Lok Sabha Session Highlights: Om Birla Shares Key Achievements
The Second Session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which began on July 22, 2024, concluded on August 9, 2024. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlighted that the session had 15 sittings lasting around 115 hours with a productivity of 136%.
Key Events
During the session, the Finance Minister presented the Union Budget 2024-2025 on July 23, 2024. The general discussion on the budget lasted for 27 hours and 19 minutes, with 181 Members participating. The Finance Minister replied to the discussion on July 30.
From July 30 to August 5, the House discussed and passed the Demands for Grants of selected Ministries/Departments. The Appropriation Bill was passed on August 5.
Government Bills
During the session, 12 Government Bills were introduced, and four were passed: The Finance Bill, 2024; The Appropriation Bill, 2024; The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, 2024; and The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024.
Questions and Matters
A total of 86 starred questions were answered orally, and 400 urgent matters were raised during Zero Hour. Additionally, 358 matters were taken up under Rule 377.
Statements and Papers
During the session, 25 Statements were made under Direction 73A, and 30 Statements were given, including two by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and three suo moto Statements by Ministers. A total of 1345 papers were laid on the Table of the House.
Special Discussions
On July 22, a discussion on India’s preparedness for the upcoming Olympic Games was held under Rule 193. On July 31, a Calling Attention Motion regarding the loss of lives and property due to landslides and floods was discussed under Rule 197.
Private Members’ Business
During the session, 65 Private Member’s Bills were introduced. A Private Member’s Resolution by MP Shafi Parambil on regulating airfare was discussed on July 26 but remained inconclusive.
International Visit
On August 1, the Lok Sabha welcomed IPU President and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, H.E. Ms. Tulia Ackson.
Doubts Revealed
Lok Sabha -: Lok Sabha is one of the two houses of India’s Parliament where elected representatives make laws and discuss important issues.
Om Birla -: Om Birla is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, which means he is in charge of running the meetings and making sure everyone follows the rules.
18th Lok Sabha -: The 18th Lok Sabha refers to the current group of elected representatives who are serving their term in the Lok Sabha.
Union Budget -: The Union Budget is a financial plan presented by the government that shows how it will earn and spend money for the year.
Demands for Grants -: Demands for Grants are requests made by different government departments for money to fund their activities and projects.
Government Bills -: Government Bills are proposals for new laws or changes to existing laws that are introduced by the government in the Parliament.
Starred questions -: Starred questions are questions asked by Members of Parliament that require oral answers during the session, allowing for follow-up questions.
Zero Hour -: Zero Hour is a time during a parliamentary session when Members of Parliament can raise urgent matters without prior notice.