The Winter Session of Parliament is slated to start on November 25 and will run until December 20, according to an official announcement. This session will kick off just two days after the results of the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections are revealed.
Presidential Sanction for the Session
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has approved the government’s proposal to convene both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during this period.
Celebrating Constitution Day
One of the major highlights of this session will be the observance of Constitution Day on November 26, which commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution’s adoption. The celebration will take place in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi, where members from both Houses will gather to honor the Constitution. Rijiju stated on social media that the session’s convening has received the President’s endorsement, subject to the demands of parliamentary business.
Key Legislative Discussions Ahead
The Winter Session is expected to feature significant discussions on two pivotal legislative proposals: the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the One Nation, One Election initiative.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has underscored the importance of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, indicating that it will be a key focus in the upcoming session. He assured that discussions surrounding the Waqf board law will take place. A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is currently conducting extensive meetings across various states to consult with stakeholders and build a consensus on the contentious bill.
One Nation, One Election Proposal
Additionally, the Centre may introduce the One Nation, One Election Bill, aimed at facilitating simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Unity Day address in Gujarat, emphasized the significance of this proposal, which aims to hold all elections either on a single day or within a specific timeframe. He expressed confidence that this initiative will reinforce India’s democracy, optimize resource use, and propel the country toward its goal of becoming a developed nation.
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