I. Key Highlights Of The Proceedings:
The proceedings of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha commenced at 11:00 AM.
In the Lok Sabha, during the question hour, Shri Manoj Kumar (INC, Sasaram, Bihar) raised concern regarding the tourism development, particularly at important heritage sites such as the Mundeshwari Temple and Rohtasgarh Fort. In response, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Union Minister, Ministry of Tourism; BJP, Jodhpur Rajasthan) noted that over ₹ 1 crore was spent on conservation at Mundeshwari Temple and Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb over three years, but stressed tourism as a State subject.
In the Lok Sabha, during the question hour, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh) flagged the low 23.39% credit-deposit ratio in his region, urging steps to boost credit access, employment in hill states, and faster Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRT) case resolutions. In response, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance; BJP, Karnataka) responded that the Government is directing banks to enhance engagement with industries and small businesses for better credit flow. She added measures to strengthen DRTs, including more benches and timely appointments to cut pendency.
In the Lok Sabha, Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti (TDP, Bapatla (SC), Andhra Pradesh) commenced the discussion on the Demand for Grants under the control of the Ministry of Railways.
Shri Tariq Anwar (INC, Katihar, Bihar) flagged the Railways’ financial shortfall, noting passenger revenue of ₹ 80,000 crore against a ₹ 92,800 crore target and a ₹ 10,000 crore gap in freight earnings. He raised concerns over the unspecified operating ratio, delays in the Kavach safety system, and the continued suspension of senior citizen concessions.
Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri (BJP, South Delhi, NCT of Delhi) lauded the 2026–27 Railway Budget, highlighting track construction speeds rising from 4.2 km/day (2004–2014) to 14.5 km/day. He commended the modernization of Delhi’s stations with 70+ lifts and escalators, alongside the Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Corridor, which will cut travel to three hours.
Smt. Kumari Selja (INC, Sirsa, Haryana) expressed disappointment with the Union Budget 2026–27, stating that it did not adequately reflect inclusive development in the railway sector and called for greater focus on passenger services, freight growth and safety. She highlighted pending railway projects in Haryana, including rail connectivity to Hisar Airport.
Shri N. K. Premachandran (RSP, Kollam, Kerala) stated that the 2024–25 railway plan outlay was about ₹ 2.92 lakh crore, but raised concerns over rising revenue expenditure (₹ 1.39 lakh crore in 2022–23 to ₹ 2.99 lakh crore in 2024–25) and a high operating ratio of around 98%.
Shri Janardan Mishra (BJP, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh) stated that the railway budget had risen from about ₹ 29,000 crore in 2013–14 to ₹ 2.52 lakh crore in 2024–25, reflecting a strong push for modernization, high-speed corridors, freight infrastructure, electrification, and safety measures such as Kavach. He also raised constituency demands, completion of the Rewa–Sidhi line and improved connectivity from Rewa to major cities.
Shri Gopal Jee Thakur (BJP, Darbhanga, Bihar) appreciated the ₹ 2.93 lakh crore allocation for Railways, stating that it reflects the Government’s commitment to railway development. He noted that Bihar has been allocated ₹ 10,389 crore, with railway projects worth ₹ 1.02 lakh crore under implementation, including track construction, station redevelopment and safety works.
In the Rajya Sabha, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) took up matters raised with permission.
Shri Mallikarjun Kharge (Leader of Opposition; INC, Karnataka) highlighted a nationwide LPG crisis in Zero Hour, citing 60% imports via the Strait of Hormuz, price hikes, black-market premiums up to ₹ 5,000 and industrial shortages. He accused the Government of lacking alternatives. In response, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda Ji (Union Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers) assured serious action to stabilize supplies and prioritize national interests over politics.
Shri Sanjay Seth (BJP, Uttar Pradesh) warned of rising cancer cases from 14.36 lakh (2021) to 15.7 lakh (2025) and deaths from 7.8 lakh to 8.6 lakh annually, posing health and financial burdens. He welcomed 11 new cancer centres and duty waivers on 17 drugs but raised concerns on Ayushman Bharat’s ₹ 5 lakh cap as insufficient for ₹ 30–40 lakh treatments. He urged raising the cap, adopting vial-sharing and dose-rounding to cut costs by 35%, and curbing chemo wastage from fixed vials.
In the Rajya Sabha, during the question hour, Shri. Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD, Bihar) flagged recent airport roof collapses in Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and Jabalpur, citing prior warnings from professionals, and sought a comprehensive safety management system for infrastructure. In response, Shri K. Rammohan Naidu (Union Minister, Ministry of Civil Aviation; TDP, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh) assured comprehensive audits, systematic maintenance, and top priority on passenger safety. He highlighted AAIB's ICAO-compliant investigations, in-house Flight Data Recorder decoding, and plans to bolster AAIB for fully domestic safety processes.
