Parliamentary Proceedings For 26th March, 2025
Key Highlights Of The Proceedings
The proceedings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha began at 11:00 AM.
In the Lok Sabha, Shri Prahlad Joshi (Union Minister, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; BJP, Dharwad, Karnataka) stated that as per the provision made under E-commerce entry and label of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), mandatory declaration regarding name and address of manufacturer, country of origin for imported products, common and general name of commodity, net quantity, MRP, best before use etc has to be made.
In the Lok Sabha, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology; BJP, Odisha) stated that several steps had been taken by the Central Government to tackle the issue of addiction to online gaming including banning of 1410 online games based on complaints received. He further urged the states to legislate on this issue since this issue falls under the state list.
In the Lok Sabha, discussions on the “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025 commenced where Shri Mitesh Patel Bakabhai (BJP, Anand, Gujarat) praised the proposal to establish the first cooperative university in the name of Tribhuvan Das. He highlighted Shri Tribhuvan Das Ji's significant contributions to the cooperative sector and emphasized that this university will play a key role in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting technical education, specialized skills, and research.
In reply to the discussion, Shri Amit Shah (Union Minister, Ministry of Cooperation; BJP, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat) explained that the “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University was named after Tribhuvan Kashibai Patel, the founder of Amul, to honor his contribution to India’s cooperative movement. He elaborately discussed the Ministry of Cooperation’s achievements, such as, the expansion of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to every panchayat, streamlining operations through digitalization, and introducing national-level multi-state cooperative bodies for exports and organic farming, strengthening linkages and seed conservation. He stated that the University would train 8 lakh individuals across diverse cooperative sectors, fostering education and skill development. After the discussion of Tribhuvan” Sahkari University 2025 was passed by the Lok Sabha.
In the Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) declined several Rule 267 notices. In Zero Hour, discussions covered SC/ST/OBC welfare and PM Ajay Yojana, highlighting increased budget allocations for marginalized communities.
In the Rajya Sabha, during the Question Hour, Shri Akhilesh Prasad Singh (INC, Bihar) questioned India's self-reliance in milk production and exports, with Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Union Minister, Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying; JD(U), Munger, Bihar) confirming India's global leadership but noting Foot and Mouth Disease as an export barrier. He emphasized the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) to enhance cold storage and supply chains.
In the Rajya Sabha, during the discussion on Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, some members raised concern over selective law enforcement, Jan Dhan account dormancy, cyber fraud, poor banking services, and cooperative bank governance issues. Some members credited reforms with strengthening financial stability and inclusion.
In reply to the discussion, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance; BJP, Karnataka) highlighted India's banking sector's record profitability, reduced NPAs, and strong recovery actions while emphasizing financial inclusion, cyber fraud mitigation, and pension reforms. She reaffirmed the Government's commitment to banking stability, economic growth, and job creation. After the discussion of Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed by the Rajya Sabha.
Outside the Parliament, Shri Rahul Gandhi (Leader of Opposition; INC, Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh) criticised the functioning of the House, alleging that he is being denied the opportunity to speak.
Shri Praveen Khandelwal (BJP, Chandni Chowk, NCT of Delhi) defended the amendments to the Waqf Bill, stating that they are designed to benefit the common people.
Shri Sasmit Patra (BJD, Odisha) criticized the deployment of Odisha police at the Assembly’s main gate, stating that it was unprecedented for police forces to be stationed during a session, preventing MLAs from carrying out their legislative duties.
The Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha were adjourned at 6:20 PM and 6:29 PM respectively, till 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 27th, 2025.
Details Of Proceedings From The Lok Sabha
The proceedings of the Lok Sabha commenced at 11 AM.
Shri Om Birla Ji (Speaker, Lok Sabha; BJP, Kota, Rajasthan) expressed condolences on the death of Dr. Devendra Pradhan, former MP from Devgarh, Odisha. Following which, he commenced the proceedings of the house with Question Hour.
Shri Naveen Jindal (BJP, Kurukshetra, Haryana) raised concerns about the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods amongst people, which has adverse effects on health and enquired whether the Government plans to introduce easily understandable QR-based labelling so that users have full information about the products. Shri Prahlad Joshi (Union Minister, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; BJP, Dharwad, Karnataka) responded that as per the provision made under E-commerce entry and label of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), mandatory declaration regarding name and address of manufacturer, country of origin for imported products, common and general name of commodity, net quantity, Maximum Retail Price, best before use has to be made.
