Row over NEET-UG, other tests set to dominate Lok Sabha proceedings

NEW DELHI: The row over appointment of BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem speaker is likely to cast a shadow over the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha commencing on Monday. Besides, irregularities in the NEET-UG exam and cancellation of other tests is set to dominate proceedings after the first two days when newly-elected MPs will take oath.
The oath-taking will be followed by election of the speaker on June 26 and President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both Houses on June 27.
Opposition has also demanded review of the three penal laws passed by Parliament last year. Govt, however, has made it clear that it is not going to bow to opposition pressure.
But first up will be the row over appointment of Mahtab as pro-tem speaker. The move has drawn flak from the opposition, which alleged that the claim of Congress member K Suresh to the post was overlooked.
On Monday, Murmu will administer oath to Mahtab as pro-tem speaker at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Mahtab will then reach Parliament House and call the Lok Sabha to order at 11am. The proceedings will begin with members observing a moment of silence on the occasion of the first sitting of the 18th Lok Sabha. This will be followed by Lok Sabha secretary general Utpal Kumar Singh placing the list of members elected to the lower House.
Mahtab will then call upon PM Narendra Modi, the leader of Lok Sabha, to take oath as member of the House.
After the panel of chairpersons, he will administer oath/affirmation as Lok Sabha members to the council of ministers. Members from states, in alphabetical order, will take oath or make affirmation over the next two days.
The President is scheduled to address the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on June 27. The debate on the motion of thanks to the President's address will begin on June 28. The PM is expected to respond to the debate on July 2 or 3.
Both Houses are expected to go into a brief recess and re-assemble on July 22 for presentation of the Union Budget.