Lok Sabha adjourned sine die amid coronavirus crisis
With coronavirus positive cases continuing to rise across India, the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Monday after the Finance Bill, 2020, was passed without discussion. The demand to shut operations had been going on for quite some time but parliamentarians took a softer approach towards the pandemic. Buoyed by last week's incident, when the number rose, the authorities took the call.
MPs paid homage to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru
Proceedings at both Houses of the Parliament began at 2 pm today, with members paying homage to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, who were martyred. Soon, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved the Finance Bill 2020 to give effect to the government's proposals for FY 2020-21. It was informed that no discussion on the said Bill will take place.
Some protested, but the Bill was passed
NK Premchandran, of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), objected that they are being asked to pass a Bill, that makes as many as 41 changes in the IT Act, 1961. On this, Speaker Om Birla informed that leaders of all parties agreed that there will be no discussion on the Bill. To note, the Bill was passed with a voice note.
Om Birla appreciated those who are fighting against coronavirus
In the Parliament today, some politicians demanded that the government offers respite to those suffering due to coronavirus outbreak with some "financial packages". But the matter wasn't taken up. Birla read out a statement appreciating the efforts put in by the health workers in dealing with the pandemic, that killed seven across India. After concluding his speech, the Lower House was adjourned.
Dushyant Singh met several MPs after meeting Kanika Kapoor
Last week, a number of parliamentarians chose to self-isolate themselves, after they met Dushyant Singh, an MP from Rajasthan who met coronavirus infected singer Kanika Kapoor this month. Leaders like Derek O' Brien, Anupriya Patel, Varun Gandhi, and Deepender Hooda took the precautionary measure. Later, it was found out that Dushyant, the son of former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, wasn't infected.
India has been almost locked down
Dozens of cities have been put under lockdown to contain the spread of the virus, which transmits through respiratory droplets. This morning, the Centre asked all states to ensure the lockdown is being enforced and ordered to take legal action against violators. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed to countrymen to take care of themselves and said some people weren't taking the restrictions seriously.
