The Modi government has outlined an ambitious legislative agenda for the upcoming winter session of Parliament, starting on Monday, featuring 15 Bills, including five new draft laws. Among the proposed legislations, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 is set to be a focal point of intense debate, with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) expected to submit its report during the session.
Key Highlights of the Winter Session:
- Contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024
- Introduced during the monsoon session, this Bill has faced strong opposition from Opposition parties and Muslim bodies over proposed amendments.
- The JPC scrutinizing the Bill is mandated to submit its report during the first week of the session.
- No ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill
- Despite widespread speculation, the much-discussed ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill did not make it to the legislative list.
- Merchant Shipping Bill
- Aims to align India’s maritime laws with international treaties and ensure compliance with global obligations.
- Coastal Shipping Bill
- Seeks to streamline coastal shipping by removing the requirement for Indian-flagged vessels to obtain trading licenses for coastal operations.
- Indian Ports Bill
- Focused on port conservation, security, and pollution control, this Bill aims to empower State Maritime Boards and establish a national council for port sector growth.
Other New Bills:
- Punjab Courts (Amendment) Bill
Proposes increasing the appellate jurisdiction of Delhi district courts from ₹3 lakh to ₹20 lakh. - Cooperative University Bill
Aims to establish a new educational institution focusing on cooperative education.
Pending Bills for Consideration:
The session will also deliberate on 11 pending legislations, including:
- Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill
- Railways (Amendment) Bill
- Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill
- Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill 2024
Maritime Reforms at the Forefront
The government’s focus on the Merchant Shipping, Coastal Shipping, and Indian Ports Bills reflects its intent to strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure. If passed, these reforms will modernize port governance, enhance compliance with international standards, and streamline coastal trade operations.
Conclusion
With a total of 16 Bills, including five new and 11 pending legislations, the winter session is expected to witness heated debates, particularly on contentious topics like the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. These legislative efforts aim to address critical sectors, including maritime trade, judiciary reforms, and disaster management, marking a pivotal session in the government’s agenda.
