New Delhi: The Central Government has announced a ‘tentative list’ of the agenda for the special session of Parliament, which will be held from September 18 to September 22. The agenda includes a discussion on the 75 years of Parliament’s journey, as well as four bills that have been passed or introduced in either house. The government may also add more bills to the list later.
The four bills that are on the agenda are:
- Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023: This bill seeks to amend the Advocates Act, 1961 to provide for the establishment of an All India Bar Council and a common entrance test for admission to law courses and enrolment as advocates. The bill also proposes to regulate the fees and conduct of advocates and to create a fund for their welfare. The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on August 3 and will be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
- Press and Periodical Registration Bill, 2023: This bill aims to replace the Press and Registration of Books Act, of 1867, and to provide for a simplified and digital process of registration of newspapers, magazines, journals, and other periodicals. The bill also seeks to protect the freedom of the press and to ensure accountability and transparency in the publication of periodicals. The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on August 3 and will be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
- Post Office Bill, 2023: This bill intends to repeal the Indian Post Office Act, of 1898 and to enact new legislation to regulate the postal services in India. The bill also aims to modernize and improve the efficiency and quality of postal services, promote e-commerce and financial inclusion, and safeguard the rights and interests of postal customers. The bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on August 10 and will be discussed there.
- Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, conditions of service, and term of office) Bill, 2023: This bill proposes to amend the Constitution of India to provide for a fixed term of five years for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs), irrespective of their age. The bill also seeks to prescribe the qualifications, procedure of appointment and removal, salaries and allowances, and other conditions of service of the CEC and ECs. The bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on August 10 and will be discussed there.
According to the parliamentary bulletin, ‘On September 18, the first day of the special session of Parliament, there will be a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on ’75 years of parliamentary journey starting from the Constituent Assembly – achievements, experiences, memories and lessons’. Apart from this, there will also be discussion on the immortal period of independence, while proposals will be brought on Chandrayaan-3 mission and G20 summit.
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariats had recently said in their bulletins that the special session of Parliament will begin from September 18 and will continue till September 22 considering the functioning of the government. It said that the session will usually run from 11 a.m to 1 p.m and then from 2 p.m to 6 p.m. According to secretariat sources, there will be no question hour and non-government business in both the houses during the special session.
The government has called an all-party meeting on September 17 ahead of the five-day special session of Parliament starting on September 18. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi posted on social media site ‘In this regard, invitations have been sent to the leaders through e-mail. Letters will also be sent.’
