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Inflation Eases in May: Expert Takes

Inflation has been a concern for many countries, including advanced economies, but India has largely managed to steer its inflation trajectory quite well…reports Asian Lite News

India’s retail inflation rate softens marginally in May, continuing its moderation trend, though food prices continue to remain a pain point for the policymakers.

Government data showed on Wednesday that retail inflation for meat and fish, egg, milk and products, vegetables, pulses and products, and sugar rose month-on-month. It, however, declined for spices and fruits to an extent.

Annual retail inflation in May was at a 12-month low of 4.75 per cent, marginally down from 4.83 per cent in April. The retail inflation or Consumer Price Index, in December last year was 5.7 per cent, and since has been moderating.

The retail inflation in India is in RBI’s 2-6 per cent comfort level but is above the ideal 4 per cent scenario.

Inflation has been a concern for many countries, including advanced economies, but India has largely managed to steer its inflation trajectory quite well.

The latest eased month-on-month retail inflation comes on the heels of RBI having maintained the status quo in the repo rate for the eighth straight occasion.

Following are some of the excerpts of views from analysts and experts on the May retail inflation numbers:

Rajani Sinha, Chief Economist, CareEdge:

Looking ahead, a favourable base effect is expected to persist until July 2024, helping absorb potential upward risks to price pressures to a certain extent. For FY25, we expect inflation to average 4.8 per cent. If food inflation moderates, we expect the RBI to cut the policy interest rate by a shallow 50 bps in two tranches in the second half of the fiscal year.

VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services:

The decline in CPI inflation declining to 4.75 per cent in May indicates that the process of disinflation in India is happening in a phased manner. The decline in core inflation to 3.1 per cent is good news for the MPC. This paves the way for rate cut by the RBI earlier than expected if the Fed also turns dovish.

From the stock market perspective this is good news which can further strengthen the bullish trend being witnessed in the market now.

Sanjeev Agrawal, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

The government’s proactive measures to strengthen supply chains are contributing to the lowering of inflation in many items. Going forward, an increase in kharif production, backed by projection of above-normal southwest monsoon, is expected to contribute to further easing of the CPI inflation.

Dipti Deshpande, Principal Economist, CRISIL:

From June, we expect some softening as a supportive base will help bring down food inflation. Further easing will depend on the distribution of rainfall. For this fiscal, we expect inflation to average 4.5 per cent — assuming softer food and benign non-food inflation.

Sunil Kumar Sinha (Senior Director and Principal Economist) and Paras Jasrai, Senior Analyst, India Ratings and Research:

Despite some moderation in headline inflation, the fight on inflation front is far from over as food inflation continues to high and if nor checked it can give rise to a wage-price spiral. 42.6 per cent of the total commodities in the CPI basket still have an inflation above 4 per cent. India Ratings and Research believe that the central bank would continue to maintain a status quo on policy rates and stance till 2HFY25. (ANI)

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BJP announces candidates for 3 Assembly bypolls

The BJP’s Central Election Committee released the names of the candidates for three states…reports Asian Lite News

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its candidates for next month’s assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

In a press release on Thursday, the BJP’s Central Election Committee released the names of the candidates for three states.

From Himachal Pradesh, the party has announced the names of Hoshiyar Singh Chambyal from Dehar, Ashish Sharma from Hamirpur, and Krishan Lal Thakur from Nalagarh.

From Madhya Pradesh, the BJP named Kamlesh Shah from Amarwara, the release said.

From Uttarakhand, Rajendra Singh Bhandari from Badrinath and Kartar Singh Bhadana from Manglaur have been fielded by the party.

On June 10, the Election Commission of India announced that by-elections to fill vacancies in 13 assembly constituencies of seven states will be held on July 10 and the counting of the votes will be done on July 13.

The commission to hold by-elections on one seat of Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh, two seats of Uttarakhand, three seats of Himachal Pradesh, and four seats of West Bengal.

The last date to file nominations is June 21 and candidates can withdraw their candidature till June 26.

These seats were vacant due to the resignations or deaths of the sitting MLAs.

Will BJP go solo in Maha polls?

The BJP in Maharashtra, according to sources, has been conducting an internal survey to assess the possibilities of contesting the upcoming Assembly elections alone, in the aftermath of a disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha polls along with its alliance partners in the state that sends second-highest representatives to the Lok Sabha – 48 – only next to Uttar Pradesh’s 80.

