Parliament Session 2023 Begins: Paving the Way for a Progressive Nation.

Introduction:

As per the announcement from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, the Winter Session of the Indian Parliament began on December 04, 2023, and is scheduled to end on December 22, 2023.

“As the winter session of Parliament commences, may its fiery debates and discussions dissolve the obstacles that winter presents”.

In India, there are primarily three types of parliamentary sessions: Budget Session, Monsoon Session, and Winter Session.

1. Budget Session: This session is the most important one as the Union Budget is presented during this time. It usually starts in February and lasts until May, with a recess in between. The Budget Session consists of various stages, including the presentation of the annual financial statement, general discussion, department-wise discussion, and the passing of the budget.
2. Monsoon Session: As the name suggests, this session typically takes place during the monsoon season, starting in July and ending in August or September. The Monsoon Session focuses on passing important bills, legislative discussions, and debates. It plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s policies and laws.
3. Winter Session: The Winter Session is held during November and December. It is a shorter session compared to the other two and primarily focuses on conducting legislative business. Important bills, debates, and discussions take place during this session as well.

Talking about Recent Parliamentary Session : 

The Winter Session plays a vital role in the democratic process of India by fostering debate, promoting accountability, and shaping policies that impact the lives of millions of people.

Thus, the Winter Session of the Indian Parliament holds great significance for several reasons, which are;

1. Legislative Business: The Winter Session is an essential period for conducting legislative business. During this session, important bills are introduced, discussed, and debated by Members of Parliament.
2. Year-End Review: The Winter Session allows the government to present a year-end review of its performance and achievements. 
3. Accountability and Scrutiny: The Winter Session is a time when the government is held accountable for its actions. 
4. Policy Discussions: The Winter Session facilitates in-depth policy discussions on various socio-economic issues, ranging from healthcare and education to infrastructure and national security.
5. Public Representation: The Winter Session offers a platform for Members of Parliament to represent the concerns and aspirations of their constituents. 

Discussing Legislative agenda and important bills :

The government tentatively listed 19 items of Legislative Business and two items of Financial Business for consideration during the winter session.The opposition parties are determined to strongly oppose certain bills presented by the government, including the one about regulating appointments for the Chief Election Commission and Other Election Commissioners. The government has a whopping 21 bills on its agenda for this session, which includes important bills to replace the IPC, the Indian Evidence Act, and the CrPC. 

In addition, there are a few more bills that are likely to be discussed during the Winter Session of Parliament. These include the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023, which focuses on justice, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023, which deals with citizen safety, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023, which pertains to education. These bills are expected to be important topics of conversation during the session.

List of bills likely to be taken up during the 14th session of 17th Lok Sabha and 262nd session of Rajya Sabha would be:

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS :

1. The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023, as passed by Lok Sabha.
2. The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023, as passed by Rajya Sabha.
3. The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, as passed by Rajya Sabha.
4. The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023
5. The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023
6. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023
7. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023
8. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
9. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
10. The Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
11. The Post Office Bill, 2023
12. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 202

13. The Boilers Bill, 2023
14. The Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023
15. The Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill 2023
16. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2023
17. The Government of Union Territories (Amendment Bill, 2023
18. The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill,2023
19. The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Conclusion:

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will convene for a total of 15 sessions over a span of 19 days. What makes this session particularly intriguing is that it kicks off on the eve of the much-anticipated assembly poll results in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram. Both the ruling party and the opposition will find this session of great importance since it is the second-to-last parliamentary gathering before the highly awaited 2024 general elections.