Finance Minister Arun Jaitley introduced Finance bill and Appropriation bill in Lok Sabha which was voted and passed through of voice votes without inviting any discussion.
The parliament on Wednesday passed the final budget without any discussion all under 30 minutes. This budget session so far has been stormy as the opposition MPs disrupted the parliament several times. So, the government moved a procedure called “guillotine” putting all the grants demand to vote at once. A few days ago, the party had issued a whip to its MPs asking them to attend the parliament proceedings.
Even on Wednesday, PNB issue had been prominent one where opposition MPs demanded a clarification from the government. On the other hand, MPs from TDP, YSR Congress raised slogans against centre’s inaction on Andhra Pradesh Special Status. Amidst the entire ruckus, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley introduced Finance and Appropriation bill which was then voted and passed by the means of voice notes without inviting any discussion. The bills list spending plan worth ₹89.25 lakh crore.
This is a serious question. The passing of the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill & all Demands for Grants by voice vote without discussion is a betrayal of parliamentary democracy. These are among the sovereign tasks of the LokSabha. They have been usurped by the executive. https://t.co/KbUm6XYHGH
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 14, 2018
Jaitley also proposed 21 amendments to the Finance bill which were also passed-again, through voice votes. As the Lok Sabha has technically passed the bill, it will now be sent to Rajya Sabha. However, Rajya Sabha has also come to a standstill after the opposition disruption over several matters. The bill which is also classified as “Money Bill” will be considered passed if Rajya Sabha does not take action on it and return it to Lok Sabha in 14 days.
Congress who was protesting against the guillotine method used in the Lok Sabha called it a black day for democracy. Samajwadi Party’s Dharmendra Yadav was also in the well shouting slogans. He could be heard saying, “Don’t stifle the democratic voices this way.”
Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia talking to reporters said that the government is throttling the democracy. “The important bills like this are being passed without any discussion and debate,” said Scindia.
TMC MP Derek O’Brien said the government is failing to uphold the institutional values. “The obstinate government will soon sit in the opposition,” Derek expressed confidence.
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