logo
LS Speaker Om Birla urges cooperation for smooth Monsoon Session

LS Speaker Om Birla urges cooperation for smooth Monsoon Session

Hans India12 hours ago
New Delhi: As the Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to begin on Monday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appealed to all members to cooperate in ensuring the smooth functioning of the House, underlining its critical role in advancing inclusive development, social justice, and national interest.
In a post on X, Birla wrote, "The fifth session (Monsoon Session) of the 18th Lok Sabha is commencing today. In this sacred temple of democracy, the collective role of all representatives is extremely important for the expression of public aspirations and the protection of national interests."
He urged leaders across political parties to engage in constructive discussions and maintain a healthy democratic dialogue throughout the session, which is scheduled to run till August 21.
"Before the Monsoon Session, I urge the leaders of all parties and honourable members to cooperate in the smooth functioning of the House, constructive discussions, and healthy democratic dialogue, so that we can take concrete steps toward inclusive development, social justice, and economic progress," he added.
Expressing hope that the session will be productive, Birla said, "It is hoped that this Monsoon Session, dedicated to the dignity of democracy, the prestige of Parliament, and the priority of public welfare, will be meaningful and successful. Together, we will make significant contributions toward strengthening democratic consciousness, unity in diversity, and constitutional values."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the reporters on the Parliament premises before the session officially begins.
The session comes amid a politically charged atmosphere and is expected to be stormy, as the Opposition is geared up to raise several contentious issues, including the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
A day earlier, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also appealed for collaboration, emphasising that both the ruling and Opposition parties bear equal responsibility in ensuring the Parliament's smooth functioning.
"Our political parties may have different ideologies, but it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that the Parliament runs smoothly. The Opposition has a responsibility and the government has a responsibility too," Rijiju had said.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jagdeep Dhankhar draws curtains on a stormy Rajya Sabha run
Jagdeep Dhankhar draws curtains on a stormy Rajya Sabha run