In the Rajya Sabha, during the question hour, Shri P. Wilson (DMK, Tamil Nadu) raised Jal Jeevan Mission funding delays, noting Tamil Nadu’s 90% coverage (1.25 crore tap connections) but only ₹ 5,914 crore released out of ₹ 13,112 crore pending. Shri C.R. Patil (Union Minister, Ministry of Jal Shakti; BJP, Navsari, Gujarat) replied that the Jal Jeevan Mission deadline has been extended from 2024 to 2028. He clarified that central funding will be provided only for projects whose Detailed Project Reports were approved and work initiated before 2024.
In the Rajya Sabha, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) commenced the discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2026.
Shri P. Wilson (DMK, Tamil Nadu) opposed the ₹ 2.81 lakh crore supplementary demands for 2025–26, questioning allocations for fertilizers, food, and highways, and adequacy for welfare. He alleged delays in state funds, including ₹ 3,548 crore (Samagra Shiksha) and ₹ 3,100 crore (Jal Jeevan Mission) dues to Tamil Nadu. He warned of risks to $ 600–650 million Indian cotton/yarn exports from US-Bangladesh trade deal, hitting Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur cluster, plus LPG price surges amid import dependence and weak storage.
Dr. John Brittas (CPI(M), Kerala) questioned budget reliability amid West Asia conflict pressures, highlighting LPG shortages hitting households, restaurants, college canteens, and hospitals, with hoarding and black-marketing. He noted India needs three LNG ships every two days, the fertilizer sector at 70% gas supply, others down 20–30%, risking food security and output. He criticized rising cess/surcharge collections from ₹ 1.99 lakh crore (2016–17) to ₹ 6.3 lakh crore (2026–27), shrinking states’ divisible tax pool.
Shri Ghanshyam Tiwari (BJP, Rajasthan) backed the ₹ 2.81 lakh crore Appropriation Bill for 2025–26 (₹ 2 lakh crore net cash outgo), deeming it vital amid global uncertainties like energy price hikes and prudent fiscal planning. He highlighted key allocations: ₹ 23,641 crore for food security (80 crore beneficiaries), ₹ 41,430 crore extra defence spending, fiscal deficit at 4.3%, ₹ 14,000 crore for ex-servicemen with One Rank One Pension (OROP). Defence exports surged from ₹ 886 crore (2013–14) to ₹ 23,622 crore, imports fell; rural wins include SVAMITVA (3+ crore property cards), housing, and irrigation.
In the Chair, Smt. S Phangnon Konyak (BJP, Nagaland) commenced the Special Mentions:
Shri Brij Lal (BJP, Uttar Pradesh) urged adoption of nature-based and risk-informed urban planning, citing a 2026 National Disaster Management Authority report linking poor land-use planning to disaster severity.
Dr. Laxmikant Bajpayee (BJP, Uttar Pradesh) urged granting Central University status to Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut.
The proceedings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned at 08:05 PM and 05:53 PM, on 16th March, 2026, respectively, to reconvene at 11:00 A.M on Tuesday, 17th March, 2026.
II. Lok Sabha Proceedings:
The proceedings of the Lok Sabha commenced at 11:00 AM with Shri Om Birla Ji (Speaker, Lok Sabha; BJP, Kota, Rajasthan) presiding over the house.
Shri Om Birla Ji (Speaker, Lok Sabha; BJP, Kota, Rajasthan) commenced the Question Hour.
Shri Manoj Kumar (INC, Sasaram, Bihar) raised concern regarding the broader issue of tourism development in his constituency, particularly at important heritage sites such as the Mundeshwari Temple and Rohtasgarh Fort. He urged the Government to provide a clear timeline for the development of essential tourism infrastructure and visitor amenities.
In response, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Union Minister, Ministry of Tourism; BJP, Jodhpur, Rajasthan) stated that the Government supports the development of tourist amenities at high-footfall sites and informed that over ₹ 1 crore has been spent in the past three years on conservation works at Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb and the Mundeshwari Temple. He emphasized that since tourism is a State subject, the primary responsibility for the development of tourist destinations rests with the respective state governments.
Smt. Priya Saroj (SP, Machhlishahr (SC), Uttar Pradesh) noted that the Government cited increase of daily wage rates over the last ten years about 66% for men and 72% for women in the agricultural sector, and 56.7% for men and 58.4% for women in non-agricultural sectors. She pointed out that these figures represent nominal wage growth and do not account for inflation, and asked whether the Government has conducted any assessment of inflation-adjusted real wages to determine if the purchasing power and living standards of workers have actually improved.
In response, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya (Union Minister, Ministry of Labour and Employment; BJP, Porbandar, Gujarat) stated that the new labour code provides for a “floor wage” as the baseline for minimum wages and that trends are monitored through the Labour Force Survey. He added that the average income of casual labourers has increased from ₹ 295 in 2017–18 to about ₹ 418 at present, indicating an overall rise in earnings.
Dr. Supriya Sule (NCP-SP, Baramati, Maharashtra) raised concern over the pendency of about 2.45 lakh cases before Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs). Citing data that nearly 75% of these cases involve amounts between ₹ 20 lakh and ₹ 1 crore, she noted that the country currently has only 39 DRTs and 5 Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs) despite around 60,000 new cases being filed annually. She attributed the backlog to staff shortages and inadequate infrastructure and sought clarification on how the Government would address these issues.
