Overview of the Winter Session of Parliament
The winter session comprised 15 sittings, featuring both significant legislative activities and political gestures marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. It included the introduction of 10 Bills and the passage of eight Bills by both Houses.
Key Legislative Developments
- Introduction and passage of important Bills:
- Repealing or amending outdated laws.
- Allowing 100% FDI in the insurance sector.
- Facilitating private sector investment in nuclear power by reducing supplier liability.
- Major changes to the rural employment guarantee scheme, originally a UPA welfare program from 2005.
- Concern over Hindi titles of Bills, which were seen as unconstitutional by Members from non-Hindi regions. Examples include:
- Insurance Bill: Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha.
- Rural employment guarantee Bill: Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G.
Discussion on Vande Mataram
The parliamentary discussion on Vande Mataram lasted for over 11 hours in the Lok Sabha and nearly 13 hours in the Rajya Sabha, with numerous participants. It was suggested that a unanimous resolution could have commemorated the song more effectively without partisan debates.
Debates on Electoral Reforms
A heated debate on electoral reforms took place for nearly 13 hours in the Lok Sabha and nearly 11 hours in the Rajya Sabha. The closed-mindedness of major parties hindered a productive discussion on election integrity, which is crucial for Indian democracy.
Other Issues and Outcomes
- Opposition's request for a discussion on Delhi's air pollution crisis was denied.
- Bills were swiftly passed with limited input from parliamentary committees.
- Despite a less acrimonious session, there was a productive Question Hour and Zero Hour.
Conclusion and Political Gestures
The session concluded on a relatively positive note with meetings between the government and the Opposition facilitated by the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman. These exchanges were amicable and suggest a potential for improved parliamentary cooperation in the future.
