Lok Sabha to discuss Rafale deal, CBI, RBI issues

The government has also agreed to discuss, under the same rule, some other matters raised by the Opposition parties like "unemployment and demonetisation" and the "issue of federal structure," the sources told ANI on Wednesday.

With the agreement being reached on the issue of discussions, the Winter Session of Parliament, which could not function properly on the first working day on Wednesday, is expected to be a smooth affair from Thursday onwards.

The session, which will have 20 sittings, began on Tuesday but the first day was adjourned without transacting any business as a tribute to some sitting members who passed away during the inter-session period.

As the session began, various Opposition parties gave notices for discussion on a number of issues under the Adjournment Motion, which means suspension of all business to take up a particular matter.

However, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has agreed to hold debates on some of these issues under Rule 193, the sources said.

The notice for discussion on the need for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into the Rafale fighter deal was given by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and some others.

The Congress has been alleging corruption in the deal for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets from French company Dassault.

The House will also discuss the agrarian crises and drought in Maharashtra and Karnataka, the sources said.

The Shiv Sena had given a notice for Adjournment Motion for discussion on the "need for legislation for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya".

Trinamool Congress has given notice for discussion on the resignation of Urjit Patel as RBI Governor while RJD has given notice for discussion on "alleged misuse of CBI."

A number of legislations, including the one on instant Triple Talaq, have also been listed for consideration and passing in the House, the sources informed.

The Union Cabinet had, in September, promulgated an Ordinance top make instant Triple Talaq a penal offence.

The practice of instant Triple Talaq was banned by the Supreme Court last year but the bill has been brought as a need was felt for a legislative framework to implement the ban.

Among other legislations listed for consideration and passing are 'The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018, 'Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2018', 'The Dam Safety Bill, 2018'.