In response, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance; BJP, Karnataka) stated that the Government has adopted a two-pronged approach to reduce pendency. She informed that high-value cases of ₹ 100 crore and above have been assigned to specific DRTs for focused disposal, while banks are also being encouraged to resolve disputes through alternative mechanisms such as Lok Adalats, with special drives conducted in coordination with the National Legal Services Authority.
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh) raised concern over the low credit–deposit ratio of around 23.39 percent in his region, stating that despite high deposits, credit availability remained limited. He asked what steps the Government was taking to address this imbalance and to improve access to credit and employment opportunities in hill states. He also sought measures to reduce delays in case resolution in Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs).
In response, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Corporate Affairs; BJP, Karnataka) stated that the Government has been working with banks to address regional imbalances between deposits and credit by encouraging stronger engagement with industry and small businesses to improve credit flow. She added that steps are also being taken to strengthen the functioning of DRTs by increasing bench strength and ensuring timely appointments to reduce case pendency.
Shri Manguta Reddy (TDP, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh) raised concern regarding the need to strengthen advanced skilling opportunities for youth in emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Drones, and Renewable Energy. He asked whether the Government would consider establishing a Skill Centre of Excellence in Amaravati.
In response, Shri Jayant Chaudhary (MoS (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; RLD, Uttar Pradesh) stated that under the ₹ 60,000 crore PM SETU scheme, five Centres of Excellence are planned across the country. He informed that centres are already associated with the National Skill Training Institutes and added that the guidelines for such centres are being revised in consultation with stakeholders.
Shri Om Birla Ji (Speaker, Lok Sabha; BJP, Kota, Rajasthan) informed that he has received several adjournment motions submitted by several members. He stated that he had denied permission for all such notices.
Following this, papers and reports were laid on the table.
In the Chair, Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti (TDP, Bapatla (SC), Andhra Pradesh) commenced the discussion on the Demand for Grants under the control of the Ministry of Railways.
Shri Tariq Anwar (INC, Katihar, Bihar) initiated the discussion on the Demands for Grants for the Ministry of Railways for 2026–27 and questioned the financial performance of the Railways. He noted that passenger revenue was about ₹ 80,000 crore against a target of ₹ 92,800 crore and freight earnings ₹ 1,78,457 crore against ₹ 1,88,000 crore, and expressed concern that the operating ratio for 2026–27 had not been specified. He also raised issues related to railway safety, delays in projects such as the Kavach system and the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, and underutilisation of allocated funds. He urged the Government to improve financial management, strengthen safety measures, and ensure better services for passengers.
Shri Ganesh Singh (BJP, Satna, Madhya Pradesh) stated that the estimated revenue receipts for 2026–27 stand at ₹ 3.02 lakh crore, with freight contributing ₹ 1.88 lakh crore, and highlighted the proposed capital expenditure of ₹ 2.93 lakh crore. He further highlighted improvements in railway safety, stating that accidents have declined significantly and that the safety budget has increased to over ₹ 1.20 lakh crore with the expansion of the Kavach train protection system. Referring to infrastructure initiatives, he noted that 1,337 stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and that free Wi-Fi has been provided at over 6,117 stations. He also requested the Government to expedite rail projects in the Vindhya region.
Smt. June Maliah (AITC, Medinipur, West Bengal) raised concern over disparities in railway investment, noting that while several states witnessed large increases in allocations, West Bengal received comparatively limited growth. She also pointed to slow progress of projects in the State, stating that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme only a small number of sanctioned stations had been completed and that the coverage of the Kavach safety system and electrification progress remained limited. She further highlighted the lack of basic facilities at Kharagpur station and urged the Ministry to expedite a road overbridge at Gate No. 24 on the Belda–Contai road.
Shri Benny Behanan (INC, Chalakudy, Kerala) noted that after Independence, the government integrated 42 separate railway systems, created regional zones in 1952, and expanded manufacturing capacity through institutions such as Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, and the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala. He stated that earlier Governments also introduced major technological and operational advances, including the Rajdhani Express in 1969, the Shatabdi Express in 1988, and the development of projects such as the Konkan Railway. He further stated that Kerala contributes significantly to railway passenger revenue but continues to face inadequate infrastructure and modernization. He highlighted long-pending demands such as a separate railway zone, a coach factory, automatic signalling, and full double-tracking in the state.
Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri (BJP, South Delhi, NCT of Delhi) commended the Government for modernising the railway system through technological upgrades, improved passenger services, and high-speed trains. He highlighted the acceleration in infrastructure development, noting that track laying has increased from about 4.2 km per day during 2004–2014 to around 14.5 km per day in recent years, with over 31,000 km of tracks constructed in the past decade. Furthermore, he detailed the improvements in passenger amenities at Delhi’s railway stations, including the installation of over 30 lifts, more than 40 escalators, and the provision of WiFi at over 26 stations. He welcomed the inclusion of the Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Corridor in the budget, which is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to just three hours.
