Special Session of Parliament begins today: Know what's on agenda

The five-day long Special Session of Parliament is all set to commence from Monday, September 18 amid Opposition's criticism over the central government's unrevealed agenda for the discussion. Meanwhile, the government has released a tentative list of the agenda that are likely to be taken up for discussion during the Special Session which will continue till September 22.

Four Bills on the list 

The BJP-led central government listed four important Bills ahead of the start of the Special Session of Parliament. The Bills that are scheduled to be brought in for consideration and passing in both Houses of Parliament are: 

1. The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023 

2. The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 

3. The Post Office Bill 2023

4. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 

Notably, the first two Bills will be brought in the Lok Sabha as they were passed in the Upper House of the Parliament on August 3. The other two will be discussed in the Rajya Sabha.

In addition to this, on the very first day of the Special Session which is scheduled for September 18, the Parliament will witness a discussion on – “Parliamentary Journey of 75 Years starting from Samvidhan Sabha (Constituent Assembly)- Achievements, Experiences, Memories and Learnings”. The discussion of the Parliamentary journey was termed to be the main item of the proceeding. 

Special Session to witness intense battle 

In addition to the above listed Bills by the government, it is important to note that highly debated “One Nation, One Election” Bill was nowhere mentioned in the list. The potential resolution regarding “India’s name change to Bharat”, which caused a tug-of-war between the BJP and the Opposition camp, was also not mentioned in the agenda released by the government. 

The 'One Nation, One Election' idea refers to holding Assembly and general elections simultaneously across the country – with voting taking place around the same time. The Opposition recently accused the central government of bringing a resolution to change India’s name to Bharat after the G20 dinner invites mentioned host President Droupadi Murmu as ‘President of India’ instead of the customary ‘President of India’. 

Parliament to get new building 

The parliamentary proceedings for the Special Session will begin as usual in the old building on Monday, September 18. However, from September 19, the discussion will begin in the new Parliament building. The shift to the new building will take place on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The new Parliament complex was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28 this year.