In fact, a senior RSS leader has questioned the J.P. Nadda-led party’s move to enter an alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, terming the move “ill advised”.

Sources, however, submitted that the BJP, which won only 9 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats it contested, has not yet made up its mind to ‘dump’ the Ajit Pawar-led NCP ahead of the Assembly elections slated for September-October this year.

Instead, in the wake of a dismal performance in the general elections, the BJP, which is the “big brother” in the MahaYuti government in Maharashtra, has launched an internal survey in the state’s 106 Assembly constituencies which it had won in 2019 to assess the prevailing mood and challenges to retain the seats going solo.

Similar surveys will soon be launched in the remaining 182 Assembly segments to study the ground reality if the party decides to go solo in the Assembly polls.

A BJP source said: “These surveys have been launched to find out how the party will get the simple majority going solo. Besides, the surveys will also show how the BJP will perform in an alliance with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. It will also gauge the mood about whether to continue its alliance with the NCP.”

While the BJP’s tally dipped to 9 against 23 in the 2019 general elections, Shiv Sena won 7 and NCP one, taking the MahaYuti’s total strength to 17 seats against 31 by Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Sources said that these surveys had been kicked off much before the RSS magazine, The Organiser, suggested that the BJP’s move to induct Ajit Pawar into the NDA had affected the party’s performance. (ANI/IANS)

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha speaker election on June 26, BJP may retain post

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Lok Sabha speaker election on June 26, BJP may retain post

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Birla was fielded from Kota by the BJP, and he bagged the Parliamentary seat with a margin of over 41,139 votes…reports Asian Lite News

The election for the post of Lok Sabha speaker is to be held on June 26, an official statement from the Lok Sabha said on Thursday.

“In pursuance of sub-rule (1) of Rule 7 of the Rules of Procedure and conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the President has been pleased to fix Wednesday, the 26th June, 2024, for holding the election to the office of speaker, Lok Sabha”, read the official release.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Om Birla presently holds the post of LS speaker.

He was elected as the speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha in June 2019, following a motion for election moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Birla was fielded from Kota by the BJP, and he bagged the Parliamentary seat with a margin of over 41,139 votes.

Meanwhile, the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will be held from June 24 and conclude on July 3 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday.

The 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will also commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3, the minister said.

“First Session of 18th Lok Sabha is being summoned from 24.6.24 to 3.7.24 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members, Election of Speaker, President’s Address and discussion thereon. 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will commence on 27.6.24 and conclude on 3.7.24.”

President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on June 27.

The last session of the 17th Lok Sabha (Budget session) was held between January 31 and February 10, 2024.

BJP to ‘retain’ post

The BJP is set to “retain” the post of Speaker for the 18th Lok Sabha, with a BJP MP expected to be elected for the role, sources said. 

Dismissing media reports suggesting that BJP’s allies had demanded the Lok Sabha Speaker’s post, a senior party leader said that the matter would be first considered internally before discussing it with NDA allies to reach a consensus.

In the Modi government’s first term, Sumitra Mahajan, a BJP MP from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, served as Lok Sabha Speaker, while in the second term, Om Birla, a BJP MP from Kota, Rajasthan, held the position.

Although the BJP does not hold a majority as it did in 2014 and 2019, speculation was rife that the TDP and a JD(U) MP were vying for the Speaker’s post.

Sources indicate that the name of the new Lok Sabha Speaker will be deliberated upon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from Italy.

If any suggestions or demands regarding the position arise from allies, the BJP will consider a new formula.

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Key challenges in NDA 3.0

Owing to the compulsions of a coalition, the government will not only have to accommodate the demands of allies but will also have to accord due respect and importance to each of them, besides finding ways to pursue and accomplish its poll promises…reports Asian Lite News

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) registered its third successive victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but the party itself fell short of a majority by 32 seats and also missed its own target of 370 by 130 seats.

Unlike Modi 1.0 and Modi 2.0, the third term of the PM Modi dispensation is a coalition government and requires the support of alliance partners like the JD-U, the TDP, the LJP-Ram Volas along with other smaller and single-party representatives.

