Parliament Budget Session LIVE: Rajya Sabha discusses CAPF (General Administration) Bill

#### Key Updates

• Lok Sabha passes Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill

• Rajya Sabha begins discussion on CAPF (General Administration) Bill

• April 01, 2026 14:03 Lok Sabha passes Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill The Bill seeking to recognise Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh passed by the Lok Sabha.The Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha by a voice vote. While almost all parties supported the Bill, the YSR Congress walked out after making the point that the bill should have given a timeline to complete the promises made to farmers who gave their lands to make Amravati the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

The Bill seeking to recognise Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh passed by the Lok Sabha.

The Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha by a voice vote. While almost all parties supported the Bill, the YSR Congress walked out after making the point that the bill should have given a timeline to complete the promises made to farmers who gave their lands to make Amravati the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

• lok sabhaApril 01, 2026 13:57 MoS Home Affairs thanks MPs for backing A.P. Reorganisation BillNityanand Rai, MoS Home Affairs, expresses gratitude to the members of the House who supported the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during the discussion. Speaking during the discussion, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav urged that special status should be given to Bihar.

Nityanand Rai, MoS Home Affairs, expresses gratitude to the members of the House who supported the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during the discussion.

Speaking during the discussion, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav urged that special status should be given to Bihar.

• rajya sabhaApril 01, 2026 13:35 Congress-led government weakened the national security: BJP's Ajeet GopchadeSpeaking in support of the CAPF (General Administration) Bill, BJP’s Ajeet Gopchade says that the earlier the jawans used to fight the system, now the system is fighting for the jawans. The Modi government is providing solutions, where the previous governments left gaps, he says adding that during the Congress-led government weakened the national security. “Those who oppose this bill are more concerned with politics, than national security,” Mr. Gopchade says.

Speaking in support of the CAPF (General Administration) Bill, BJP’s Ajeet Gopchade says that the earlier the jawans used to fight the system, now the system is fighting for the jawans.

The Modi government is providing solutions, where the previous governments left gaps, he says adding that during the Congress-led government weakened the national security.

“Those who oppose this bill are more concerned with politics, than national security,” Mr. Gopchade says.

• lok sabhaApril 01, 2026 13:19 February 8, 2014 -- a black day in annals of Parliamentary history: BJP's D. Purandeswari“Telangana began its journey with Hyderabad as its capital -- which was ready, functional and globally, but Andhra Pradesh did not have a capital, nor did it have an Assembly, a Secretariat or an administrative ecosystem,” says BJP’s D. Purandeswari as she speaks on the Bill to recognise Amaravati as the AP capital. She further says that February 8, 2014 should be considered a black day in the annals of Indian Parliamentary history, because “a State was bifurcated on the floor of the House” without healthy discussion. “The people of Andhra Pradesh accepted the loss peacefully and constitutionally, keeping the nation’s interests in mind.”She recalls how when three States were created under then PM Vajpayee, they were allotted a capital, however Andhra in 2014 was “subjected to deep humiliation.”

“Telangana began its journey with Hyderabad as its capital -- which was ready, functional and globally, but Andhra Pradesh did not have a capital, nor did it have an Assembly, a Secretariat or an administrative ecosystem,” says BJP’s D. Purandeswari as she speaks on the Bill to recognise Amaravati as the AP capital.

She further says that February 8, 2014 should be considered a black day in the annals of Indian Parliamentary history, because “a State was bifurcated on the floor of the House” without healthy discussion.

“The people of Andhra Pradesh accepted the loss peacefully and constitutionally, keeping the nation’s interests in mind.”

She recalls how when three States were created under then PM Vajpayee, they were allotted a capital, however Andhra in 2014 was “subjected to deep humiliation.”

• rajya sabhaApril 01, 2026 13:06 Rajya Sabha begins discussion on CAPF (General Administration) BillRajya Sabha has now begun discussing the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill. The upper House had held a discussion previously on Monday (March 30, 2026), during which the Opposition said that the Bill went against constitutional values and principles of natural justice and demanded that it must be sent to a Select Committee for examination.Today, AITC’s Saket Gokhale begins the discussion by speaking on the condition of the CAPF officers. “The life of an IPS officer is far more comfortable than an officer of equal rank from CAPF,” he says. “You want to bring in the IPS to head these [CAPF] forces because you want political control over these forces,” he adds.

Rajya Sabha has now begun discussing the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill.

The upper House had held a discussion previously on Monday (March 30, 2026), during which the Opposition said that the Bill went against constitutional values and principles of natural justice and demanded that it must be sent to a Select Committee for examination.

Today, AITC’s Saket Gokhale begins the discussion by speaking on the condition of the CAPF officers. “The life of an IPS officer is far more comfortable than an officer of equal rank from CAPF,” he says.

“You want to bring in the IPS to head these [CAPF] forces because you want political control over these forces,” he adds.

