Budget highlights: Sitharaman says EPFO's central board takes call on rates

EPFO has a central board which is the one that takes the call on what rate has to be given for them and they have not changed it for quite some time. “They have changed it now, from 8.4% it has come down to 8.1%,” Sitharaman said.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said for 40 years, the EPFO rate hadn't been brought down. “There are today's realities that do keep us in the context of decisions that are being taken up by the Central Board of EPFO. It is yet to come to finance ministry for approval,” Sitharaman said in the Rajya Sabha.

The Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2022 which seeks payment and appropriation of certain further sums from and out of the consolidated fund of India for the services of the financial year 2021-22 is returned. Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2022 which provide for authorisation of appropriation of money out of consolidated fund of India to meet amount spent on certain services during FY ended on 31st March 2019 in excess of the amounts granted for those services & for that year, is returned.

MoS Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore shares the status and progress of various ongoing works under Central Vista Master Plan. Also shares the total amount spent and expected to be spent on various works under the Master Plan since the commencement of the work.

Rajya Sabha adjourned to meet at 11am on Tuesday, March 22.

The Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2022 which seeks payment and appropriation of certain further sums from and out of the consolidated fund of India for the services of the financial year 2021-22 is returned by Rajya Sabha. 

The Lok Sabha proceedings time for today, March 21 has been extended till 8 pm.

The upper house of the Parliament has been adjourned till tomorrow - March 22 at 11 am. 

Central board of employee PF body EPFO takes call on interest rate on provident fund; board proposed cutting PF rate to 8.1%: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman  responds to the discussion on the J&K Appropriation Bill.

Union Tribal minister Arjun Munda answers on 'Allocation of funds for Tribal Development' during question hour in Lok Sabha: Watch

Rakesh Sinha raises connecting the Barauni-Begusarai of Bihar with the UDAN scheme in Rajya Sabha.

Over 30 lakh trees cut in India for developmental projects in 2020-21, none in Delhi: Govt

The Centre told the parliament house that no trees were cut in Delhi - the national capital for any developmental projects. However, around 31 lakh trees were cut down for infrastructure projects in rest of the cities in 2020-21. 

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moves The Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2022 and The Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2022 in Rajya Sabha.

Security situation along Western Borders (IB Sector) remains largely stable. There're indications of emerging narco-terror nexus sponsored by inimical elements across border to cause instability,especially along border areas. We'll respond to any challenge: Defence Ministry in Rajya Sabha

The situation along LoC remains stable post the Directorate General of Military Operations (DGsMO) understanding of Feb 2021. Both Armies have exercised restraint to maintain peace along the LoC. However, the situation is being closely monitored: Defence Ministry in Rajya Sabha (ANI)

Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh files nomination for Rajya Sabha from Punjab.

Academician Dr Sandeep Pathak and AAP Delhi MLA Raghav Chadha file their nominations for Rajya Sabha from Punjab.

The upper house of the Parliament has been adjourned till 2 pm. 

The Lok Sabha takes up further discussion on Demands for Grants under the control of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways 2022-23. 

The Rajya Sabha proceedings have resumed. 

Rajya Sabha proceedings have been adjourned till 12 pm. 

BJP's Bhupendra Yadav replies to CPI MP M Selvaraj's question during the Question Hour in Lok Sabha regarding harassments of women in workplaces.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi to speak in Zero Hour today, say sources. 

The second half of the parliament proceedings have resumed in both the houses.