Shri Amra Ram (CPI(M), Sikar, Rajasthan) raised concerns about the electricity shortage in Rajasthan and how many reactors there are in Rajasthan to address the shortage. Further, he enquired about the steps taken by the Government to ensure the health and safety of the workers working near the nuclear reactors and the expected date as to when mining of uranium will be started in Sikar. Dr. Jitendra Singh (Minister of State, Department of Atomic Energy; BJP, Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir) responded that the highest number of reactors are in Rajasthan, i.e., seven. With the aim to increase nuclear energy production, Budget 2025-26 has launched the Nuclear Mission Plan to set up reactors in remote areas. He further emphasised the increase in nuclear generation capacity from 22,480 MW in 2014 to 35,333 MW today.
Shri G Lakshminarayana (TDP, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh) raised concerns about the recruitment of contractual paramedical staff such as radiographers and lab technicians in Railways which is now mandated through the Government E-Market place, replacing the earlier system of recruitment through hiring committees. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister, Ministry of Railways; BJP, Odisha) responded that the new system has been initiated to bring maximum transparency. Further, Shri G Lakshminarayana raised concerns about vacancies in railways in Andhra Pradesh. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw responded that 263 of 280 vacancies in railways in Andhra Pradesh had already been filled.
Matters of Urgent Public Importance were discussed during the Zero Hour following which discussions on the “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025 commenced.
Shri Mitesh Patel Bakabhai (BJP, Anand, Gujarat) praised the proposal to establish the first cooperative university in the name of Tribhuvan Das. He highlighted Shri Tribhuvan Das Ji's significant contributions to the cooperative sector and emphasized that this university will play a key role in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting technical education, specialized skills, and research and development.
Shri Sougata Ray (AITC, Dum Dum, West Bengal) criticized the BJP for not properly acknowledging Shri Verghese Kurien, who played a pivotal role in giving technical shape to Amul and the cooperative revolution and expressed concerns that the BJP Government might undermine the autonomy of the proposed cooperative university, potentially leading to centralization of power.
Shri Arun Govil (BJP, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh) expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for introducing the new law and highlighted how the NDA Government had identified the urgent need for skilled and technical professionals across various sectors. He pointed out that currently, there is no streamlined training mechanism in the country and requested the establishment of such a training institution under the new bill, ideally in his constituency of Meerut.
Shri Ganesh Singh (BJP, Satna, Madhya Pradesh) expressed strong support for the establishment of the Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA) as a national university for the cooperative sector. He emphasized that this would be the first university in the country focused on cooperative education, training, and research and development. He highlighted the need for technical knowledge in cooperatives, citing how many cooperative societies are struggling due to a lack of education and expertise, with ill-trained managers hindering progress. Responding to concerns about the university’s headquarters in Anand, he proposed including Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, a major milk production center, and opening a faculty in Satna.
Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani (YSR Congress Party, Araku (ST), Andhra Pradesh) spoke in support of the Tribhuvan Sahakari University Bill 2025, highlighting its potential to promote prosperity through cooperation as envisioned in the "Sahakari se Samriddhi" concept. She praised the university's objectives outlined in Clause 6, including education, training, capacity building, research, and offering degree programs and e-learning courses to maintain India’s competitive edge globally. However, she raised concerns about certain clauses in the bill:
Clause 21 grants significant power to the Central Government in appointing members of the governing board, potentially limiting the institutional autonomy.
Clause 28 establishes a board for affiliation and recognition headed by the Vice Chancellor, which may lead to the over centralization of decision making regarding affiliated institutions
Clause 40 allows the university to receive the fund from foreign resources with the prior Central Government approvals, raising the concerns about the potential external influences.
In reply to the discussion, Shri Amit Shah (Union Minister, Ministry of Cooperation; BJP, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat) explained that the “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University was named after Shri Tribhuvan Kashibai Patel, the founder of Amul, to honor his contribution to India’s cooperative movement. He recounted how Tribhuvan Kashibai Patel, under Sardar Patel’s guidance, led farmers to establish Amul, which now boasts a turnover of ₹ 60,000 crore and empowers 36 lakh women.
