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Highlights of this Issue
Winter Session 2017 of Parliament begins; 12 Bills introduced in Lok Sabha (p. 2)
The Bills introduced include the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and the National Medical Commission Bill, 2017.
Parliament passes six Bills in the ongoing Winter Session (p. 2)
These include the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017, the Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and the Repealing and Amending (First) and (Second) Bills, 2017.
Bill to criminalise instant triple talaq passed by Lok Sabha (p. 3)
The Bill makes declaration of talaq-e-biddat void and illegal and makes it a punishable offence. Further, it requires the husband to pay a subsistence allowance to his wife.
Bill amending the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 passed by Lok Sabha (p. 3)
The Bill amends the 2016 Act to prohibit certain categories of persons from submitting a resolution plan. It also prohibits the sale of any property during liquidation to any of these ineligible persons.
The National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 introduced in Lok Sabha (p. 6)
The Bill seeks to repeal the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and sets up the National Medical Commission to frame policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals.
Cabinet approves setting up of the National Nutrition Mission (p. 6)
National Nutrition Mission is a three year programme which seeks to create synergy between the existing schemes which are focussed on improving nutritional outcomes across ministries.
Select Committee submits report on the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (p. 10)
The Committee recommended passing the Bill as passed by Lok Sabha without any further amendments. It made certain general recommendations with regard to improving road safety, and implementation of the proposed law.
Standing Committees submit reports on various subjects (p. 11, 14, 15, 16)
The subjects include the impact of GST on exports, women in detention and their access to justice, new Urea Policy, 2015, and review of National Statistics Survey Organisation and Central Statistics Office.
Draft Model Contract Farming Act 2018 released (p. 14)
The draft Model Act seeks to: (i) provide for improved production and marketing of agriculture produce through
contract farming, (ii) facilitate contracting parties, and (iii) create a regulatory framework for contract farming.
CAG submits performance audit report on the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (p. 7)
The audit made certain observations including: (i) delay in framing regulations as stated in the Act, (ii) licenses to food businesses being issued on the basis of incomplete documents, and (iii) low quality of food laboratories.
Committee of Experts on drug pricing and launch of new drugs constituted (p. 7)
The Department of Pharmaceuticals set up a multi-disciplinary Committee of Experts to examine issues related to pricing and launch of new drugs. The Committee will consist of four members representing various organisations.
CAG submits report on rejuvenation of river Ganga (Namami Gange) programme (p. 13)
Key findings of the audit include: (i) under-utilisation of funds, (ii) delays in planning and implementation of various projects, (iii) shortage of human resources, and (iv) inadequate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Parliament
Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)
Winter session of Parliament begins
The Winter Session 2017 of Parliament began on December 15, 2017. It will have 14 sittings until January 5, 2018.[1] In this session, 25 Bills have been listed for consideration and passing. These included the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Second Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 and the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016. Of these, six Bills have been passed by Parliament so far. These include the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017 and two Repealing and Amending Bills of 2017.
In addition, 12 Bills have been introduced in the Lok Sabha so far. These include the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and the National Medical Commission Bill, 2017. During the session, three Bills replaced Ordinances including the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017, the Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
Lok Sabha has passed five Bills, including the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, and the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
The Second Supplementary Demand for Grants 2017-18 for the Union Budget was also passed by Parliament in this session.
For more details on the legislative agenda during the Winter Session 2017, see here.
Macroeconomic Development
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
Policy repo rate kept unchanged at 6%
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released the fifth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement of 2017-18.[2] The policy repo rate (at which RBI lends money to banks) was kept unchanged at 6% by a majority vote of the members (five out of six members). One member voted for a rate reduction of 0.25%.2 Other decisions of the MPC include:
India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) in the second quarter (July-September) of 2017-18 increased to USD 7.2 billion (1.2% of GDP) from USD 3.4 billion (0.6% of GDP) in the corresponding quarter of last year.[3] CAD in the first quarter (April- June) of 2017-18 was USD 14.3 billion (2.4% of GDP).
The year-on-year increase in the CAD was largely on account of a higher trade deficit (difference between the country’s imports and exports) of USD 32.8 billion. Foreign direct investments and net portfolio flow reduced from the corresponding quarter in the previous year. Foreign exchange reserves increased to USD 9.6 billion, compared to an increase of USD 8.5 billion in the second quarter of 2016-17. Table 1 shows the balance of payments in the first quarter of 2017-18.
