Prime Minister had a Royal Audience today with His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of Thailand and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana at Dusit Palace in Bangkok.
They exchanged views on shared cultural heritage between India and Thailand. In this context, they spoke about the relics of Lord Buddha which travelled from India to Thailand last year and the positive impact the initiative has had in further strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries. They also discussed ways to further strengthen the multifaceted ties between the two countries.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah hails Union Cabinet’s decision to approve Vibrant Villages Program-2 Heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this landmark initiative
Vibrant Villages Program has been a game-changing medium to transform our border villages into the nerve centers of growth and development
Advancing the vision further, the Modi govt has today approved the Vibrant Villages Program-2 with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore
The program will transform the villages along the International Land Borders into comprehensive development models with adequate amenities for sustainable livelihoods, higher living standards and further bolstered security
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 6:44PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah hailed Union Cabinet decision to approve Vibrant Villages Program-2. Shri Amit Shah expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this landmark initiative.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah in a post on X platform said, the Vibrant Villages Program has been a game-changing medium to transform our border villages into the nerve centers of growth and development. Advancing the vision further, the Modi govt has today approved the Vibrant Villages Program-2 with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore, he added.
Union Home Minister said the program will transform the villages along the International Land Borders into comprehensive development models with adequate amenities for sustainable livelihoods, higher living standards and further bolstered security.
The Vibrant Villages Program has been a game-changing medium to transform our border villages into the nerve centers of growth and development.
Advancing the vision further, the Modi govt has today approved the Vibrant Villages Program-2 with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore. The… pic.twitter.com/l1vP2tPgtf
LOK SABHA SPEAKER TO LEAD PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO 150TH ASSEMBLY OF INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) AT TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN FROM 5 to 9 APRIL, 2025 LOK SABHA SPEAKER TO ADDRESS THE ASSEMBLY ON “PARLIAMENTARY ACTION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND JUSTICE”
ON THE SIDELINES OF THE ASSEMBLY, LOK SABHA SPEAKER WILL MEET HIS COUNTERPARTS FROM OTHER PARLIAMENTS
DURING HIS VISIT TO TASHKENT, LOK SABHA SPEAKER WILL ALSO INTERACT WITH MEMBERS OF INDIAN COMMUNITY AND INDIAN STUDENTS IN UZBEKISTAN
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla is leading a Parliamentary Delegation to 150th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), being held in Tashkent from 5 to 9 April, 2025.
The Delegation comprises of Shri Harivansh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha; Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, MP; Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, MP; Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram, MP; Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, MP; Dr. Sasmit Patra, MP; Shri Ashok Kumar Mittal, MP; Smt.Kiran Choudhry, MP; Smt. Lata Wankhede, MP; Smt. Bijuli Kalita Medhi, MP; Shri Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary – General, Lok Sabha and Shri P. C. Mody, Secretary – General, Rajya Sabha.
Shri Birla will address the Assembly during the High Level Segment of General Debate on the theme “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice”.
Members of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation will also participate in the meetings of various IPU bodies including the Governing Council, Executive Committee, Standing Committees, and various thematic panel discussions which will be held during the Assembly.
On the sidelines of the Assembly, Shri Birla will share his perspectives on issues of common interest with his counterparts from other Parliaments.
During his visit to Tashkent, Shri Birla will also interact with members of Indian Community and Indian students in Uzbekistan.
Budget Session, 2025 of Parliament adjourns sine-die Productivities of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during Budget Session were approximately 118% and 119% respectively
16 Bills passed by both Houses of Parliament
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 6:14PM by PIB Delhi
The Budget Session, 2025 of Parliament which commenced on Friday, the 31st of January, 2025, adjourned sine-die on Friday, the 4th of April, 2025. In between both Houses were adjourned for recess on Thursday, the 13th of February, 2025 to reassemble on Monday, the 10th of March, 2025 to enable Department related Standing Committees to examine and report on the Demands for Grants relating to various Ministries/Departments.
The Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju held a press conference today after the end of the Budget Session, 2025 of Parliament. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice & Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan were also present on the occasion. Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju informed that the first part of the Budget Session yielded a total of 9 sittings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. In the second part of the Session, there were 17 sittings of both Houses. During the entire Budget Session, in total, there were 26 sittings.
