- Friday, May 17, 2024
By: Shubham Ghosh
WHILE the Indian opposition on Friday (22) staged a protest over price rise and other issues in the parliament which is currently in session, the Lok Sabha or the Lower House of the parliament passed the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022, seeking to extend the application of the country’s domestic laws to research stations it has set up in the Antarctic region.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the Rajya Sabha or the Upper House of the parliament were adjourned amid the opposition members’ protest. After the House reassembled after a brief adjournment, its deputy chairman conducted the Question Hour amid the continuing protests.
A number of top ministers replied to the opposition’s questions amid the din. Some of the protesting members even trooped inside the House’s well.
In the Lok Sabha, the Indian Antarctic Bill was taken up for discussion soon after the House reassembled following the second adjournment of the day. 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 also 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.
The Bill also aims to constitute a fund for the welfare of Antarctic research work and protection of its environment.
[With PTI inputs]
