On the fifth day of the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha is set to deliberate on two significant pieces of legislation — the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will move the Scheduled Tribes reservation bill for Goa, which aims to enable seat reservation for Scheduled Tribes in accordance with Article 332 of the Constitution. The bill seeks to realign the constituencies in Goa’s Legislative Assembly following the recent inclusion of certain communities in the state’s Scheduled Tribes list.
According to the official business schedule of the House, the bill will be considered for passage along with proposed amendments to ensure effective democratic representation for tribal communities in Goa.
Additionally, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will present the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024. The legislation seeks to consolidate and modernize the legal framework governing merchant shipping in India. It aims to align Indian maritime law with international treaties and obligations, while also promoting the growth of the Indian shipping industry and ensuring the efficient operation of the mercantile marine sector in alignment with national interests.
In other business, the Standing Committee on External Affairs and the Public Accounts Committee will table reports on the government’s responses to panel recommendations. Key topics include India’s engagement with G20 countries.
The Monsoon Session, which began on July 21, has so far been marred by frequent adjournments due to opposition protests. Proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned yesterday amid continued disruptions.
Both Houses are scheduled to reconvene today at 11:00 AM. The session is expected to continue until August 21.
