The Winter Session of Parliament wrapped up on December 19, 2025, after approving eight key bills. These bills sparked lively debates, particularly around economic and electoral reforms.
Both houses were notably active, with the Lok Sabha achieving 110% productivity and the Rajya Sabha at 121%. A standout was the G RAM G Bill, which replaced the MGNREGA scheme. Other crucial bills covered reforms in insurance foreign direct investment, nuclear energy, and changes in excise duties.
While the government celebrated the session’s accomplishments, opposition members protested the G RAM G Bill, leading to chaos even during a late-night Rajya Sabha session.
Focus on Economic Changes
This session heavily focused on economic reforms designed to attract global investment and enhance infrastructure. A significant update was the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Bill, which raised the foreign investment cap in insurance from 74% to 100%. The government believes this will enhance social security and facilitate long-term technology transfers.
Meanwhile, the SHANTI Bill opened India’s civil nuclear sector to private companies. This shift is viewed as essential for the country’s energy transition, though it raised concerns regarding safety and regulation of private nuclear operations.
The introduction of the G RAM G Act marks a key milestone in rural employment policy, aiming to provide more job opportunities in rural areas.
The G RAM G Bill’s Controversy
The G RAM G Bill’s introduction stirred significant debate. The opposition accused it of weakening employment guarantees for rural workers and demanded more thorough reviews. This dispute culminated in a tense session where members exchanged heated words. The Government blamed the uproar for stalling discussions on pressing issues like air pollution.
Critics expressed concern that vital environmental issues were overlooked during the session, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
Tax and Market Reforms
In addition to high-profile reforms, several laws were passed that could affect daily life. The Manipur Goods and Services Tax Bill aimed to simplify tax rates, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a new Securities Markets Code. This code seeks to streamline outdated laws, making it easier for both domestic and foreign investors to navigate India’s regulatory landscape.
Electoral Reform Discussions
In a rare moment of unity, both houses briefly set aside their differences to discuss electoral reforms. This was a shift from previous sessions that were dominated by calls for changes to electoral rolls. They also held a commemorative debate marking the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram,” although some members felt the timing was meant to distract from pressing issues.
The session ended with 10 bills introduced and 8 passed. The effective management of parliamentary time reflects the importance of balancing productivity with meaningful dialogue.
A range of voices from Parliament called for addressing urgent national issues, demonstrating that citizens expect their leaders to engage on critical topics.
Key Bills Overview
The eight bills passed during this session tackle crucial areas such as rural employment, nuclear energy, and public health. Here’s a quick look:
- G RAM G Bill: Replaces MGNREGA, increasing the employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days.
- SHANTI Bill: Introduces private entities into the nuclear power sector.
- Insurance Reforms Bill: Raises the FDI limit in insurance to 100%.
- Health and Security Cess Bill: Imposes a tax on tobacco to fund public health initiatives.
- Excise Amendment Bill: Changes tax structures for tobacco products.
- GST Amendment Bill: Simplifies GST rates for better tax administration.
- Appropriation Bill: Authorizes additional government spending.
- Repealing Bill: Eliminates outdated laws to improve governance.
Opinions emphasize that legislative effectiveness should reflect citizen engagement and responsiveness to social issues.
Overall, while the Winter Session achieved notable productivity, the conversations surrounding these reforms highlight the importance of transparency and public accountability. The push for development must go hand in hand with careful consideration of its impact on the lives of citizens.