This being the first Session of the year, the President addressed both Houses of Parliament assembled together in terms of Article 87(1) of the Constitution, on 31st of January, 2025. Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha was moved by Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and seconded by Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad. This item engaged the Lok Sabha for 17 Hours 23 minutes against allotted time of 12 Hours. 173 Members participated in the discussion. In Rajya Sabha it was moved by Smt. Kiran Choudhary and seconded by Shri Neeraj Shekhar. This item engaged the Rajya Sabha for 21 Hours 46 minutes against allotted time of 15 Hours. 73 Members participated in the debate. The Motions of Thanks on President’s Address were discussed and adopted after reply from the Prime Minister by the two Houses during the first part of the Session.
The Union Budget for 2025-26 was presented on Saturday, the 1stof February, 2025. General Discussion on the Union Budget was held in both Houses in the first part of the Session. This engaged the Lok Sabha for 16 Hours 13 minutes against allotted time of 12 Hours and 169 Members took part in the debate and Rajya Sabha for 17 Hours 56 minutes against allotted time of 15 Hours and 89 Members participated in the discussion.
During the second part of the Session, Demands for Grants of individual Ministries of Railways, Jal Shakti and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare were discussed and voted in Lok Sabha. In the end the Demands for Grants of the remaining Ministries/ Departments were put to the Vote of the House on Friday, the 21stof March, 2025. The related Appropriation Bill was also introduced, considered and passed by Lok Sabha on 21.03.2025 itself.
Appropriation Bills relating to Second and Final Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2024-25; Excess Demands for Grants for the year 2021-22 and Supplementary Demands for Grants of Manipur for the year 2024-25 and Demands for Grant on Account for the year 2025-26 in respect of the State of Manipur were also passed on 11.03.2025 in Lok Sabha.
The Finance Bill, 2025 was passed by Lok Sabha on 25.03.2025.
In the Rajya Sabha the working of the Ministries of Education, Railways, Health & Family Welfare and Home Affairs were discussed.
The Rajya Sabha returned the Appropriation Bills related to Second and Final Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2024-25; Excess Demands for Grants for the year 2021-22 and Supplementary Demands for Grants for Manipur for the year 2024-25 and Demands for Grant on Account for the year 2025-26 in respect of the State of Manipur on 18.03.2025.
The Appropriation Bill relating to the Demands for Grants for Union for the year 2025-26 and the Finance Bill, 2025 were also returned by Rajya Sabha on 27.03.2025.
As such the entire Financial Business was completed in the Houses of Parliament before 31stof March, 2025.
Statutory Resolution approving the proclamation issued by the President on 13thFebruary, 2025 under Article 356(1) of the Constitution in relation to the State of Manipur was also adopted in both the Houses in their extended sittings on 3rdand 4thof April, 2025, respectively.
After the presentation of the report of the Joint Committee, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed, which seeks to focus on improving the management of waqf properties, empowerment of stakeholders relevant to management of waqf properties, improving the efficiency in survey, registration and case disposal process, and development of waqf properties. While the core purpose remains to manage waqf properties, the aim is to implement modern and scientific methods for better governance.” The Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923 was also repealed.
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to bring more clarity and convergence in the roles of different organizations working in the field of Disaster Management to strengthen the efficient working of the National Disaster Management Authority and the State Disaster Management Authorities, empower the National Disaster Management Authority and the State Disaster Management Authorities to prepare the disaster plan at national level and state level, provide for creation of disaster database at national and state level, make provision for constitution of “Urban Disaster Management Authority” for State Capital and large cities having Municipal Corporation and make provision for constitution of “State Disaster Response Force” by the State Government has also been passed.
The “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025 relating to establishment of “Tribhuvan” Sahakri University toprovide education, training, and capacity building in the cooperative sector and undertake research and development activities in related areas. It will offer degree programs, distance learning and e-learning courses, and develop centres of excellence in co-operative sectorwas also passed.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 has been passed to simplify the laws for requirement of passports or other travel documents in respect of persons entering into and exiting from India and for regulating matters related to foreigners including requirement of visa and registration.
The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was also passed to improve governance standards, provide consistency in reporting by banks to the RBI, ensure better protection for depositors and investors, improve audit quality in public sector banks and bring customer convenience in respect of nominations etc.
