Lok Sabha, which witnessed repeat adjournments with Opposition members protesting against the price rise and the Modi government, on Friday passed amidst din the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022, which seeks to extend the application of domestic laws to research stations set up by India in the Antarctic region.
Soon after the Bill was passed, the House was adjourned for the day to meet again on Monday at 2 PM to facilitate members to attend the swearing-in of Droupad Murmu as the next President in the Central Hall of Parliament.
Earlier, as soon as the House assembled at 11 am, opposition members belonging to the Congress and Left parties came to the well and staged protests. They were shouting slogans and displaying placards against the Modi government.
Speaker Om Birla appealed to them to go back to their respective seats and take part in the proceedings of the House which was taking up questions related to different ministries and departments.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi also appealed to the opposition members to take part in the proceedings, saying the government is ready to discuss the issue of price rise and it will be done once Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recovers from her illness.
However, opposition members continued their protests. As soon as the House reassembled at 2 pm on Friday following the second adjournment of the day, the Indian Antarctica Bill, 2022 was taken up for discussion after Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh moved it for consideration.
The Bill seeks to extend the application of domestic laws to research stations set up by India in the Antarctic region. India has two active research stations in the Antarctic -- Maitri and Bharti -- where scientists are involved in research.
The Bill proposes to prohibit Indian expedition to Antarctica without a permit or written authorisation of another party to the Antarctic Treaty, provide for inspection by an officer appointed by the government and for penalty for contravention of certain provisions of the legislation.
It also seeks to constitute a fund for the welfare of Antarctic research work and protection of the environment of the icy continent.