Will the Rajasthan Assembly’s Monsoon Session Start on Sep 1 Include the Anti-Conversion Bill?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Monsoon Session begins on September 1.
- The Anti-Conversion Bill may be passed.
- Opposition plans to challenge the government on various issues.
- Tragedy in Jhalawar raises questions about accountability.
- Pending bills from the Budget Session need urgent attention.
Jaipur, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Monsoon Session of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly is set to kick off on September 1. Governor Haribhau Bagde has issued the official notification to convene this session, prompting the Assembly Secretariat to begin dispatching formal notifications to all MLAs.
Speaker Vasudev Devnani has assessed the preparations for the upcoming session. Prior to its commencement, Speaker Devnani is expected to conduct an all-party meeting, as stated by officials.
The session is projected to last between 7 to 10 days, with the final timetable to be established during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting.
The previous Budget Session wrapped up on March 24, and according to legislative protocols, a session must be convened within six months—rendering this session crucial before the end of September.
The long-standing Anti-Conversion Bill, first introduced on February 3 during the Budget Session but left untouched, is anticipated to be passed. The Law Minister has recently signaled the government's intent to push it through. This bill encompasses rigorous provisions and penalties for coerced religious conversions.
A report from the Select Committee regarding the Rajasthan Coaching Regulation Bill is also expected to be addressed and could be approved during this session, particularly following the High Court’s critique of procedural delays.
In total, four bills from the Budget Session remain unresolved, with three awaiting deliberation in the Select Committee: the Rajasthan Coaching Centre Regulation Bill, the Rajasthan Land Revenue (Amendment) Bill, and the Rajasthan Groundwater Authority Bill.
The Opposition Congress plans to challenge the government on various fronts, including law and order, disaster management, public transportation, and the functionality of schools and hospitals.
The recent tragedy in Jhalawar, where a school building collapse tragically resulted in the deaths of seven children, is anticipated to be a significant point of contention. The state Education Minister Madan Dilawar is likely to face intense scrutiny, as the Opposition has been calling for his resignation in light of this incident.
The Education Department had earlier submitted a proposal to repair 8,000 schools, but only 2,000 were selected due to financial limitations. While Rs 80 crore was allocated last year, a request for Rs 175 crore for the current year is still pending approval.