Parliament Diary

Both Houses of Parliament took up Private Members' Resolutions today after a gap. Rajya Sabha last took up a private resolution in the Budget Session 2020, while Lok Sabha discussed a private resolution once in the Budget Session 2021. 

In Lok Sabha, Members resumed discussion on a private resolution related to the welfare of Anganwadi workers. Several Members highlighted the important role they played during the pandemic. Members said that although they are the backbone of rural India, they aren’t compensated adequately. They suggested that the Central share in their emoluments should be re-examined and increased. The discussion, which was first taken up in the 2020 Budget Session, did not conclude. 

In Rajya Sabha, a Member moved a resolution urging the government to constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee to present a comprehensive report on the current status of air, water and land pollution in the country. Moving the resolution, the Member said that despite the several environment protection laws and authorities for monitoring and implementation, India continues to see pollution on a massive scale. Another Member speaking on the debate said that the effects of low quality air fell disproportionately on the poor. The discussion did not conclude. 

Lok Sabha continued its discussion on climate change today. One Member stated that the idea of "common but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities" has been lost over the years at the level of international frameworks. Another Member also added that a fair and just deal has not been reached at the international stage. He argued for a deal that would allow for preservation of resources for the third-world and the under-developed countries which have already been used by the West.