New Delhi: Parliament begins its Winter Session today, setting the stage for a tense two weeks as the government readies 14 Bills for consideration while the Opposition prepares to push a series of contentious issues. With just 15 sittings scheduled, it is among the shortest winter sessions in recent years, drawing sharp criticism from Opposition parties.
Key Bills include proposed amendments to atomic energy laws, reforms in higher education, and fresh taxes on tobacco and pan masala. The Opposition, however, says the House must first discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the recent blast in Delhi that killed 15 people, calling these matters crucial to national security and electoral integrity.
Parties such as the Congress and the DMK have accused the government of “sidestepping democratic scrutiny” by limiting the session’s duration while pushing major legislation. They also plan to raise issues related to inflation, unemployment, deteriorating air quality, foreign policy, and alleged delays in approval of Bills passed by state governments.
