Government offers debate on student protests; Home Minister to reply, says Rijiju
New Delhi: The government on Monday said it is ready for a debate in the Lok Sabha on the recent student protests and the subsequent police action, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected to respond on its behalf. The announcement was made by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju after a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Lok Sabha.
Mr. Rijiju told reporters that the government has communicated its readiness to the BAC for a detailed discussion on the agitations by students and youth in various parts of the country, as well as the police action linked to these protests. He said the Home Minister will reply to the debate on the government's behalf.
However, he added that the Opposition is expected to give an assurance that they will participate in the debate peacefully, not disrupt the proceedings, listen to the Home Minister's reply, and not walk out after creating turmoil or sloganeering. The demand comes amid repeated adjournments in Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session, which began on July 20.
The Opposition has been pressing for a statement from the Home Minister on police action against students who protested in the national capital last month. Mr. Shah has not been seen in the House, though he has been regularly visiting the Parliament House complex, according to reports.
The session has seen little legislative business so far, with the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 — commonly referred to as the anti-paper leaks bill — being the only major legislation passed by both Houses after a debate. Three other bills were passed with minimal discussion, and two more were cleared by the Lok Sabha amid persistent protests by Opposition members.
Initially, Opposition parties raised concerns over alleged paper leaks in the NEET examination and the reported theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. They later shifted focus to demanding a discussion on police action against students demonstrating over the NEET issue, and called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Home Minister to be present in the House and make statements.
The government's offer for a debate is seen as an attempt to break the deadlock that has stalled proceedings. However, the precondition of a peaceful conduct assurance may prove to be a sticking point, as the Opposition has blamed the government for not allowing discussions and for the absence of key ministers.
The BAC meeting took place in the Parliament House complex, with Mr. Rijiju briefing reporters after the discussions. He reiterated that the government is open to a detailed exchange on the issue, but stressed that orderly proceedings are essential for a meaningful debate.
The Monsoon Session, which is scheduled to continue for a few more days, had seen repeated adjournments over the past weeks. Parliamentary affairs observers note that the willingness to discuss the matter could ease tensions, provided both sides agree on the terms of engagement.
As of now, no specific date has been announced for the proposed debate, pending the formal approval of the BAC and the agreement of the Opposition to the government's conditions. The situation remains fluid, with both sides expected to hold further consultations.