Smt. Kumari Selja (INC, Sirsa, Haryana) expressed disappointment with the Union Budget 2026–27, stating that it did not adequately reflect the vision of inclusive development in the railway sector. She argued that greater attention was needed to passenger services, freight growth, and railway safety, noting that the Kavach train protection system currently covers only about 1,300–1,500 km of the network. She also highlighted several pending railway projects in Haryana, including rail connectivity to Hisar Airport, strengthening of the Hisar–Sirsa corridor, and the Yamunanagar-Chandigarh railway line, which has an estimated cost of ₹ 901 crore but has seen little progress. Referring to her constituency, she called for improved rail connectivity through a new Hisar–Sirsa line via Fatehabad and Agroha, extension of existing train services, and the introduction of new intercity and Vande Bharat services.
Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram (BJP, Palamu, Jharkhand) stated that railways serve as a lifeline for nearly 90 crore rural Indians and highlighted the Government’s technology-driven approach, including digital monitoring and the Kavach safety system on over 100 routes. He noted that the 2026–27 Demands for Grants allocate ₹ 2.81 lakh crore for the Ministry of Railways, reflecting a rise in capital investment from ₹ 63,363 crore in 2013–14 to about ₹ 2.93 lakh crore. He added that over 31,000 km of railway lines were laid between 2014 and 2024 compared to 14,000 km between 2004 and 2014, while electrification expanded from 32% to over 99% by 2026. He also highlighted over 100 Vande Bharat trains in operation, modernization of 400 stations, expansion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor, and a decline in railway accidents to around 11 in 2023–24 due to the ₹ 1 lakh crore National Rail Safety Fund, while requesting development of the Garhwa–Ambikapur railway line and MEMU services for Palamu.
Adv. Adoor Prakash (INC, Attingal, Kerala) stated that while the Railway Budget outlined ambitious goals, concerns remained regarding financial sustainability, safety, and project delays. He noted that the 2026–27 capital outlay of ₹ 2.93 lakh crore represented a 10.5% increase but remained inadequate amid rising costs, while the operating ratio above 98% and high expenditure on salaries and pensions limited capital creation. He highlighted that the Kavach safety system covered only about 3% of the 68,000-km network, passenger amenities allocation declined to ₹ 11,971 crore, and a 2025 CAG report recorded over 1 lakh complaints about lack of water in train toilets. He also noted slow progress under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with only 172 of 1,337 stations completed. He added that Kerala received only ₹ 3,795 crore in allocations and was excluded from seven proposed high-speed corridors. He further raised delays in projects such as the Angamali–Sabari railway line, the Nemom coaching terminal, several railway overbridges in the Attingal region, requested additional train stoppages at Chirayinkeezhu and Kadakkavur, a new Thiruvananthapuram–Varanasi train service, and restoration of senior citizen travel concessions.
Shri N. K. Premachandran (RSP, Kollam, Kerala) stated that the 2024–25 railway plan outlay was about ₹ 2.92 lakh crore, but raised concerns over rising revenue expenditure (₹ 1.39 lakh crore in 2022–23 to ₹ 2.99 lakh crore in 2024–25) and a high operating ratio of around 98%. He also highlighted declines in freight traffic (5.1%) and passenger revenue (23.6%), and sought clarity on achieving the National Rail Plan target of 45% rail freight share by 2030–31. He further raised constituency demands, including restoration of the Kollam–Sengottai line, introduction of MEMU services, development of Kollam as a MEMU hub, and expediting pending railway overbridges.
Shri Janardan Mishra (BJP, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh) stated that the railway budget had risen from about ₹ 29,000 crore in 2013–14 to ₹ 2.52 lakh crore in 2024–25, reflecting a strong push for modernization, high-speed corridors, freight infrastructure, electrification, and safety measures such as Kavach. He also raised constituency demands, including approval of the Rewa–Mirzapur–Hanumana line, completion of the Rewa–Sidhi line, improved connectivity from Rewa to major cities, additional stoppages at Dabhoura station, and compensation for farmers affected by the Lalitpur–Singrauli line.
Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy (DMK, Chennai North, Tamil Nadu) stated that Indian Railways carries about 25 million passengers daily, and noted that Tamil Nadu’s 4,027 km network (5.7% of the national total) received only ₹ 7,000 crore out of nearly ₹ 2.99 lakh crore in capital expenditure despite contributing 8–9% of railway revenue. He raised concerns over railway safety and pending level crossings, called for improved freight efficiency and Dedicated Freight Corridors, enhanced Chennai suburban services, new railway lines, and expansion of the Integral Coach Factory’s capacity.
Shri Ramashankar Rajbhar (SP, Salempur, Uttar Pradesh) welcomed the retention of Devati railway station and highlighted connectivity gaps in Ballia district, urging a new late-night train service. He also sought funding for the pending Bilthra Road–Barhalganj and Bhatni–Hathua railway lines, additional train stoppages, construction of underpasses at key crossings, restoration of the superfast status of the Vaishali Express, and improved rail connectivity in the Purvanchal region.
