New Delhi: The Lok Sabha Secretariat has issued new rules to prevent the misuse of the digital Parliament website by MPs or their associates. The move comes after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra was accused of sharing her personal login details with a businessman, who allegedly paid her to ask questions in Parliament targeting the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to sources, the new rules state that only MPs can access the digital Parliament website using their personal log in details, which will be verified by an OTP (one-time password). No private employee or any third party can access the website or submit notices or questions on behalf of the MPs. The MPs have been advised to follow the new rules strictly and not to share their login details with anyone.
The new rules are aimed at ensuring the security and integrity of the digital Parliament website, which was launched in 2020 to enable paperless functioning of the Parliament amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The website allows MPs to submit notices, questions, bills, motions, and other parliamentary documents online. The website also provides access to the live proceedings, debates, and reports of the Parliament.
The new rules will be effective from the upcoming winter session of Parliament, which is scheduled to begin on 29 November and end on 23 December. The session will have 19 sittings and will discuss several important bills and issues, including the COVID-19 situation, the farmers’ protest, the inflation, and the security challenges.