During this Session a total of 11 Bills (10 in Lok Sabha and 1 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. 16 Bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 14 Bills were passed/returned by Rajya Sabha. Total number of Bills passed by both Houses of Parliament is 16.
A list of Bills introduced in Lok Sabha, Bills passed by Lok Sabha, Bills passed/returned by Rajya Sabha, Bills passed by both Houses of Parliament is attached inAnnexure.
The productivity of Lok Sabha during the Budget Session, 2025 was approx. 118% and that of Rajya Sabha was approx. 119%.
***
SS/ISA
Annexure
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS TRANSACTED DURING THE 4th SESSION OF 18th LOK SABHA AND 276th SESSION OF RAJYA SABHA
(BUDGET SESSION, 2025)
1. Bills introduced in Lok Sabha
The Finance Bill, 2025
The Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025
The Income-Tax Bill, 2025
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The Appropriation Bill (No.2), 2025
The Appropriation Bill, 2025;
The Manipur Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2025
The Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025
The Appropriation Bill (No.3), 2025
The Indian Ports Bill, 2025.
2. Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha
1. The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025
3. Bills Passed by Lok Sabha
The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025
The Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2025
The Appropriation Bill, 2025
The Manipur Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2025
The Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025
The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2025
The Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2025
The Finance Bill, 2025
The Boilers Bill, 2025
The “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025
The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025.
The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025.
4. Bills Passed/Returned by Rajya Sabha
The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2025
The Appropriation Bill, 2025
The Manipur Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2025
The Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2025
The Finance Bill, 2025.
The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025
The “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025
5. Bills Passed by Both Houses.
The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2025
The Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2025
The Appropriation Bill, 2025
The Manipur Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2025
The Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Boilers Bill, 2025
The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Appropriation Bill (3), 2025
The Finance Bill, 2025.
The “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025
The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025.
PRODUCTIVITY DURING FOURTH SESSION OF 18TH LOK SABHA WAS AROUND 118 PERCENT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER 26 SITTINGS OF LOK SABHA WERE HELD DURING FOURTH SESSION, WHICH LASTED FOR 160 HOURS 48 MINUTES: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
DISCUSSION ON VOTE OF THANKS ON PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS LASTED FOR 17 HOURS 23 MINUTES AND 173 MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN THE DISCUSSION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
GENERAL DISCUSSION ON UNION BUDGET 2025-26 LASTED FOR 16 HOURS 13 MINUTES AND 169 MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN DISCUSSION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
10 GOVERNMENT BILLS WERE INTRODUCED IN LOK SABHA AND 16 BILLS WERE PASSED: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
RECORD 202 MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE WERE RAISED DURING ZERO HOUR ON 3 APRIL, 2025: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
FOURTH SESSION OF EIGHTEENTH LOK SABHA CONCLUDES
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 6:05PM by PIB Delhi
The Fourth Session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha, which commenced on 31 January, 2025, concluded today. Shri Birla informed the House that 26 sittings were held during the Session which lasted for around 160 hours 48 minutes. The productivity of the House during the Session was 118 percent, informed Shri Birla.
Hon’ble President of India addressed Members of both the Houses of Parliament on 31 January, 2025 and the discussion on Vote of Thanks on the President’s Address lasted for 17 hours 23 minutes. 173 Members participated in the discussion, informed Shri Birla.
18वीं लोक सभा का चौथा सत्र आज अनिश्चितकाल के लिए स्थगित हो गया है।
31 जनवरी 2025 से प्रारंभ हुए इस सत्र में कुल 26 बैठकें हुई, तथा सत्र की उत्पादकता 118 प्रतिशत से अधिक रही।
माननीया राष्ट्रपति जी के अभिभाषण पर धन्यवाद प्रस्ताव पर 173 सदस्यों ने चर्चा में भागीदारी की। इसी तरह… pic.twitter.com/gfdNQ1s4cr
The Finance Minister presented Union Budget 2025-2026 on the floor of the House on 1 February, 2025. General Discussion on the Union Budget 2025-26 lasted for 16 hours 13 minutes. Shri Birla informed that 169 Members participated in the discussion. Finance Minister replied to the discussion on 11 February, 2025.
