi tribe of 0-02 Madhya Pradesh in the Scheduled Tribe list. 49. -do- Ms. Saroj Pandey Need for upgradation and efficient regulation of 0-01 Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital under Bhilai Steel Plant, Chhattisgarh.

50. -do- Shri Anil Desai Demand for facility of home vaccination for 0-01 61 physically challenged/senior citizens. 51. -do- Shrimati Phulo Devi Demand for release of due share of GST 0-01 Netam compensation to Chhattisgarh and payment of interest on loans. 52. -do- Shri Tiruchi Siva Demand to reduce gap in disability pension of 0-01 servicemen on the basis of rank. 53. -do- Shrimati Priyanka Demand to approve the project of rehabilitation and 0-01 Chaturvedi rejuvenation of 21 rivers in Maharashtra. 54. 17-03-2021 Shri Kanakamedala Demand to recognize PG Diploma in Clinical 0-02 Ravindra Kumar Cardiology from IGNOU.

Sl. Date Name of the Member Subject Time taken No. Hrs. Mts. 55. 17-03-2021 Shri Rakesh Sinha Demand to declare birthplace of Rashtriya Kavi 0-03 Ramdhari Singh Dinkar as a national heritage monument at Simariya in Begusarai district of Bihar 56. -do- Shrimati Vandana Demand to set up a National River Rejuvenation 0-02 Chavan mechanism. 57. -do- Shri Ram Nath Demand to extend the benefit of the P.M. Kisan 0-02 Thakur Yojana and Kisan Credit Card to all farmers. 58. -do- Shrimati Kanta Demand for survey by Archaelogical Department and 0-02

Kardam removal of encroachments from the Chandi Devi 62

temple in Meerut. 59. -do- Shri Sujeet Kumar Demand to provide adequate banking facilities in 0-02 tribal dominated KBK region of Odisha. 60. -do- Shri Maharaja Demand for establishing Indian Institutes of Science 0-02 Sanajaoba Leishemba Education and Research (IISER) in Manipur. 61. -do- Shri Brijlal Demand to introduce One District One Product 0-02 (ODOP) programme as implemented in Uttar Pradesh in other States. 62. 18-03-2021 Dr. Amee Yajnik Need for special arrangements for differently-abled 0-02 persons in educational institutions. 63. -do- Dr. Bhagwat Karad Demand to set up an Indian Institute of Technology 0-02 (IIT) at Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

64. 18-03-2021 Prof. Manoj Kumar Demand for legislation to regulate online hate 0-02 Jha speeches. 65. -do- Shri Sanjay Singh Demand for taking steps for motivation and 0-02 addressing the problems of teachers in the country. 66. -do- Shri Vishambhar Demand to give jobs to farmers whose land have 0-02 Prasad Nishad been acquired by companies to establish solar power plants. 67. -do- Shri Prashanta Nanda Demand to release funds for better implementation of 0-02 the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in Odisha. 68. 19-03-2021 Dr. Fauzia Khan Demand for doubling and electrification of railway 0-02

line from Manmad to Nanded. 63

69. -do- Shrimati Chhaya Demand for approving the proposal of Chhattisgarh 0-02 Verma Government for assistance in the processing and marketing of horticulture and forest products. 70. -do- Ch. Sukhram Singh Demand for launching a special drive for 0-01 Yadav compassionate appointments within a fixed time frame in Government departments. 71. -do- Shri Samir Oraon Demand to approve conservation plan for historical 0-02 excavation site at Navratangarh in Jharkhand. 72. -do- Shri Ayodhya Rami Demand to stop disinvestment in Visakhapatnam 0-02 Reddy Steel Plant. 73. -do- Shri Neeraj Dangi Demand to declare the Eastern Rajasthan Canal 0-01 Project as national project.

Sl. Date Name of the Member Subject Time taken No. Hrs. Mts.

