In
a curtain-raiser to the Winter Session of Parliament, a meeting chaired by
Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh with floor leaders of all political
parties was held yesterday. The session, set to begin on 25 November 2024, is
planned for 19 sittings distributed across 26 days, ending on 20 December 2024,
subject to contingencies.
Shri
Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, addressed the leaders,
summarizing the government’s readiness to debate issues as per parliamentary
rules. He also aspired the cooperation of all parties for the smooth
functioning of both Houses. Sixteen legislative items and one financial item
have been identified for debate, including key bills like the Bhartiya Vayuyan
Vidheyak, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, and the Merchant Shipping
Bill.
Observing
the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, a grand
extravaganza will take place on 26 November 2024 in the Central Hall of Samvidhan
Sadan, New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Speaker Om Birla, and other dignitaries will
participate.
The
occasion, themed “Humara Samvidhan, Humara Swabhiman,” will start with the
National Anthem, followed by a welcome speech by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Highlights include:
- Commemorative Releases: A coin, a stamp, and books
titled “Making of the Constitution of India: A Glimpse” and “Making
of the Constitution of India & its Glorious Journey”.
- Preamble Reading: Indian Citizens across the world
will join the President in reading the Preamble of the Constitution.
- Public Engagement: Mass readings in states, UTs,
and Panchayats; special programs led by Governors and Chief Ministers; and
digital outreach through contests on essays, quizzes, and posters.
The
celebrations will spread throughout the year, concentrating on four themes: the
Preamble, Constitution awareness, its making, and its glory. Programs include
screenings, exhibitions, and Samvidhan Swabhimaan Yatras to honor Dr.
B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions, particularly in SC/ST-dense villages.
Major
legislative business for the session includes:
1. The Bhartiya Vayuyan
Vidheyak, 2024
2. The Disaster Management
(Amendment) Bill, 2024
3. The Indian Ports Bill,
2024
4. The Banking Laws
(Amendment) Bill, 2024
In
financial business, the first set of Supplementary Demands for Grants for
2024-25 will be debated and voted upon.
Union
Minister Rajnath Singh voiced the government’s openness to discussions on pressing
issues flagged during the meeting, highlighting compliance with parliamentary
rules.
The
government calls on citizens to energetically participate in these milestone
celebrations and legislative debates, restating the Constitution’s core values
and collective duty to strengthen democracy. (PR)