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second adjournment of the day, the Indian Antarctica Bill, 2022 was taken up for discussion after Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh moved it for consideration.
The Bill seeks to extend the application of domestic laws to research stations set up by India in the Antarctic region. India has two active research stations in the Antarctic — Maitri and Bharti — where scientists are involved in research.
The Bill proposes to prohibit Indian expedition to Antarctica without a permit or written authorisation of another party to the Antarctic Treaty, provide for inspection by an officer appointed by the government and for penalty for contravention of certain provisions of the legislation. It also seeks to constitute a fund for the welfare of Antarctic research work and protection of the environment of the icy continent.
BJP member Kirit Solanki, who was in the Chair, allowed the laying of parliamentary papers and matters of urgent public importance on the table of the House. MPs Rajveer Singh, Sushil Kumar Singh, and Pallab Lochan Das mentioned matters related to their constituencies.
Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2:30 PM on Friday following protests by the Opposition over price rise and other issues. This was the second adjournment before lunch as opposition parties led by Congress tried to raise issues of price rise and levy of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on daily essentials.
When the House assembled at 12 noon after a brief adjournment, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh managed to conduct the Question Hour amid protest by opposition parties for almost an hour. Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Kailash Choudhary, Minister of Communication Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel and Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal answered the questions amid protests by opposition members, who had trooped inside the well.
The Deputy Chairman urged the protesting members to return to their respective seats. Goyal said the government is ready for a discussion on the issues. However, the opposition is not ready for it and is obstructing the House.
“The majority of us want a discussion. Even the government wants discussion” said Goyal.
(with inputs from PTI)
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