Parliamentary Proceedings For 11th February, 2025
Highlights Of The Proceedings
The proceedings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha began at 11:00 AM.
In the Lok Sabha, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj; JDU, Munger, Bihar) informed the Lok Sabha that groynes are not covered under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) guidelines, the coastal program relies on state proposals, drone surveys are done in Tirupati, and Telangana’s SVAMITVA progress is slow due to its pilot project approach.
Shri Nityanand Rai (Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs; BJP, Ujiarpur, Bihar) responded to a query regarding expansion of firefighting schemes to reduce disaster risks at the level of Gram panchayats in the country including Rajasthan. He stated that a ₹ 5,000 crore scheme has been initiated for the modernisation and expansion of firefighting centres, as per which the state can establish firefighting centres in rural areas as well.
Shri Akhilesh Yadav (SP, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh) criticised the Budget for favoring the rich and lacking a plan for Viksit Bharat, raised questions on deportation of Indians from the United States, Maha Kumbh arrangements, and missing Digital India drones.
Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena, Kalyan, Maharashtra) praised the Maha Kumbh, stating that despite the Opposition's historical opposition to Hindu Dharma, people still attended the event due to their devotion. He highlighted the Budget’s growth, achievements in airport construction, broadband connections, coal production, defense Budget, ethanol blending, FDI, GDP per capita, highways, innovation ranking, and startups.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Corporate Affairs; BJP, Karnataka) emphasised the importance of the Budget amidst global tensions, highlighting the goals of employment-led development and economic growth. She underscored the Government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and its success in transitioning India to the fastest-growing economy, citing improved employment rates. She criticised the West Bengal Government for irregularities in schemes like PM Awas-Gramin and MNREGA, while also pointing out the developments in the State with respect to railways and other infrastructure.
In the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Bhagwat Karad (BJP, Maharashtra) praised the Budget, noting that estimates rose to ₹ 47.46 lakh crore and the fiscal deficit fell to 4.4%. He highlighted growth in education, healthcare, and employment, with India now the fifth-largest economy and per capita income at ₹2,25,000.
Shri Kapil Sibal (IND, Uttar Pradesh) raised concerns over the Budget’s approach to education, healthcare, economic growth, and taxation. He criticized the lack of universal education and called for integrating AI and digital literacy while managing job losses. On healthcare, he pointed out that 53% of women are anemic, yet the Budget prioritises hospital construction over addressing health issues. He also questioned India’s tax structure and cited Oxfam’s report, arguing that the middle class bears an unfair GST burden, worsening income inequality.
Smt. Priyanka Chaturvedi (SS-UBT, Maharashtra) criticized the Budget as a betrayal of the common people, highlighting delayed income tax relief after 11 years of neglect. She accused the Government of using the Budget for electoral purposes and condemned the exclusion of 60 lakh women from the “Ladki Bahin” scheme and the discontinuation of welfare programs.
Shri Raghav Chadha (AAP, Punjab) criticised the Union budget, arguing it neglected the middle class, offering little relief compared to the poor and wealthy. He pointed out the ₹ 12 lakh tax rebate, which he clarified was not an exemption, benefiting only a small portion of taxpayers. He highlighted the shrinking middle class, rising debt, and the unaffordability of housing. He also criticized Indian Railways, citing overcrowded, declining services, and poor food quality. He called for tax reforms, reduced GST, and better public transport. He raised concerns over train accidents, visa policies, tariffs, and the falling rupee, all negatively impacting India’s economy and global standing.
The Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha were adjourned at 6:31 PM & 8:00 PM respectively, till 11:00 AM on Thursday, 13th February, 2025.
Details Of Proceedings In The Lok Sabha
The proceedings of the Lok Sabha commenced at 11 AM.
Shri Om Birla Ji (Speaker, Lok Sabha; BJP, Kota, Rajasthan) commenced the proceedings with Question Hour.
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj; JDU, Munger, Bihar) responded to queries regarding inland fish production and financial assistance for fishermen under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). He clarified that it is not within the scheme’s guidelines and highlighted the PM’s inauguration of nine coastal villages in Kerala. He further stated that West Bengal has only one PMMSY project as no additional proposals were received from the state. On the SVAMITVA scheme, he confirmed that drone-based surveys of 1,045 villages were completed and property cards would be issued within the timeline.
Shri Nityanand Rai (Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs; BJP, Ujiarpur, Bihar) responded to a query regarding expansion of firefighting schemes to reduce disaster risks at the level of Gram panchayats in the country including Rajasthan. He stated that a ₹ 5,000 crore scheme has been initiated for the modernisation and expansion of firefighting centres, as per which the States can establish firefighting centres in rural areas as well.