Dr. M.P. Abdussamad Samdani (IUML, Ponnani, Kerala) appreciated the Railways’ progress in infrastructure and modernization but stressed the need to ensure comfort and accessibility for ordinary passengers. He expressed concern over the reduction of sleeper and general coaches in long-distance trains and urged restoration of train stoppages suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic at stations such as Tirur, Tanur and Parappanangadi. He also called for additional MEMU services on the busy Shoranur–Mangaluru section, construction of a railway overbridge at Alanpadi and underpasses at key locations to ease congestion.
Shri Gopal Jee Thakur (BJP, Darbhanga, Bihar) welcomed the ₹ 2.93 lakh crore allocation for Railways, stating that it reflects the Government’s commitment to railway development. He noted that Bihar has been allocated ₹ 10,389 crore, with railway projects worth ₹ 1.02 lakh crore under implementation, including track construction, station redevelopment and safety works. He requested an AIIMS railway station at Darbhanga, early completion of pending projects such as the Leheriasarai–Saharsa line, development of Jakamba and Nawada halts, and operation of Amrit Bharat trains between Darbhanga–Delhi and Darbhanga–Mumbai.
Shri Arun Govil (BJP, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh) appreciated the Government’s efforts to modernize and expand Indian Railways through increased investment and infrastructure development. He noted the ₹ 2.92 lakh crore capital outlay for 2026–27 and highlighted initiatives such as high-speed rail corridors, railway electrification, safety improvements, and station redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat scheme. He welcomed the Namo Bharat RRTS project in Meerut, stating that it would significantly improve connectivity in the National Capital Region.
Shri Anil Firodia (BJP, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh) supported the Demands for Grants and welcomed the ₹ 2.78 lakh crore allocation for Railways. He highlighted progress in electrification, new lines, track doubling, high-speed rail corridors, freight corridors, safety systems like Kavach, and station redevelopment. He urged early approval of the Ujjain–Jhalawar railway line, doubling of the Ujjain–Fatehabad–Chandrawatiganj line, extension of the Kota–Nagda MEMU to Ratlam, and new services including Vande Bharat sleeper trains from Indore–Ujjain to Delhi and Mumbai, ahead of Simhastha 2028.
Shri Ujjwal Raman Singh (INC, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) expressed concern that common passengers are facing difficulties in accessing rail services after the discontinuation of several passenger trains post-COVID. He noted that despite capital expenditure of about ₹ 2.9 lakh crore, the operating ratio remains around 98 percent, and cautioned that heavy reliance on coal freight may not be sustainable, suggesting diversification into container and e-commerce logistics.
Smt. Bharti Pardhi (BJP, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh) highlighted the importance of Indian Railways in national connectivity and welcomed progress in modernization, electrification, Vande Bharat trains, station redevelopment, and safety systems like Kavach. She welcomed the proposed doubling of the Gondia–Balaghat–Jabalpur line and requested improved train services, relocation of the Balaghat goods yard, and new railway lines to strengthen connectivity and development in her region.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned at 8:05 PM to reconvene at 11:00 A.M on Monday, 17th March, 2026.
III. Rajya Sabha Proceedings:
The proceedings of the Rajya Sabha commenced at 11:00 AM with Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) presiding over the house.
Papers and reports were laid on the table.
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) informed the House that, following the Business Advisory Committee meeting held on 11th March, 2026, the Government agreed to adjust the parliamentary schedule in view of Navratri, Gudi Padwa, and Ramzan. Accordingly, the sittings scheduled for 19th and 20th March, 2026 have been cancelled. The House will instead meet on 28th and 29th March, 2026.
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) commenced matters raised with permission.
Shri Derek O’Brien (AITC, West Bengal) raised concerns over the Election Commission of India’s late-night decision to remove the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, and Home Secretary of West Bengal, calling it a serious intervention. He stated that AITC Members were wearing blue shirts in protest against the Chief Election Commissioner’s decision and announced that the party would walk out of the House for the remainder of the day.
Responding, Shri Kiren Rijiju (Union Minister, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; Arunachal West, Arunachal Pradesh) stated that the matter concerned a constitutional authority independent of the Government and Parliament, and criticised the Opposition for repeatedly attacking constitutional institutions and raising such issues in the House.
Dr. K. Laxman (BJP, Uttar Pradesh) urged the inclusion of several castes from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra in the Central OBC list. He noted that the National Commission for Backward Classes has recommended 27 castes from Telangana and five from Andhra Pradesh, and said their exclusion denies them the 27% reservation in central government jobs and institutions such as IITs, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Shri Haris Beeran (IUML, Kerala) highlighted the need for legislation on passive euthanasia and end-of-life care, referring to a recent Supreme Court judgment allowing withdrawal of life support for a patient in a vegetative state for thirteen years. He also pointed out that 65% of healthcare expenditure in India is out-of-pocket and urged the Government to introduce the Medical Treatment of Terminally Ill Patients (End of Life Care) Act and expand palliative care services at district and taluka hospitals.
Shri Mallikarjun Kharge (Leader of the Opposition; INC, Karnataka), raised the nationwide LPG shortage, highlighting that India imports 60% of LPG, with 90% via the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that prices have surged, black-market sales reached over ₹ 5,000, and industrial supply has been reduced, accusing the Government of failing to secure alternatives. The Chairman allowed him to speak during Zero Hour as a special case.
Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda Ji (Union Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers; BJP, Gujarat), stated that the Government is treating the LPG supply issue with utmost seriousness and remains committed to maintaining stable supplies despite ongoing challenges. He reiterated that the Government will safeguard national interests above partisan considerations.
Shri Sanjay Seth (BJP, Uttar Pradesh) highlighted that cancer cases in India are projected to rise from 14.36 lakh in 2021 to 15.07 lakh by 2025, with annual deaths increasing from 7.8 lakh to 8.6 lakh, making it both a health and financial burden. While welcoming 11 new cancer centres and removal of customs duty on 17 life-saving drugs, he noted that the ₹ 5 lakh coverage under Ayushman Bharat is inadequate for advanced treatments costing ₹ 20–30 lakh. He also pointed out wastage of chemotherapy medicines due to fixed vial sizes and urged increasing the Ayushman Bharat cap and adopting vial-sharing and dose-rounding protocols to reduce treatment costs by about 35%.
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) commenced the Question Hour.
Prof. Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD, Bihar) raised concerns over recent structural failures at airports in Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and Jabalpur, including terminal roof collapses. He noted that professional associations had earlier flagged such infrastructure risks and asked whether the Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to introduce a comprehensive safety management system to ensure the long-term safety of airport infrastructure.
Shri K. Rammohan Naidu (Union Minister, Ministry of Civil Aviation; TDP, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh) stated that the Government is addressing recent airport structural failures through comprehensive audits and a systematic maintenance framework, prioritizing passenger safety. He noted that the AAIB conducts all investigations per ICAO standards and now decodes Flight Data Recorders domestically. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthen AAIB and ensure all safety processes are handled within India.
Shri Sanjay Singh (AAP, NCT of Delhi) raised concern over the consistency of data provided by the Ministry regarding complaints and action taken under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He pointed to discrepancies across states, noting that while states such as Bihar reported no complaints and Uttar Pradesh recorded over 16,000 complaints but limited action. He sought clarification on these disparities and the variation in enforcement across states.
In response, Shri C.R. Patil (Union Minister, Ministry of Jal Shakti; BJP, Navsari, Gujarat) stated that a total of 15,790 complaints have been registered under the mission. He informed that action has been taken against 635 officials and 1,022 contractors, with 155 entities blacklisted. He explained that while the Ministry tracks complaints received centrally, state governments also act on grievances received at the state level, which may account for the differences in the reported figures.
Shri P. Wilson (DMK, Tamil Nadu) raised concerns regarding the release of central funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that Tamil Nadu had provided functional household tap connections to about 1.25 crore households, achieving nearly 90% coverage. He noted that out of ₹ 13,112 crore pending, only ₹ 5,914 crore had been released.
Shri C.R. Patil (Union Minister, Ministry of Jal Shakti; BJP, Navsari, Gujarat), replied that the original deadline for the Jal Jeevan Mission was 2024, but it has now been extended to 2028 to complete pending works. He clarified that central funding would be provided only for projects whose Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were approved and work initiated before the 2024 deadline, and that states would need to arrange funds for projects not initiated within the prescribed timeline.
Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu (BJP, Nominated) expressed appreciation for infrastructure development in Punjab, including the establishment of several domestic and international airports. He noted that Chandigarh Airport is operating at about 60% capacity and raised concern that the absence of “point of call” status limits the operation of additional international flights, forcing many passengers to travel to Delhi for international connections.
In response, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (Union Minister, Ministry of Civil Aviation; TDP, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh) stated that “point of call” status applies to foreign carriers under bilateral air service agreements. He noted that Chandigarh already has international connectivity to Abu Dhabi and Dubai and added that the Government prioritises expanding international operations by Indian carriers while assessing additional requirements based on passenger demand.
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) commenced the discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2026.
Shri P. Wilson (DMK, Tamil Nadu) stated that the Bill seeks Parliamentary approval for withdrawing an additional ₹ 2.81 lakh crore from the Consolidated Fund of India for the financial year 2025–26. Referring to the Schedule of supplementary demands, he highlighted allocations to departments such as Fertilisers, Food and Public Distribution, and Road Transport and Highways, and questioned whether sufficient funds had been provided for welfare sectors. He also raised concerns about delays in releasing funds to States, alleging that significant dues to Tamil Nadu remained pending including ₹ 3548 crore under Samagra Shiksha and ₹ 3100 crore under Jal Jeevan mission. He further referred to the new US–Bangladesh trade arrangement, which had led Bangladeshi manufacturers to shift towards US cotton, thereby putting $600–650 million worth of Indian cotton and yarn exports at risk. He described it as a direct blow to Indian cotton farmers and spinning mills. He said the impact had already been severe in textile clusters of Tamil Nadu, especially Tirupur In addition, he raised concerns about rising LPG prices, India’s high dependence on imported LPG, and limited strategic storage capacity, and urged the Government to strengthen energy security while ensuring timely fiscal transfers to States.
