18-DAY SESSION BEGINS

From new bills to protests over Question Hour to Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson’s election, the lowdown on Day 1:

BILLS IN HOUSE

LS passes the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill (RS has already passed them)

Govt says they will help in better regulation of homeopathy and Indian system of medicines

SOME OF THOSE INTRODUCED:

Another bill brought in LS to lay down guidelines for assisted reproductive technology clinics

A bill seeking to slash MPs’ pay by 30% for one year brought in LS to meet “exigencies”

Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, for better management of cooperative banks, brought in LS

Three bills on farm sector in LS

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

JD(U) leader Harivansh elected RS deputy chairperson. This will be his second stint

JMM chief Shibu Soren, DMK leader Tiruchi

Siva and BJP’s Syed Zafar Islam among 15 newly elected members to take RS oath

Finance minister seeks House nod for additional spending of ₹2.35L cr, which includes cash outgo of ₹1.67L cr, primarily to meet expenses for Covid-19 fight

COVID-ERA SESSION

Both Houses adopt motion to do away with Question Hour and private members’ business. A section of Opposition protests over the move

In a first, some LS members attend due proceedings while seated in RS chamber also to social distancing norms; members asked to remain seated while speaking and curtailed

Both Houses are convening with staggered timings for 4 hours each by plastic shields

MPs, who are seen wearing masks, separated installed in front of their benches