Indian Express

time26 minutes ago

  • Indian Express

Jagdeep Dhankhar draws curtains on a stormy Rajya Sabha run

Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned as the Vice-President late on Monday citing his health, is no stranger to disagreements with the Opposition. Dhankhar was elected Vice-President in August 2022 and his term as the Rajya Sabha Chairman began on a controversial note during the Winter Session that year as he called the Supreme Court's 2015 judgment striking down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act a 'glaring instance' of 'severe compromise' of parliamentary sovereignty and disregard of the 'mandate of the people'. Since then, there have been several instances when he and Opposition MPs have not seen eye to eye. In August 2023, Dhankhar told the Opposition that he 'could not and would not' direct Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be present in the House as it was the PM's prerogative like any other MP to come to Parliament. He made this statement as the Opposition benches continued to demand the PM's presence in the Rajya Sabha to address them on the issue of violence in Manipur. The ties between the Rajya Sabha Chairman and the Opposition hit a low during the Winter Session last year when 146 MPs were suspended from both Houses of Parliament, mostly over their demand for Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on a Parliament security breach, followed by a discussion on the matter. It was the highest-ever number of suspensions in a Parliament session. As the proceedings came to a halt, Dhankhar wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Upper House, about the 'acrimony and disruptions'. Kharge replied saying that 'he was firmly in favour of dialogue and discussion'. In his letter, Dhankhar highlighted that the latter's 'refusal to meet him to resolve the political stalemate' was 'not in sync with parliamentary practices' and sought a meeting. Kharge had declined Dhankhar's invitation and in a letter said that the mass suspension of MPs was 'premeditated' and 'weaponised' by the ruling party to sabotage parliamentary practices. In June 2024, Dhankhar courted controversy after Kharge entered the Well of House during a protest against paper leaks, with Dhankhar saying this was the first time that a LoP had done such a thing and called it a 'stain' on Parliament. Kharge responded by saying he was trying to grab the attention of the Chairman who was looking towards the Treasury benches. In July 2024, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal questioned the manner in which the Upper House was being run by Dhankhar and claimed that in no country the presiding officer of a House 'frequently interrupts' members during their speeches. The same month, Dhankhar said the RSS has 'unimpeachable credentials' and Constitutional rights to contribute to the development of the nation. 'RSS is an organisation which is a global think tank of the highest order…,' he said in the House while responding to a comment from Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman that the government's main criterion for appointments was if a person belongs to the RSS. In September 2024, in an apparent reference to Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Dhankhar, without naming him, said nothing was more condemnable than someone holding a Constitutional post becoming 'part of enemies of the nation'. Dhankhar was speaking at Parliament to the third batch of the Rajya Sabha internship programme. During his visit to the United States that week, Gandhi said 'love, respect, and humility' were missing from Indian politics. In December last year, Dhankhar became the first person holding one of the top two constitutional posts to face the prospect of impeachment as the Opposition submitted a notice to move a no-confidence motion against him, a first in Indian Parliamentary history. However, after 60 INDIA bloc MPs gave a notice in the Rajya Sabha to bring a resolution for removal of Dhankhar, Deputy Chairman Harivansh rejected it, saying the petition was 'severely flawed', does not adhere to the requirement of 14 days' notice period and was 'drawn in haste and hurry' to 'mar the reputation' of Dhankhar and to 'damage the constitutional institution'. Earlier this year, in April, after the Supreme Court ruling set a three-month timeline for the President to decide on Bills referred by Governors of states, Dhankhar had said that India cannot have a situation where the judiciary directs the President. While the Supreme Court ruling addressed the long-running dispute between Governors and Opposition-ruled state governments, Dhankhar added that his worries are at the 'very highest level' and asked, 'There is a directive to the President by a recent judgement. Where are we heading? What is happening in the country?' Most recently, in June, Dhankhar waded into the political debate over the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble, referring to their addition to the Constitution by the Indira Gandhi government during the Emergency as 'sacrilege to the spirit of sanatan'. 'These words have been added as nasoor (festering wound). These words will create upheaval. Addition of these words in the Preamble during the Emergency signal betrayal of the mindset of the framers of the Constitution,' he said. Before he was elected Vice-President, Dhankhar served as the Governor of West Bengal when he had several run-ins with the government of Mamata Banerjee and became a vocal critic of the state administration. From the law and order situation in the state and post-poll violence to corruption accusations, alleged lapses in bureaucracy and the appointment of vice-chancellors in state universities, Dhankhar never shied away from criticising the government, which accused him of sitting on important BIlls. The situation took a turn for the worse when the state government in 2022 replaced the Governor with the CM as chancellor of state universities. His relationship with Mamata Banerjee became so acrimonious that the CM even blocked Dhankhar on social media. His relationship with Speaker Biman Banerjee was no less bitter, with the Speaker in 2021 complaining to then President Ram Nath Kovind about Dhankhar allegedly interfering in matters of the government. Born into a farmer's family at Kithana village in Jhunjhunu district in 1951, Dhankhar studied at a local government school before going to Sainik school in Chittorgarh. He studied law at the University of Rajasthan and became a professional lawyer, going on to serve as the president of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association. Dhankhar started his political journey with the Janata Dal and in 1989, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Jhunjhunu. After that, he moved to state politics and was elected to the Rajasthan Assembly in 1993 from Kishangarh on a Congress ticket. He again tried his luck in the Lok Sabha elections in 1998 but lost from Jhunjhunu. Starting that year, Dhankhar served as a full-time senior advocate in the Supreme Court and in 2003 switched to the BJP. He advised the party on important legal matters.

Dhaka School Jet Crash Kills 19  V.S. Achuthanandan Dies at 101
Dhaka School Jet Crash Kills 19  V.S. Achuthanandan Dies at 101

The Hindu

time26 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

Dhaka School Jet Crash Kills 19 V.S. Achuthanandan Dies at 101

A devastating Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI jet crash struck Milestone School and College in Dhaka's Uttara area, killing at least 19 people—most of them children—and injuring over 70. The crash triggered a massive fire, widespread panic, and a national day of mourning has been declared for July 22. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam, is in intensive care, and the cause of the crash is under investigation. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Monsoon Session of Parliament, calling it a 'Vijay Utsav' to celebrate achievements like Operation Sindoor and advancements in defence and space. However, the session quickly descended into chaos, with the Lok Sabha adjourned due to opposition protests over the Pahalgam terror attack and other issues. Still, the Rajya Sabha passed key bills, including the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025. Veteran CPI(M) leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan passed away at 101. A founding member of the party, he was widely respected for his anti-corruption stance and dedication to leftist ideology. Other headlines include the Nimisha Priya crowdfunding controversy and the Supreme Court's continued stay on the release of Udaipur Files. Script & Voiceover: Zeeshan Akhtar Editing: Zeeshan Akhtar