74. 22-03-2021 Dr. Fauzia Khan Demand to enact a law for Health Guarantee to 0-02 provide standardized healthcare. 75. -do- Shri Ram Nath Demand to fill the vacancies reserved for OBCs in 0-02 Thakur Government Services on priority basis. 76. -do- Shrimati Geeta alias Demand to develop Pachnada confluence of five 0-02 Chandraprabha rivers in Auraiya and Etawah districts in Uttar Pradesh as a tourist spot. 77. -do- Shri Maharaja Demand to open examination centres for UPSC/other 0-02 Sanajaoba Leishemba examinations in Imphal, Manipur 64

78. -do- Shri Sushil Kumar Demand for the constitution of All India Judicial 0-03 Modi Services. 79. -do- Dr. Amar Patnaik Demand to recognize Odisha's Maritime trade history 0-03 and utilize its potential in India's foreign policy. 80. 23-03-2021 Shri Brijlal Demand for implementation of the entitled financial 0-02 aid to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995 as amended in 2016. 81. -do- Shri Bhaskar Rao Demand for establishing a Government Medical 0-02 Nekkanti College in Rayagada.

82. 23-03-2021 Shri Sanjay Singh Concern over problems/delay in filling up of 0-03 vacancies in Government Departments. 83. -do- Shrimati Chhaya Demand for parity of prices of bio-ethanol produced 0-01 Verma from rice vis-à-vis bio-ethanol from sugarcane. 84. -do- Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena Demand for re-survey of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal 0-02 Project and its implementation as national project. 85. -do- Shri Vijay Pal Singh Demand to include Hastinapur in the Krishna circuit 0-02 Tomar and to connect it to Meerut-Panipat railway line. 86. -do- Shri Rakesh Sinha Demand to honour child martyrs who laid down their 0-02 lives during freedom struggle.

87. -do- Prof. Manoj Kumar Demand for instituting 'Bhagat Singh Chair' in 0-02 Jha Central universities. 88. -do- Shrimati Jharna Das Demand to enhance man-days and budgetary 0-03 Baidya allocation for MNREGA in Tripura. 89. -do- Shri Rajeev Satav Demand to change the name of Bombay High Court 0-01 to Mumbai High Court. * 90. -do- Shri K.C. Demand for early release of pending Performance 0-01 Ramamurthy Grants to Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions in Karnataka.

* Laid on the Table.

Sl. Date Name of the Member Subject Time taken No. Hrs. Mts.

91. 24-03-2021 Ch. Sukram Singh Demand for better upkeep of hermitage of Durvasa 0-02 Yadav Rishi near Kanpur through ASI. 92. -do- Dr. Vikas Mahatme Demand to include Shepherd community under ST 0-02 list. 93. -do- Dr. Ashok Bajpai Demand to promote afforestation by establishing 0-01 district forest area in each district. 94. -do- Shri Shaktisinh Gohil Demand to fill up vacant posts in paramilitary forces. 0-01

95. -do- Shri Mahesh Poddar Demand for a policy to regulate Crypto currency. 0-01 66

*96. 25-03-2021 Shri A. D. Singh Demand to enhance budgetary allocation to meet environmental targets under the Paris agreement.

* 97. -do- Shri Sakaldeep Concern over non-inclusion of eligible persons under Rajbhar the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. 0-02 *98. -do- Shri Harnath Singh Demand to remove VT code from Indian Aeroplanes. Yadav *99. -do- Shri Jaiprakash Demand for inclusion of sub-castes 'Majhwar' of Nishad Uttar Pradesh in the Scheduled Caste list.

* Laid on the Table.

*100 25-03-2021 Shri Akhilesh Prasad Concern over air pollution in Patna and Muzaffarpur . Singh and demand for intervention of Central agencies to — deal with the situation. *101. -do- Shrimati Priyanka Demand for release of compensation under GST to Chaturvedi Maharashtra. *102. -do- Shri Kailash Soni Demand for payment of pending GST dues to Madhya Pradesh. *103. -do- Shrimati Mamata Demand to review the decision to merge Malaria Mohanta Research Centre, Rourkela with the Centre at Ranchi.

*104. -do- Shri V. Vijayasai Demand for a law to increase the participation of Reddy women in electoral politics. 67

*105. -do- Shri Subhas Chandra Demand to restore Samta Express train and Mangala Bose Pilli Lakshadweep Express train with their old timings. *106. -do- Dr. Sasmit Patra Demand to include pending 13.95 lakh households of 0-02 Odisha in the Permanent Waitlist under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen). *107. -do- Dr. Amee Yajnik Demand to make a comprehensive policy for providing basic amenities to the homeless poor. *108. -do- Shri Mallikarjun Demand for action against persons responsible for the Kharge attack on nuns at Jhansi railway station in Uttar Pradesh.

