Parliament's Winter Session Concludes Amidst Key Legislative Discussions
Overview of the Winter Session
The winter session of Parliament is currently underway, entering its final week. Both houses conducted their business as usual today, despite some uproar from the opposition regarding the renaming of MGNREGA and the National Herald case. Nonetheless, legislative activities proceeded in both chambers. A discussion took place in the Rajya Sabha regarding the 'Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha' (Insurance Law Amendment Bill, 2025). The opposition demanded that this bill be sent to the standing committee for further review. Additionally, the Lok Sabha paid tribute to former member Ram Vilas Vedanti, who recently passed away, as announced by Speaker Om Birla at the start of the session. The Lok Sabha also approved a bill allowing private participation in the nuclear energy sector, despite opposition protests.
Today's Proceedings
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented the 'Developed India – Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Guarantee Bill, 2025' in the Lok Sabha. This bill aims to establish a rural development framework in line with the national vision for Developed India 2047, guaranteeing 125 days of wage employment for all rural families each financial year. The Lok Sabha engaged in discussions regarding this bill.
On Wednesday, Parliament approved the 'Repeal and Amendment Bill, 2025', which proposes to repeal or amend 71 outdated laws. The Rajya Sabha passed this bill after a brief discussion and a response from Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, following its earlier passage in the Lok Sabha.
The government informed the Rajya Sabha that electronic cigarettes are completely banned under Indian law, and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has not investigated any cases related to the seizure of e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Home State Minister Nityanand Rai stated in a written response that the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertising of electronic cigarettes are prohibited under the Electronic Cigarettes Prohibition Act (PECA).
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw dismissed claims made by a DMK MP regarding rail accidents and the Kavach safety system, stating that over 2,000 kilometers of railway routes have already been equipped with the Kavach safety system, and the implementation is progressing rapidly across the country.
In the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system and AI-driven highway management will be completed nationwide by the end of 2026, which will eliminate waiting times at toll booths for travelers.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia remarked in the Lok Sabha that India's success in 5G technology is not just a national achievement but a global narrative, asserting that India will lead in 6G technology. He responded to supplementary questions during the question hour, stating, 'Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India's 5G technology has become a global success story. While India followed the world in 4G, we kept pace with the world in 5G, and we will lead in 6G.'
Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the bill permitting private participation in the nuclear energy sector as a historic step that will serve as a milestone and guide the nation in a new direction. Presenting the 'Sustainable Utilization and Enhancement of Nuclear Energy for Transformation of India (Peace) Bill, 2025' for discussion and passage, he emphasized that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi could make such significant decisions.
Concerns Raised by Opposition
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor highlighted various flaws in the nuclear energy bill during the Lok Sabha discussions, claiming that it completely overlooks the risks associated with radiation from radioactive materials and nuclear waste. He argued that the 'Sustainable Utilization and Enhancement of Nuclear Energy for Transformation of India (Peace) Bill, 2025' fails to present a clear perspective on the nuclear energy sector, deepening uncertainties about the future direction of India's nuclear energy landscape.