Monsoon Session of Parliament 2024

Context

The Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to commence on July 22, 2024, and the government has announced a legislative agenda that includes the introduction of six new bills. This session is crucial as it will also feature the presentation of the Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23. Additionally, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has constituted the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) to streamline the parliamentary proceedings. 

Overview of the Monsoon Session

• Importance of the Monsoon Session- The Monsoon Session of Parliament is traditionally significant in the Indian legislative calendar. It serves as a platform for the government to present its legislative agenda and address pressing issues facing the nation. The session typically focuses on various socio-economic challenges, and the introduction of new bills reflects the government’s priorities and policy directions.
• Duration and Schedule- This year’s Monsoon Session will run from July 22 to August 12, 2024. The session’s schedule includes critical discussions on the proposed bills, budget allocations, and other legislative matters that require parliamentary approval.

New Bills Introduced

• List of New Bills- The government has outlined six new bills for introduction during the Monsoon Session:
• • Finance Bill: This bill is crucial for implementing the financial policies of the government and includes provisions for taxation and budgetary allocations.
  • Disaster Management Bill: Aimed at amending existing laws to enhance disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, this bill seeks to strengthen the framework for managing natural calamities.
  • Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024: This bill will replace the Aircraft Act of 1934, introducing modern regulations to facilitate ease of doing business in the civil aviation sector.
  • Boilers Bill: This legislation aims to replace outdated pre-independence era laws governing boiler operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.
  • Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill: Intended to promote the coffee industry, this bill focuses on enhancing production, quality, and market access for coffee growers.
  • Rubber (Promotion and Development) Bill: Similar to the Coffee Bill, this legislation aims to support the rubber industry by promoting sustainable practices and improving market conditions for rubber producers.
  • Significance of the New Bills- The introduction of these bills signifies the government’s commitment to addressing various sectors critical to the Indian economy. The Disaster Management Bill, in particular, is timely given the increasing frequency of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024 is expected to modernize the aviation sector, making it more competitive and efficient.

Role of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC)

• Constitution of the BAC-In conjunction with the legislative agenda, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has constituted the Business Advisory Committee (BAC). This committee plays a vital role in determining the parliamentary agenda and ensuring that the session runs smoothly.

• Composition of the BAC- The BAC is chaired by Speaker Om Birla and includes members from various political parties, reflecting a diverse representation in the decision-making process. The committee comprises:
  • Sudip Bandyopadhyay (Trinamool Congress)
  • P. P. Chaudhary (BJP)
  • Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (Telugu Desam Party)
  • Nishikant Dubey (BJP)
  • Gaurav Gogoi (Congress)
  • Sanjay Jaiswal (BJP)
  • Dileshwar Kamait (Janata Dal-United)
  • Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJP)
  • Dayanidhi Maran (DMK)
  • Baijayant Panda (BJP)
  • Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena-UBT)
  • Kodikunnil Suresh (Congress)
  • Anurag Thakur (BJP)
  • Lalji Verma (Samajwadi Party)
• Functions of the BAC- The BAC is responsible for scheduling discussions on various bills and ensuring that adequate time is allocated for debates and deliberations. By facilitating dialogue among different political factions, the BAC aims to foster a collaborative environment in Parliament, enhancing the legislative process’s efficiency.

Implications of the Monsoon Session

• Legislative Outcomes- The successful passage of the new bills during the Monsoon Session could have far-reaching implications for various sectors of the economy. For instance, the Disaster Management Bill could lead to improved preparedness and response strategies, ultimately saving lives and resources during emergencies.
• Economic Impact- The introduction of the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024 is expected to boost the civil aviation sector, attracting investments and improving infrastructure. Similarly, the Coffee and Rubber Bills could enhance the livelihoods of farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
• Political Dynamics- The Monsoon Session also serves as a platform for the government and opposition parties to engage in discussions on critical national issues. The effectiveness of the BAC in managing parliamentary proceedings will be crucial in determining the session’s overall success and the government’s ability to pass its legislative agenda.

Conclusion

The upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament is poised to be a significant event in India’s legislative calendar, with the introduction of six new bills reflecting the government’s priorities. The establishment of the Business Advisory Committee underlines the importance of organized and efficient parliamentary proceedings. As the session unfolds, the focus will be on how effectively these bills are debated and passed, and the subsequent impact on various sectors of the economy and governance in India. The outcomes of this session will not only shape the legislative landscape but also influence public policy and governance in the coming years.