Parliament Special Session Set to Begin: 8 Bills and New Building in Focus

As the special session of Parliament commences on Monday, a total of eight bills are slated for consideration and passage during this five-day session. The session is generating significant attention, with speculation about potential surprises from the government. It will also feature discussions on Parliament’s 75-year journey and the transition of House proceedings to the new building.

Key Points about the Parliament Special Session:

1. Pralhad Joshi, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, has confirmed that eight bills are on the agenda for consideration and passage during this session.
2. During an all-party meeting on Sunday, floor leaders were briefed about the inclusion of a bill concerning the welfare of senior citizens and three bills related to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes order.
3. Among the bills previously listed is one concerning the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. This bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha during the last Monsoon session and has sparked opposition protests. It proposes to align the service conditions of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners with those of the Cabinet Secretary, rather than a Supreme Court judge, as is currently the case.
4. While there is no official confirmation of potential new legislation, some reports suggest that the bills might include: The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2022; The Post Office Bill, 2023; The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023; The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023; Senior Citizens Welfare Bill, 2023; and The Constitution (SC/ST) Order, 2023.
5. There have been discussions, both within the BJP and elsewhere, about introducing a bill to ensure women’s reservation in elected legislatures, such as the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. When asked about the government’s stance on this demand, Pralhad Joshi stated that the government would make an “appropriate decision at an appropriate time.”
6. According to a Lok Sabha bulletin, this function aims to celebrate the rich legacy of the Indian Parliament and pledge to transform “Bharat” into a developed nation by 2047.
7. Two issues that were rumored to be taken up in the special session include the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill and a resolution to rename India as Bharat.
8. The Lok Sabha bulletin reiterates the objective of commemorating Parliament’s rich legacy and working towards making Bharat a developed nation by 2047.
9. According to the bulletin issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, all MPs are scheduled for a group photograph at 9:30 am on Tuesday. Arrangements have been made in the inner courtyard of the old building for this photo session. Legislative business for the government will commence in the new building from September 20. A group photograph of all Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members is scheduled for Tuesday morning.
10. Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar raised the national flag at the new Parliament building on Sunday morning. Pralhad Joshi mentioned that following a ceremony at the Central Hall of the current building, the session will transition to the new Parliament building.