Parliament Diary

Rajya Sabha skipped the Question Hour today to begin its general discussion on the Union Budget.

Some of the issues debated by the Members included the impact of the 15th Finance Commission recommendations on state finances of Southern States, the new income tax rates for individuals, and the promise of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. 

In Lok Sabha, the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020 was introduced.

The Bill proposes to merge three Ayurveda institutes in Jamnagar into the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda.

The Bill also seeks to declare the new institute as an institute of national importance. 

During the Question Hour in Lok Sabha, in response to a question on quality of technical education, the HRD Minister remarked that a 50% practical experience component in the curriculum will serve as a foundation for understanding the industry better.

One member cited AICTE data and pointed to the 7.5 lakh vacant engineering seats in the country. In reply, the HRD Minister stated that the New Education Policy will help address the issue of high vacancy. 

To another question on student dropout rates in IITs and IIMs, the Minister cited a high workload and availability of better opportunities elsewhere as reasons for the dropout rate. To help students who are unable to cope with the academic standard of the IITs, the Minister said that students will be allowed to switch to other programs. 

Discussions on the Budget were ongoing in both the Houses.