As the Monsoon Session of Parliament enters its fourth day, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to take up key legislative business on Thursday, including the Scheduled Tribes reservation bill for Goa and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will move The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024 for consideration and passage. The Bill seeks to enable the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in Goa’s Legislative Assembly, in line with Article 332 of the Constitution. It proposes the readjustment of assembly constituencies following the inclusion of certain communities in the Scheduled Tribes list for the state.
According to the official business list, the Bill aims to ensure “effective democratic participation of members of Scheduled Tribes” and make the necessary constituency changes to reflect this inclusion.
Also on the agenda is The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, which will be introduced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The legislation seeks to consolidate and modernise India’s maritime laws, aligning them with international treaties and obligations. The Bill aims to promote the development of Indian shipping and enhance the efficiency and maintenance of the country’s mercantile marine sector, while safeguarding national interests.
In addition to legislative matters, standing committees on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and Communications and Information Technology are expected to table reports on government actions taken in response to earlier recommendations made by the respective panels.
Parliament proceedings on Wednesday were disrupted due to continued protests by Opposition MPs over the Bihar Special Intensive Revision issue, leading to adjournments in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha until July 24.
The current Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to continue until August 21. Both Houses will reconvene at 11 a.m. today.
(With agencies inputs)