PERSPECTIVE: Winter Session of Parliament | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Specifics

• It holds a paramount and central role in the democratic framework of India. The Winter Session of Parliament 2023 is scheduled to convene from December 4th to December 22nd, spanning 19 days and consisting of 15 sittings.
• The government has outlined an extensive legislative agenda for the 15 sittings of the Winter Session, highlighting crucial bills aimed at replacing outdated colonial-era criminal laws.
• On the inaugural day of the session, the Rajya Sabha passed the Post Office Bill, 2023, while the Lok Sabha cleared the Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2023.
• Among the anticipated Bills for discussion during this session are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023.
• Opposition leaders have called for discussions in Parliament concerning topics such as the situation in Manipur, the rise in inflation, alleged misuse of enforcement agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation, and concerns about the "imposition" of Hindi through law nomenclature, specifically regarding the proposed replacement of criminal laws.

Introduction

India's Parliament operates with a bicameral structure, comprising the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). A parliamentary session denotes the period when Parliament convenes to conduct its business. Following an annual schedule, the sessions are summoned by the President of India.

There are three primary sessions in a parliamentary year:

Budget Session:

• This marks the initial session of the parliamentary year, typically commencing in January or February.
• It primarily centers on the presentation and deliberation of the Union Budget.
• The session is bifurcated into two segments: the first concerning budget presentation and the second devoted to budget deliberation and approval.

Monsoon Session

• The Monsoon Session, commonly starting in July and extending until August or September, addresses various legislative and policy matters.
• Named after the monsoon season, it allows Members of Parliament (MPs) to participate in parliamentary affairs without agricultural commitments.

Winter Session

• Usually starting in November and concluding in December, the Winter Session represents the final session of the parliamentary calendar, focusing on pending legislative tasks.
• It provides an opportunity to address remaining issues before the end of the calendar year.

Details of the Winter Session in the Indian Parliament

• The Winter Session of the Indian Parliament typically spans from November to December annually.
• During this session, Members of Parliament (MPs) convene to deliberate and discuss various legislative issues, policies, and matters of national significance.
• As the final session in the annual parliamentary calendar, the Winter Session is vital for addressing pending legislative tasks before the conclusion of the calendar year.

Notable features of the Winter Session encompass

Timing and Duration:

• Commencing in November, the session's specific dates are determined by the government and announced in advance.
• The duration of the Winter Session varies, influenced by the legislative agenda and the urgency to resolve specific concerns.

Agenda and Business:

• The Winter Session encompasses a broad spectrum of legislative and policy issues. MPs engage in debates, discussions, and considerations of pending bills, proposed laws, and national concerns.
• It serves as a platform for the government to present its legislative objectives, while the opposition scrutinizes and offers opinions on proposed policies.

Budgetary Matters:

• While the primary focus on the Union Budget occurs during the Budget Session, the Winter Session also addresses financial concerns.
• Occasionally, discussions on supplementary demands for grants might be conducted during this session.

Question Hour and Zero Hour:

• Similar to other sessions, the Winter Session includes Question Hour, enabling MPs to seek clarifications from ministers on diverse topics.
• The Zero Hour permits MPs to discuss urgent public matters without prior notice.

Committee Meetings:

• Parliamentary committees play a significant role in reviewing legislation and government policies. During the Winter Session, these committees convene to examine specific bills and assigned matters.

Adjournment and Prorogation:

• Similar to other sessions, the Winter Session might be adjourned if necessary. The session is officially concluded (prorogued) upon completion of the scheduled business.

Special Circumstances:

• In exceptional circumstances, the government may convene a special or extended session to address pressing matters that cannot wait for the next scheduled session.

Significance of Parliamentary Sessions

Legislative Functions:

• Enacting Laws: Parliament's primary role is legislation. During sessions, Members of Parliament (MPs) deliberate, analyze proposed bills, and vote, leading to the creation, amendment, or repeal of laws.

Policy Development:

• Debates and Dialogues: Sessions offer a platform for MPs to engage in discussions about national policies, governance, and current affairs. These discussions aid in refining and shaping government policies through collective decision-making.

Financial Supervision:

• Budget Authorization: The presentation and endorsement of the Union Budget are crucial aspects of parliamentary sessions. MPs review the government's financial proposals, scrutinize expenditures, and ensure transparent allocation of public funds.

Questioning Authority:

• Executive Accountability: In the Question Hour, MPs query government ministers, seeking clarifications and information on diverse matters. This process upholds executive accountability, compelling the government to address queries raised by elected representatives.

Representing Public Views:

• Conveying Citizen Opinions: Parliamentary sessions provide MPs with a platform to voice the concerns and opinions of their constituents. Through discussions, speeches, and queries, MPs represent various viewpoints of the public.