Owing to the compulsions of a coalition, the government will not only have to accommodate the demands of allies but will also have to accord due respect and importance to each of them, besides finding ways to pursue and accomplish its poll promises.

Besides the numbers game, the Modi 3.0 will also require a rigorous focus on improving the economic indicators to make a difference.

Below is the list of challenges:

Economic challenges

Indian economy clocking a growth of 8.2 per cent in FY 2023-24 came as a big boost and has given a head-start to the PM Modi government in its third term.

However, the growing disparity among diverse sections of the population promises to play spoilsport. Comparing the economic indicators to global levels, one gets to know that the country’s per capita income still remains low and “far from desired” levels among the G20 nations.

However, there are some points to cheer too. The economy has grown from the 11th largest to the 5th largest in the past ten years and in the next two to three years, it is widely believed to become the third largest economy.

The fiscal deficit, which shot up to over 9 per cent in 2020-21, has also been brought down to below 5 per cent in 2024-25.

Unemployment and inflation

Unemployment and inflation were among the poll planks of the Congress-led INDIA bloc and the latter also touted it as among the key failures of the Modi government.

According to a recent report by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, a Mumbai-based think-tank, India’s unemployment rate soared from 7.5 per cent in March to 8.1 per cent in April 2024.

As per government data, the urban unemployment figures soared to 6.7 per cent in the Jan-March quarter, from 6.5 per cent in the previous quarter.

Election analysts also believe that the popular discontent over poor job scenario was the reason behind setbacks to the BJP in many constituencies.

Empowering this middle and working class will remain among the top priorities in the third term of the PM Modi government. The same was also outlined by the Prime Minister in an address to the NDA constituents.

“Today, the middle class has emerged as a driving force in Bharat’s growth story. We will continue to ensure the welfare of our people and will continue to deliver the quality of all to all,” PM Modi had said.

Special status demand of allies

The Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP and the Nitish Kumar-led JD-U, who emerged as BJP’s indispensable allies in forming the government have promised full support to the PM Narendra Modi government but they will also be eyeing special package and special category status for their respective states.

These have been long-standing demands of these two parties, owing to the backwardness of the two states and with their kingmaker role this time, the Centre will have to ensure that it earmarks and allocates special funding for the same.

International Outreach

India’s rising global stature on the back of the Prime Minister’s rockstar image has been one of the biggest pluses of the PM Modi dispensation. The government’s consistent focus on turning India into a ‘Vishwaguru’ and also walking the talk with its exemplary gestures has also solidified its position.

Barring a few irritants with Canada and China, India has walked down this path with fair success. The strains with Canada surfaced when it accused three Indians of killing Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in its Surrey province.

Border skirmishes with China in 2020 and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infringing upon the Indian territory in PoK have already strained the ties between the two nations.

Overall, there wouldn’t be a bigger departure from the policies pursued in the past decade, it is only expected to get dexterous and multi-dimensional in the increasingly complex world.

Key policies on the backburner

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), along with the likely roll-out of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in some states were among the most popular policies of PM Modi’s government in the second term. However, with new alliance partners in the coalition, it is likely to hit a roadblock for now, given the TDP and the JD-U’s pro-minority focus.

Also, the Hindutva pitch of the BJP is likely to take a backseat as the comfort and convenience of the allies will have to be prioritised over the BJP’s core ideology, for the smooth functioning of the government.

ALSO READ: Yechury: BJP can’t bulldoze Parliament anymore

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PM holds meeting to review Kuwait fire incident

New Delhi, June 12 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a meeting to review the situation in the wake of the fire mishap in Kuwait, where people of Indian origin have been affected, on Wednesday. EAM S. Jaishankar also seen. (ANI Photo)

PM Modi held a meeting on Wednesday in the national capital to review the fire incident in Kuwait that took the lives of over 40 people and injured 30 Indian workers…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the team of the Ministry of External Affairs and other officials concerned on Wednesday evening regarding the tragic fire incident in Kuwait, in which over 40 people were killed and more than 30 Indian workers were injured.

The External Affairs team will leave for Kuwait on Thursday to take stock of the situation and see those injured currently being treated in hospital.

“…We stand with the victims of the Kuwait fire incident, we express our sympathy to them. We had a meeting with PM Modi and tomorrow morning we are traveling to Kuwait. We will take stock of the situation and those who are admitted to the hospital,” Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said.

