Is the Govt Advocating for Dialogue on 150 Years of Vande Mataram in the Parliament's Winter Session?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Government pushing for 150 years of Vande Mataram discussion.
- Winter Session to start on December 4 and end on December 19.
- 13 legislative bills and one financial bill planned for introduction.
- Focus on national security and environmental issues.
- Participation of diverse political leaders in discussions.
New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) The government is advocating for a dialogue concerning the 150 years of Vande Mataram during the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. This initiative was highlighted during a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Rajya Sabha, where numerous members from the ruling party presented their suggestions, as reported by an MP.
In addition to the request for a House discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which is set to commence on Monday, leaders from 36 parties participating in the all-party meeting also called for discussions regarding the Delhi blast, national security, pollution issues, and the death of a BLO.
While the Congress party demanded a dialogue on security and environmental pollution, the Trinamool Congress maintained a singular focus on the need for a debate on SIR, as stated by an MP.
The Samajwadi Party opted to boycott the BAC of the Upper House; however, senior leader Ram Gopal Yadav expressed to reporters, “We will not allow Parliament to operate without a discussion on SIR.”
The Winter Session is slated to begin on Monday and, based on the exigencies of Government Business, is expected to conclude on December 19. This Session will encompass a total of 15 sittings over a span of 19 days.
The government plans to introduce 13 legislative bills and one financial bill during this Session, according to the statement released.
The all-party meeting, convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, was attended by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilisers Jagat Prakash Nadda, who also serves as the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha.
Other attendees included Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, along with Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan.
In total, the meeting saw participation from 50 leaders representing 36 political parties, including various Ministers.
The legislative bills anticipated for discussion during the Session include: The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025; The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025; The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 (to replace an ordinance); The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025; The National Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2025; The Atomic Energy Bill, 2025; The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025; The Securities Markets Code Bill (SMC), 2025; The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025; The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2025; The Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025; The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and The Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025.
The agenda for the financial business of the Session includes the Presentation, Discussion, and Voting on the First Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the fiscal year 2025-26, as well as the introduction, consideration, and passage/return of the relevant Appropriation Bill.
In remarks to reporters, Rijiju indicated that the government is prepared to discuss all issues and aims to facilitate a smooth session.
“The suggestions provided by floor leaders will be taken into account and presented to the Business Advisory Committees. Determining which matters will be discussed in the House follows established procedures,” Rijiju noted ahead of the Session's commencement.
During the all-party meeting, Rijiju stated that no representatives mentioned intentions to disrupt Parliament. “A few leaders hinted at potential disturbances in the House regarding SIR. We are open to listening to the Opposition... Parliament is a space for everyone, for the country. There exists a procedure for discussing each matter in Parliament, governed by rules and traditions,” he asserted.