Parliament's Winter Session Concludes with Key Legislative Achievements
End of the Winter Session
New Delhi, Dec 19: The Winter Session of Parliament wrapped up on Friday, with both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha experiencing a lively yet productive atmosphere, culminating in several important decisions.
The 18th Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die during its final meeting.
Speaker Om Birla announced the session's closure shortly after the proceedings commenced, marking the end of a fruitful session that included 15 sittings.
In his closing remarks, Speaker Birla praised the members for their active involvement and collaboration throughout the session.
He stated, "All members participated and cooperated in the House, even working late into the night on several occasions," emphasizing the commitment displayed despite challenging schedules.
Birla highlighted that this collaborative spirit facilitated meaningful discussions on crucial legislative issues.
He proudly reported that the Lok Sabha achieved a productivity rate of 111 percent, showcasing effective time management and focused debates.
This session saw the passage of significant legislation, including the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM G Bill), which replaces the MGNREGA with an enhanced guarantee of 125 days of rural employment, and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, aimed at promoting clean energy through private sector involvement.
Other notable discussions included supplementary demands for grants, air pollution issues, and amendments to insurance laws.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also introduced motions concerning significant reforms.
Despite some disruptions typical in democratic discussions, the overall atmosphere was one of constructive engagement.
Members from both the ruling and opposition parties participated in late-night sessions to ensure all pending matters were addressed.
The Winter Session, initially anticipated with high hopes, concluded successfully, with the Lok Sabha demonstrating resilience and productivity.
The next session is expected to take place during the Budget Session in early 2026.
The 269th session of the Rajya Sabha, part of the ongoing Winter Session, was also adjourned sine die on Friday by Chairman and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, marking the end of a notably productive period.
As the Upper House convened, Chairman Radhakrishnan addressed the scheduled business. After laying out the necessary documents, he announced the conclusion of the 269th session and expressed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of House J.P. Nadda, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and all members for their cooperation.
This was his inaugural session presiding over the Upper House since taking office.
Describing the session as "very productive," he noted significant accomplishments, including an unprecedented average of over 84 Zero Hour notices per day, reflecting a 30.1 percent increase compared to the previous two sessions, and more than 15 matters raised daily during Zero Hour, indicating a nearly 50 percent rise.
The House operated late or skipped lunch breaks on five occasions to complete its business, totaling around 92 hours of work with an impressive productivity rate of 121 percent.
Key discussions included a special commemorative debate on the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram,' which lasted over two days with participation from 82 members, and a three-day discussion on electoral reforms involving 57 members.
The Rajya Sabha passed eight bills, including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, with contributions from 212 members.
A record 59 Private Members' Bills were introduced, highlighting vibrant democratic engagement.
Radhakrishnan commended members for their sincere use of parliamentary tools and expressed hope for continued fruitful debates in future sessions, emphasizing their role as guardians of democracy.