The Indian Parliament’s winter session began on November 25 and is scheduled to run until December 20. With a robust agenda comprising several significant and potentially contentious bills, the session promises a critical juncture for legislative deliberation and reform.
Key Bills on the Table
Rashtriya Sahkari Vishwavidyalaya Bill, 2024
This bill aims to establish a cooperative university to promote education and research in the cooperative sector, aligning with the government’s focus on fostering cooperative development.
Punjab Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024
The bill seeks to amend the Punjab Courts Act, 1918, by increasing the pecuniary jurisdiction of Delhi district courts from ₹3 lakh to ₹20 lakh, a move aimed at improving judicial efficiency.
Shipping and Maritime Reform Bills
The Winter Session features a series of bills aimed at modernizing India’s maritime laws and boosting coastal trade, including the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, which seeks to update maritime laws and ensure compliance with international shipping treaties, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, designed to promote coastal trade by encouraging participation from Indian vessels, thus strengthening national security and economic activity. The Indian Ports Bill, 2024, focuses on port conservation, security, and pollution control, aligning India’s port infrastructure with international obligations. Bills of Lading Bill, 2024 and Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 will update legal frameworks for maritime trade and liability, replacing outdated regulations.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
A key proposal in this bill is to allow non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards and revise the powers related to property surveys, potentially addressing concerns around representation and governance.
Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024
This bill consolidates and updates older railway laws, including the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, into a contemporary framework. Having already passed the Lok Sabha, it awaits clearance in the Rajya Sabha.
Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
This anticipated bill is expected to bring reforms in banking regulation and governance, although detailed provisions are yet to be revealed.
Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024
This legislation proposes the creation of Urban Disaster Management Authorities and State Disaster Response Forces, enhancing the country’s ability to handle emergencies.
Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024
Updating the Aircraft Act, 1934, this bill focuses on better regulation of civil aviation. Having passed the Lok Sabha, it awaits deliberation in the Rajya Sabha.
Other important bills include amendments to oilfields regulations, modernization of boiler safety laws, and adjustments for Scheduled Tribes’ representation in Goa.
Leaders’ Remarks and Session Objectives
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, following an all-party meeting on Sunday, emphasized the government’s openness to discussions on all topics, urging cooperation to ensure smooth proceedings. “The government is ready to discuss any topic… Everyone’s cooperation and participation are necessary,” Rijiju stated.
In his opening remarks, PM Modi stressed the importance of meaningful debates and productive engagement, particularly from new MPs. He highlighted Bharat’s growing global stature and called for discussions to reflect voters’ dedication to democracy and the Constitution. “Opportunities like the one Bharat has today are rare on the world stage. The message from Bharat’s Parliament should enhance our nation’s global respect,” Modi noted.
Both houses will remain closed on November 26 in observance of Constitution Day, underscoring the session’s significance in the 75th year of the Constitution.
The session holds the potential for transformative policy-making and legislative advancements. However, its success will depend on the collaboration between parties to prioritize constructive debates over disruptions.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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