Demands for Grants of selected Ministries/ Departments were discussed in the House from 17 to 21 March, 2025 and subsequently the Demands for Grants were passed by the House. Appropriation Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on 21 March, 2025 and the Finance Bill was passed on 25 March, 2025.
Shri Birla further informed that, 10 Government Bills were introduced and 16 Bills were passed, during the session. Some of the important bills which were passed are as follows:
(i) The Finance Bill, 2025;
(ii) The Appropriation Bill, 2025;
(iii) The “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025;
(iv) The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and
(v) The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
During the Session, 134 starred questions were answered orally. A total of 691 Matters of Public Importance were raised by the Members during the Zero Hour, out of which a record number of 202 Matters of Public Importance were raised during Zero Hour on 3 April, 2025, Shri Birla informed. A total of 566 matters were taken up under Rule 377 during the Session.
Shri Birla informed that during the Session, a total number of 32 Statements, including 23 Statements under Direction 73A. 61 Reports were presented by Departmentally Related Standing Committees and as many as, 2518 papers were laid on the Table of the House, he further said.
A Calling Attention Motion on hardships faced by fishermen community was discussed under Rule 197 on 1 April, 2025.
As regards Private Members’ Business, a Private Member’s Resolution moved by Shri Shafi Parambil, MP, regarding appropriate measure to regulate airfare in the country was discussed in the House on 28 March, 2025 however, the discussion remained inconclusive. On 2 April, 2025, Statutory Resolution ratifying President’s Rule in Manipur was adopted by the House.
During the Session, the House welcomed the Russian Parliamentary Delegation led by Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, H.E., Mr. Vyacheslav Volodin on 3 February 2025. On 11 February 2025, the House welcomed the Parliamentary Delegation from Maldives led by H.E. Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis of Maldives. Similarly, on 12 March 2025, the House welcomed the Parliamentary Delegation from Madagascar led by H.E. Mr. Justin Tokley, President of the National Assembly of Madagascar.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army conducted four successful flight-tests of the Army version of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on April 03 & 04, 2025. The four operational flight-trials were carried out against high-speed aerial targets. The missiles intercepted the aerial targets and destroyed them, registering direct hits. The trials were carried out to intercept four targets at long-range, short-range, high altitude and low altitude, proving the operational capability.
The flight-tests were carried out with the weapon system in operational condition. The performance of the weapon system was validated through the flight data captured by range instruments like radars and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The flight tests were carried out in the presence of senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army.
The trials were carried out by the Indian Army from Eastern and Southern Commands under DRDO guidance. These trials have proven the operational capability of both Army Commands and paved the way for operationalisation of weapon systems in two Regiments.
The MRSAM is developed jointly by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries for use by the Indian Army. The MRSAM Army weapon system comprises multi-function radar, command post, mobile launcher system and other vehicles.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Indian Army and the industries for the successful flight-tests. Four successful tests have re-established the capability of the weapon system in intercepting targets at critical ranges, he said.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat complimented the teams involved in the successful flight-trial, terming the as major milestones for building operational capability of the Indian Army.
Following the grand inauguration of the Startup Mahakumbh on April 3, 2025, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, returned to Bharat Mandapam for a walk through of the mega exhibition on Day 2 of the event.
Addressing the media during his walk through, the minister heaped lavish praise on the work of startups. “Having visited the exhibition, the flavor that I got–the taste of innovative work that our young men and women have created through their sheer tenacity, hardwork, spirit of enquiry, research and innovation–is music to one’s ears,” he added. “You can see the work of world-class quality, experience the technologies created on energy efficiency, powering electronics, see the defence equipment that young startups are creating, and realise how fintech is becoming a source of empowerment for the common citizen…” he said, referring to his visit to Startup Mahakumbh as “truly an experience of a lifetime.”
The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh features 10 thematic pavilions covering key industries such as AI, DeepTech & Cybersecurity, HealthTech & BioTech, AgriTech, Climate Tech, Incubators & Accelerators, D2C, FinTech, Gaming & Sports, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, Defence & Space Tech, and Mobility. Shri Piyush Goyal visited a number of exhibits showcasing groundbreaking innovations in Climate Tech, BioTech, AI, and DeepTech and more, ranging from intelligent air purifiers and EV tractors to AI-driven platforms for functional brain mapping and cutting-edge manufacturing drones for defense applications.