* Laid on the Table.

Sl. Date Name of the Member Subject Time taken No. Hrs. Mts.

*109. 25-03-2021 Shri Shiv Pratap Demand to include a text on Raja Marthanda Varma — Shukla of Kerala in history text books.

Total 2-01

* Laid on the Table.

MOTION OF THANKS ON THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

Dates of Member Member No. of No. of No. of Minister Time taken Remarks discussion who who Amendments Amend ments Speakers who Hrs. Mts. moved the seconded admitted actually replied Motion the Motion moved

03-02-2021 Shri Shri Vijay Pal 118 75 Shri 15-37 All the |

48 69

04-02-2021 Bhubaneswar Singh Tomar Narendra Amendments 05-02-2021 Kalita Modi, moved were 08-02-2021 Prime negatived and the Minister Motion was adopted.

Total : 15-37

SUPPLEMENTARY DEMANDS FOR GRANTS — LAID ON THE TABLE

Sl. No. Date Particulars Minister who Laid on Time taken the Table Hrs.Mts.

1. 12-02-2021 Supplementary Demands for Grants, 2020-21 Shri Anurag Singh 0-01 Thakur

2. 17-03-2021 Supplementary Demands for Grants of Union Shrimati Nirmala Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, 2020-21 Sitharaman 0-01

3. -do- Supplementary Demands for Grants of Union -do- Territory of Puducherry, 2020-21

Total: 0-02 ______

BUDGETS — LAID ON THE TABLE

Sl. Date Particulars Minister who laid on the Table Time taken No. Hrs.Mts.

1. 01-02-2021 The Union Budget, 2021-22 Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman 0-01 2. 17-03-2021 The Budget of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, 2021–2022 -do- 0-01 3. -do- The Budget of Union Territory of Puducherry, 2021-22

Total: 0-02 ______

 Also laid Fiscal Policy Statements, 2021-22 alongwith the Budget. For further details, pl. see Sl. No. 6 under the heading "PAPERS LAID ON THE TABLE".

BUDGETS — GENERAL DISCUSSION S. No. Date(s) of Budget Discussed No. of Minister who Time allotted Time taken discussion Speakers replied Hrs. Mts. Hrs.Mts. 1. 10-02-2021 The Union Budget, 2021-22 45 Shrimati Nirmala 11-30 10-43 11-02-2020 Sitharaman 12-02-2021

2. 23-03-2021 ^(Union Territory of Jammu 14 Shri Anurag Singh — — and Kashmir), 2021-22. Thakur

3. -do- (Union Territory of Puducherry), 2021-22. ————

Total: 10-43 ————

^ Taken up along with Appropriation Bills. For details, pl. see items at Sl. Nos. 11 to 16 under the heading ‘GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS’.

STATEMENTS REGARDING ORDINANCES — LAID ON THE TABLE Sl. Date Subject matter of the Statement Name of the Time taken No. Minister Hrs.Mts.

1. 04-02-2021 Circumstances which had necessitated immediate legislation Shri G. Kishan 0-01 by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Reddy Ordinance, 2021.

2. 08-02-2021 Circumstances which had necessitated immediate legislation Shri Hardeep Singh by the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Puri 0-01 Provisions) Second (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020. Total: 0-02 73

DISCUSSION ON THE WORKING OF MINISTRIES

Sl. Date(s) Ministry Discussion No. of Minister who Time Allotted Time taken No. Discussed Initiated by Speakers replied Hrs. Mts. Hrs. Mts.

1. 15-03-2021 Jal Shakti Shri Digvijaya 16 Shri Gajendra 4-00 3-37 16-03-2021 Singh Singh Shekhawat 2. 17-03-2021 Railways Shri Sujeet 26 Shri Piyush 4-00 4-28 Kumar Goyal

3. 19-03-2021 Tourism Shri K.R. 16 Shri Prahalad 4-00 3-05 Suresh Reddy Singh Patel

———— Total: 11-10 ————

STATUTORY RESOLUTIONS

Sl. Date Name of Subject No. of Time taken Remarks No. the Mover Speakers Hrs. Mts.

