The Rajya Sabha today witnessed noisy scenes during the question hour with the opposition members protesting against media reports on fall
in the poverty levels. As soon as the House met for the day, opposition members were on their feet to raise the matter for a debate.

Amidst protests, Mr S S Ahluwalia of the BJP said that attempts are being made to end the poverty line and begin starvation line in the country. Responding to this, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Rajiv Shukla said the members can raise the issue during the discussion on Union Budget beginning tomorrow.

He said if the members still want a response, he would request the Planning Minister to respond. Later, the House took up the questions listed for the day.