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Monsoon Session Showdown: Key Bills Pass Amidst Rajya Sabha Turmoil and Political Wrangling
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Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 14:55 GMT by The Financial Express🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The recently concluded monsoon session of Parliament was marked by a flurry of legislative activity, intense political debates, and procedural challenges, particularly within the Rajya Sabha. While several significant bills received approval, the session also highlighted deep divisions between ruling and opposition parties, impacting the smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings. This article summarizes the key events and outcomes of this pivotal session.
The Constitution Amendment (Goods and Services Tax) Bill & Other GST Changes: A major focus was on amending the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law. The Constitution Amendment (Goods and Services Tax) Bill, 2023, aimed to clarify ambiguities and address issues that have arisen since the implementation of GST in 2017. This included provisions related to compensation to states, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the scope of taxation. The bill’s passage signifies a continued effort to refine and improve the GST system, aiming for greater efficiency and fairness across states. (Refer to the original article for specific details on amendments).
The National Capital Territory (Amendment) Bill: A Power Struggle: Perhaps the most contentious piece of legislation was the National Capital Territory (NCT) Amendment Bill, 2023. This bill effectively curtailed the powers of the elected government in Delhi, transferring control over police, land, and public order to a centrally appointed Lieutenant-Governor. The move sparked fierce opposition from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs Delhi, arguing it undermined democracy and federal principles. While the bill passed through both houses, its passage was marred by walkouts, protests, and accusations of an attempt to stifle regional autonomy. The debate surrounding this bill underscored the ongoing power struggle between the Centre and state governments, particularly in regions with significant political representation from opposition parties.
The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill: Modernizing Cooperatives: In a more positive development, the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed. This bill aims to modernize cooperative societies by streamlining registration processes, enhancing transparency, and promoting digital governance. It incorporates provisions for electronic voting and strengthens oversight mechanisms. The legislation is intended to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of multi-state cooperatives, contributing to rural development and economic empowerment.
The Bharatiya Janata Mahasangh Bill: Addressing Online Gaming Concerns: Recognizing the rapid growth of online gaming and its associated challenges, Parliament passed the Bharatiya Janata Mahasangh (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This bill seeks to regulate online gaming activities, particularly those involving real money transactions. It aims to prevent fraud, protect consumers, and address concerns related to addiction and financial risks. The legislation empowers state governments to formulate rules for regulating online gaming within their jurisdictions, reflecting a decentralized approach to addressing this evolving sector. (For more details on the bill's provisions, see the original article).
Rajya Sabha Disruptions & Procedural Challenges: Throughout the session, proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were frequently disrupted by protests and walkouts from opposition members. They voiced concerns over various issues, including inflation, unemployment, and alleged misuse of investigative agencies. These disruptions often led to adjournments and delays in the consideration of important bills. The opposition also raised procedural objections, leading to heated debates and accusations of undermining parliamentary decorum. The challenges faced in the Rajya Sabha highlighted the increasing polarization within Indian politics and the difficulties in achieving consensus on critical legislative matters.
Other Notable Bills & Discussions: Beyond these key pieces of legislation, several other bills were introduced and debated during the monsoon session. These included measures related to education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Discussions also took place on pressing economic issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the impact of global events on the Indian economy.
Overall Assessment: A Session Marked by Contentious Debates & Legislative Progress: The monsoon session of Parliament was a mixed bag. While significant legislative progress was made with the passage of several important bills, the session was also characterized by intense political debates, procedural challenges, and disruptions in parliamentary proceedings. The contentious nature of some bills, particularly the NCT Amendment Bill, underscored the deep divisions within Indian politics and the ongoing struggle for power between the Centre and state governments. The session served as a reminder of the complexities involved in legislative decision-making in a diverse and politically charged environment. The passage of these bills signals the government's commitment to addressing key economic and social challenges facing the nation, but also highlights the need for greater consensus building and improved parliamentary processes to ensure effective governance. Future sessions are likely to see continued debates on similar issues as India navigates an increasingly complex domestic and global landscape.