After insisting to let Parliament complete its budget session till April 3, the government relented in wake of increasing threats from coronavirus. Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Monday within minutes of its convening for the day. Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill, thus completing the budget exercise.
In fact, the Finance Bill was passed by voice vote. There was no discussion in the issue, including reply by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Many opposition parties had demanded that the finance minister announce a package for the states and those affected by the spread of COVID-19, and subsequent job loss due to the lockdown.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury demanded a financial package for the poor who are facing hardships due to the lockdown.
The government, however, has not made any announcement in this regard.
Sources said the government was still holding discussions with the stakeholders and will continue to announce measures in the coming days.
In Rajya Sabha, the House took up discussion over the Jammu and Kashmir appropriation bill after it was passed by the Lok Sabha. The upper house will also adjourn after completing the business of the day.
