The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs plays a pivotal role in coordinating the legislative activities between the Government and the Parliament of India. The recent adjournment sine die of the Interim Budget Session 2024, as announced by the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi, offers a comprehensive overview of the Ministry’s operational efficacy and its contribution to the legislative process during this session.
Overview of the Interim Budget Session 2024
The Interim Budget Session 2024, spanning 11 days with 9 sittings, marks a significant phase in India’s parliamentary democracy. The session’s extension by a day to address essential government business underscores the Ministry’s adaptability in ensuring legislative agendas are met. The introduction and passing of 12 bills across both Houses of Parliament reflect a productive legislative process, with Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha showing productivity rates of approximately 148% and 137%, respectively.
Legislative Achievements
The session witnessed the introduction of 10 bills (7 in Lok Sabha and 3 in Rajya Sabha), with a total of 12 bills passed by both Houses. This demonstrates the Ministry’s effectiveness in steering critical legislation through Parliament. The passage of the Finance Bill, 2024, along with Appropriation Bills and Supplementary Demands for Grants, signifies the Ministry’s role in facilitating the government’s fiscal management and budgetary proposals.
Discussion and Participation
The session was marked by significant discussions, including the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, General Discussion on the Interim Union Budget, and debates on the Indian economy. These discussions saw active participation from members of both Houses, reflecting the Ministry’s success in fostering a collaborative and deliberative parliamentary environment.
Historical Context and Legislative Reforms
The term of the 17th Lok Sabha has been noteworthy, with the Ministry overseeing the passing of crucial legislations that address socio-economic challenges and governance reforms. The abrogation of certain provisions from Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir stand out as landmark decisions facilitated by the Ministry’s coordination. Furthermore, the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, mark significant steps towards reforming India’s criminal justice system.
Digital Transformation and Legislative Efficiency
The Ministry’s efforts in implementing the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) highlight its commitment to leveraging technology for enhancing legislative efficiency. The transition towards a paperless legislative process is in line with the Digital India Programme, aiming to streamline legislative proceedings and ensure greater transparency and accessibility.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has demonstrated commendable efficiency and effectiveness in facilitating the legislative process during the Interim Budget Session 2024. By ensuring the smooth passage of bills, fostering meaningful discussions, and driving legislative reforms, the Ministry has significantly contributed to the strengthening of India’s parliamentary democracy. The continued focus on digital transformation and the repeal of outdated laws further reflect the Ministry’s proactive approach towards modernizing India’s legislative framework.
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Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Interim Budget Session of Parliament adjourns sine die
Session provided 9 sittings spread over a period of 11 days
A Total of 12 Bills passed by both the Houses of Parliament
Productivity of Lok Sabha was approximately 148% and that of Rajya Sabha 137% approximately
Posted On: 10 FEB 2024 9:25PM by PIB Delhi
Interim Budget Session, 2024 of Parliament, which commencedon Wednesday, the 31st January,2024 has been adjourned sine die today, the 10th of February, 2024. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Shri Pralhad Joshi held a press conference today after the Interim Budget Session, 2024 of Parliament. Minister of State, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Culture, Minister of State (I/C) for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and Minister of State, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan were also present at the occasion. Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi informed that the Session provided 9 sittings spread over a period of 11 days. The session was extended by a day so as to transact essential government business. During this Session a total of 10 Bills (7 in Lok Sabha and 3 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. 12 Bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 12 Bills were passed/returned by Rajya Sabha. Total number of Bills passed/returned by both Houses of Parliament is also 12, stated the minister. A list of Bills introduced in Lok Sabha, Bills passed by Lok Sabha, Bills passed/returned by Rajya Sabha, Bills passed/returned by both Houses is attached in Annex.
Addressing media, the minister informed that productivity of Lok Sabha was approximately 148% and that of Rajya Sabha 137% approximately.
This being the first Session of the year, the President addressed both Houses of Parliament assembled together in terms of Article 87(1) of the Constitution, on 31st January, 2024. Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha was moved by Dr. Heena Vijaykumar Gavit and seconded by Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel. This item engaged the Lok Sabha for 15 Hrs 28minutes against allotted 12 Hours. In Rajya Sabha it was moved by Ms. Kavita Patidar and seconded by Shri Vivek Thakur and the item engaged the House for 15 hours 7 mins against allotted 14 hours. The Motions of Thanks were discussed and adopted after reply from the Hon’ble Prime Minister by the two Houses. 117 Members in Lok Sabha and 57 Members in Rajya Sabha participated in the discussion on the subject.
The Interim Union Budget for 2024- 25 was presented on Thursday, the 1st of February, 2024. General Discussion on the Interim Union Budget and Interim Budget of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2024-25 was held in both the Houses. Demands for Grants on Account for 2024-25, Supplementary Demands for Grants – Second Batch for 2023-24, Demands for Grants on Account of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2024-25, Supplementary Demands for Grants of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the financial year 2023-24 were voted in full and the related Appropriation Bills were introduced, considered and passed by Lok Sabha on 7th February, 2024.The Finance Bill, 2024 was passed by Lok Sabha on the same day. This business engaged the Lok Sabha for 10 Hours 18 minutes in which 88 Members participated.
