The winter session of the Indian Parliament is set to convene from December 4 to December 22, as announced by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi on November 9. This session will be marked by significant legislative discussions and other important topics.
15 Meetings on the Agenda
During the winter session, a total of 15 meetings will be held to deliberate on a range of issues concerning the nation. These discussions are expected to address critical legislative matters and more.
Key Bill on Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners
One of the prominent items on the agenda is a bill related to the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. This proposed bill includes a provision that would elevate the status of these officials to that of Cabinet Secretary, which is currently equivalent to a Supreme Court judge.
Opposition Concerns Over the Bill
The proposed bill has raised concerns among opposition parties, who argue that it is an attempt by the government to assert greater control over these constitutional institutions. The potential implications and consequences of this bill will likely be a subject of intense debate during the session.
Delayed Start Attributed to Assembly Elections
In a departure from the usual practice, the winter session is scheduled to begin in early December instead of the third week of November. This delay is attributed to the assembly elections taking place in five Indian states – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, and Telangana. The session will commence after the election results are declared on December 3, reflecting the electoral landscape’s impact on parliamentary scheduling.