The Second Session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which commenced on July 22, 2024, concluded on Friday. Delivering a valedictory address on the conclusion of the session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla informed that 15 sittings were held during the session, which lasted for around 115 hours. The productivity of the House during the session was 136 percent, Birla reported.
Birla also informed that the Finance Minister presented the Union Budget 2024-2025 on the floor of the House on July 23, 2024. The general discussion on the Union Budget 2024-25 lasted for 27 hours and 19 minutes, with 181 members participating. The Finance Minister replied to the discussion on July 30, Birla said.
He further informed that the Demands for Grants of selected Ministries/Departments were discussed in the House from July 30 to August 5. Subsequently, the Demands for Grants were passed by the House. The Appropriation Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on August 5, Birla noted.
Birla added that 12 Government Bills were introduced and four Bills were passed during the session. The bills that were passed are: The Finance Bill, 2024; The Appropriation Bill, 2024; The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, 2024; and The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024.
Birla reported that 86 starred questions were answered orally during the session. A total of 400 matters of urgent public importance were raised by members during Zero Hour, and 358 matters were taken up under Rule 377.
Birla also mentioned that during the session, 25 statements were made under Direction 73A, and a total of 30 statements, including two by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs regarding parliamentary business and three suo moto statements by ministers, were given. Additionally, 1,345 papers were laid on the Table of the House.
On July 22, a discussion on India’s preparedness for the upcoming Olympic Games was held under Rule 193. Similarly, on July 31, a Calling Attention Motion regarding the loss of lives and property due to landslides and floods in various parts of the country was discussed under Rule 197.
Regarding Private Members’ Business, Birla informed that 65 Private Members’ Bills were introduced during the session. A Private Members’ Resolution moved by Shafi Parambil, MP, regarding measures to regulate airfare in the country was discussed in the House on July 26; however, the discussion remained inconclusive.
Lok Sabha welcomed IPU President and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, H.E. Ms. Tulia Ackson, on August 1, Birla added.
(With ANI Inputs)
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