Par panel for tax exemptions on anonymous donations to NPOs, TDS refund without penalty
Par panel for tax exemptions on anonymous donations to NPOs, TDS refund without penalty

The Print

time39 minutes ago

  • The Print

Par panel for tax exemptions on anonymous donations to NPOs, TDS refund without penalty

The 4,575 page report, which was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Monday, also made suggestions for sweeping changes in the way the new Income Tax bill, 2025, was to treat income of non-profit organisations (NPOs), while commending tax department's move of replacing the dual concepts of 'previous year' and 'assessment year' with a single, unified term: 'tax year' 'The adoption of a single, consistent 'tax year' streamlines tax period references throughout the legislation, making the law more accessible and easier to understand,' the report said. The 31-member Select Committee of the Lok Sabha that examined the new Income Tax Bill, 2025, also suggested allowing taxpayers to claim TDS refund even after the ITR filing due date without paying any penal charges. The Committee has recommended changes in the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which will replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961. New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) A Parliamentary panel, headed by BJP leader Baijayant Panda, has favoured continuing tax exemption on anonymous donations made to religious-cum-charitable trusts in the new Income Tax Bill, saying any removal would have an adverse impact on not-for-profit organisations. With regard to NPOs, the government in the new bill has exempted from tax anonymous donations received by purely religious trusts. However, such donations received by a religious trust that may also have other charitable functions, like running hospitals, and educational institutions, will be taxed as per law. Clause 337 of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, proposed a flat 30 per cent tax on anonymous donations received by all registered NPOs, with a narrow exemption extended only to those established wholly for religious purposes — a 'significant divergence' from the existing I-T Act. The existing law under Section 115BBC of the Income-tax Act, 1961, provided a more comprehensive exemption: anonymous donations were not taxed if received by any trust or institution created or established wholly for religious and charitable purposes, unless such a donation was specifically directed towards a university, educational institution, hospital, or medical institution run by that same trust or institution. 'The committee strongly urge the reintroduction of a provision analogous to the explanation found in Section 115BBC of the 1961 Act,' the report said. While the Bill's stated aim is textual simplification, the committee observe a critical omission concerning religious-cum-charitable trusts, which could have substantial adverse impacts on a large segment of India's NPO sector, it noted. Further, the Committee also opposed taxing 'receipts' of NPOs as it contravenes the principle of real income taxation under the Income Tax Act. It recommended reintroducing the term 'income' to ensure only net income of NPOs is taxed. The Committee expressed 'strong concern' and said that taxing 'receipts' would mean including capital recoveries or gross inflows, which do not necessarily represent net income of an NPO. For the purposes of taxation and accumulation, the Committee firmly believe that rules should ideally apply to net income, not gross receipts and suggested modification in Clause 335 of the proposed Bill. With regard to refund of TDS refund claims by individuals who are otherwise not required to file tax returns, the committee suggested removal of the provision in the Income Tax Bill that makes it mandatory for an assessee to file I-T returns within the due date. The committee observe that the current mandatory requirement to file a return solely for the purpose of claiming a refund could inadvertently lead to prosecution, particularly for small taxpayers whose income falls below the taxable threshold but from whom tax has been deducted at source. 'In such scenarios, the law should not compel a return merely to avoid penal provisions for non-filing. The committee, therefore, recommend to remove sub-clause (1)(ix) from Clause 263 to provide flexibility for allowing refund claims in cases where the return is not filed in due time,' it noted. Parliamentary committee reports are recommendatory in nature and the government may choose to accept them in part or in full. Commenting on the report, BDO India Partner, Tax and Regulatory Services, Preeti Sharma said the report suggests a total of 566 observations / recommendations for change. Now the Lok Sabha has to debate the recommendations and identify the changes that are required in the current Bill to make it futuristic and relevant for common taxpayers. Nangia Andersen LLP, M&A Tax Partner, Sandeep Jhunjhunwala said the Committee has suggested modernising definitions such as 'capital asset' and 'infrastructure capital company', clarifying property-related deductions, and reinforcing the 'actual payment' rule for business expenses. It has also recommended procedural safeguards such as making penalties for non-maintenance of books discretionary and permitting refund claims even where returns are not filed on time. PTI JD ANZ CS JD MR MR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store