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The discussion on the Demand for Grants for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways concluded with a response from the Minister. Our note provides analysis of the proposed expenditure for the Ministry in 2019-20, its finances in the past and issues with the same.
In his reply to the House, the Minister stressed the need for the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill. To know more about this Bill which was introduced in the House on July 15, 2019, you can read the summary here. Additionally, the Minister replied on the need to increase safety and bring in skilled drivers to the industry.
Discussion on both Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare were taken up in Lok Sabha.
The Ministry of Rural Development has the fourth-highest ministry-wise allocation in the Union Budget 2019-20, of Rs 1,19,874 crore. Read our note here to understand the detailed budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Rural Development, and analyses various issues related to the schemes implemented by the Ministry.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare has been allocated Rs 1,38,564 crore in 2019-20. This increase is due to the allocation of Rs 75,000 crore to PM-KISAN (income support scheme for farmers). View our short video here where we explain the scheme of PM-KISAN and other allocations made by the Ministry of Agriculture. Further, to understand the budgetary allocation to this Ministry in 2019-20 and issues in the agriculture sector, read our detailed analysis here.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed in Rajya Sabha. It amends a 2008 Act which established the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India. The AERA regulates tariffs and other charges for aeronautical services provided at civilian airports with annual traffic above 15 lakh passengers. It also monitors the performance standard of services across these airports.
Some key amendments being brought by the Bill:
Note that, this Bill is identical to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2018 which lapsed at the end of the 16th Lok Sabha. You can read our detailed analysis of the Bill here.
The Central University (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was discussed and passed in Rajya Sabha today. This Bill was passed in Lok Sabha last week. The Bill provides for the establishment of two central universities in Andhra Pradesh to be known as the Central University of Andhra Pradesh and the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh. The Central Tribal University will take additional measures to provide higher educational and research facilities in tribal art, culture, and customs primarily to the tribal population of India.