Parliament Monsoon session begins, entry only to those having negative COVID-19 report

The 18-day Monsoon Session of Parliament began on Monday morning after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media gathered outside. The session is being held during an unusual time with both houses sitting in shifts without any off day, entry only to those having a negative COVID-19 report and compulsory wearing of masks during the session. All these measures are being taken in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.  

Barring the first day, Rajya Sabha will convene in morning shift from 9 am till 1 pm, and Lok Sabha in evening shift from 3 pm to 7 pm. It will continue till October 1.  

For the Monsoon Session, the government has listed 38 new legislations for consideration and passage including 11 bills replacing ordinances. There are also 20 other bills pending in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. 

Bills for introduction 

-The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, 2020 

-The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 -The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 -The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020  

Speaking before the session, PM Narendra Modi said that major decisions will be taken during Parliament proceedings with discussions on various subjects in both the houses. The Prime Minister expressed his firm belief that all lawmakers will do a value edition during discussion. 

The Prime Minister said this Monsoon Session is being organised in a specific environment with all necessary health precautions to contain the spread of the disease which so far has infected 47,54,357 people across the country. 

"No relaxations until the Covid-19 vaccine comes," Modi said. He also congratulated all lawmakers for participating in the Monsoon Session amid Covid crisis and advised them to take precautions until the vaccine comes. He also said that Indian government is trying to get vaccines from all across the world from wherever it can be managed.