The bill, introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was passed after cut motions, moved by various opposition members, were rejected….reports Asian Lite News
The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Demands for Grants and Appropriation Bill, 2022, by a voice vote, giving the government authorisation to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India for its working.
The bill, introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was passed after cut motions, moved by various opposition members, were rejected.
Earlier, the Lok Sabha passed the Demand for Grants for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways after Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the immense potential of waterways in India has only been truly realised in the last seven years.
“The infrastructure created due to Maritime India Vision 2030 and Sagarmala, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, has led to huge gains in the EXIM and domestic trade of India, 95 per cent of which is done via the maritime sector,” he said, adding that with port-led industrialisation, connectivity, infrastructure, fishing harbours, tourism, and coastal community development, all states will benefit hugely.
Earlier, the Rajya Sabha had passed the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2022-23 and Appropriation Bills with a voice vote.
The Lower House has already passed the J&K Budget 2022-23 on March 14, thus Parliament approved the 1.42 lakh crore Budget for the Union Territory of J&K.
Replying to the discussion, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Central government has been creating an environment for the restoration of normalcy and to attract investment in J&K. She said that 24 Members participated in the debate and informed the House that the government is removing barriers to industrial development in the Union Territory and in this connection, 250 laws have been completely repealed, while 137 laws have been amended.
Responding to the query of Congress lawmaker Vivek Tankha who had raised concerns on Tuesday that Kashmiri art and artisans are about to vanish without adequate support, the Finance Minister said, “A new industrial policy, investment proposals will create employment in Jammu and Kashmir. Pashmina shawls, carpet weaving from J&K have been given Geographical Indication (GI) recognition and ample steps have been taken to promote Kashmiri art and artisans.”
Speaking about the security situation in the UT, she said peace and development have been ushered in post Art 370, industrial promotional schemes have been implemented, opening the doors for development in the UT. She added that after the abrogation of Article 370 in J&K, the security situation has also improved and there has been a decline in terror-related incidents there. “Since 2021, there has been a 33 per cent drop in infiltration and 90 per cent decrease in ceasefire violations along the border. Furthermore, there has been a 61 per cent decline in terror-related incidents in J&K in 2021,” she said.
Union Ministers informed that a delegation from the Gulf Corporation is visiting the UT on Wednesday for investment and providing employment opportunities to the youths of Jammu and Kashmir. As per the information provided by the Jammu & Kashmir government, 1,41,815 new projects have been taken up in the Union Territory. Sitharaman informed the Upper House that funds amounting to Rs 27,274 crore have been provided for the completion of these developmental projects. “The projects are creating significant employment opportunities for skilled as well as unskilled labourers, engineers, transporters and small businesses, in addition to those engaged in the supply of material, equipment, and tools in the private sector,” she added.