Highlights for Day 49 of Narendra Modi government Development Work
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- Category: National Political News
- Last Updated: Thursday, 22 January 2015 21:00
Highlights for Day 49 of Narendra Modi government Development Work
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Railways get proposals worth Rs 15,000 crore in PPP mode
Indian Railways have received proposals totaling Rs 15,000 crore for development of various projects under the PPP mode, Railway Minister Sadanada Gowda He also defended the recent 14.2 per cent passenger fare hike and 6.5 per cent freight hike saying it was the need of the hour as there was no hike for the last 10 years and the organization was "run on unrealistic and impractical approach." "This Rail Budget is a budget with a difference. I have steered away from populism and focused on increasing revenue, harnessing new technology and safety and security," he said.The Rail Budget 2014-15 was later passed by the House after a discussion during which Opposition members picked holes in his proposals.Responding to the concerns of members of relying too much on FDI for development of railways, the Minister clarified that it will not be allowed in the core operation of railways.He said foreign investment will be permitted only in big ticket projects like high speedcorridor, dedicated freight corridor and suburban trains."FDI in railways is a positive signal to investors. It will be encouraged in railway infrastructure and not allowed in operation," he added
Rail Budget discussion derailed as 'tired' RS members refuse to take part
The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed a peculiar scenario when none of the members was willing to initiate or participate in a debate on Rail Budget despite being listed; with some saying they were tired, prompting the Chair to adjourn the House for the day at around 5.30 PM.
As soon as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj made a statement on a meeting that a journalist had with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien wanted to take up the debate on Rail Budget. He announced that "two hours have been allotted today for discussion on rail budget".
This prompted a demand from the Opposition that discussion should be held on Wednesday. Naresh Chandra Agarwal (SP) said the media has got enough fodder for their reports and asked "Now who will listen to the discussion on Rail Budget?" Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said 10 hours have been allotted for the discussion on the topic and two hours' debate could be held on Tuesday.
Centre willing to bring Uniform Civil Code, says consultations required for further steps
The Centre has indicated that it is willing to bring in the Uniform Civil Code. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the provision of the UCC is already there in Article 44 of the Constitution and that wide consultations with stakeholders are required for further steps in this regard.
This clarification was in response to BJP MP Yogi Adityanath, who had asked the government if there was any proposal to implement a Uniform Civil Code across the country in the interests of national unity and integrity. The UCC was part of BJP's election manifesto but this is the first time the Narendra Modi government has formally put forth its stand on the contentious issue after coming to power.
"The Uniform Civil Code is important for the unity and integrity of the nation. That's why it needs to be implemented," Yogi Adityanath said. The Congress, however, is against it. "The idea of the Uniform Civil Code is far fetched. Once they bring it they will face the music," Congress leader Kamal Nath said.
The Shiv Sena has said that it will support the government on the issue. "The whole nation wants Uniform Civil Code. All the nationalist political parties want one law for all. The government should start the process for this and Shiv Sena will support them," said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.
There has been a debate to replace religious laws with a common set that will govern every citizen of India. The Uniform Civil Code aims to cover areas of marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and maintenance. Article 44 states that implementing a Uniform Civil Code is the mandate of every state government.
--Written By Aadil Mir--