PM Modi held a meeting on Wednesday in the national capital to review the fire incident in Kuwait that took the lives of over 40 people and injured 30 Indian workers.

He further said that the identification of the casualties is underway and the injured people are being taken care of properly.

“We have been reported that the injured have been taken care of properly. The identification process of those who have died is underway…,” he said.

Moreover, the MoS highlighted that the maximum Indian workers belong to Kerala and other parts of South India.

“The maximum people are from Kerala and other parts of South India and the identification process is underway…,” he said, adding, “We will stay there as long as we are needed.”

A fire broke out in a building housing workers in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait early on Wednesday.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the fire incident in Kuwait which took place early Wednesday.

PM Modi expressed his sadness over the fire mishap in Kuwait City adding that his thoughts are with the family and close ones of the victims of the incident.

He further assured that the Indian embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the concerned authorities for further assistance.

Earlier in the day, the Indian ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika visited the Al-Adan hospital where over 30 Indian workers are being treated.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah paid a visit to the site and ordered the arrest of the building’s owner, according to Al Jazeera. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Kuwait Fire: Indian Ambassador Meets Injured

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10 vacancies in Rajya Sabha after General Elections

Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day after passing Inland Vessels Bill 2021. (Credit RSTV)

Following this notification, the Election Commission will announce fresh dates for elections to fill these vacancies in the Rajya Sabha…reports Asian Lite News

The recently concluded general election has resulted in 10 vacancies in the Rajya Sabha, as its members were elected to the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha secretariat has notified these vacancies, which include two each in Assam, Bihar, and Maharashtra, and one each in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tripura.

According to the Rajya Sabha secretariat’s notification, “In pursuance of the provision of sub-section (2) of Section 69 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 read with Section 67A and sub-section (4) of Section 68 of that Act, the following have ceased to be Members of Rajya Sabha from the date of their being chosen as members of the 18th Lok Sabha, i.e., the 4th of June, 2024.”

Kamakhya Prasad Tasa – Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal – Assam, Misha Bharti – Bihar, Vivek Thakur – Bihar, Deepender Singh Hooda – Haryana, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia – Madhya Pradesh, Udayanraje Bhonsle – Maharashtra, Piyush Goyal – Maharashtra, K. C. Venugopal – Rajasthan, Biplab Kumar Deb – Tripura.

Following this notification, the Election Commission will announce fresh dates for elections to fill these vacancies in the Rajya Sabha.

First LS session from June 24

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will be held from June 24 and conclude on July 3 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday.

The 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will also commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3, the minister said.

“First Session of 18th Lok Sabha is being summoned from 24.6.24 to 3.7.24 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members, Election of Speaker, President’s Address and discussion thereon. 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will commence on 27.6.24 and conclude on 3.7.24.”

President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on June 27

The last session of the 17th Lok Sabha (Budget session) was held between January 31 and February 10, 2024.

Lok Sabha had 274 sittings in which 202 Bills were introduced and 222 bills were passed. Rajya Sabha had 271 sittings, in which 31 Bills were introduced and 220 bills were passed. In total 221 Bills were passed by both the Houses and became Acts, during the term of the 17th Lok Sabha.

During the 17th Lok Sabha one of the most important business transacted was the abrogation of certain provisions from Article 370 and Presidential Orders thereunder for ensuring equal opportunities to all sections of Society in Jammu & Kashmir particularly with the restoration of applicability of the provisions of the Constitution of India and all socio-economic legislations thereby ensuring rule of law and equity. Further for ensuring better administration and for curbing terrorism, the State of Jammu & Kashmir was reorganized with the formation of two Union Territories – Jammu &Kashmir and Ladakh.

Also, three landmark Bills relating to the criminal justice system to ensure victim-centric justice namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 replacing the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 were passed by both the Houses of Parliament.

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UCC part of govt’s agenda, says law minister Meghwal

On the uniform civil code, Meghwal reiterated that it is part of the government’s agenda, aligning with the BJP’s successive manifestos…reports Asian Lite News

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal affirmed on Tuesday that implementing a uniform civil code is part of the government’s agenda. He also addressed the pending finalisation of the memorandum of procedure (MoP) for the appointment, elevation, and transfer of high court and Supreme Court judges, and dismissed suggestions of conflict between the executive and judiciary.

