New Delhi, Dec 1 (LatestNewsX) – Parliament’s Winter Session kicks off on Monday and will run until December 19, spanning 15 meetings across the 19‑day timetable. The authorities have packed a hefty legislative load, with at least 13 bills slated for introduction, many touching on key economic measures and national security issues. Meanwhile, the Opposition is gearing up to press the government over the SIR controversy, security matters, and a number of other unfinished topics.
Prominent among the bills due on the docket are the Central Excise Amendment Bill, 2025, and the Health Security National Security Cess Bill, 2025. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to table both measures in the Lok Sabha. These proposals aim to phase out the present GST‑based compensation cess that targets so‑called “sin goods” such as tobacco and pan masala, replacing it with a restructured excise levy. Sources say the shift is designed to keep the steep tax rates intact while delivering a steadier revenue source for national‑security and public‑health spending.
The Health Security National Security Cess Bill, 2025, further calls for a tax on machinery and processes used to produce identified goods, with the stated goal of “augmenting the resources for meeting expenditure on national security and public health.” This marks a notable change in the funding strategy for those sectors.
In addition, the session will consider several other major bills, including the National Highways (Amendment) Bill, the Atomic Energy Bill, the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025. The Atomic Energy Bill, in particular, could pave the way for private firms to build nuclear power plants – a first in India’s nuclear policy.
Beyond lawmaking, Parliament will deliberate and vote on the initial set of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025‑26, a vital step in setting the fiscal agenda. On the opposition front, parties have already declared a demand for an immediate, comprehensive debate on the SIR issue, warning that the government’s refusal to allow discussion could trigger disruptions. They also plan to bring up national‑security concerns in light of the recent Delhi car explosion, along with labour codes, the roles of governors, and pending state dues.
While the government stays focused on delivering its legislative agenda, it has signaled an intention to celebrate the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram.” How the session unfolds remains to be seen, given the Opposition’s firm stance.
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