Specially curated Startup Booths/Pods within each pavilion offer startups and organizations a platform to showcase their innovations to key stakeholders, including angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate and ecosystem-driven incubators, accelerators, government agencies, and international investors. Startup Mahakumbh features over 3,000 startups, 1,000+ investors and incubators, and 10,000+ delegates from 50+ countries, making it a prime opportunity for startups to pitch their businesses, build investor relationships, and secure crucial funding. The union minister emphasized that he was confident India would emerge as a global leader in innovation and technology-driven growth. “This is the base–the foundation–on which I am confident, India will foray in a very big way into the world of innovation. We will make our presence felt on the global stage. I go back extremely satisfied with the work done with our young startups. Young India is raring to go. And they are ready to capture the world,” he said.
A landmark moment in India’s fintech journey with the launch of the India Fintech Foundation was also witnessed in the esteemed presence of Shri Amitabh Kant, Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, and Shri NS Vishwanathan, former deputy governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This initiative marks a significant step towards fostering a sustainable, innovative, and self-regulated fintech ecosystem in India.
Shri Amardeep Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade also engaged with startups from various sectors today at the Startup Mahakumbh. During the event, he also visited the startups showcased at the SCO Pavilion.
Building on the success of the inaugural edition, which featured over 1,300 exhibitors and attracted more than 48,000 visitors, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is one of India’s largest innovation and entrepreneurship events and promises an even bigger and more impactful platform for startups, investors, and industry leaders. The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with a footfall of 107823 over two days.
About Startup Mahakumbh
Startup Mahakumbh is a first-of-its-kind event bringing together the entire startup ecosystem of India including startups, investors, incubators and accelerators, and industry leaders from several sectors. led by FICCI, ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM, TiE, IVCA and Bootstrap Foundation, and supported by GEM, SIDBI, ECGC, DPIIT and MeitY.
The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh is set to make a grand return in 2025, building on the tremendous success of its inaugural edition. The flagship startup event was an extraordinary success, attracting over 50,000 business visitors engaging with 3000 exhibitors including finest startups, soonicorns, and unicorns, from 26+ states and 50+ countries. It also hosted 1000+ incubators and accelerators and 1000+ leading angel investors, VCs, and family offices.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called on Maha Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand today in Bangkok.
In a post on X, he said:
“Called on Maha Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand. We talked about the robust friendship between India and Thailand and how to make it even stronger.”
Called on Maha Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand. We talked about the robust friendship between India and Thailand and how to make it even stronger. pic.twitter.com/FJE958U1mn
Digital dystopia where humans serve algorithms or a humane society where technology serves the people, questions VP VP calls for right to explanation, right to contest automated decisions for citizen protection
Need the right balance between regulating artificial intelligence and fostering innovation, underlines VP
VP calls for independent and accountable National Artificial Intelligence Authority
Consent that is not free is no consent in law; Consent cannot be buried in opaque and abstruse terms of service-VP
AI opacity challenges legal transparency and accountability principles-VP
We must assert India’s cyber sovereignty-VP
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:52PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today emphasised on the need for regulation for AI while maintaining the right balance between regulation and fostering innovation. The Vice-President today underscored that, “ Regulation of AI will determine the kind of society we aspire to be. It has become a most important factor where we will be ! Do we wish to become a digital dystopia where humans serve algorithms or a humane Indian society where technology serves the people? The choice is ours. The choice is well known.”
To regulate something as dynamic as Artificial Intelligence, we need an agile and empowered institutional framework.
A National Artificial Intelligence Authority or Commission that is independent but accountable with representation from government, industry, academia, and civil… pic.twitter.com/lmkejkCee8
Addressing the gathering at the release of the book ‘AI on Trial’ authored by Hon’ble member of Rajya Sabha, Shri Sujeet Kumar at Vice-President’s Enclave today, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Regulating Artificial Intelligence is daunting, frightening, but imperative. Right balance will have to be struck between regulating artificial intelligence and fostering innovation. This is fundamental. Overregulation can choke like over-disciplining a child. We don’t have to impede the spirit of entrepreneurship. But at the same time, we have to be extremely cognizant of the evil effects. Under regulation can endanger public safety, perpetuate bias and erode trust.”