1. 08-02-2021 Shri “That this House disapproves — 0-02 Discussed together with Elamaram the Jammu and Kashmir the Jammu and Kashmir Kareem Reorganisation Reorganisation

(Amendment) Ordinance, (Amendment) Bill, 2021. 75 2021 (No.1 of 2021) The Resolution was promulgated by the negatived. President of India on 7th For other details, pl. see January, 2021.” item at Sl. No. 1 under the heading "GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS".

2. 09-02-2021 Shri Binoy “That this House disapproves — 0-02 Discussed together with Viswam the National Capital the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Ordinance, Second (Amendment) 2020 (No.15 of 2020) Bill, 2021. The promulgated by the Resolution was President of India on 30th negatived. December, 2020.”

For other details, pl. see

item at Sl. No.2 under the heading "GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS".

Total: 0-04

GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

Sl. Title of the Bill Date of Date of Minister No. of Time allotted Tim e taken Remarks No. Introduction/ discussion -in- Speakers Hrs. Mts. Hrs. Mts. laying on the in the charge Table, as Rajya passed by Sabha Lok Sabha

1. The Jammu and 04-02-2021 08-02-2021 Shri G. 9 2-00 1-50 Introduced, considered Kashmir Kishan and passed. Reorganisation Reddy Discussed together with 77 (Amendment) 77 the Statutory Resolution 77 Bill, 2021. moved by Shri Elamaram Kareem. The Resolution was negatived and the Bill was passed. For other details pl. see at Sl. No. 1 under the heading "Statutory Resolutions."

Sl. Title of the Bill Date of Date of Minister No. of Time allotted Time taken Remarks No. Introduction/ discussion -in- Speakers Hrs. Mts. Hrs. Mts. laying on the in the charge Table, as Rajya passed by Sabha Lok Sabha

2. The National 08-02-2021 09-02-2021 Shri 13 1-00 1-07 Introduced, considered Capital Hardeep and passed. Territory of Singh Discussed together with Delhi Laws Puri the Statutory Resolution (Special moved by 78 Provisions) 78 Shri Binoy Viswam 78 Second (Amendment) The Resolution was Bill, 2021. negatived and the Bill was passed. For other details pl. see at Sl. No.2 under the heading "Statutory Resolutions."

3. The Major Port 29-01-2021 10-02-2021 Shri 20 2-00 2-23 Passed, as amended. Authorities Bill, Mansukh 2020, as passed Mandaviya Also see item at Sl. by Lok Sabha. No. 1 under the heading "DIVISIONS'.

The Arbitration 4. 08-03-2021 09-03-2021 Shri Ravi 4 2-00 0-29 The Bill was passed. and Shankar Conciliation 10-03-2021 Prasad (Amendment) Bill, 2021, as

passed by Lok 7979 Sabha 79

Sl. Title of the Date of Date of Minister-in- No. of Time allotted Time taken Remarks No. Bill Introduction/ discussion charge Speakers Hrs. Mts. Hrs. Mts. laying on the in the Table, as Rajya passed by Sabha Lok Sabha

5. The National 13-02-2019 15-03-2021 Shri 13 1-00 1-05 The Bill, as Institutes of Narendra amended, was Food Singh passed. 8080 80 Technology, Tomar Entrepreneurs hip and Management Bill, 2019.

6. The Medical 18-03-2020 16-03-2021 Dr. Harsh 18 2-00 2-12 The amendment Termination Vardhan moved by Shri of Pregnancy Partap Singh Bajwa (Amendment) for reference of the Bill, 2020, as Bill to a Select passed by Committee of the Lok Sabha Rajya Sabha was negatived and The Bill, as amended, was passed.

The National 81 7. 15-09-2020 16-03-2021 - Dr. Harsh 10 2-00 1-35 The Bill, as 81 Commission Vardhan amended, was 81 for Allied and passed. Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020.

8. The 15-03-2021 18-03-2021 Shrimati 18 4-00 3-24 Introduced Insurance Nirmala considered and (Amendment) Sitharaman passed. Bill, 2021

Sl. Title of the Date of Date of Minister-in- No. of T ime allotted Time taken Remarks No. Bill Introduction/ discussion charge Speakers Hrs. Mts. Hrs. Mts. laying on the in the Table, as Rajya passed by Sabha Lok Sabha

9. The Mines 19-03-2021 22-03-2021 Shri 18 3-30 3-50 The amendment and Minerals Pralhad moved by Shri (Development Joshi Digvijaya Singh for and reference of the Bill Regulation) to a Select Amendment Committee of the 8282 82 Bill, 2021, as Rajya Sabha was passed by negatived and the Lok Sabha. Bill was passed.