Table 1: Balance of Payments in Q2 of 2017-18 (USD billion)
Q2 2016-17 |
Q1 2017-18 |
Q2 2017-18 |
|
Current Account |
-3.4 |
-14.3 |
-7.2 |
Capital Account |
12.8 |
25.4 |
16.4 |
Errors and Omissions |
-0.9 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
Change in reserves |
8.5 |
11.5 |
9.6 |
Sources: Reserve Bank of India; PRS.
Finance
Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)
The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017 was passed by Lok Sabha.[4],[5],[6] The Bill amends the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act, 2017 and replaces an Ordinance promulgated in September 2017.
The 2017 Act allows the central government to notify the rate of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Compensation Cess on items such as pan masala, coal, aerated drinks, and tobacco, subject to certain caps. The amount received by levying the GST Compensation Cess is used to compensate states for any loss in revenue following the implementation of GST.
For more details on the Bill, see here.
Corporate Affairs
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017 passed by Lok Sabha
Vatsal Khullar (vatsal@prsindia.org)
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by Lok Sabha. It amends the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 and replaces an Ordinance promulgated in November 2017.[7],[8],[9] The Code provides a time-bound process for resolving insolvency of companies and individuals. Insolvency is a situation where a company is unable to repay its outstanding debt. Key features of the Bill include:
For a PRS analysis of the Bill, see here. For more details on the Ordinance promulgated in November 2017, see here.
Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2017 passed in Parliament
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by Parliament.[10] The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha in March 2016.[11] The Bill amends the Companies Act, 2013 to change provisions related to structuring, disclosure and compliance requirements for companies.
The Standing Committee on Finance had examined the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and submitted its report on December 7, 2016.[12] In April 2017, the government circulated certain amendments to the 2016 Bill. Lok Sabha passed the 2017 Bill with these amendments in July 2017.[13] Key features of the Bill as passed by Parliament include:
For more details on the 2016 Bill, see here. For a comparison of the features of the 2016 Bill and the 2017 Bill, see here.
Law and Justice
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 was introduced and passed by Lok Sabha.[14]
The Bill makes all declaration of talaq-e-biddat (talaq), including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal. Talaq-e-biddat refers to the practice where pronouncement of the word ‘talaq’ thrice in one sitting by a Muslim man to his wife results in an instant and irrevocable divorce.
Note that, on August 22, 2017, the Supreme Court had set aside the practice of talaq-e-biddat by declaring it invalid.[15] The Bill seeks to give effect to the judgement of the Supreme Court.
The key features of the Bill are as follows:
For more details on the Bill, see here.
The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced in Lok Sabha
The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha. The Bill amends the the Representation of People Act, 1950 and the Representation of People Act, 1951 to allow NRIs to vote during elections through a proxy.[16]
Key features of the Bill include:
For more details on the Bill, see here.
Bill to amend the Specific Relief Act, 1963 introduced in Lok Sabha
The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha. The Bill amends the Specific Relief Act, 1963.[17] The Act provides for remedies to a party whose contract has not been performed: (i) the party may ask the court to require performance of the contract (known as specific performance); or (ii) it may seek monetary compensation.
Key features of the Bill include:
For more details on the Bill, see here.
Bill to amend salaries, allowances and pension of judges introduced
The High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha. [18] The Bill amends the High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954 and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958. The two Acts regulate the salaries and conditions of service of the judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court.
Key features of the Bill include:
Table 2: Salary of judges (per month)
Designation |
Present (Rs) |
Proposed (Rs) |
|
Chief Justice of India |
1,00,000 |
2,80,000 |
|
Other Judges of the Supreme Court |
90,000 |
2,50,000 |
|
Chief Justice of High Court |
90,000 |
2,50,000 |
|
Other Judges of High Court |
80,000 |
2,25,000 |
Sources: The High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954; The Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958; The High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017; PRS.
For more details on the Bill, see here.
The Repealing and Amending Bills passed in Parliament
The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2017 and Repealing and Amending (Second) Bill, 2017 were passed by Parliament.[19],[20] The key features of the Bills are as follows:
For more details on the Bills, see here and here.
Environment
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
The Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by Parliament. It was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 18, 2017.[21] The Bill replaces the Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 and amends the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The Act consolidates laws relating to forests, transit of forest-produce, and the duty to be levied on them.
Key features of the Bill include:
For more details on the Bill, see here.
