Parliament Diary

Today, the Lok Sabha discussed The Homeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The Bill was passed by the House. This Bill provides for the supersession of the existing Central Council which regulates homeopathic education and practice. The Bill requires that any newly established homeopathic medical colleges or existing medical colleges adding new courses on homeopathy, to seek permission from the central government within a year.  

The Lower House took up discussion on The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The Bill amends the Indian Penal Code, 1860, to increase the punishment for rape of minor girls.  The following infograph traces this change in punishment: 

Several issues were raised such as the ineffectiveness of death penalty as a punishment in stopping rape, the need for forensic labs in rural areas, and the role of the police in protecting the accused.  Another provision of the Bill that was discussed is how this Bill widens the difference in punishment for rape between minor boys and girls. This difference is shown through the following infograph:

The Lok Sabha also had a brief discussion on the released Draft of the National Registry of Citizens. The discussion concluded with a response from the Home Minister.

The Rajya Sabha adjourned early today due to disruptions in the House. Several members raised the issue of the released Draft of the National Registry of Citizens.

*Note: Parliament was still in session at the time of sending this report.