In Rajya Sabha, General Discussion on the Interim Union Budget and Interim Budget for Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was held on 7th February, 2024. The Rajya Sabha returned the Appropriation Bills related to Demands for Grants on Account for 2024-25, Supplementary Demands for Grants – Second Batch for 2023-24, Demands for Grants on Account of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2024-25, Supplementary Demands for Grants of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the financial year 2023-24 on 8th February, 2024 to Lok Sabha without any recommendations. The Finance Bill, 2024 was also returned by Rajya Sabha on the same day. This business engaged the Rajya Sabha for 6 Hours 40 minute in which 31 Members participated.
In Lok Sabha on 9th February, 2024,a discussion was held under Rule 342 on a motion given by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance on “White Paper on the Indian Economy and its impact on lives of the people of India”. The discussion engaged the Lok Sabha for 7hours25 minutes. In Rajya Sabha the discussion on the subject was held under Rule 176 engaging the House for 3 Hrs 50 minutes.
Minister also elaborated upon the salient features of work done during the term of 17th Lok Sabha.
Lok Sabha had 274 sittings in which 202 Bills were introduced and 222 bills were passed. Rajya Sabha had 271 sittings, in which 31 Bills were introduced and 220 bills were passed. In total 221 Bills were passed by both the Houses and became Acts.
First Session of 17th Lok Sabha was historic in many ways as legislations relating to almost all walks of socio and economic activities were passed. 30 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament in that Session which is a record in single first/effective Session after constitution of new Lok Sabha so far.
During the 17th Lok Sabha one of the most important business transacted was the abrogation of certain provisions from Article 370 and Presidential Orders thereunder for ensuring equal opportunities to all sections of Society in Jammu & Kashmir particularly with the restoration of applicability of the provisions of the Constitution of India and all socio-economic legislations thereby ensuring rule of law and equity. Further for ensuring better administration and for curbing terrorism, the State of Jammu & Kashmir was reorganized with the formation of two Union Territories – Jammu &Kashmir and Ladakh.
To meet Constitutional requirements of article 85 and for transacting essential legislative and other Business, the Monsoon Session, 2020 and the first part of Budget Session, 2021 and Budget Session, 2022 were held during the COVID-19 pandemic by making extraordinary arrangements including that of seating and logistics following all guidelines of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Home Affairs.
The criminal Justice System rooted in the era of slavery is now history. Now, justice takes precedence over punishment. The nation has got a new Nyaya Sanita based on the principle of ‘Justice First’. For the purpose, three landmark Bills relating to the criminal justice system to ensure victim-centric justice namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 replacing the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 were passed by both the Houses of Parliament.
A special function was held in the Central Hall of Parliament on 26th November 2019 for Members of both Houses of Parliament to commemorate the 70 years of adoption of the Constitution. The President of India in the august presence of The Vice President, The Prime Minister, The Speaker and The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and members of both the Houses of Parliament graced the function.
The month of September, 2023 marked a historical occasion when the New Parliament Building was dedicated to the Nation. A Special Session of Parliament was convened which commenced on 18th of September, 2023 in the Old Parliament Building wherein discussion on ‘Parliamentary Journey of 75 Years Starting from Samvidhan Sabha – Achievements, Experiences, Memories and Learnings’ was held in both the Houses. The Prime Minister and other dignitaries addressed Members of Parliament assembled in the Central Hall on 19th September, 2023 and thereafter, the respective Houses started their proceedings in the New Parliament Building, rechristened as SANSAD BHAVAN while Old Parliament House including Central Hall has been given the name of‘ Samvidhan Sadan’.
Special Session of Parliament held during September, 2023 witnessed a historical moment when Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 i.e. the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023 for giving one-third reservation to women in Lok Sabha and State/Union Territory Legislatures to enable greater participation of women as public representatives in policy making at the National and State levels was passed. The voting pattern in Lok Sabha remained 454 voting in favour and only 2 Members voting against it. In Rajya Sabha, it was passed unanimously.
During this period, following the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi under ‘Digital India Programme’, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is fast implementing “National e-Vidhan Application- NeVA” for making all legislatures paperless. Prime Minister made clarion call to all the Presiding officers on 26th November, 2020 from Kevadia during 80th Presiding Officers’ Conference for early adoption of NeVA. This call was renewed by the then President of India on 31st January, 2021 during his address to both the Houses of Parliament. So far 22 State Legislatures have signed MoUs while projects of 19 Houses have already been approved and by the time NeVA has gone live in 12 State Legislatures. Concerted efforts are being made for its early implementation in rest of Legislatures including two Houses of Parliament.
The present Government has created a record by scrapping the old, redundant, and archaic Laws from statute books. A total of 1562 old and redundant Laws have been repealed so far since 2014.
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