• lok sabhaApril 01, 2026 12:59 Lok Sabha continues discussion on Bill to recognise Amaravati as A.P. capitalThe lower House is continuing its discussion on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 which seeks to recognise Amaravati as A.P. capital. YSRCP’s P. V. Midhun Reddy says that the Bill in the present state is of no use to the people. “We are not against Amaravati, but we are against this Bill,” he says before announcing his party’s walkout.

The lower House is continuing its discussion on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 which seeks to recognise Amaravati as A.P. capital.

YSRCP’s P. V. Midhun Reddy says that the Bill in the present state is of no use to the people. “We are not against Amaravati, but we are against this Bill,” he says before announcing his party’s walkout.

• rajya sabhaApril 01, 2026 12:35 Congress flags drug influx, calls Mundra Port ‘epicentre’; Govt says multi-department push on awarenessCongress MP Shaktisinh Gohil raises concern over the influx of drugs in the country. He says, “Drugs are smuggled inside the country, and the epicentre of drugs is the Mundra Port in Gujarat.” “The developed countries have prepared medicines that can stop the cravings to take drugs in an addict. Do we have any plans to allocate such medicines to the addicts?” In response, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar says, “The Ministry works towards the awareness and care of the people who are addicted to the substance.” He says that the Ministry is connected and works with 15 different departments in its efforts to counter the usage of drugs.

Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil raises concern over the influx of drugs in the country.

He says, “Drugs are smuggled inside the country, and the epicentre of drugs is the Mundra Port in Gujarat.”

“The developed countries have prepared medicines that can stop the cravings to take drugs in an addict. Do we have any plans to allocate such medicines to the addicts?”

In response, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar says, “The Ministry works towards the awareness and care of the people who are addicted to the substance.”

He says that the Ministry is connected and works with 15 different departments in its efforts to counter the usage of drugs.

• lok sabhaApril 01, 2026 12:22 MoS Pemmasani hails farmers’ land sacrifice for Andhra capitalMoS Rural Development, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani says, “I am also talking to the people of Andhra Pradesh and want to say that we are excited.” “Farmers have sacrificed their lands to make it a capital,” he says. He highlights the contribution of women towards the cause.

MoS Rural Development, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani says, “I am also talking to the people of Andhra Pradesh and want to say that we are excited.”

“Farmers have sacrificed their lands to make it a capital,” he says. He highlights the contribution of women towards the cause.

• lok sabhaApril 01, 2026 12:14 Bill to recognise Amaravati as A.P. capitalThe Union government introduces the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the current Lok Sabha session to officially recognise Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.Read more here

The Union government introduces the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the current Lok Sabha session to officially recognise Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.

• lok sabhaApril 01, 2026 12:12 Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill under discussion ‘The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ was introduced in the Lok Sabha.There will be a two-hour discussion on this Bill.

‘The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ was introduced in the Lok Sabha.

There will be a two-hour discussion on this Bill.

• lok sabhaApril 01, 2026 12:01 Lok Sabha proceedings resume After a brief adjournment due to the ruckus over the FCRA Amendment Bill by the Opposition, the proceedings for the Lower House resumed with Speaker Om Birla.

After a brief adjournment due to the ruckus over the FCRA Amendment Bill by the Opposition, the proceedings for the Lower House resumed with Speaker Om Birla.

• April 01, 2026 11:49 Opposition MPs protest in Parliament Complex against the FCRA Amendment Bill

• rajya sabhaApril 01, 2026 11:45 Kharge seeks to expunge the remark on Congress; Nadda hits backLeader of Opposition of Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge objects to the mention of the Congress party during the proceedings of the Zero Hour. “We condemn this and it should be expunged,” says Mr. Kharge. In response, the Leader of the House, J.P. Nadda, says, “The issue is that our politicians raise questions about the institutions of the country when they travel abroad. He (the member) showed concern over that.” The Opposition members continue to raise objections over the remarks, and the Chairman assures that he will look into the remarks made by the MP.

Leader of Opposition of Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge objects to the mention of the Congress party during the proceedings of the Zero Hour. “We condemn this and it should be expunged,” says Mr. Kharge.

In response, the Leader of the House, J.P. Nadda, says, “The issue is that our politicians raise questions about the institutions of the country when they travel abroad. He (the member) showed concern over that.”

The Opposition members continue to raise objections over the remarks, and the Chairman assures that he will look into the remarks made by the MP.

• rajya sabhaApril 01, 2026 11:37 Rekha Sharma flags women’s ‘dual burden’ in caregiving economy, urges recognition of unpaid work Haryana BJP MP Rekha Sharma raises the concerns surrounding the caregiving economy and the role of women in the ecosystem. Quoting the Economic Survey, Ms Sharma highlights how women are undertaking a “dual burden” of taking care of their homes and working in offices. “This is not just an economic issue but the issue of our thoughts.” She says, “Till today, the task of a caregiver is considered to be the natural duty of a woman, nor seen as a valuable work.” The government is putting efforts towards the upliftment and empowerment of these “valuable contributions”.

