The Winter Session of Parliament, which ran from December 1st to December 19th, 2025, saw significant legislative activity amidst the usual political clamor. While debates on topics ranging from electoral reforms to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram filled the parliamentary air, tangible progress was made on key policy initiatives.
One of the most talked-about pieces of legislation was the "Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025", introduced as a private member's bill by MP Supriya Sule. This bill seeks to grant employees the legal right to disconnect from work-related communications outside of working hours. It addresses the growing concern over "always-on" work cultures fueled by remote work and digital connectivity, which often lead to burnout and stress. The bill proposes that employees not be obligated to respond to calls, emails, or messages after hours, and that companies with over 10 employees must negotiate after-hours communication rules with staff or unions. While private member's bills rarely become law, this bill has sparked an important debate about work-life balance and employee well-being in the digital age. Some sources state that companies that violate the provisions of the bill could face financial penalties.
Beyond the "Right to Disconnect Bill", the Winter Session saw the passage of eight bills by both houses of Parliament. Key bills included the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill (SHANTI), which opens the nuclear power sector to private players. Another significant bill was the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, which allows up to 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector. The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill was also passed.
The session also addressed financial matters, with the passage of the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025. Additionally, the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025, which repeals 71 laws and amends four, was passed by both houses.
Not all bills met with immediate approval. The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, and the Securities Markets Code, 2025, were sent to a Standing Committee for further scrutiny. The opposition criticized the government for rushing through legislation and for what they termed the "Hindi imposition" in the renaming of laws.
Despite the debates and disagreements, the Winter Session of Parliament achieved a high level of productivity. The Lok Sabha functioned for 103% and the Rajya Sabha for 104% of their scheduled time. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated that the bills passed would play an important role in improving lives and making India a developed nation.
