Parliament Diary

Lok Sabha passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Bill seeks to extend the validity of the Act of 2011 beyond December 31, 2017. The deadline for provisions related to relocating slum dwellers and Jhuggi-Jhompri clusters, regulating street vendors, among others will be extended from 31 December 2017 to 31 December 2020.

The Lower House also passed the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017. The Bill amends the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, to increase the cap on the GST Compensation Cess levied on motor vehicles from 15% to 25%. During the discussion, members highlighted several issues related to the implementation of GST, revision of tax rates for other commodities such as sanitary napkins, among other things.

Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Bill excludes Bamboos from the definition of a 'tree'. Since bamboo is defined as a tree under the Act, its inter-state movement requires a permit when in transit in other states.  Consequent to the amendment, felling or transportation of bamboos growing in non-forest areas will not require any permits. It was pointed out during the debate that that 94% bamboo comes from forest areas, and 6% from non-forest areas. Some members participating in the debate were also critical of the need to issue an ordinance.

Rajya Sabha also passed the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017. The Bill establishes the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and declares it an institute of national importance. The Bill also provides for relevant administrative, financial, and dispute resolution mechanisms.