Parliament Diary

Members in Lok Sabha raised a debate on climate change. Members pressed the government for action on reducing carbon emissions to achieve the five targets made by the Prime Minister at the COP26. They also emphasized the need for the government to collaborate with the states to achieve these targets. 

A member said that as a developing nation, the Indian government must ensure that the developed countries meet their commitment of raising $100 billion to combat climate change. The Member also urged the government to come up with a policy for climate refugees, adding that the 1951 UN Convention does not include them within its ambit.

Prior to the discussion, the High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2021 was passed. Replying to the Bill debate, the Law Minister informed the House about the alternative mechanisms to deliver justice —  through the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, the Mediation Bill, the online dispute resolution system, and mobile courts. To a question put to the Minister to clarify the government's position on the NJAC Act, the Minister maintained that it was a larger issue for the House to discuss. The NJAC Act, which established the National Judicial Appointments Commission for recommending appointments to the higher judiciary, was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015.

Bills to regulate surrogacy and assisted reproductive technologies were passed in Rajya Sabha. 

Earlier, during the Zero Hour, one Member spoke on the misuse of AFSPA and said that it has taken a toll on the unity and integrity of the country. “As long as the AFSPA continues to remain… it will be used with impunity again,” the Member added. More than 15 Members supported the intervention.