Overview
The article examines the productivity of the Indian Parliament during the Budget, Monsoon, and Winter sessions, noting a significant dip in productivity during the Monsoon session, which clocked only 31%. Despite disruptions over issues like 'Operation Sindoor', 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Manipur ethnic violence, and the Red Fort Blast, each session managed to pass several legislations, often with minimal debate and through voice votes.
Key Developments
Budget Session
The Budget session included 26 sittings and saw the passage of the Union Budget along with appropriation bills. Key legislations included The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, both of which faced opposition.
- Union Budget FY 25-26: Presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, including raising the income tax exempt bracket upto ₹12 lakhs.
- The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Revamped the management of Waqf boards and properties.
- The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Decentralized relief response at city and State levels.
- Other Bills: Included The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, and The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Monsoon Session
The monsoon session was heavily disrupted due to demands for a discussion on 'Operation Sindoor', following the Pahalgam terror attack. Despite the disruptions, 15 Bills were passed, amending laws related to taxation, sports, maritime, and online gaming.
- Operation Sindoor: Dominated discussions after the Pahalgam terror attack.
- Maritime Legislations: Five bills were passed, including The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, and The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025.
- Sports-related Bills: Included The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and The Promotion and Regulation of Online gaming, 2025.
- Productivity: Lok Sabha clocked 31% productivity, while the Rajya Sabha clocked 39%.
Winter Session
The winter session, the shortest of the year with 15 sittings, saw the passage of 8 out of 10 Bills. A discussion on SIR was held, and the session also included a debate on India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’.
- Discussion on SIR: Addressed accusations regarding voter deletion and protection of the Election Commissioner.
- Key Bills: Included The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025.
Exam Relevance
This article is relevant for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the functioning of the Indian Parliament, the legislative process, and the key issues debated during parliamentary sessions. It touches upon topics related to polity, governance, economy, and security, which are important for the UPSC syllabus.
Important Facts for Prelims
- Parliament's monsoon session had only 31% productivity.
- The Budget session saw the passage of The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
- Operation Sindoor, involving IAF strikes on terror camps, disrupted the monsoon session.
- The Union Budget FY 25-26 included raising the income tax exempt bracket upto ₹12 lakhs.
- During the monsoon session, five maritime legislations were passed.
Potential Mains Questions
- Analyze the reasons for declining parliamentary productivity and suggest measures to improve it.
- Evaluate the impact of disruptions and debates on the quality of legislation passed by Parliament.
- Discuss the role of parliamentary committees in scrutinizing bills and ensuring effective law-making.