Parliament concluded its winter session today, adjourning sine die after a productive period marked by the passage of several significant bills. The session, characterized by robust debate rather than disruptions, saw the approval of legislation impacting key sectors, including nuclear energy, rural employment, and insurance.
Among the key legislations passed was the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025. This landmark bill aims to repeal the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, replacing them with a comprehensive law that aligns with India's current and future energy needs. A key feature of the SHANTI Bill is that it opens India's nuclear sector to private companies, which was previously a government-controlled domain. The bill seeks to boost atomic energy to support India's energy needs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, who introduced the bill, hailed it as "landmark legislation". The passage of the SHANTI Bill, however, was not without controversy, as opposition MPs staged a walkout, primarily due to concerns regarding the removal of a clause related to the liability of suppliers of nuclear equipment. Despite these concerns, the government has stated that nuclear safety, national sovereignty, and public accountability will remain uncompromised.
Another significant bill that was passed is the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, also known as the G RAM G Bill. This bill is set to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The G RAM G Bill aims to provide 125 days of guaranteed rural wage employment annually. Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the overhaul was aimed at correcting structural flaws in the existing MGNREGA scheme. The G RAM G Bill was met with fierce opposition protests, with opposition parties alleging that the move was an attempt to erase Mahatma Gandhi's legacy. Concerns were also raised regarding the proposed funding architecture and the role of states in implementation.
The "Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025" was also passed by the parliament. A key feature of the bill is allowing up to 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Insurance Companies, which could attract more foreign players to India. This is expected to aid in capital augmentation, the adoption of advanced technology, and the introduction of global best practices, alongside increasing employment opportunities. The bill amends three acts related to the Insurance sector: The Insurance Act, 1938, The Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, and The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999. According to the government, this bill aims to extend insurance coverage to all citizens by 2047.
The adjournment sine die marks the end of a busy and productive winter session for the Parliament. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla noted that the House saw productivity of 111% during the session. While the passage of these key bills has been met with some opposition, the government hopes that these legislative changes will contribute significantly to India's energy security, rural development, and economic growth.