The Question Hour ended at 12:00 PM.
Shri Dayanidhi Maran (DMK, Chennai Central, Tamil Nadu) criticised that providing simultaneous interpretation of Lok Sabha proceedings in Sanskrit was a waste of taxpayers’ money, arguing that the language was “not communicable.” Shri Om Birla Ji (Speaker, Lok Sabha; BJP, Kota, Rajasthan) responded to the same and informed the house that apart from Hindi and English, 10 languages were simultaneously being used for translation in the House. Now, in addition 6 languages including Bodo, Dobri, Maithli, Tripuri, Sanskrit and Urdu have been included in the list. He further informed that an effort is being made to use all the 22 languages, with increasing availability of human resources.
General Discussion on the Union Budget for 2025-2026.
Shri Akhilesh Yadav (SP, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh) opposed the budget, calling it pro-rich and lacking a roadmap for Viksit Bharat. He raised concerns over deported Indians from the U.S., the Mahakumbh event, declining GDP, and the rupee’s fall.
Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena, Kalyan, Maharashtra) praised the Maha Kumbh, accusing the Opposition of opposing Hindu Dharma while devotees still attended. He highlighted the budget’s growth, infrastructure achievements, and economic progress and affirmed the Uniform Civil Code’s implementation in this lifetime.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs; BJP, Karnataka) emphasized the budget’s significance amid global conflicts and trade tensions. She outlined its focus on employment-led development, economic growth, capital expenditure, and private investment. She highlighted increased Ujjwala beneficiaries, rising consumption, and key agricultural initiatives like the vegetable and fruit scheme, PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, and efforts for self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds. She stated that the total expenditure of the Union Budget is around ₹50 lakh crore and so capital expenditure has increased too. She further added that the UPA era oil bonds, fertiliser bonds are being repaid now and ₹ 5,946 crores has been paid for just interest on oil and FCI bonds.
She stated public expenditure has increased in social welfare and education. She highlighted key developments in West Bengal, including the AIIMS inauguration in Kalyani, ₹ 13,955 crore allocated for railway infrastructure, 9 Vande Bharat trains, 101 stations under Amrit Bharat, and India's first Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal. Criticising the State Government in West Bengal, she added PM Awas-Gramin is being implemented since 2016-17 for West Bengal. However, complaints of irregularities were received, and so were about MNREGA. 25,000 fake MNREGA cards were issued, ₹ 100 crore worth of fraud in Mid-Day meals, Ayushman Bharat was blocked, and just 43% water tap coverage as opposed to national average of 73%. Concluding her speech, she stated that our economy will continue to remain the fastest growing economy. She stated that private final consumption expenditure will be 61.8% of the nominal GDP, which will be the highest ever.
The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were adjourned at 06:31 PM until 11:00 AM. on Thursday, 13.02.2025.
Details Of Proceedings In The Rajya Sabha
The proceedings of the Rajya Sabha commenced at 11 AM.
Papers were laid on the table by the members of the House followed by matters raised with permission in advance.
Question Hour
Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade (BJP, Maharashtra) sought assurance on protecting policyholders' investments, noting the increase in FDI in insurance to 100%. Shri Pankaj Chaudhary (Minister of State, Ministry of Finance; BJP, Maharajganj) assured that IRDAI safeguards policyholders by transferring policies if an insurer faces financial distress and emphasized that no policyholder in India has ever lost money due to an insurance company’s failure.
Shri Praful Patel (NCP, Maharashtra) raised concerns about healthcare in tribal areas, stating that while infrastructure and medicines are available, the real challenge is the reluctance of doctors to stay in remote regions, as they prefer cities. Shri J.P. Nadda Ji (Union Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; BJP, Gujarat) responded that the Government has taken several steps, including Mobile Medical Units for primary checkups, E-Sanjeevani for remote consultations, and the ‘You Quote, We Pay’ initiative, which offers doctors salaries based on their quoted demands to ensure retention in rural and tribal areas.
Smt. Ranjeet Ranjan (INC, Chhattisgarh) questioned the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, seeking data on anaemia diagnoses and doctor availability in rural areas. Shri J.P. Nadda Ji (Union Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; BJP, Gujarat) refuted claims of a doctor shortage, and stated that 2 crore individuals have been screened and questioned how screenings could occur without doctors. He further assured that 10,000 more doctors are being added, along with new medical colleges and alternative healthcare measures.
