Thread by @_maadhyam_

#LokSabha starts discussion on India Antarctica Bill
Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS, Earth Sciences speaks on the Bill:
-India runs two centres in #Antarctica - Maitri & Bharti
-India signatory to a Treaty to demilitarise the Antarctica region, regulate activities there
#MonsoonSession

MoS continues:
- many other countries which signed treaty brought law to penalise violation of treaty, we also need to do that

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, INC called to speak
He said that Govt is trying to shy away from debate on #pricerise, trying to pass Bill without discussion

Jayant Sinha, BJP speaks on India Antarctic Bill:
- much needed Bill
- helps India become world leader
- will secure #Antarctica region as one of scientific and technical discovery
- 62% fresh water comes from Antarctica ice shield, if temp rises by 2degrees, sea level will rise

Sinha continues:
- So, need to keep environment safe, need waste management plan
- India has done 41 scientific missions, has 2 centres
- 50-60 permanent scientific staff live in #Antarctica
- 14 member committee, will approve plans for scientific work
Important Bill, support it

Opposition MPs are protesting
Slogans heard:
'Mehengai Bandh Karo'

Bhartruhari Mahtab, BJD speaks on Bill:
- Support it
- Y'day Bill wasn't taken up as no Opposition was present, today also Opposition protesting, should participate instead
#Parliament #MonsoonSession

Mahtab continues:
- There is need for law, India has been sending expeditions for ast 40 yrs, which would be circumscribed by International law
- Bill promotes #Antarctica as a natural reserve that is devoted to science & peace, must not be scene of international discord

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury again asked to speak
He says that they want to speak on Bill, but Govt not keen to debate issues with Opposition

Then MoS speaks again, starts responding to debate
There is calm in House, seems like Opposition has walked out.
#Parliament #MonsoonSession

Strange procedures are followed on the India Antarctica Bill
MoS had already started responding to the debate after only 2 MPs (BJP, BJD) spoke, Opposition was protesting
Then suddenly 2 more BJP MPs were called to make brief comments.
Then MoS again spoke briefly & wrapped up.

So, with only 4 MPs speaking, with 3 of them from BJP and with 30 mins of debate only, the India Antarctica Bill was taken up for voting & passed!

First Bill to be passed by #Parliament in the #MonsoonSession
#SansadWatch

Making Private Member Business a casualty, as usual, #LokSabha was then adjourned till 2pm on Monday.

More than 100 Private Member Business were listed for introduction and a few for discussion!

Govt pushes for its bill even amid protests & adjourns just before PMBs!