Haryana BJP MP Rekha Sharma raises the concerns surrounding the caregiving economy and the role of women in the ecosystem.

Quoting the Economic Survey, Ms Sharma highlights how women are undertaking a “dual burden” of taking care of their homes and working in offices. “This is not just an economic issue but the issue of our thoughts.” She says, “Till today, the task of a caregiver is considered to be the natural duty of a woman, nor seen as a valuable work.”

The government is putting efforts towards the upliftment and empowerment of these “valuable contributions”.

• April 01, 2026 11:27 Day 14 | Rajya Sabha Budget session

• April 01, 2026 11:27 Watch | Lok Sabha Budget session

• rajya sabhaApril 01, 2026 11:25 Digvijaya Singh flags ‘weakening social justice’ at JNU, questions V-C remarks Members raise matters with the permission of the Chair in the Rajya Sabha. Congress MP Digvijay Singh raises the concern of “cases of weakening social justice at JNU.” “Recent media remarks by the Vice-Chancellor who described the assertions of the historically marginalised communities as a form of permanent victimhood,” he says. Mr Singh says, “Such statements raise concern over the institute’s sensitivity towards caste discrimination, equity and constitutional values.” He also raises the concern of falling representation in faculty and student from the said communities over the past few years.

Members raise matters with the permission of the Chair in the Rajya Sabha. Congress MP Digvijay Singh raises the concern of “cases of weakening social justice at JNU.”

“Recent media remarks by the Vice-Chancellor who described the assertions of the historically marginalised communities as a form of permanent victimhood,” he says.

Mr Singh says, “Such statements raise concern over the institute’s sensitivity towards caste discrimination, equity and constitutional values.”

He also raises the concern of falling representation in faculty and student from the said communities over the past few years.

• lok sabhaApril 01, 2026 11:08 Lok Sabha adjourned till noon Speaker Om Birla urges the members of the Opposition to let the House function. Kiren Rijiju intervenes and says that the FCRA Bill will not be taken into consideration today.. The House stands adjourned till 1200 p.m. today.

Speaker Om Birla urges the members of the Opposition to let the House function. Kiren Rijiju intervenes and says that the FCRA Bill will not be taken into consideration today..

The House stands adjourned till 1200 p.m. today.

• lok sabhaApril 01, 2026 11:03 Question Hour begins amid Opposition protestThe Question Hour begins amid sloganeering from the Opposition against the FCRA Amendment Bill.

The Question Hour begins amid sloganeering from the Opposition against the FCRA Amendment Bill.

• lok sabhaApril 01, 2026 11:00 Proceedings begin for both Houses Proceedings for the day begin in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Proceedings for the day begin in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

• April 01, 2026 10:44 Congress to protest against FCRA Amendment BillThe Congress on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) accused the Union Government of attempting to “bulldoze” amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) in Parliament and announced a protest by its MPs outside Parliament on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).Congress to protest against FCRA amendment BillCongress plans a protest against FCRA amendments, arguing they threaten NGOs and minority-run community organizations.

The Congress on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) accused the Union Government of attempting to “bulldoze” amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) in Parliament and announced a protest by its MPs outside Parliament on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

Congress to protest against FCRA amendment Bill

Congress plans a protest against FCRA amendments, arguing they threaten NGOs and minority-run community organizations.

• April 01, 2026 10:44 Centre to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) ActThe Union government is likely to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act in the ongoing session of Parliament session. One of the key changes proposed is the appointment of a “designated authority” to take over, manage or dispose of assets created out of foreign funds by an NGO or association, which has had its FCRA registration suspended, cancelled, or not renewed.Another proposed amendment is expanding the definition of “key functionary” of an NGO beyond an “office bearer/director” to include directors; partners; trustees; the karta (head) of a Hindu Undivided Family; office‑bearers or members of the governing body or managing committee of a society, trust, trade union or association; and any other person who has control over or responsibility for the management or affairs of such an organisation.Read more here

The Union government is likely to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act in the ongoing session of Parliament session. One of the key changes proposed is the appointment of a “designated authority” to take over, manage or dispose of assets created out of foreign funds by an NGO or association, which has had its FCRA registration suspended, cancelled, or not renewed.

Another proposed amendment is expanding the definition of “key functionary” of an NGO beyond an “office bearer/director” to include directors; partners; trustees; the karta (head) of a Hindu Undivided Family; office‑bearers or members of the governing body or managing committee of a society, trust, trade union or association; and any other person who has control over or responsibility for the management or affairs of such an organisation.

Published - April 01, 2026 10:44 am IST

Congress to protest against FCRA amendment Bill

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