Health
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
The National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 was introduced by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mr. J. P. Nadda in Lok Sabha on December 29, 2017.[22] The Bill seeks to repeal the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and provide for a medical education system which ensures: (i) availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals, (ii) adoption of the latest medical research by medical professionals, (iii) periodic assessment of medical institutions, and (iv) an effective grievance redressal mechanism. Key features of the Bill include:
For more details on the Bill, see here.
The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced in Lok Sabha
The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha.[23] The Bill amends the Dentists Act, 1948. The Act regulates the profession of dentistry and constitutes: (i) the Dental Council of India, (ii) State Dental Councils, and (iii) Joint State Dental Councils.
A register of dentists is maintained under the Act in two parts, Part A and Part B. Persons possessing recognised dental qualifications are registered in Part A and persons not possessing such qualifications are registered in Part B. The persons in Part B are Indian citizens who have been practicing as dentists for at least five years prior to a registration date notified by the state government. Under the Act, composition of the Dental Council of India, State Dental Councils, and Joint State Dental Councils includes representation from dentists registered in Part B. The Bill seeks to remove the mandatory requirement of the representation of dentists registered in Part B in these Councils.
For more details on the Bill, please see here.
Cabinet approves setting up of National Nutrition Mission
The Union Cabinet approved setting up the National Nutrition Mission (NNM).[24] The central government noted that even with the existing schemes on improving the nutritional status of children (0-6 years age), pregnant women, and lactating mothers, the level of malnutrition has been high. The NNM will be a three year programme which seeks to link and foster synergy between the existing schemes (across different ministries) focussed on improving nutritional outcomes. Key features of NNM include:
CAG releases a performance audit report on the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) released an audit report on the ‘Implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006’.[25] The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 was enacted to: (i) consolidate multiple laws in the country relating to food safety, (ii) establish a single point reference system, (iii) establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). FSSAI formulates standards for food and regulates their manufacture, and storage, among others.
The audit on food safety was undertaken to assess the performance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, FSSAI, and the food authorities (responsible for the enforcement of the rules and regulations notified by FSSAI) in ten states. The key findings and recommendations of the CAG are as follows:
For a PRS summary of the report, see here.
Constitution of a Committee of Experts on drug pricing and launch of new drugs
The Department of Pharmaceuticals set up a multi-disciplinary Committee of Experts to examine issues related to pricing and launch of new drugs.[26] The Committee will consist of four members representing the following organisations: (i) National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, (ii) Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, (iii) Indian Council of Medical Research, and (iv) National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research. Matters referred to the Committee must be resolved by it within a period of four weeks.
Cabinet approves continuation of the National AYUSH Mission
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Ayurveda, Sidhha, Unani & Homeopathy (AYUSH) Mission from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020 with an additional financial outlay of Rs. 2400 crore (for the extended time period of three years).[27] The Mission was launched in September, 2014 with the objectives of providing cost effective AYUSH services through: (i) upgradation of AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries, (ii) locating AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers, Community Health Centers and District Hospitals, and (iii) strengthening institutional capacity at the state level through upgrading AYUSH educational institutions.
Education
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Bill, 2017 was passed by Parliament.[28] The Bill was introduced on February 9, 2017 in Lok Sabha. It declares the IIMs as institutions of national importance. IIMs provide post-graduate, doctoral, postdoctoral and research education in the field of management and allied areas of knowledge. Key features of the Bill include:
For more details on the Bill, please see here.
The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced in Lok Sabha
The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha.[29] The Bill amends the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993. The Act establishes the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). The NCTE plans and co-ordinates the development of the teacher education system throughout the country. It also ensures the maintenance of norms and standards in the teacher education system. Key features of the 2017 Bill include:
For more details on the Bill, please see here.
Urban Development
Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)
The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by Parliament. It was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 22, 2017. It amends the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011.
The 2011 Act provides for the following: (i) relocating slum dwellers and Jhuggi-Jhompri clusters in accordance with the provisions of the Delhi Shelter Improvement Board Act, 2010 and the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021; (ii) regulating street vendors in accordance with the policy for street vendors outlined in the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021; (iii) regularising unauthorised colonies, village abadi areas (and their extensions); (iv) creating a policy for farm houses constructed beyond permissible limits, and (v) creating a policy or plan for all other areas of the National Capital Territory of Delhi in keeping with the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021.