Hon’ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the book “AI on Trial”, authored by Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Shri Sujeet Kumar Ji, and Shri Tauseef Alam Ji, at Vice-President’s Enclave today. @SujeetKOfficial#AIonTrial@SmtSudhaMurty… pic.twitter.com/o9fMS9YHy8
The impact of Artificial Intelligence on ordinary citizens must be at the heart of AI regulatory regime.
We need enforceable rights to protect citizens from AI such as the right to explanation, the right to contest automated decisions. The system must provide automatic, inbuilt… pic.twitter.com/7XkWTTMUQk
“……to regulate something that is as dynamic as artificial intelligence, we need an agile and empowered institutional framework. A national artificial intelligence authority or commission, independent but accountable with representation from government, industry, academia, and civil society could serve as a think tank. We must therefore design regulation as a scaffold, not a cage. Our goal should be to enable a framework where responsible innovation thrives, and sinister designs, pernicious designs, are neutralised. A risk-based, sector-specific, and principle-driven approach may serve us well in this regard. For instance, the level of scrutiny required for AI used in medical diagnostics should differ from the Artificial Intelligence creating social media feeds……impact of artificial intelligence on ordinary citizens must be at the heart of regulatory regime. An ordinary person will not be able to find solutions on his own. The system must provide automatic, inbuilt relief to ordinary citizens. To protect our citizens from the hazards of artificial intelligence, we need enforceable rights, such as right to explanation, the right to contest automated decisions. Decisions are automated. How to contest them, we are not aware and the right to opt out of algorithmic processing, especially when decisions impact livelihoods, liberty, and dignity.
”, he added.
One of the greatest challenges that we face today is that every word spoken by a Member of Parliament has constitutional immunity from civil and criminal prosecution, even if the observations are slanderous, malicious, defamatory, damaging reputations of people, setting… pic.twitter.com/1uumJ4H4BK
“..we have to be extremely wary also. AI, the genie is out of the bottle, and it can be extremely destructive. It can create havoc if not regulated. In the age of deep fakes, working of Deep State, wokeism, these menacing trends can get wings if this genie of Artificial Intelligence is not regulated. To put it for young minds, a nuclear power can give you energy. Nuclear power can lighten houses, run industry, but it can also be destructive, and therefore, we have both the possibilities before us”, he cautioned.
In his address he further stated, “The regulation of artificial intelligence must be very transparent. It must go hand in hand with re-skilling and workforce planning. As artificial intelligence displaces certain tasks, it will. Because it has come to your house, come to your office. It does jobs sometimes better than normal resource and then an impression is gathered. Are we risking the jobs of people who work? Maybe in some situations…..this requires that we must invest very heavily in education, vocational training, digital literacy, particularly for those who are marginalised, who are vulnerable, who need hand-holding situations”.
Underlining the importance of cyber sovereignty, he stated, “We must assert India’s cyber sovereignty as much as we do the sovereignty understood in common parlance but we have to be aligned to global standards. There can be no standalone activity in such kind of situations. There will have to be global convergence. All stakeholders will have to come on one platform so that we have a global rule-based order in the field of Artificial Intelligence.”
Access to Judiciary is a Fundamental Right.
When it comes to challenges to Fundamental Rights, the doors of the highest court are open under Article 32.
But what we have seen off-late, access to judiciary has been weaponized by forces in a systemic matter fueled by extra legal… pic.twitter.com/Su12qYk3En
Talking about the ramifications of AI in the legal domain, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Artificial intelligence has generated a compulsive scenario for us. It has forced us to re-examine existing jurisprudence. Traditional legal concepts like liability, or even personhood come under pressure when actions are carried out by autonomous systems. Artificial intelligence opacity challenges legal transparency and accountability principles. Delegating legal interpretation to unexplainable systems undermines judicial trust…..If we use current legal artificial intelligence, we find one deficiency. It lacks comprehensive regulation and oversight. There is urgent need for standards and safeguards to prevent consequences of unregulated artificial intelligence. Debate continues all over, whether artificial intelligence promotes legal consistency or perpetuates historical biases.…Justice is at the risk, and the risk is great, justice at risk when algorithms lacking human qualities influence law, judgments can’t be robotised. There can be no artificial intelligence replication. Sometimes the distinction is too fine to be detected even by artificial intelligence. It is the brain of the judge, the discerning brain, that finds a resolution.”
