The eagerly awaited five-day special session of Parliament is scheduled to commence on Monday, September 18, with a special discussion titled ‘Samvidhan Sabha’ that reflects on Parliament’s remarkable 75-year journey. This significant milestone marks the first gathering of Parliament, which convened on December 9, 1946.
The Central government has released a tentative agenda for the special session. It includes the convening of an all-party meeting on Monday evening, just hours before the session begins. During this meeting, leaders from various political parties are expected to discuss the week’s agenda and key issues.
One notable event during the special session is the formal shifting from the old Parliament building to the new one, which is scheduled for September 19, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The special session will conclude on September 22.
Agenda for the Special Session:
In addition to the discussion on Parliament’s 75-year journey, the government has identified several bills and legislative matters for consideration during the session. Notable among them are:
Chief Election Commissioner Bill: A bill aimed at regulating the appointment, conditions of service, and term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023: An amendment to the Advocates Act, 1961.
The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023: A bill that repeals the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867.
The Post Office Bill, 2023: This bill, introduced in Rajya Sabha on August 10, 2023, repeals the Indian Post Office Act, 1898.
Participation of INDIA Bloc:
A total of 24 parties belonging to the INDIA Bloc have confirmed their participation in the special session of Parliament. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Modi, urging a discussion and debate on several pressing issues, including the current economic situation of the country.
In her letter, Sonia Gandhi highlighted that the Special Session was convened without prior consultation with other political parties, leading to uncertainty regarding the session’s agenda. She called for discussions on a range of issues, such as the need for a caste census, the situation in Manipur, communal clashes, inflation, and the disputes between various states and the Centre.
The special session holds significant importance as it brings together leaders from diverse political backgrounds to deliberate on key legislative matters and address the critical challenges facing the nation.
