Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in its second term introduced some key legislations. Some of those introduced, discussed or passed in the past year are:
The Constitution (One Hundred and Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2008: A historic bill granting 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was passed March 9, 2010 by the Rajya Sabha. The house passed the legislation with 186 votes in favour and one against after seven members were suspended and evicted from the house for unruly behaviour.

Constitutional (One Hundred and Tenth Amendment Bill), 2009: It seeks to provide 50 percent reservation for women in ‘panchayats’ (village councils) and urban local bodies. It was introduced in the Lok Sabha Nov 26, 2009 by Panchayati Raj Minister C.P. Joshi.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, 2009: The bill was introduced, discussed and passed by both the houses of parliament during the first budget session of the second UPA government. The act came into force April 1 this year.

National Green Tribunal Bill, 2009: It seeks to set up a green tribunal to settle civil disputes concerning environment related issues. The bill was passed May 5.

The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill, 2010: Addresses the issue of liability of private operators of nuclear plants. It was introduced in the Lok Sabha May 7.

Tamil Nadu Legislative Council Bill, 2010: Parliament accorded its approval to the bill to create legislative council in Tamil Nadu May 6. The state’s upper house was abolished in 1986 by the then state government headed by M.G. Ramachandran.

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2010: Parliament passed the bill in March, amending and making more stringent the law for protection of ancient sites and monuments and constituted an expert committee to look after their conservation.

The Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill, 2010: The bill seeks to regulate the entry and functioning of foreign education providers in India. It was introduced in the Lok Sabha May 3.

The government is working on some key legislations, including the proposed food security bill, which will guarantee access to sufficient food to the vulnerable sections of the society.

It has prepared a draft bill for creation of national council for human resources in health to create a regulatory body for co-ordinated development of medical and allied health education throughout the country. A draft on creation of National Commission for Higher Education and Research has been circulated for public comments.