STATUTORY RESOLUTION RE.: DISAPPROVING THE INSURANCE LAWS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, 2014 (NO. 8 OF 2014) & THE INSURANCE LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2015

SHRI P. RAJEEVE: Sir, the thing is, we have a Bill as proposed by the Select Committee. There is no power to the Government to withdraw a Bill which is proposed by the Select Committee. Then, we have the Bill, the same Bill, and now we are considering the other Bill, the same Bill. There is only one difference. ‘2014’ is in that Bill which has been proposed by the Select Committee and this Bill is Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2015, as passed by the Lok Sabha. Our hon. Chairman always mentioned that whenever we read the Constitution, except the money matters, the Council of States came before the other House. Then, which Bill will prevail? Which Bill is supreme? Our Bill is here, that is, the Select Committee Bill. That is a property of the House. It is here. ..(Interruptions)..

The Government has no power to withdraw a Bill which has been submitted by the Select Committee. The Government has the power to withdraw a Bill which is introduced by the Ministry. Sir, it is specifically stated in the rules regarding withdrawal. Then, my question is: Which Bill are we going to take up? If we are going to take up this Bill, then what is the fate of the Select Committee Report? That is the Select Committee Report. There is a difference between a Standing Committee and a Select Committee. Select Committee Report is submitted to the House along with the Bill itself. The Standing Committee is entirely different. It is specifically stated in the rules. Then, which Bill are we going to take up? If we are ready to dilute the powers of the Council of States, then it is okay. I have no objection to that. I think people will come and go, Governments will come and go. The fathers of the Constitution formulated our Constitution with due conscience. How these two Houses would function is clearly drafted. Now, I request the Chair to protect the dignity of the Council of States. I request this to the Chair. The people will come and go, Governments will come and go. You should consider the Bill which is the property of this House first and take up a discussion on that. We can pass that Bill, the Bill proposed by the Select Committee. Thank you, Sir.

MR. DEPUTY CHAIRMAN: Now, Mr. Rajeeve is saying that there is a Bill here which has been recommended by the Select Committee. That is one point. Second, there is another Bill, according to you, which has been passed by the Lok Sabha and transmitted to this House. As per the Constitutional provision, we have to consider that Bill also. Now, your problem is, which is to be considered. You say that the Select Committee Bill is to be considered. This is your point.