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act is a landmark step, but it now has to evolve in tandem with Artificial Intelligence regulation.
Consent must be meaningful. Those who are lawyers know it, consent that is not free is no consent in law. And free means real freedom to… pic.twitter.com/bTUKeMuwcT
Emphasising on the significance of meaningful consent, Shri Dhankhar stated,“ Our Digital Personal Data Protection Act is a landmark step, but it now has to evolve in tandem with artificial intelligence regulation. Consent must be meaningful, those who are lawyers know it. A consent that is not free is no consent in law and free means real freedom to give your consent. Consent cannot be buried in opaque and abstruse terms of service. I am sometimes surprised when I use my mobile phone, go to some application, there is pressure, I agree. Now in utter helplessness, you concede a very personal ground. Unknowingly, you are lured or forced otherwise, the utilisation doesn’t fructify with ease. Consent cannot be in opaque and abstruse terms of service. Anonymisation, data minimisation, and purpose limitation must be rigorously enforced.”
Shri Sujeet Kumar, MP, Rajya Sabha; Smt. Sudha Murthy, MP, Rajya Sabha; Smt. Rekha Sharma, MP, Rajya Sabha; Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, Secretary to the Vice-President of India; and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Steel is a deregulated sector and the government acts as a facilitator by creating a conducive policy environment for the development of steel sector in the country. The decision regarding import and export are taken by steel companies based on techno-commercial considerations and market dynamics.
Government has taken steps to ensure that only quality steel is produced in the country or imported from outside. In this direction, 151 BIS standards have been notified and have been covered by Quality Control Orders (QCOs) by Ministry of Steel to ensure that only quality steel is made available to the end users & the public at large.
The Government has taken following steps to encourage domestic steel production:-
Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy for promoting ‘Made in India’ steel for Government procurement.
Implementation of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel to promote the manufacturing of ‘Specialty Steel’ within the country and reduce imports by attracting capital investments.
Country-wise and Year-wise import of finished Steel during last five year
IMPORT OF FINISHED STEEL (‘000 tonnes)
Country
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
ARGENTINA
26
7
1
0
0
AUSTRALIA
4
2
1
0
1
AUSTRIA
13
71
9
10
52
BAHARAIN
10
14
5
1
3
BELGIUM
74
56
28
33
17
BRAZIL
23
5
6
3
1
CANADA
20
17
10
11
6
CHINA
1207
843
833
1407
2687
CZECH REP
2
0
1
2
4
DENMARK
3
2
2
1
1
FINLAND
9
5
5
7
6
FRANCE
56
121
58
77
15
GERMANY
135
146
151
112
80
INDONESIA
464
79
241
148
94
ITALY
81
33
34
31
23
JAPAN
1018
560
664
841
1274
KAZAKHSTAN
3
11
1
6
0
KOREA
2687
1947
2009
2228
2670
KUWAIT
8
3
3
3
9
MALAYSIA
51
42
8
20
6
NEPAL
6
6
9
59
120
NETHERLANDS
11
20
13
4
3
NEWZELAND
1
1
0
1
1
OMAN
4
12
5
7
11
POLAND
8
5
7
6
3
PORTUGAL
2
1
2
2
0
ROMANIA
3
1
1
2
17
RUSSIA
71
63
55
313
53
SAUDI ARABIA
8
36
14
9
39
SINGAPORE
139
43
8
6
4
SLOVENIA
11
7
6
4
1
SOUTH AFRICA
22
15
8
5
7
SPAIN
32
20
27
21
5
SWEDEN
23
27
39
48
20
SWITZERLAND
1
1
1
1
1
TAIWAN
165
186
194
163
185
THAILAND
52
50
25
53
58
TURKEY
5
8
2
3
3
U.K.
17
11
6
5
4
UAE
21
21
24
12
52
UKRAINE
84
31
22
7
1
USA
65
54
29
17
20
VIETNAM
86
133
75
320
737
OTHERS
39
39
26
11
27
TOTAL
6768
4752
4669
6022
8320
Source: Joint Plant Committee (JPC)
This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.