Indian Parliament's Winter Session Enters Crucial Phase with Key Bills and Debates

Parliament Winter Session Today LIVE Updates:The Parliament is set for a busy and closely watched sitting on Wednesday as the Winter Session enters an important phase. The sitting will begin at 11 am with Question Hour, followed by several key items as per the revised List of Business. The Central government is set to push ahead with the passage of the SHANTI Bill on the nuclear sector and the VB–G RAM G Bill on rural employment guarantee in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Legislative business will be the centre of attention, with two major Bills listed for consideration and passage. These include SHANTI Bill aimed at promoting the safe and regulated use of nuclear energy, and VB–G RAM G Bill proposing a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment for rural households under the Viksit Bharat vision. A large number of ministers will lay papers related to their departments, covering areas ranging from science and technology to consumer affairs, railways and information and broadcasting. This will be followed by the presentation of reports by parliamentary committees, reflecting the oversight role of Parliament. Among the notable reports are those focusing on the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, including the implementation of reservation policies in central institutions. The House will also hear reports on women’s safety in the unorganised sector, self-reliance in minerals and metals, and major infrastructure projects such as the Regional Rapid Transit System. Several ministers are scheduled to make statements on action taken on earlier committee recommendations, offering updates on policy implementation across sectors. Matters under Rule 377 will also be taken up, allowing members to raise issues of public importance from their constituencies. With Congress MPs set to meet in advance to finalise their floor strategy, sharp debates and possible disruptions cannot be ruled out. As the government and opposition prepare to lock horns, Wednesday’s proceedings are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the remainder of the Winter Session. RJD MP Manoj Jha criticised the G-RAM-G Bill in Parliament, saying even BJP and NDA members were uneasy with the changes. He objected to the Centre altering the funding ratio from 90:10 to 60:40 and abandoning the scheme’s rights-based approach. Jha said invoking Ram’s name did not justify weakening a programme that once provided a vital safety net for rural India. Congress leader Hanumantha Rao criticised the renaming of MGNREGA, calling it disrespectful to Mahatma Gandhi. He said the scheme was designed to provide employment to rural communities and the poor. “Why is there anger against Mahatma Gandhi? He fought for the country and independence,” Rao questioned during a Parliament discussion. Congress MP Manish Tewari on Wednesday submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha seeking a discussion on IndiGo flight cancellations. He urged the House to take up the matter, citing inconvenience caused to passengers and the need for accountability from airlines and aviation authorities. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to resume proceedings at 11 AM on Wednesday.