Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) Following is a list of important bills expected during the winter session of parliament from Nov 22 to Dec 21.

Bills for consideration and passing:

1. Lokpal Bill, 2011

The bill aims to set up an anti-graft ombudsman to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries. Anna Hazare, who has gone on fast twice this year for a strong Lokpal bill, has threatened to resume his protest if the bill is not passed in the winter session.

2. Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010

The bill aims to lay down judicial standards and establish a mechanism for dealing with complaints of misbehaviour or incapacity of a judge of the Supreme Court or a high court. It also aims to make provisions for declaration of assets and liabilities by the judges.

3. Seeds Bill, 2004

The bill aims to provide for regulating the quality of seeds for sale, import and export and to facilitate production and supply of seeds of quality.

The bill faces opposition from the Left parties, the Samajwadi Party and the Telugu Desam Party besides farmers’ lobbies who allege it favours MNCs involved in the marketing of seeds.

4. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011

The bill aims to establish a statutory Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to promote old age income security by establishing, developing and regulating pension funds and to protect the interests of subscribers to schemes of pension funds.

The union cabinet recently allowed 26 percent FDI in pension fund.

5. The Constitution (One Hundred and Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2010, as passed by Rajya Sabha

The bill, seeking 33 percent reservation for women in parliament and state legislative bodies, was passed in the Rajya Sabha last year amid high drama that saw suspension of seven members who violently disrupted house proceedings.

However, it was not passed by the Lok Sabha due to strong opposition from the Yadav trio — Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad (Yadav) and Janata Dal-United president Sharad Yadav, who seek reservation for Dalit, backward caste and minority community women within it.

Bills for introduction:

1. National Food Security Bill, 2011

The big ticket legislation of UPA-II seeks to cover up to 75 percent of the rural population and 50 percent of urban households, proposing a right to seven kilograms of foodgrain per person, at Rs.3 per kg for rice, Rs.2 per kg for wheat and Re.1 per kg for coarse grain to priority beneficiaries. It also aims at revamping the public distribution system, which provides subsidised rations to the beneficiaries.

2. Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, 2011

The bill may suggest changes in procedures relating to attachment and confiscation of property. It may also bring in more entities and a new category of offences having cross-border implications.

3. Nuclear Regulatory Authority Bill, 2011.

The bill aims to establish an authority for regulation of nuclear safety and achieving highest standards of safety based on a scientific approach, operating experience and best practices followed by the nuclear industry. It also aims to ensure that the use of radiation and atomic energy in all its applications is safe for the health of radiation workers, public and the environment.

The bill further aims to establish a Council of Nuclear Safety to oversee and review the policies relating to radiation safety and nuclear safety.

4. Railway Protection Force (Amendment) Bill, 2011.

The bill seeks to empower the Railway Protection Force to provide security on running trains. It also seeks withdrawal of Government Railway Police, whose personnel come from state police force, from railway premises and in dealing with crime cases, including drugging and robberies in trains and stations.