Oversight and Responsibility:

• Committee Work: Sessions facilitate the operation of parliamentary committees that scrutinize government actions, policies, and expenditures in detail. These committees ensure oversight and accountability of the executive branch.

Tackling National Concerns:

• Emergency Discourse: During crises or national emergencies, parliamentary sessions allow immediate discussions and debates for quick decision-making and addressing pressing issues.

Constitutional Obligations:

• President's Speech: Each session commences with the President's Address, outlining government policies and priorities, setting the session's agenda, and offering an overview of governmental plans.

Representation of Diversity:

• Cultural and Regional Diversity: Parliament is a diverse institution representing various regions, cultures, and communities. During sessions, MPs from diverse backgrounds contribute to inclusive decision-making.

International Relations:

• Treaty Ratification: Parliamentary sessions are crucial for ratifying international treaties and agreements. MPs discuss and vote on matters relating to India's engagements with the global community.

Issues in Parliamentary Sessions

Legislative Affairs:

• Bills and Legislation: The primary focus of parliamentary sessions is to deliberate, discuss, and pass bills that potentially become laws, covering a wide spectrum of subjects such as economic policies, social reforms, and administrative changes.
• Amendments: MPs use sessions to propose changes to existing laws or the Constitution, facilitating continuous evolution and enhancement of legislation.

Policy Discussions:

• Government Policies: Sessions serve as a platform for the government to present its policies on various fronts, including economic development, foreign relations, defense, education, and healthcare, enabling MPs to review and provide feedback.
• Question Hour: MPs utilize the designated Question Hour to query government ministers directly, ensuring accountability and transparency in responses.

Financial Considerations:

• Union Budget: Parliamentary sessions involve detailed discussions on the Union Budget, enabling MPs to scrutinize and debate the government's financial proposals, allocations, and expenditure plans.
• Appropriation Bills: Approval of government expenditure through appropriation bills during sessions is a crucial aspect of parliamentary oversight on financial matters.

National and Global Debates:

• Debates: Sessions encourage MPs to engage in discussions on both national and international issues, allowing diverse opinions to shape comprehensive policies.
• Foreign Affairs: Discussions in parliamentary sessions encompass India's foreign relations, treaties, and global engagements, providing a platform for MPs to express views and raise concerns.

Special Motions and Resolutions:

• No-Confidence Motions: MPs can initiate a no-confidence motion against the government, leading to debates and a confidence vote.
• Adjournment Motions: Proposals for urgent discussions on pressing matters can result in the suspension of regular business to address critical issues.

Constituency Concerns:

• Representation of Local Issues: MPs often highlight constituency-related problems during sessions, seeking government attention and interventions.
• Petitions and Representations: Parliamentarians submit petitions and representations from the public, spotlighting specific grievances or concerns.

Oversight and Accountability:

• Committee Reports: Sessions include the presentation of reports from various parliamentary committees, reflecting their findings and recommendations scrutinizing governance aspects.
• Review of Reports: MPs discuss committee findings, ensuring oversight and holding the government accountable for its actions.

Crisis Management:

• Emergency Sessions: Special sessions are called during national crises or emergencies to address urgent issues collectively.
• Debates on Crisis Resolution: Discussions in parliament aim to devise a unified strategy for managing and resolving emergencies.

Wrap-up of Parliamentary Sessions

Conclusionary Events:

• Prorogation: The President of India holds the authority to formally end a session by proroguing it through an official notification.
• Presidential Address: At the conclusion of a session, the President may address a joint sitting of both Houses, reviewing government accomplishments and future policies.
• Valedictory Speeches: Members of Parliament often deliver final speeches reflecting on the session's outcomes and expressing gratitude to colleagues and constituents.

Legislative Outcomes:

• Bills and Resolutions: Pending legislative business, including the passage of bills and resolutions, might conclude during this phase or be carried over to the next session.
• Post-Session Review: An evaluation period ensues to assess the effectiveness of debates, scrutinize law implementations, and gauge overall governance impact.

Intermission Before Next Session:

Inter-session Recess: Following the session's conclusion, a recess allows MPs to engage with constituents, participate in committee activities, and prepare for upcoming legislative agendas.

In Conclusion

The Winter Session marks the culmination of the annual parliamentary calendar in India. It serves as the final opportunity for lawmakers to address pending legislative business and significant national issues before the year ends. Members engage in robust debates and deliberations during this period, aiming to resolve crucial matters impacting the nation. The session allows the government to present remaining legislative proposals while enabling the opposition to voice concerns and contribute to decision-making processes.