The Government fumbled as the CPI (M) moved an amendment in the Rajya Sabha against the discussion and passage of the Mines and Minerals Bill and proposing that it should be sent back to the select committee, headed by BJP leader Bhupinder Yadav.
The efforts to start discussion on the Bill got delayed by another day and the Deputy Chairman is expected to give a ruling on the CPI (M) leader P Rajeeve’s amendment, based on Rule 93(2) of the Rajya Sabha, on Friday.
In the amendment, Rajeeve argued that due procedures were not followed in the select committee as it failed to take the views of States, various ministries and trade unions on the Bill. The Finance Minister’s efforts to counter his arguments were checked by the members of the Congress, CPI (M), and JD (U).
The debate on the issue could not be completed as Congress members raised slogans against the alleged “undemocratic behaviour” of the Centre. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu requested the members to complete the discussion on Friday, otherwise the Budget session may have to be extended.
Finally, after a meeting of the floor leaders of various parties, it was decided that the discussion on both the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, 2015 and Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2015 can be started on Friday, but only after the ruling by the Chair. If the ruling favours the CPI (M)’s motion, it has to be put to vote.