RS adjourned for the day over farmers' loans issue

New Delhi, Feb 27 (UNI) A determined Opposition today stalled the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha, demanding waiver of farmers' loans in the country, forcing the Chair to adjourn the House for the day.

However, even amid the din, the House approved a statutory resolution and the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2007, providing for an increase in payment of maternity benefits for various categories of women workers employed in establishments having more than ten workers.

The House was earlier adjourned till 1200 hrs as soon as it assembled for the day NDA members disrupted the proceedings, demanding the waiver of farmers' loans.

When the House re-assembled, members of the Samajwadi Party and the BJP again trooped into the well of the House, raising slogans against the ''anti-farmer attitude'' of the Government.

Despite the bedlam, Deputy Chairman K Rehman Khan, who was in the Chair, managed to get the House to give its approval for a statutory resolution on President's Rule imposed in Nagaland on January three.

The House also passed the Maternity Benefit(Amendment) Bill, 2007. The Bill enhances the medical bonus to every woman from her employer from Rs 250 to Rs 1000. It also empowers the government to revise the medical bonus periodically, subject to a maximum of Rs 20,000.

When the uproar continued in the House, Mr Khan adjourned the House for the day.

UNI MCN RR AS1314