He emphasized that in the past decade, the NDA Government has uplifted 25 crore people from poverty by providing essential amenities. He added that now that the Indian citizens have been relieved from the burden of struggle to get the basic amenities, they can contribute towards the nation's progress by getting technical training and being employed.
Highlighting the Ministry of Cooperation’s achievements, he noted the expansion of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) to every panchayat, streamlining operations through digitalization, and introducing national-level multi-state cooperative bodies like National Cooperatives Exports Limited (NCEL) for exports and organic farming.
He mentioned that PACS are now integrated with various services, including storage, public distribution, and digital transactions. Stressing seed conservation, he stated that small farmers now benefit from agreements previously limited to large corporations. Further, he stated that the University would train 8 lakh individuals across diverse cooperative sectors, fostering education and skill development.
After the discussion, Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025 was passed by the Lok Sabha as tabled.
The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were adjourned at 06:20 PM until 11:00 AM on Thursday, 27th March 2025.
Details Of Proceedings From The Rajya Sabha
The proceedings of the Rajya Sabha commenced at 11 AM.
Papers and Reports were laid on the table of the house.
Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) informed the House that several members had requested discussions on the adverse impact of delimitation, the ongoing farmers' protest, and lapses by the Election Commission, but stated that many notices under Rule 267 did not conform to the Chair's directives and were declined.
Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) asked the members to proceed with matters raised with permission in advance following which the Question Hour commenced.
Smt Rajni Ashokrao Patil (INC, Maharashtra) asked about SC/ST and OBC hardships and a possible caste census. Shri Ramdas Athawale (Union Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment; RPI(ATWL), Maharashtra) responded that past Governments were responsible for key issues, citing progress under Article 54 but stressing the need for awareness. He highlighted ₹ 6,257.4 crore allocated from 2004-2014 for 253 lakh people, compared to ₹ 40,177 crore from 2014-2024 for 2,725 lakh beneficiaries.
Shri Akhilesh Prasad Singh (INC, Bihar) enquired whether India has become self- reliant in milk productions and if India is exporting any milk and its products to the foreign countries. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Union Minister, Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying; JD(U), Munger, Bihar) responded that India, the world's largest milk producer, increased its milk production by 63.5% from 146.31 billion metric tons in 2014-15 to 239.30 million metric tons in 2023-24, driven by the National Gokul Mission. While self-sufficient, India cannot export milk to Europe due to Foot and Mouth Disease, though some dairy products are imported in small quantities.
Motion for Discussion on the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 commenced.
Shri Shaktisinh Goyal (INC, Gujarat) raised concerns about the upcoming amendment to the Banking Regulation Act, recalling how bank nationalization under Indira Gandhi had benefited farmers and the poor. He argued that laws alone were ineffective without the right intent and criticized their selective enforcement based on political affiliations. Highlighting the proposed extension of cooperative bank directors' tenure, he cited the case of Panchshil Marketing Cooperative Bank Limited, where violations were ignored by the RBI. He questioned the RBI’s accountability, accusing it of disregarding both citizens and Parliament. Concluding, he urged the Finance Minister to enforce laws fairly, without political bias.
Shri Saket Gokhale (AITC, West Bengal) criticized the Government’s handling of the Jan Dhan scheme, highlighting that 11 crore accounts were dormant, holding around ₹14,000 crore. He stated that this reflected poor people's inaccessible funds and accused the Government of withholding a similar amount from West Bengal under the Public Distribution Scheme. He condemned the unequal treatment of his state and argued that bank deposits grew at 11% while loans surged by 18%, with unsecured loans reaching ₹62 lakh crore.
Shri Raghav Chadha (AAP, Punjab) emphasized that banks were symbols of trust and equality but noted a decline in public confidence due to poor customer service. He criticized outdated infrastructure in Government banks, long queues, and inefficiencies, highlighting that over 1 crore customer complaints were recorded in 2023-24. He raised concerns about rural banking access, cyber fraud surging by 285%, and unauthorized data leaks compromising customer privacy. Concluding, he urged the Finance Minister to address hidden banking charges and improve overall banking services.
