Special Session of Parliament: Momentous or Mundane?
A Crucible of Secrecy and Contentious Issues, says Opposition. Historic Transitions, says the Government.
Introduction
The upcoming 5-day Special Session of Parliament, commencing today, is anticipated to be a political battlefield of secrecy, contention, and possibly historic changes. While the Government has announced eight Bills for discussion, including some routine ones, the Opposition accuses it of shrouding the session's true agenda in secrecy. Fueling this contention are two notably absent yet highly debated proposals—the “Uniform Civil Code” and the "One Nation, One Election" initiative—which could make a surprise appearance. Amidst this backdrop, the Parliament will also witness a significant shift to its New Building, encapsulating the Session's blend of the routine and the extraordinary.
Transition to a New Era: Move to New Parliament Building
The proceedings kick off with a photo-session in the old Parliament House and a function in the Central Hall at 11AM. From the second day, the Government plans to transition the House proceedings to the New Parliament building, marking a symbolic and literal move to a new era.
Legislative Business: The Bills in Question
Eight Bills are officially on the Session's agenda, including routine legislation like the Road Safety and Transport Bill, the National Health Bill, and the Agricultural Reform Bill. However, the glaring omission of the contentious Election Commission Bill, which aims to alter the appointment and service conditions of Election Commissioners, adds another layer of complexity and speculation.
Women's Reservation: An Ongoing Debate
The Women's Reservation Bill is also a subject of considerable discussion, with the Opposition pushing for its passage. The BSP and SP have called for a quota within a quota for SC and ST communities, further complicating matters.
Questions of Secrecy and Clarity
The Opposition claims that the government's "secrecy" leaves room for last-minute introduction of controversial Bills. The Government, however, maintains that the agenda will unfold as per the established Rules of Business, without deviating from parliamentary norms.
Issues Demanding Attention
In addition to legislative items, the Opposition seeks to address pressing matters like price rise and unemployment. As of now, the Government has not provided any assurance that these concerns will be part of the session's discussions
Group Photo: A Moment for the Albums
The special session will feature a group photo in the old Parliament House, aimed at capturing a unique moment before the House's relocation to the new building.
Controversial EC Bill: A Bone of Contention
Though not officially listed, the undercurrents of the session are heavily influenced by the Election Commission Bill, a point of significant discord. If introduced, it is bound to generate vehement debate over its impact on the independence of the Election Commission.
Conclusion: The Unpredictable Nature of Politics
From debates on routine legislation to the prospect of groundbreaking Bills and historic shifts in setting, the Special Session, from 18th to 22nd September, promises a mix of predictability and surprises. As with many aspects of politics, the most prudent course of action is to “wait and see” how the events unfold, shaping yet another chapter in the annals of India's parliamentary history.
