New Delhi: The recently concluded Budget session of the Lok Sabha recorded 114 per cent productivity during its run, a report reveals.
According to a report released by the Parliament office Thursday, the Fifth Session of the 17th Lok Sabha sat for a total of 24 sittings that lasted for 132 hours while the assembly’s productivity stood at 114 per cent.
In comparison, the House registered 125 per cent productivity in the First Session that began on 17 June 2019, 115 per cent in the Second Session (September 2019), 117 per cent in the Third Session (January 2020) and 167 per cent productivity in the Fourth Session that commenced on 14 September 2020.
The assembly, which commenced on 29 January, also exceeded their stipulated time by 48 hours and 23 minutes this session.
The Parliament was adjourned sine die Thursday, ending the two-month-long Budget session.
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla also extended his greetings to PM Narendra Modi and the members of the House in a tweet. Birla could not be a part of the last sitting because he contracted Covid-19 a few days ago.
Lok Sabha has adjourned sine die today with 114% productivity during #BudgetSession. Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji, Leaders of all parties & Hon'ble Members extended their support. Members further strengthened the tradition of meaningful dialogue by late-night participation.
— Lok Sabha Speaker (@loksabhaspeaker) March 25, 2021
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18 bills passed by Lok Sabha
According to the report, a total of 17 government bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha and 18 bills were passed.
Some of the important Bills that were passed are the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021; the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2021; the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2021; the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2021; the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021 and The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2021.
Issues like demands for grants from the Ministries of Railways, Education and Health and Family Welfare for the year 2021-22 were discussed in the House during this session. The discussion for these grants lasted for a total of 21 hours and 43 minutes.
The Union Budget, which was presented on 1 February, was discussed for 14 hours and 42 minute and 146 members were present for the sitting.
During the question hour, the report notes, 84 starred questions were answered orally. A total of 583 matters of urgent public importance were raised and 405 matters under Rule 377 were taken up. Matters that are not points of orders or cannot be raised under rules of questions, motions etc., can be raised under Rule 377.
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4 suo moto statements, 48 statements under Directive 37A
Furthermore, four suo moto statements were made and a total of 48 statements were given by ministers under Directive 73A. The Speaker issues Direction 73A on the implementation of the Parliament Committees’ recommendations.
Three statements regarding government work were also made by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi.
During this session, 3,591 papers were laid on the table of the House by the ministers concerned.
Covid testing was also arranged for the members, officers and employees of the secretariat and personnel of allied agencies during this session.
“7813 tests were conducted during the session and a vaccination centre was also set up in Parliament House Complex for vaccination of Members, as per the Government guidelines,” the report said.
(Edited by Rachel John)
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