Shri Niranjan Bishi (BJD, Odisha) acknowledged the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, but stressed the need to protect vulnerable groups and strengthen public sector banks. He criticized the push for privatization, warning it could harm marginalized communities, and raised concerns over rising digital banking fraud. Concluding, he urged the Government to expand rural banking infrastructure, improve cybersecurity, and ensure financial inclusion for farmers and small entrepreneurs.
Shri Sanjay Seth (BJP, Uttar Pradesh) spoke in support of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, emphasizing its role in modernizing and reforming the banking sector. He highlighted India's economic rise under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, attributing it to strong financial policies and banking reforms. He detailed key amendments, including changes to reporting mechanisms, cooperative bank governance, and transparency measures.
Shri Ramji (BSP, Uttar Pradesh) raised concerns over rising banking fraud, questioning how fake accounts with high turnovers were being created despite verification requirements. He urged the Government to strengthen cybercrime enforcement, provide loan relief for struggling farmers, and introduce financial support for agricultural laborers. Additionally, he called for zero-fee education loans for SC/ST/OBC students, timely scholarship disbursement, and the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme, arguing that if industrialists' debts could be waived, Government employees deserved pension security.
Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha (JD(U), Bihar) highlighted past misuse of phone banking for loan approvals and credited banking reforms since 2014 for recovering ₹10 lakh crore and reducing NPAs to historic lows. He praised the expansion of banking in rural areas, citing the success of Jan Dhan Yojana and women-led self-help groups in improving financial access.
In reply to the discussion, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance; BJP, Karnataka) asserted that India's banking sector was poised for even greater profitability, having already achieved record success. She emphasized that while Non Performing Assets (NPA) had significantly reduced, stringent recovery actions against willful defaulters would continue. Addressing concerns about loan write-offs, she clarified that they were not waivers and did not absolve borrowers of liabilities.
She highlighted financial inclusion, she noted that over 55 crore bank accounts had been opened, with a majority benefiting women and rural areas. She defended the Enforcement Directorate’s role in recovering ₹22,280 crore for rightful claimants. Discussing banking reforms, she detailed structural changes, including revised nomination rules and governance updates. On cyber fraud, she assured that national agencies were actively mitigating financial cybercrimes.
She announced an increase in senior bank management positions to improve operational efficiency and create job opportunities. Highlighting financial security, she detailed pension scheme enhancements benefiting retirees and spouses. Concluding, she reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening banking institutions, ensuring financial stability, and fostering economic growth.
After the discussion, The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed by the Rajya Sabha, as amended.
The proceedings of the Rajya Sabha were adjourned at 06:29 PM until 11:00 AM on Thursday, 27th March 2025.
Key Events Outside The Parliament
Smt. Ranjeet Ranjan (INC, Chhattisgarh) criticised the BJP's Saugat-e-Modi campaign in Bihar, dismissing it as an election gimmick. She accused the BJP of attempting to mislead voters by distributing gifts while simultaneously fostering division, asserting that the people of Bihar would not be deceived.
Shri Dinesh Sharma (BJP, Uttar Pradesh) backed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath's statement that "Muslims are safe in UP," highlighting the BJP’s commitment to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas for the welfare of all. He asserted that Shri Yogi Adityanath had made it clear that both Hindus and Muslims should feel secure in Uttar Pradesh and across the country.
Shri Rahul Gandhi (Leader of Opposition; INC, Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh) criticised the functioning of the House, alleging that he is repeatedly denied the opportunity to speak. He accused the Government of stifling the Opposition’s voice, calling the proceedings undemocratic and heavily skewed in its favour.
Shri Sasmit Patra (BJD, Odisha) criticized the deployment of Odisha Police at the Assembly’s main gate, stating that it was unprecedented for police forces to be stationed during a session, preventing MLAs from carrying out their legislative duties.
Shri Jagdambika Pal (BJP, Domeriyaganj, Uttar Pradesh) reacted to the attack on Samajwadi Party MP Shri Ramji Lal Suman's house, stating that some people deliberately make controversial remarks to stay in the headlines. He criticized repeated offensive statements against Sanatan Dharma and revered figures.
Shri Naresh Mhaske (SS, Thane, Maharashtra) asserted that religious minorities in India are as safe as Hindus, reiterating the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." He accused the opposition of misleading the public about the Waqf Amendment Bill for political motives, asserting that the bill is intended to uplift economically weaker Muslims.