10. The 22-03-2021 22-03-2021 Shri 10 1-00 1-17 The Bill was Constitution Thaawarch passed. (Scheduled and Gehlot Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2021, as passed by Lok Sabha.

11. *The Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2021, as 17-03-2021 23-03-2021 passed by Lok Sabha.

12. *The Appropriation Bill, 2021, as passed by 18-03-2021 -do- Lok Sabha.

* 13. The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation 19-03-2021 -do- Shri Bill, 2021, as passed by Lok Sabha. Anurag * Singh 14 3-00 3-03 Returned. 14. The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation -do- -do- Thakur (No.2) Bill, 2021, as passed by Lok Sabha.

83 * 83

83 15. The Puducherry Appropriation Bill, 2021, -do- -do- as passed by Lok Sabha.

16. *The Puducherry Appropriation (Vote on -do- -do- Account) Bill, 2021, as passed by Lok Sabha

* Discussed together with items at Sl. Nos. 2 and 3 under the heading ‘BUDGETS – GENERAL DISCUSSION’.

17. The 22-03-2021 23-03-2021 Shri G. 16 3-00 3-05 The Bill was Government 24-03-2021 Kishan passed. Also see of National Reddy item at Sl. No. 2 Capital under the heading Territory of "DIVISIONS'. Delhi 8484 84 (Amendment) Bill, 2021, as passed by Lok Sabha.

______

For Reference and Records

The House sat at 10.00 A.M., i.e., one hour before the usual timing of sitting, especially, to discuss the Finance Bill, 2021, on the 24th March, 2021 and the Zero Hour and Question Hour were dispensed with and the lunch hour was also skipped.

18. The Finance 24-03-2021 24-03-2021 Shrimati 23 9-00 6-20 Returned. Bill, 2021, as Nirmala passed by Sitharaman Lok Sabha.

19. The National 24-03-2021 25-03-2021 -do- 12 2-00 1-49 The Bill was Bank for passed. Financing Infrastructure and

Development 8585 Bill, 2021, as 85 passed by Lok Sabha.

Total: 33-29

DIVISION

2 Divisions were held during the Session, the detail of which are as follows:––

S. No. Subject Date of Division Brief Question Result as Final Remarks on which declared, Corrected Division was subject to Result sought correction 1. The Major Port 10-02-2021 Motion that the Ayes — 84 *Ayes — 84 The Motion was Authorities Bill, Bill, as amended, Noes — 44 *Noes — 44 adopted. 8686

86 2020, as passed by be passed. For more details, Lok Sabha. pl. see item at Sl. No.3 under the heading “GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS".

* The final result of the Division was published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II No.60596, dated the 10th of February, 2021.

2. The Government of 24-03-2021 Motion for Ayes — 83 *Ayes — 83 The Motion was National Capital consideration Noes — 45 *Noes — 45 adopted. Territory of Delhi of the Bill. Abstain— NIL Abstain — NIL For more details, (Amendment) Bill, pl. see item at Sl. 2021, as passed by No.17 under the Lok Sabha. heading “GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS".

8787

* The final result of the Division was published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II No. 60750, dated the 24th of March, 2021.

VALEDICTORY REMARKS On the 25th of March, 2021, the Chairman made valedictory remarks on the conclusion of the Session.

(Time taken: 15 Mts.)

NATIONAL SONG

On the 25th of March, 2021, National Song (Vande Mataram) was played.

