Parliament Session Updates: It is President’s first joint address after the formation of the BJP-led NDA government for the third time at the Centre
Parliament Session Updates: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday addressed the joint session of the Parliament where she launched a scathing attack on Emergency imposed by the then Congress government in 1975 and said that it was the “biggest” and “darkest” chapter of the direct attack on the Constitution. In her first presidential address after the formation of the BJP-led NDA government for the third time at the Centre post-general elections, she also referred to the alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET UG-2024) and said that the ongoing probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the NEET paper leak case will “fix accountability”.
Following the address, a motion of thanks will be moved in both the Houses of Parliament, which will be discussed by the lawmakers. The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha commenced on Monday, and the Rajya Sabha session will start today.
Earlier on Wednesday, NDA candidate Om Birla was elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the second time in a row after Prime Minister Narendra Modi moved the motion in the House. Birla defeated the Opposition’s candidate, an eight-term Congress MP, Kodikkunil Suresh, through a voice vote.
Post-election, Birla received congratulations from PM Modi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and various leaders from both the NDA and the opposition. After 1952, 1967, and 1976, this was the fourth time the Speaker was elected by way of an election.
Speaking on occasion, Birla urged that there should be a new vision and resolve for the 18th Lok Sabha. He called for the 18th Lok Sabha to be a centre of creative thinking and new ideas, which would establish high levels of parliamentary traditions and dignity and added that the aim of the House should be to fulfil the resolve of Viksit Bharat.
Further, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the imposition of Emergency on June 26, 1975, the speaker praised the strength and determination of all those who strongly opposed the Emergency, fought and protected India’s democracy.
Parliament Session Updates: India-Middle East Economic Corridor will be one of the biggest game changers of the 21st century, says President
President Droupadi Murmu addresses a joint session of both Houses of Parliament, she says “How the world’s view of India has changed, we have all experienced this in the G7 Summit held in Italy. India has united the world on many issues during its G20 presidency. It is during India’s presidency that the African Union has been made the 27th member of G20. This has strengthened the trust of the African continent as well as the entire Global South. Following the Neighbourhood First policy, India has strengthened its relations with the neighbouring countries. Leaders of 7 neighbouring countries participated in the swearing-in ceremony of the Union Council of Ministers on 9th June…Whether it is East Asia or the Middle East and Europe, my government is giving a lot of importance to connectivity. The vision of India has started giving shape to the India-Middle East Economic Corridor. This corridor will be one of the biggest game changers of the 21st century…”
Parliament Session Updates: President speech refers to “tough action” on NEET paper leak
Amidst ongoing controversey around the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), President Draupadi Murmu while addressing the Joint session of the Parliament said the government would take tough action on the case.
“My government is working towards rectifying the functioning of the agency responsible for conducting the examination (National Testing Agency) along with improving the processes involved in the conduction of the exam,” said President Murmu while addressing the joint sitting of Parliament ahead of the Budget session.
The opposition had earlier raised a demand for a Supreme Court-montioned investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak matter. President Murmu said, “The government is making concerted efforts to allow the youth of the country to showcase their talent and skills and any delay in the conduction of examinations is undesirable.” While urging to abandon party politics on examination related matters, President Murmu said, “The recent paper leak issue should be impartially investigated and my government is committed towards punishing those responsible.
The opposition had raised many demands including an increased transparency and timely conduction of examinations along with filling up vacancies in time.