Members of parliament have recently voiced a demand to shift the consideration of private members’ Bills from Fridays to Wednesdays. This proposed change is on the basis that the time allotted for the discussion of these Bills would not be reduced unless there is a matter of national significance that needs addressing in the House.
Why the Propose Shift?
The rationale behind this demand is that most of the parliament members, including the Prime Minister, are often absent on Fridays. This reduces the importance and effect of presenting the private member’s bill in the house. The absence of these key figures diminishes the attention the bills receive, ultimately reducing their overall impact.
Explaining Private Member’s Bill
A Member of Parliament (MP) who does not hold a ministerial role is referred to as a private member. The private member’s bill serves the function of alerting the government to perceived issues and shortcomings in the current legal framework, which may require legislative intervention. It is primarily a reflection of the opposition party’s stance on public matters. The drafting of these bills falls under the responsibility of the member concerned.
The Procedure Behind Private Member’s Bill
To introduce a private member’s bill in the House, a one-month notice is required. While government bills can be introduced and discussed at any time, private member’s bills can only be presented and considered on Fridays. The rejection of a private member’s bill does not affect the parliamentary confidence in the government or lead to its resignation. Following the discussion, the member piloting the bill may choose to either withdraw it at the request of the minister concerned or proceed with its passage.
Past Impacts of Private Members’ Bills
The last occurrence when a private member’s bill was passed by both Houses was in 1970. It was the Supreme Court (Enlargement of Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction) Bill of 1968. Thus far, 14 private member’s bills — five of which were introduced in the Rajya Sabha — have become law.
Significant Private Members’ Bills
| Bill Name | Year | Introduced in House |
|---|---|---|
| Proceedings of Legislature (Protection of Publication) Bill | 1956 | Lok Sabha |
| The Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill | 1964 | Lok Sabha |
| The Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Bill | 1967 | Rajya Sabha |
Conclusion
The consideration of private members’ Bills is a significant part of India’s parliamentary system. With the demand for shifting the consideration day to Wednesday, it will be interesting to see how this change will impact the effectiveness and relevance of these bills in shaping the country’s legislative landscape.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024