(Time taken: 01 Minute)

STATEMENT SHOWING BREAK-UP OF THE TIME TAKEN BY THE RAJYA SABHA ON VARIOUS ITEMS OF BUSINESS DURING THE SESSION

Sl. Subject Time taken No. Hrs. Mts. 1. National Anthem 0-01 2. President's Address to both Houses of Parliament —Laid 0-01 on the Table 3. Opening Remarks by the Chairman 0-10 4. Oath or Affirmation 0-07 5. Obituary References 0-38 6. References by the Chair 0-34 7. Tributes to Martyrs Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukhdev 0-03 8. Felicitations by the Chair 0-02 9. Farewell to the Retiring Members 2-42 10. Papers Laid on the Table 0-25 11. Reports/Statements of the Committees Presented/Laid on 0-57 the Table 12. Motions for Election of Members to various 0-09 Committees/Bodies 13. Messages from the Lok Sabha-Reported/Government 0-18 Bills Laid on the Table 14. Resignation by Members 0-02 15. Leave of Absence 0-06 16. Recommendations of the Business Advisory Committee 0-06 17. Statements regarding Government Business 0-06 18. Announcements by the Chair 0-05 19. Observations by the Chair 0-33 20. Withdrawal of Members 0-01 21. Information to the House 0-01

Sl. Subject Time taken No. Hrs. Mts. 22. Matters raised with permission 6-09 23. Dispensing with Zero Hour and Question Hour 0-04 24. Questions 11-48 25. Statements by Ministers Correcting Answers to 0-02 Questions 26. Statements by Ministers 1-39 27. Special Mentions 2-01 28. Motion of Thanks on the President's Address 15-37 29. Supplementary Demands for Grants — Laid on the Table 0-02 30. Budgets— Laid on the Table 0-02 31. Budgets— General Discussion 10-43 32. Statements regarding Ordinances 0-02 33. Discussion on the working of the Ministries 11-10 34. Statutory Resolutions 0-04 35. Government Legislative Business 33-29 36. Valedictory Remarks 0-15 37. National Song 0-01 38. Points Raised 4-11 Total: 104-26

STATEMENT SHOWING THE TIME TAKEN AND TIME LOST DUE TO INTERRUPTIONS/ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE DURING THE SESSION

Date Time Time Remarks Taken Lost H M H M 29-01-2021 0 29 0 00 —

01-02-2021 0 02 0 00 —

02-02-2021 0 50 4 10 The House was adjourned and Government Legislative Business could not be taken

up due to protests by Members belonging to the INC, AITC AAP, RJD, SP and CPI 91

over the issue of farmers' protests on the outskirts of Delhi and adjoining areas. 03-02-2021 4 56 0 04 The House was adjourned due to uproar by the Members belonging to AAP, over the issue of farmers' protests on the outskirts of Delhi and adjoining areas. 04-02-2021 5 03 0 00 —

05-02-2021 5 30 0 00 —

Date Time Time Remarks Taken Lost H M H M 08-02-2021 4 50 0 00 — 09-02-2021 5 21 0 00 — 10-02-2021 6 01 0 00 — 11-02-2021 6 01 0 00 — 12-02-2021 6 20 0 00 08-03-2021 1 10 3 50 The House was adjourned and Government Legislative Business could not be taken up due to protests by Members belonging to the INC over the issue of hike in fuel

prices. 92

09-03-2021 0 43 5 17 The House was adjourned and Government Legislative Business could not be taken up due to protests by Members belonging to the INC over the issue of hike in fuel prices. 10-03-2021 0 54 5 06 The House was adjourned and Government Legislative Business could not be taken up due to protests by Members belonging to the INC over the issues of hiking of fuel prices and farmers' protests on the outskirts of Delhi and adjoining areas. 15-03-2021 6 10 0 00 —

16-03-2021 7 02 0 00 —

17-03-2021 6 51 0 00 —

18-03-2021 6 12 0 50 The House was adjourned for some time during Government Legislative Business due to protests by Members belonging to the INC, SP, AAP and CPI over the issue of referring the Insurance Bill to the Select Committee. 19-03-2021 5 18 0 00 —

22-03-2021 6 43 0 49 The House was adjourned for sometime during the Question Hour due to protest by Members of Treasury Benches over the letter written by former DGP of Maharashtra alleging that the State Home Minister of Maharashtra was running an extortion racket. 23-03-2021 5 12 0 59 The House was adjourned for sometime during Government Legislative Business

due to protest by Members of AAP and INC over the issue of giving more powers 93

to Lieutenant Governor of Delhi by passing the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. 24-03-2021 10 18 0 20 The House was adjourned for sometime during Government Legislative Business due to protest by Members of INC, AITC, AAP and NCP over the issue of giving more powers to Lieutenant Governor of Delhi by passing the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

