Masks. MPs separated by poly-carbon sheets. The 18-day Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament began today in an unusual spectacle.
With safety features dominating the beginning of the session, prime minister Narendra Modi used his customary address to send a message: “We hope parliament and all members will unitedly send the message that the nation stands with our soldiers. Our soldiers are standing firm at the borders with a lot of courage, passion and strong resolve to protect their motherland. They are standing on difficult heights and in a few days, will weather snow. In the same manner, I am confident parliament will send a message, in one voice, that it stands firmly behind soldiers guarding our borders.”
The government has listed 23 new legislations for consideration and passage including 11 bills replacing ordinances issued since March.
This is the fourth session of the 17th Lok Sabha an 252nd session of Rajya Sabha—with four-hour sessions for each House each day.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the customary all-party meeting of the government will not be held this time. The Zero Hour has been cut down to half and the Question Hour has been scrapped.