Shri Raghav Chadha (AAP, Punjab) proposed allowing joint filing of income tax returns for married couples, arguing that the current system taxes individuals separately and fails to recognise the household as a single economic unit. He stated that this creates inequities between single-income and dual-income families and suggested adopting an optional joint-filing model similar to practices in countries such as the United States, Germany, and France. Secondly, he urged the Government to restore income tax exemption on disability pensions for armed forces personnel, stating that such pensions represent compensation for injuries sustained in service rather than ordinary income. Thirdly, he called for the abolition of penalties for non-maintenance of minimum bank balances, noting that banks had reportedly collected around ₹ 19,000 crore in such charges over the past three years. He contended that these penalties disproportionately affect low-income account holders and undermine the objective of financial inclusion.
Dr. John Brittas (CPI(M), Kerala) questioned the reliability of the Government’s budget estimates in view of the economic pressures arising from the conflict in West Asia. He highlighted the impact of LPG shortages on households and institutions, noting reports of restaurants, college canteens, and hospital facilities being affected. He also pointed out that India required around three LNG ships every two days to meet domestic demand, and warned that shortages were leading to hoarding and black-marketing. He further stated that the fertiliser sector was receiving only about 70% of its earlier gas supply, while other industries were facing 20–30% reductions, which could affect food security and industrial output. He also criticised the increasing reliance on cess and surcharge, stating that collections had risen from about ₹ 1.99 lakh crore in 2016–17 to around ₹ 6.3 lakh crore in 2026–27, thereby shrinking the divisible tax pool for States.
Shri Ramji Lal Suman (SP, Uttar Pradesh) questioned the Government’s financial planning while seeking approval for ₹ 2.81 lakh crore in additional expenditure. He stated that the proposal to create an Economic Stability Fund reflected the Government’s failure to anticipate the economic impact of the crisis in West Asia and the resulting pressures on energy supplies. He also raised concerns about the condition of farmers, recalling that about 750 farmers had died during the 2020–21 farmers’ protests and alleging that many cases registered against farmers remained unresolved. He urged the Government to address the LPG crisis, ensure fair MSP implementation, and formulate a clear policy to support distressed farmers.
Shri Sanjay Seth (BJP, Uttar Pradesh) stated that the additional allocations were essential for strengthening infrastructure, social welfare, and national development. Referring to the global energy crisis arising from conflicts such as the Russia–Ukraine war and tensions in West Asia, he stated that India had managed the situation through balanced diplomacy. He noted that two LNG ships were expected to arrive with supplies sufficient to fill around 61–62 lakh LPG cylinders, which would help ease shortages. He also highlighted the creation of an Economic Stabilisation Fund of ₹ 57,381 crore and an allocation of ₹ 19,230 crore for fertiliser support to ensure adequate supply for farmers. He further noted increased defence allocations, stating that the defence budget had risen from ₹ 2.25 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹ 7.85 lakh crore in 2026–27, with an additional ₹ 36,130 crore through supplementary demands.
Shri S. Niranjan Reddy (YSRCP, Andhra Pradesh) stated that recurring Supplementary Demands for Grants reflected structural policy issues, particularly in food and fertiliser subsidies and transfers to States. He noted that ₹ 23,641.28 crore had been sought for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, while foodgrain stocks stood at 59.45 million tonnes against a buffer norm of 21.41 million tonnes, leading to high storage costs. He argued that MSP-driven cropping patterns had caused excessive production of rice and wheat while neglecting pulses and edible oils, increasing import dependence. He also highlighted environmental costs, noting that about 200 kg of water may be required to produce 1 kg of rice. On fertilisers, he pointed out that ₹ 15,000 crore had been sought under the nutrient-based subsidy, while India imports 100% of potash and about 90% of phosphatic raw materials. He added that the recommended NPK ratio of 4:2:1 had become highly imbalanced in some States due to subsidy design and lack of awareness.
Shri Ghanshyam Tiwari (BJP, Rajasthan) supported the Appropriation Bill for 2025–26, which sought approval for ₹ 2.81 lakh crore in supplementary expenditure, including about ₹ 2 lakh crore in net cash outgo and the rest through reallocation. He noted allocations such as ₹ 23,641 crore for food security programmes covering about 80 crore people, increased defence expenditure of ₹ 41,430.48 crore, and continued fiscal discipline with the fiscal deficit reduced to 4.3%. He also highlighted measures for ex-servicemen welfare, including ₹ 14,000 crore and the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP). He further emphasised the Government’s achievements in defence modernisation and self-reliance, stating that defence exports had risen from ₹ 886 crore in 2013–14 to ₹ 23,622 crore, while imports had declined significantly. He also highlighted rural development initiatives such as the SVAMITVA scheme, rural housing, irrigation programmes, and expanded infrastructure, noting that over 3 crore property ownership documents had been issued to villagers. Concluding, he argued that strong governance and fiscal stability were essential for national progress and expressed full support for the Bill.
In the Chair, Smt. S Phangnon Konyak (BJP, Nagaland) commenced the Special Mentions.
