Parliament Budget highlights: Discussion on Manipur disallowed

Parliament Budget session latest updates: Catch all the news developments related to proceedings in the Parliament here

BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh and SP MP Virendra Singh will present reports of the Standing Committee on Defence.

 

Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor and BJP MP Arun Govil will present the fifth report of the Standing Committee on External Affairs on the 'Demands for Grants of the Ministry of External Affairs for 2025-26.'

 

Lok Sabha members PC Mohan and Godam Nagesh will present reports of the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment. 

In a post on X on Monday morning, O'Brien, the TMC Rajya Sabha Parliamentary party leader said the issue was "at the core of democracy". He also tagged his March 12 post in which he sought an "open discussion next week (under Rule 176)" on the matter.

 

"Parliament gets back to work after a four day break. A constructive Opposition wants to debate an issue that is at the core of democracy. Is the Government ready?" O'Brien said.

 

Several opposition parties have been demanding a discussion on the EPIC number duplication issue in Parliament, while those from the south have also sought a debate on the issue of delimitation.

 

According to a source, the opposition parties have said they are flexible with the rule under which the discussion should be held but stressed that Parliament should debate the matter.

 

The issue of voter ID cards in different states having duplicate numbers was raised by West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on February 27.

 

In a memorandum to the Election Commission last week, the TMC had also said that there have been "credible allegations of Aadhaar cards being cloned and the use of these cloned Aadhaar cards to facilitate fake voter registrations."

 

The Chief Election Commissioner has convened a meeting on March 18 with the Union home secretary, legislative secretary and CEO of UIDAI to discuss the issue of linking voter identity cards with Aadhaar.

 

4:15 PM

Govt takes all assurances by ministers in Parliament seriously: Kiren Rijiju

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday assured the Rajya Sabha that the government takes all assurances given by the ministers on the floor of both houses of Parliament seriously as it is important for democracy. Replying to questions in the Rajya Sabha, he said, "We understand the importance of Parliamentary democracy. If Members of Parliament ask questions and the government responds, then it is utmost important that the assurance should be fulfilled." "If they (assurances) are not fulfilled, it will be a blot on Parliament democracy," he added.

2:26 PM

Rail budget a failed budget, says Opposition

Participating in the debate on the Demands for Grants under the control of the Ministry of Railways for 2025-26, Congress' Varsha Gaikwad said claims that the rail budget was a "record breaking" measure were wrong and it was in fact a "failed budget".

1:47 PM

Sonia, Mamata among those who inquired about my health: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were among the leaders who got in touch with the family of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to inquire about his health after he was hospitalised for cardiac-related ailments. Dhankhar revealed this in the Rajya Sabha on Monday as he resumed chairing the proceedings of the House. He said he was "greatly touched" by the concerns expressed across party lines which contributed to his speedy recovery.

1:31 PM

Sacrifice of many freedom fighters intentionally erased, says culture minister

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Monday that attempts were made to intentionally erase the contributions of many freedom fighters in the past while the Modi government honoured all those who fought and sacrificed their lives for India's independence. He also said in the Lok Sabha that the Narendra Modi government has remembered and honoured all freedom fighters of the country through Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which was celebrated across the country.

1:12 PM

Centre, private sector should employ PPP model to make India slum-free: Shiv Sena MP

Milind Deora inquired if the Centre is mulling partnerships with the private sector to make India slum-free. . Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar replied that many states have not implemented  PM-JAY housing scheme to its full extent.

12:46 PM

Illegal offshore mining will be dealt with, says MoS, Environment

Kirtivardhan Singh, MoS, Environment, Climate and Forest Change stated that consultations took place with State Departments at various stages.

12:00 PM

Parliament update: Standing committee on social justice to present fifth report on Demand for Grants

11:44 AM

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resumes responsibilities as chairman of Rajya Sabha today

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was received by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Secretary General PC Mody in Parliament House as he rejoined office on Monday. Dhankhar was discharged from AIIMS last week.

11:32 AM

Parliament update: Rajya Sabha resumes

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar shared Holi greetings with members.