22 November,2016 08:30 AM IST | | Agencies
As people continue to suffer after demonetisation, another day was wasted without work yesterday, due to the disturbance over it in both Houses
The chaos in both houses the Rajya Sabha
New Delhi: Parliament was disrupted yet again yesterday with the Opposition changing tact in Rajya Sabha demanding adoption of a condolence resolution for those who have died in queues in banks post-demonetisation, and pressing for voting on a discussion that entails voting.
The LokâÃu00c2u0080Ãu00c2u0088Sabha as seen in TV grabs. Pics/PTI
A united Opposition gave a new dimension in the Upper House by asserting that no discussion on demonetisation would take place till the House adopts a resolution mourning the death of nearly 70 people said to have been caused by hardships after the junking of the high-denomination notes.
The Lok Sabha could not function for the third straight working day as opposition parties insisted on taking up an Adjournment Motion on demonetisation and a debate under a rule that entails voting. The Rajya Sabha, which saw a day-long inconclusive debate on demonetisation on the opening day of the Winter session on November 16, has failed to transact any business since then as the Opposition has been pressing for the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his response to the debate. Among those pressing for the condolence resolution were Congress, BSP, TMC and CPI(M). Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley accused the Opposition of running away from the demonetisation debate. In the LS, opposition parties were disrupting the proceedings for the third consecutive day by demanding Adjournment Motion (suspension of all work) and discussion on demonetisation under a rule that entails voting.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the government was ready for the debate if the opposition allowed the discussion under Rule 193 that does not entail voting or passage of a resolution. The opposition rejected it. Due to the uproar, the House was adjourned repeatedly and then finally for the day at around 2 PM.
The Supreme Court yesterday agreed to hear on November 23 a plea of the Centre seeking transfer of all demonetisation cases to either one high court or the apex court.
Mamata targets PM West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday alleged that PM Modi was threatening other parties raising voices against demonetisation and said she would hit the streets of Delhi to protest against the Centre's move.
"The Prime Minister is threatening other parties who are raising their voices on demonetisation. PM should be sober. PM should behave like a PM. If necessary, he should convene an all-party meeting on the issue," Banerjee told a press conference at the West Bengal state secretariat.
AAP to march to Parliament
Stepping up its attack on the Centre over demonetisation, AAP, led by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, will hold a protest march to Parliament today, with participation from other ministers.
Farmers allowed to use old Rs 500 notes
New Delhi: The Finance Ministry yesterday permitted farmers to use old Rs 500 notes for purchasing seeds. Farmers can buy seeds from centres or outlets belonging to central or state governments, public sector undertakings, national or state seeds corporations etc, on giving proof of identity.
Borrowers get additional 60 days
In view of cash crunch being faced by borrowers, the RBI yesterday provided additional 60 days for repayment of housing, car, farm and other loans worth up to Rs 1 crore. This is applicable to loans payable between November 1 and December 31, the RBI said in a notification.
