Parliament Diary

In Lok Sabha, discussion on the Demands for Grants for the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways continued today. 

Earlier during the Question Hour, a member pointed out that against an estimated 3% of children having special needs, only about 0.5% have been brought into the school system. In response, the Education Minister assured the House that the government would explore technological solutions to help differently-abled students access education. 

Also during the Question Hour, a Member requested the quota of 10 seats in Kendriya Vidyalayas that can be filled on the recommendation of MPs to be abolished. Stating that an MP on average represents 35-40 lakh people, the Member said that MPs are inundated with requests. However, another Member stated that quota is crucial for areas with fewer schools. The Education Minister informed the House that the opinion of all party leaders would be taken and a decision will be taken on its basis.

Rajya Sabha adjourned about 10 minutes before the end of the Zero Hour as the Chairperson informed the House that all submissions were exhausted. Later in the day, discussion on two Appropriation Bills was taken up. These seek to approve the government's supplementary budget for 2021-22 and excess demands for grants for 2018-19. 

At the time of updating this post, the Finance Minister was responding to the discussion in Rajya Sabha. In Lok Sabha, discussion on the Demands for Grants had not concluded.