Shri Brij Lal (BJP, Uttar Pradesh) urged adoption of nature-based and risk-informed urban planning, citing a 2026 National Disaster Management Authority report linking poor land-use planning to disaster severity. He recommended integrating climate and seismic risk assessments, protecting wetlands and floodplains, promoting permeable surfaces, and removing encroachments from natural drains to reduce urban flooding.
Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade (BJP, Maharashtra) called for mandatory KYC-based identity verification for social media and email accounts to curb cybercrime, fraud, and misuse of anonymous profiles, proposing re-verification of existing accounts and stricter compliance by platforms.
Dr. Laxmikant Bajpayee (BJP, Uttar Pradesh) urged granting Central University status to Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut (est. 1965), stating it would strengthen higher education and research in Western Uttar Pradesh, which currently lacks a Central University.
The proceedings of Rajya Sabha were adjourned at 5:53 PM to reconvene at 11:00 A.M on Tuesday, 17th March, 2026.
IV. Events Outside The Parliament
Dr. Nishikant Dubey (BJP, Godda, Jharkhand) questioned the sincerity of Shri Rahul Gandhi’s demand for a Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram, asking why the Congress party failed to confer the honor during its decades in power. He cited the historical treatment of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Babu Jagjivan Ram as evidence of the party’s past political inconsistencies regarding iconic Dalit leaders.
Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (INC, Wayanad, Kerala) alleged that the Election Commission’s schedule and phases for the five states/UTs were decided to suit the BJP’s convenience. She suggested the timing and structure lacked neutrality, favoring the ruling party’s electoral strategy.
Shri Giriraj Singh (Union Minister, Ministry of Textiles; BJP, Begusarai, Bihar) stated that the BJP’s prospects for the upcoming state polls have improved following strong local body results in Kerala. He claimed the TMC faces significant trouble in West Bengal and asserted that the NDA will secure all five seats in the Rajya Sabha elections.
Shri Ram Gopal Yadav (SP, Rajya Sabha, Uttar Pradesh) described the LPG situation as “very bad,” claiming officials are providing incorrect data to the Prime Minister. He welcomed the two-phase West Bengal election schedule, noting that prolonged polling is never beneficial for the state.
Shri Anurag Thakur (BJP, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh) welcomed the assembly election schedule for four states and one UT, calling for a “corruption-free” government in West Bengal. He emphasized the need for decisive action to curb illegal infiltration from Bangladesh to ensure national security and regional stability.
Shri Saugata Roy (TMC, Dum Dum, West Bengal) criticized the Election Commission’s decision to reshuffle top state officials as a “wrong step” that undermines the elected government. However, he welcomed the two-phase election schedule for West Bengal, agreeing that shorter polling durations are beneficial.
Shri Jagdambika Pal (BJP, Domariyaganj, Uttar Pradesh) emphasized that Parliament is a forum for debate and disagreement among elected representatives. He criticized Rahul Gandhi for leading disruptions and insisting on a no-confidence motion against the Speaker, expressing hope that parliamentary decorum and dignity would be prioritized over political posturing.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Union Minister, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism; BJP, Jodhpur, Rajasthan) expressed confidence that the BJP will secure an absolute majority in the upcoming polls. He predicted this victory would mark a historic breakthrough for the party in South India, signaling a “new beginning” for their regional influence.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor (INC, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) described the 2026 Kerala election as a “crucial challenge” for the UDF. He emphasized that the party is intensifying candidate selection and campaigning to overturn the LDF’s second term and restore the state’s tradition of alternating power.
Sushri Kumari Selja (INC, Sirsa, Haryana) stated that the decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on Kanshi Ram rests with the ruling BJP. She emphasized that the demand has already been formally raised by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and urged the government to provide a clear response to the public’s sentiment.
Smt. Sagarika Ghose (TMC, Rajya Sabha, West Bengal) criticized the ECI’s “midnight” removal of top state officials, labeling it a blow to federalism. She confirmed that TMC MPs staged a full-day parliamentary walkout to protest the move and its impact on the state government.
Shri Sukanta Majumdar (MoS, Ministry of Education; BJP, Balurghat, West Bengal) backed the ECI’s reshuffle of top state officials, citing their alleged partisan ties to the TMC. He expressed absolute confidence in the BJP’s preparedness to form the next government in West Bengal.
Shri Sambit Patra (BJP, Puri, Odisha) criticized the Tamil Nadu government over the murder of a minor in Thoothukudi. He blamed a 14-hour police delay for the tragedy, alleged sexual assault, and demanded an apology from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Annexure I - Matters Raised Under Rule 377 In The Lok Sabha
Annexure II - Members Who Took Part in the Discussion on Demand for Grants Under the Control of Ministry of Railways
Annexure III - Reports And Statements Presented In The Lok Sabha
Annexure IV - Matters Raised With Permission In The Rajya Sabha
Annexure V - Reports And Statements Presented In The Rajya Sabha
Annexure VI - Member Who Participated in the Discussion on Appropriation Bill, 2026
Annexure VII - Special Mentions In The Rajya Sabha