Meghwal assumed his role as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Law and Justice, a position he held in the previous Modi government. He pledged to fill vacancies in the Supreme Court, high courts, and subordinate courts promptly.

Regarding simultaneous polls, Meghwal noted that a committee led by former president Ram Nath Kovind had submitted its report, and further information would be provided later. He mentioned that the Law Commission is also working on the subject, though its chairperson, Justice (Retd.) Ritu Raj Awasthi, recently moved to the Lokpal.

On the uniform civil code, Meghwal reiterated that it is part of the government’s agenda, aligning with the BJP’s successive manifestos.

Addressing the MoP issue, Meghwal expressed optimism about finding a solution, stating that the government had communicated with the Supreme Court collegium. Finalizing the MoP and addressing judicial vacancies and case backlogs are key challenges for Meghwal. As of June 1, there are two vacancies in the Supreme Court and 345 in the high courts, with over five crore cases pending across various courts.

The Constitution (99th Amendment) Act, 2014, and the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014, aimed at replacing the Collegium system with a more transparent mechanism, were passed by Parliament but later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2015. The top court instructed that the government, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, may finalise the MoP. Despite ongoing discussions, the MoP’s finalisation remains unresolved.

ALSO READ: ‘Had Priyanka fought from Varanasi, Modi would have lost’

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Pawar questions if Modi had mandate for third term

Pawar noted that the BJP fell short of a majority in the recent Lok Sabha elections and had to rely on allies to form the new government….reports Asian Lite News

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for a historic third consecutive term, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar questioned whether Modi had a genuine mandate to lead the country.

Pawar noted that the BJP fell short of a majority in the recent Lok Sabha elections and had to rely on allies to form the new government.

Speaking at a party gathering in Ahmednagar, marking the NCP’s 25th foundation day, Pawar highlighted that the BJP’s need for support from allies like the Telugu Desam Party and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar raised questions about their mandate.

“Narendra Modi took the oath as Prime Minister on June 9. But did he have the mandate of the country before taking the oath? The BJP did not have a majority and had to seek help from allies to form the government,” said Pawar.

He also remarked on the change in the BJP-led NDA government compared to previous terms. “During the election period, Modi referred to the government as ‘Modi Sarkar’ and guaranteed his leadership. Today, that ‘Modi guarantee’ is no longer there.

It is now the Government of India, not just Modi’s government, due to the people’s vote forcing a different approach,” Pawar told the audience, reflecting on the Lok Sabha poll results.

‘Decentralisation of power started in India’

The process of ‘decentralisation’ of power has been initiated in India after the just-concluded Lok Sabha 2024 General Elections, as the people have voted wisely, Sharad Pawar said.

Addressing the Silver Jubilee of the party he founded on June 10, 1999, Pawar, 83, said that in the last five years, the country witnessed a government that was run on whims of some persons without giving any thought for the nation.

“There was an attempt to centralise power, whatever they felt was the right policy, or the laws as they deemed fit… Fortunately, due to the peoples’ verdict, such a situation will not recur in the country.

“The masses have taken note of it and the manner in which they voted, the power that was concentrated in the hands of just one or two individuals has become limited now,” said Sharad Pawar.

In what is viewed as a veiled attack on NDA 3.0 which took office on Sunday, without taking names, senior Pawar said the country is seeing a much changed scenario now, though the government is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Overall, there is a huge difference between the voting patterns in 2019 and then in 2024, as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s winning figure and parliamentary majority have been slashed, he pointed out.

“If they (BJP) had not secured the support of the Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (U), then they lacked the capacity to complete their majority independently in Parliament,” Pawar declared.

He was flanked by National Working Presidents Supriya Sule and PC Chacko, state President Jayant Patil, General Secretary Dr. Jitendra Awhad and other senior leaders.

ALSO READ: Naidu meets Governor; stakes claim to form govt

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Yechury: BJP can’t bulldoze Parliament anymore

Yechury highlighted the significance of the BJP’s setback, noting that Modi was sworn in as an NDA Prime Minister, not solely as a BJP Prime Minister…reports Asian Lite News

Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury remarked that the reduced numbers of the BJP in the Lok Sabha mean Parliament can no longer be bulldozed. In an interview with PTI, Yechury noted that most opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc, except Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, did not attend the swearing-in ceremony as they did not receive invitations.

