Council of ministers takes oath as Parliament session begins
What's the story
The first session of the Parliament after the Lok Sabha elections began on Monday. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha. The pro-tem Speaker is now administering the oath to the newly-elected members, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ahead of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, PM Modi addressed the media.
Statement
Extend welcome to all MPs: Modi
In his address, the PM said, "In Parliamentary democracy, this is a glorious day...For the first time after independence, swearing-in ceremony is taking place at our own new Parliament building. It used to happen in the Old Parliament building. On this significant day, I extend a hearty welcome to all newly-elected MPs, extend them greetings and best wishes."
Speaker dispute
Controversy over pro-tem speaker appointment
Let's take a look at the issues likely to dominate the Lok Sabha proceedings. On Monday itself, the controversy over appointing seven-time MP Mahtab as pro-tem speaker will likely escalate. Traditionally, this temporary post is given to the most senior parliament member. The Congress and other opposition parties were expecting Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-time MP from Kerala and a Dalit leader, to be chosen and have criticized the BJP for selecting Mahtab instead.
Speaker election
Election of Lok Sabha speaker
Until a new Speaker is chosen, the pro-tem speaker manages the initial sessions of the Lok Sabha, including overseeing the election for the new speaker and deputy speaker. The speaker will be elected on Wednesday, with PM Modi expected to announce the nominee then. Given that the speaker is elected by a simple majority, the BJP's candidate is likely to succeed, at which point the pro-tem speaker's role will end.
Exam controversy
Opposition to raise concerns over NEET, NET exam irregularities
Another issue gaining momentum is the alleged irregularities in the NEET and NET competitive exams, which the opposition is expected to bring up in Parliament. Amid the controversy, the Centre replaced National Testing Agency Director General Subodh Singh on Saturday and set up a seven-member panel to review the agency's operations and suggest exam reforms. Additionally, the government has implemented a strict law to address malpractices and irregularities in competitive examinations.
Protest
Congress's protest amid exam row
To recall, last week, the Congress organized nationwide protests over the exam controversy, calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had said that he and members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will raise the issue in the Parliament. He added that the opposition will put pressure on the government to ensure justice for students.
New parliament session
280 MPs to take oath today
Meanwhile, around 280 newly-elected MPs will take their oath today, with the remaining 264 parliamentarians, including Gandhi, set to be sworn in on Tuesday. President Murmu will address a joint session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on June 27, where she may outline the new government's five-year roadmap. This session will conclude on July 3 and reconvene for the monsoon session on July 22.