For the first time in a year, members of both Houses sat in their respective chambers instead of being spread across the two chambers. Sources said the pre-COVID-19 timings and seating arrangement are being restored to provide more time to each of the House so that the Budget session can be wrapped up before schedule, as per the demand of the MPs. The MPs will, however, continue to sit in the galleries of the chamber to maintain physical distance as per the COVID-19 protocol.

Lok Sabha members from the poll-bound West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry have requested an early curtailment of the second part of the Budget session that began on Monday. Sources said nearly 145 Parliamentarians have written to Speaker Om Birla on the matter.

Multiple adjournment motions marred the working of the Rajya Sabha on the first day of the second part of the Budget session, with Opposition leaders demanding a debate on the “huge and frequent” increase in petrol, diesel and LPG prices. The Lok Sabha, too, saw disruptions on the issue of a separate discussion on fuel price hike.

Here are the latest updates:

11.15 am | Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 p.m.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva raises a point of order: “We agree with you that important issues are being discussed, but the hike in fuel prices is disturbing everyone. And a discussion can not happen in din. Kindly bring, the House in order.”

Bhupender Yadav counters Mr. Siva’s argument. “The Chairman has already given a ruling in this regard and it can’t be revisited. The Opposition should let the house run.”

Deputy Chairman Harivansh appeals to Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge to bring the House in order.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 p.m.

11.10 am | Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 p.m.

Question 201, on norms for procurement of foodgrains, is in progress. Opposition is still raising slogans. Manish Tewari responds to a question by Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

Opposition continues to raise slogans of “We want justice”.

Questions 202, on schemes for enhancing fisheries production, is now being taken up.

Minister, Animal husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Giriraj Singh begins to respond.

House adjourned till 12 p.m.

11.05 am | Rajya Sabha

Deputy Chairman Harivansh says, “Members will be seated in Rajya Sabha chamber and the galleries. 142 seats are available in the chamber and the remaining Members will sit in galleries. Some of the Members sitting in the galleries will not have access to sound console.”

This is a temporary arrangement for the remaining part of the Budget Session, he says.

Mr. Harivansh rejects the adjournment notices moved by Opposition parties including Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.

He pleads with the Opposition to let the Zero Hour continue. But the Opposition has already started raising slogans.

11 am

Proceedings begin in both Houses

Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha proceedings begin. This is the first time in a year that the Parliament sittings have resumed to pre-COVID timings.

In the Rajya Sabha, papers of various committees are laid before the House.

In the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan asks that the camera focus on everyone in the House and not “black out” the Opposition voices. The House erupts in chaos as a Member asks, “What do you want to show the country? The disruptions?” Lok Sabha Speaker asks the House to continue with Question Hour amid the sloganeering by Opposition parties.

Legislative Business

Rajya Sabha

Bills for consideration and passing:

The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021

The National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2019

Lok Sabha

Bills for consideration and passing

The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2021

The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2021