Yechury highlighted the significance of the BJP’s setback, noting that Modi was sworn in as an NDA Prime Minister, not solely as a BJP Prime Minister. He emphasized the BJP’s failure to achieve its campaign goal of securing over 400 seats, instead winning 240 seats—63 less than their previous tally.

Yechury compared Modi’s third-term swearing-in unfavorably to Nehru’s, stating that unlike Nehru, Modi’s position relies on an alliance rather than a single party. He criticized Modi’s moral authority to claim the Prime Ministership for a third term, citing the BJP’s diminished mandate and the strengthened opposition.

Regarding the opposition INDIA bloc, Yechury observed that their substantial gains mean Parliament will now see more robust debate and defense of public interests, contrasting with the previous ten years under Modi. He attributed the election results partly to significant public protests, such as the farmers’ agitation and anti-CAA-NRC demonstrations.

Yechury mentioned that there is a sentiment among the INDIA bloc and the public that Modi does not deserve to be Prime Minister. However, he acknowledged that Modi, as the leader of the single largest party and the largest pre-poll alliance, was naturally called by the President to form the government. The true test of the government’s majority will come during confidence votes in Parliament.

In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 240 seats, and with allies, totaled 293 seats. The INDIA bloc holds 234 seats. Modi was sworn in for his third term as Prime Minister on Sunday after being chosen as the Leader of the NDA.

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11 in council of ministers are 12th pass, 57 graduate or above

An additional 10 ministers have professional graduate degrees, indicating specialized education in fields such as law, engineering or medicine…reports Asian Lite News

Eleven out of 71 ministers in the new council of ministers have declared their educational qualification to be 12th standard while 57 ministers have declared having an educational qualification of graduate or above, according to a new report by poll rights body ADR.       

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) provides a comprehensive analysis of the educational qualifications of the Indian ministers, revealing a diverse range of academic backgrounds among the country’s political leadership.

The report, which scrutinized 71 ministers, highlights significant trends in educational attainment. The analysis shows that 15 per cent of the ministers, accounting for 11 out of the 71, have declared their highest educational qualification as 12th standard.

In contrast, a substantial majority of the ministers have attained higher education.

The report revealed that 80 per cent of the ministers, totaling 57, have qualifications of a graduate level or above. This group is further broken down into several categories, reflecting various levels of advanced education.

Specifically, 14 ministers have declared themselves as graduates, holding a basic university degree.

An additional 10 ministers have professional graduate degrees, indicating specialized education in fields such as law, engineering or medicine.

The largest subgroup among the highly educated ministers consists of those with postgraduate degrees at 26.

Furthermore, seven ministers have achieved the highest level of academic attainment by earning doctorate degrees.

Apart from these, there are three ministers who are diploma holders. These ministers have completed specialized programmes that provide vocational or technical training.

First session of 18th Lok Sabha to being from June 24

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will be held from June 24 and conclude on July 3 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday.

The 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will also commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3, the minister said.

“First Session of 18th Lok Sabha is being summoned from 24.6.24 to 3.7.24 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members, Election of Speaker, President’s Address and discussion thereon. 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will commence on 27.6.24 and conclude on 3.7.24.”

President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on June 27

The last session of the 17th Lok Sabha (Budget session) was held between January 31 and February 10, 2024.

Lok Sabha had 274 sittings in which 202 Bills were introduced and 222 bills were passed. Rajya Sabha had 271 sittings, in which 31 Bills were introduced and 220 bills were passed. In total 221 Bills were passed by both the Houses and became Acts, during the term of the 17th Lok Sabha.

During the 17th Lok Sabha one of the most important business transacted was the abrogation of certain provisions from Article 370 and Presidential Orders thereunder for ensuring equal opportunities to all sections of Society in Jammu & Kashmir particularly with the restoration of applicability of the provisions of the Constitution of India and all socio-economic legislations thereby ensuring rule of law and equity. Further for ensuring better administration and for curbing terrorism, the State of Jammu & Kashmir was reorganized with the formation of two Union Territories – Jammu &Kashmir and Ladakh.

Also, three landmark Bills relating to the criminal justice system to ensure victim-centric justice namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 replacing the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 were passed by both the Houses of Parliament. (ANI)

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