The upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, starting next week, will see the introduction of six new bills. The list of bills was published in the Parliament bulletin issued by the Lok Sabha secretariat on Thursday evening. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget on Tuesday, July 23. This session is crucial as it will shape the legislative agenda for the coming months.
New Bills to be Introduced
· Amendment to the Disaster Management Law: Aimed at enhancing the disaster management framework in the country.
· The Finance Bill: An annual financial statement detailing the government’s revenue and expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year.
· Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024: Set to replace the outdated Aircraft Act of 1934, modernizing aviation regulations.
· The Boilers Bill: This bill will replace the pre-independence era law governing boiler operations and safety standards.
· The Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill: Focused on promoting the coffee industry and ensuring its sustainable development.
· The Rubber (Promotion and Development) Bill: Aimed at boosting the rubber industry and addressing its various challenges.
Business Advisory Committee (BAC) Formation
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has constituted the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) to decide the parliamentary agenda. The BAC consists of 15 members, including the Speaker who serves as the ex-officio Chairperson. Members are nominated by the Speaker. The Committee typically meets at the beginning of each session and as needed thereafter. The BAC was first constituted on July 14, 1952, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the parliamentary proceedings.
Session Timeline and Context
The Monsoon Session will begin on July 22 and continue until August 12. This session is the first full session of Parliament after the new members took oath during the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, held from June 24 to July 2, following the general elections. The initial session was marked by clashes between the opposition and the government over various issues, including the NEET-UG examination row. President Droupadi Murmu addressed the joint sitting of both Houses on June 27, with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adopting a motion of thanks on the President’s address.
This Monsoon Session is expected to be significant, with the introduction of key legislation and debates on pressing national issues. The government’s legislative agenda reflects its focus on updating and reforming various sectors, from aviation to disaster management. The session will also provide an opportunity for the opposition to raise concerns and engage in meaningful discussions on the proposed bills and other important topics.
(With inputs from agencies)