Parliament Diary

The National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021 was taken up for discussion in Lok Sabha. The Bill prohibits athletes and others from engaging in doping in sport. The Bill also set up the National Anti-Doping Agency as a statutory body for planning, implementing and monitoring anti-doping activities, and investigating anti-doping rule violations.

Speaking on the Bill, a Member expressed concern that the Bill sets up a top-heavy structure without addressing the functioning of sports federations in the country. Another Member reiterated the Standing Committee's recommendation to distinguish between minor (under the age of 16 years) and major athletes while prescribing penalties. Talking about herbal supplements, a Member suggested the government to encourage manufacturers to carry labels if their products are free of steroids and other restricted substances. 

In Lok Sabha, several Members raised matters of public importance earlier in the day. A Member requested the House to revoke the suspension of four Members who were suspended for the remainder of the session on Monday. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs stated that the government would support such a move if the parties in the Opposition could guarantee that proceedings would no longer be disrupted and that placards would not be brought into the House.

In Rajya Sabha, a Member  was suspended today for the remainder of the week for unruly behaviour. The House adjourned amid disruptions without taking up its listed legislative business.

The Sports Minister was replying to the debate on the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021 in Lok Sabha at the time of updading this note.