Shri Saket Gokhale (AITC, West Bengal) raised concerns about the E-Sanjeevani platform, citing a poor doctor-to-patient ratio, call congestion, and long wait times. Shri J.P. Nadda Ji (Union Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; BJP, Gujarat) acknowledged the issues, assuring that improvements are ongoing, with efforts to expand E-Sanjeevani and enhance efficiency using 5G technology.
General discussion on the Union Budget 2025-26.
Dr. Bhagwat Karad (BJP, Maharashtra) praised the budget, noting that estimates rose to ₹ 47.46 lakh crore and the fiscal deficit fell to 4.4%. He highlighted growth in education, healthcare, and employment, with India now the fifth-largest economy and per capita income at ₹ 2,25,000. Crediting schemes like PM Kisan, Jan Dhan, and Ujjwala, he claimed reduced corruption and farmer benefits. He also criticized the opposition’s objections to EVMs, calling them baseless.
Shri Praful Patel (NCP, Maharashtra) praised the historic budget, noting India’s rise to the fifth-largest economy and its path to third-largest. He credited government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ for boosting manufacturing, defense exports, and infrastructure.
Shri Kapil Sibal (IND, Uttar Pradesh) raised concerns over the budget’s approach to education, healthcare, economic growth, and taxation. He criticized the lack of universal education and called for integrating AI and digital literacy while managing job losses. On healthcare, he pointed out that 53% of women are anemic, yet the budget prioritizes hospital construction over addressing health issues. He argued that India needs 8%+ growth to compete globally and urged greater investment in R&D and manufacturing. Questioning India’s tax structure, he cited Oxfam’s report, arguing that the middle class bears an unfair GST burden, worsening income inequality.
Smt. Priyanka Chaturvedi (SS-UBT, Maharashtra) criticized the budget as a betrayal of the common people, highlighting delayed income tax relief after 11 years of neglect. She accused the Government of using the budget for electoral purposes and condemned the exclusion of 60 lakh women from the "Ladki Bahin" scheme and the discontinuation of welfare programs.
Shri Raghav Chadha (AAP, Punjab) criticized the Union Budget, arguing it neglected the middle class, offering little relief compared to the poor and wealthy. He pointed out the ₹12 lakh tax rebate, which he clarified was not an exemption, benefiting only a small portion of taxpayers. He called for tax reforms, reduced GST, and better public transport. He raised concerns over train accidents, visa policies, tariffs, and the falling rupee, all negatively impacting India’s economy and global standing.
The proceedings of the Rajya Sabha were adjourned at 08:00 PM until 11:00 AM. on 13.02.2025.
Key Events Outside The Parliament
Opposition MPs of Maha Vikas Agadi staged a protest within the Parliament premises demanding an extension of the time limit for soybean procurement.
Shri Nishikant Dubey (BJP, Godda, Jharkhand) alleged a conspiracy to destabilise India under the pretext of journalism. He claimed that both the US and Indian Governments are investigating the matter and pledged to expose foreign funding links, including the role of USAID in supporting politicians and journalists.
Shri KC Venugopal (INC, Alappuzha, Kerala) stated that Manipur has been in crisis for 20 months, yet the BJP repeatedly ignored calls for action. He claimed that the Chief Minister of Manipur resigned only as a result of Congress’ no-confidence motion.
Shri Tejasvi Surya (BJP, Bangalore South, Karnataka) criticised the Karnataka Government and BMRCL for proposing a Metro fare hike of up to 100%, calling it a burden on commuters, and he urged authorities to review and rationalize fares for affordability.
Shri Sasmit Patra (BJD, Odisha) condemned Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks, vowing to raise the issue in the standing committee and push for strict guidelines and punitive action against vulgar statements.
Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (INC, Wayanad, Kerala) criticised Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman’s (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Corporate Affairs; BJP, Karnataka) budget reply, questioning her denial of inflation, unemployment, and price hikes, and saying she didn't know which planet the Finance Minister was living on.
Shri Kalyan Banerjee (AITC, Sreerampur, West Bengal) criticised Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman’s (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Corporate Affairs; BJP, Karnataka) budget reply, calling it politically biased and accusing her of blaming states without providing data on fund releases, stating that the response was unsatisfactory.
Shri Akhilesh Yadav (SP, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh) criticised the Government for the road congestion due to Maha Kumbh. He called the state chief minister and the deputy chief minister a “complete failure.” He further questioned why many well-known ministers related to Prayagraj are missing.