The Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament commenced on 21 July 2025. The government has introduced eight Bills. Opposition parties, especially the INDIA bloc, have raised demands on strategic and foreign policy issues. These include Operation Sindoor, India-China relations, and the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. The session is expected to feature intense debates on these topics.
New Bills Introduced
The government presented eight new Bills. These include the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill. Other Bills are the Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, the National Sports Governance Bill, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill. The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill proposes to add IIM Guwahati to the Act’s Schedule.
Focus on Mining and Minerals
The Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill aims to improve mining practices. It seeks viable recovery of critical minerals and includes contiguous areas in leases for better scientific mining. The Bill also plans to expand the scope of the National Mineral Exploration Trust. This is expected to boost mineral exploration and sustainable mining.
Ease of Doing Business
The Jan Vishwas Bill is designed to enhance ease of doing business. It aims to simplify regulatory provisions and promote ease of living. The Bill targets reducing compliance burdens and encouraging a more business-friendly environment.
Sports Governance and Anti-Doping
The National Sports Governance Bill proposes to establish standards for sports federations. It will create institutional capacity for governance and set up mechanisms for resolving sports grievances and disputes. The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill seeks to strengthen anti-doping measures in Indian sports.
Parliamentary Debates and Opposition Demands
Opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, have urged a productive session. They demand discussions on strategic, political, foreign policy, and socio-economic issues. Key topics include the government’s handling of Operation Sindoor and relations with China. The Opposition also seeks clarity on US President Donald Trump’s trade claims involving India and Pakistan.
Pending and Other Important Bills
Some pending Bills will be taken up for passage. These include the Income-tax Bill, which is under select committee review. The government will also seek approval to extend President’s Rule in Manipur. Other Bills listed for consideration are the Bills of Lading Bill, Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, Coastal Shipping Bill, Merchant Shipping Bill, and Indian Ports Bill.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Review
No amendment Bill for the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016 is listed for this session. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance is studying the IBC to suggest improvements. The committee has held meetings with banks and is scheduled to meet the Reserve Bank of India on 29 July.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, discuss the importance of legislative sessions in shaping India’s socio-economic policies.
- Examine the role of Parliamentary Standing Committees in strengthening India’s financial laws and governance.
- Analyse the challenges and opportunities in India’s foreign policy with China and the US in the context of trade and security.
- With suitable examples, discuss the impact of governance reforms in sports and anti-doping measures on India’s international sports performance.