Date Time Time Remarks Taken Lost H M H M 25-03-2021 2 30 0 00 —

Total 104 26 21 25

. Time taken includes the actual time spent for transaction of business and the time spent on points raised. . Time lost comprises adjournments of the House following interruptions and also includes the Time between the final adjournment of the House due to continued interruptions on some issue and the Scheduled Time of adjournment of

the House, i.e., 6-00 p.m. (excluding time of lunch-break/recess for 1 hour from Monday to Thursday and 1 hour and 94

30 minutes on Friday). 95 Highlights of business transacted during the 253rd Session – At a Glance Sittings Date of issue of Summons 14-01-20201 Duration of the Session 29-01-2021 to 12-02-2021 and 08-03-2021 to 25-03-2021 Number of actual days of sitting 23 Actual Hours of sittings (excluding recess intervals) 104 Hrs.& 26 Mts. Time lost due to interruptions/adjournments 21 Hrs.& 25 Mts. Time made up by late sittings/skipping lunch recess 13Hrs. & 07 Mts. Date of prorogation of Session 29-03-2021

Questions No. of Starred Questions listed 329 No. of Starred Questions answered orally 113 No. of Unstarred Questions answered 3520 Short Notice Questions - Half-an-Hour Discussions -

Government Bills No. of Bills introduced 3 No. of Bills withdrawn - No. of Bills passed/returned 19 No. of Bills part discussed (Under consideration) - No. of Bills referred to Joint/Select Committee - No. of Bills deferred -

Private Members’ Business No. of Bills introduced - No. of Bills part discussed (Under consideration) - No. of Bills withdrawn/negatived - No. of Bills passed - No. of Bills on which debate adjourned/deferred - No. of Resolution part discussed - No. of Resolution withdrawn/negatived -

96 Oath/Affirmation No. of Members made and subscribed oath/affirmation 4

Statements by Ministers No. of suo motu Statements made/laid by Ministers 5

No. of Statements laid by Ministers regarding Status of 20 implementation of recommendations contained in the Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees Matters of public importance raised No. of Calling Attentions - No. of Short Duration Discussions - No. of Special Mentions 109 No. of Matters raised with permission 163 Submission by Members -

Papers Laid on the Table 7920

—————

For Reference and Record To ensure that Budget (253rd) Session of Rajya Sabha may be held in compliance with the physical distancing norms and with all necessary precautions, various arrangements were made by the Secretariat in coordination with various agencies. Like 252nd Session, during this Session also, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha functioned in shifts, during the first part of the Budget Session, however it switched over to its normal working hours w.e.f the second day of second part of the Session. Normal seating arrangement with fixed seat/Division Nos. was dispensed with and Members were accommodated at different places i.e. Rajya Sabha Chamber, Rajya Sabha Galleries and Lok Sabha Chamber, however, w.e.f. the 9th March, 2021 Members of Rajya Sabha were accommodated at two places instead of three i.e. in Rajya Sabha Chamber and Rajya Sabha Galleries only. As was done during the 252nd Session, during the 253rd Session also four large display screens were installed in the Rajya Sabha Chamber along with six small screens in the four Rajya Sabha Galleries except Press Gallery to enable Members to watch proceedings of the House from any of the places they were seated, without any hindrance. The seats earmarked for Members in the Rajya Sabha Galleries were fitted with sound consoles and microphones for facilitating their participation in the proceedings from their respective seat, however, as the number of Members to be seated in the Galleries increased w.e.f. the 2nd day (9th March, 2021) of the 2nd part of the Session one seat in each block with micro phone and sound console was kept vacant so that Members who are seated on seats not leaving such facilities may come there and take part in the proceeding of the House from there. Further, Interpretation facilities were also made available through these consoles. Audio and Video systems between the Rajya Sabha Chamber/Galleries were integrated. For sake of reference, the details about the various arrangements made during the Budget (253rd) Session of Rajya Sabha and mentioned in various Parliamentary Bulletins Part-II have been stated below:- Time of Sittings of the Rajya Sabha during the Two Hundred and Fifty Third Session Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha functioned in shifts of five hours each from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. during the first part of the Session, however both Houses switched over to their normal working hours i.e., 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM w.e.f., 9th March, 2021. For details, see Para Nos. 60346 and 60645 published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II dated the 14th of January, 2021 and 8th March, 2021, respectively.

