The Winter Session of Parliament is set to begin on Monday, with a packed schedule that includes major legislative discussions, such as the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. This session will continue until December 20, although there will be no sittings on November 26 in observance of Constitution Day.
Several bills are slated for introduction, review, and potential approval during this session. These include the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, and the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill. Additionally, other bills for consideration include adjustments related to Scheduled Tribes' representation in Goa’s assembly constituencies, the Bills of Lading Bill, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill.
Additional legislative proposals on the agenda include the Boilers Bill, the Rashtriya Sahkari Vishwavidyalaya Bill, the Punjab Courts (Amendment) Bill, the Merchant Shipping Bill, the Coastal Shipping Bill, and the Indian Ports Bill.
A noteworthy change for this session is the introduction of digital attendance for Lok Sabha members. Those attending the session will have the option to mark their presence using a digital pen on an electronic tablet. These digital devices will be placed at four counters in the Lok Sabha lobby as part of an initiative by Speaker Om Birla to transition to a paperless Parliament.
Despite the digital option, traditional paper registers will remain available. However, members are encouraged to utilize the electronic option to support the move towards a more environmentally friendly legislative process. The Lok Sabha Secretariat has emphasized this preference. To use the digital system, members must select their name from a drop-down menu on the tablet, sign with the digital pen, and press 'submit' to complete the registration. Technical support from engineers of the National Informatics Centre will be provided at each counter.
In a parallel development, the leaders of the INDIA bloc are meeting today at Parliament House to finalize their opposition strategy. The meeting is expected to be chaired by Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge.
On the government’s side, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has highlighted a commitment to discussing all relevant issues. Following an all-party meeting on November 24, Rijiju said, "A total of 42 leaders from 30 political parties participated. Many topics were brought up, but our hope is for constructive debates in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha." He added, "The government is open to discussing any topic. Our main request is for a smooth and disruption-free session. The cooperation and engagement of all members are crucial to a successful Winter Session."
All-party meeting will be held on Parliament session, what will be special
Hemant Soren to Take Oath as Jharkhand Chief Minister on November 28
Maharashtra Election Results 2024 LIVE: Devendra Fadnavis Leads as Mahayuti Heads for Victory