Seating Arrangement for the 253rd Session

Special Seating Arrangements were made for the 253rd Session in compliance of the prescribed 6 feet social distancing norm with Members being seated in a staggered manner in the Rajya Sabha Chamber, Rajya Sabha Galleries and the Lok Sabha Chamber. No fixed Seat/Division No. were allotted to individual Members. The number of seats for each party at the three different places (from 9th March, 2021, members, however sat at Rajya Sabha Chamber and Rajya Sabha Galleries only) was fixed as per their numerical strength for allocation amongst their Members by the respective parties. For details, see Para No. 60396 published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II dated the 22nd of January, 2021.

Letters regarding Special Seating Arrangements/change in seating arrangements were issued to the Party Leaders/Single Member Party/ Leader of the House/Ministers of Parliamentary Affairs/Nominated Members/Independent Members, on the 27th January, 2021 and 8th March, 2021.

Non - availability of Rajya Sabha Galleries and Central Hall for visitors during the 253rd Session of the Rajya Sabha No Distinguished Visitors Gallery, Public Gallery and Central Hall passes were issued and no visitors were allowed to watch the proceedings of the House. Further, Central Hall was exclusively used for the sitting Members of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, as and when the respective House was in Session. The seating capacity of the Press Gallery and Official Gallery was restricted to 15 each only. Members were allowed to speak sitting in their seats with their face mask on. For details, see Para No. 60397 published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II dated the 22nd of January, 2021.

Use of Central Hall during the 253rd Session of the Rajya Sabha

It was decided that during the 253rd Session, the Central Hall would be used by the sitting Members of Rajya Sabha during the sitting hours of the Rajya Sabha only. For details, see Para No. 60398 published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II dated the 22nd of January, 2021.

Discontinuance of issue of Bar Coded PS/PA Passes during the 253rd Session

To avoid overcrowding and to obviate the risk of COVID-19 infection, practice of issuing of Bar-coded PS/PA passes for entry inside Parliament House was done away with during the Session. For details, see Para No. 60403 published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II dated the 22nd of January, 2021.

Voting through Division Slip

Members were informed that in view of the special seating arrangements made during the current (253rd) Session, with Members seated in the Rajya Sabha Chamber, Rajya Sabha Galleries and Lok Sabha Chamber (from 9th March, 2021, members, however sat at Rajya Sabha Chamber and Rajya Sabha Galleries only) with social distancing norms, it would not be possible to conduct voting through Automatic Vote Recording System. Therefore, voting would be done through the Division Slips. Since no fixed Seat/Division Number was assigned to Members during this Session, Members were requested to legibly write their names and their Identity Card (I.C.) Number in place of the Division Number in the Division Slips. For details, see Para Nos. 60409 and 60646 published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II dated the 22nd of January, 2021 and 8th March, 2021 respectively.

Attendance of Members in the House

For the convenience of Members, the Attendance Register was split into six parts (State-wise and within State, Names of Members were arranged in alphabetic order) and placed on separate rostrums in the Inner Lobby for signature of Members. For details, see Para No. 60407 published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II dated the 22nd of January, 2021.

Covid-19 Test for Members of Parliament, their Family Members and ancillary Staff

As a precautionary/remedial measure to contain spread of the COVID- 19 infection and safety of the Members, Members were advised to mandatorily undergo COVID-19 Test (RT-PCR Test) done within 72 hours of attending the Budget Session from any hospital/laboratory authorized by the Government or at Parliament House Complex.

Similarly, the employees of Parliament Secretariats and other agencies deployed in Parliament House Complex, who remain in close proximity of the Members during the course of performance of their parliamentary duties in Parliament House Complex were also required mandatorily to undergo the RT- PCR Test. Further, arrangements for conduct of Rapid Antigen Test for the personal staff, drivers and household workers of Members were also made. For details, see Para No. 60455 published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II dated the 28th of January, 2021.

COVID-19 Vaccination drive for Member of Parliament

A Covid -19 vaccination drive was also organized w.e.f. 9/3/2021 by the Secretariat for the benefit of Members. For details, see Para No. 60644 published in Parliamentary Bulletin Part - II dated the 6th March, 2021.

NOTES