The Act sought to achieve this by December 31, 2017. The Bill extends this deadline up to December 31, 2020.
The Bill deletes the provisions and references related to the regulation and protection of street vendors. Note that subsequent to the passage of the 2011 Act, the central government passed the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 in February 2014.
The 2011 Act provides that no action will be taken by any local authority till December 31, 2017 with respect to: (i) encroachment or unauthorised development as of January 1, 2006, (ii) unauthorised colonies, village abadi areas that existed on March 31, 2002 and where construction took place up till February 8, 2007, and (iii) other areas as of February 8, 2007. The Bill extends this deadline to December 31, 2020.
For more details on the Bill, see here.
The Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, 2017 passed by Lok Sabha
The Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by Lok Sabha.[30] The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 18, 2017. It amends the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act, 1952. The Act provides for the central government to requisition property for its own purpose, which further must be a public purpose. Under certain conditions it can also acquire such property. Features of the Bill are:
For more details on the Bill, see here.
Transport
The Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2017 passed by Lok Sabha
Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)
The Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by Lok Sabha.[31] The Bill amends the Central Road Fund Act, 2000, and was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 24, 2017. The Act regulates the Central Road Fund (CRF), that is credited with the cess collected on high speed diesel oil and petrol. This collected amount is then released to the National Highways Authority of India, and to the state/union territory governments for the development of national and state highways. The Bill seeks to allocate a share of this cess towards the development of inland waterways. Key features of the Bill include:
For more details on the Bill, see here.
Select Committee submits report on the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)
The Select Committee examining the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (Chairperson: Dr. Vinay P. Sahasrabuddhe) submitted its report. The Bill amends the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It was passed by Lok Sabha on April 10, 2017, and referred to the Rajya Sabha Select Committee on August 8, 2017. The Bill was previously examined by the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture which submitted its report in February 2017.
The Select Committee recommended that the Bill as passed by Lok Sabha be passed without any amendments. Few observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS summary of the report, see here. For more details on the Bill, see here.
Ministry of Railways re-categorises railway stations
Sanat Kanwar (sanat@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Railways revised the categories of railway stations for the period 2017-18 to 2022-23.[32] Earlier, railway stations were categorised into seven categories based on their annual passenger earnings. In addition to annual passenger earnings, the revised categories take into account passenger footfall, and strategic importance of the station. The revised categories will enable stations with higher passenger footfall to be eligible for higher level of passenger amenities.
The stations have been categorised into three groups- non-suburban (NSG), suburban (SG) and Halt (HG). The table below shows the categories of stations and their criteria.
Table 3: Revised categories of stations
Category of stations |
Criteria of earnings (in Rs) |
Criteria of passengers handled |
NSG 1 |
>500 crore |
>20 million |
NSG 2 |
100- 500 crore |
10-20 million |
NSG 3 |
20- 100 crore |
5- 10 million |
NSG 4 |
10- 20 crore |
2- 5 million |
NSG 5 |
1- 10 crore |
1- 2 million |
NSG 6 |
Up to 1 crore |
Up to 1 million |
SG 1 |
>25 crore |
>30 million |
SG 2 |
10-25 crore |
10-30 million |
SG 3 |
Up to 10 crore |
Up to 10 million |
HG 1 |
>50 lakh |
>3 lakh |
HG 2 |
5-50 lakh |
1-3 lakh |
HG 3 |
Up to 5 lakh |
Up to 1 lakh |
Sources: Press Information of Bureau; PRS
Labour and Employment
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha. It seeks to amend the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.[33] The Act applies to any establishment, factory, mine, oilfield, plantation, port, railway, company, or shop employing 10 or more workers. The Act requires employees to be paid gratuity if they have had more than five years of service.
Key features of the Bill include:
For more details on the Bill, see here.
Commerce
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
The Standing Committee on Commerce (Chair: Mr. Naresh Gujral) submitted a report on the ‘Impact of GST on exports’.[34] The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax which subsumes several central and state taxes such as central excise duty, service tax, and entry tax. Currently, it has two components: (i) central GST, and (ii) state GST. Further, an Integrated GST (IGST) is levied on inter-state supplies of good and services. The IGST also applies to imports and exports. Key recommendations and observations of the Committee include:
For a PRS report summary, see here.
Coal and Mining
Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Coal had constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to examine the proposal to transfer certain plants allotted under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015.[35] Under the 2015 Act, certain coal mines were allotted to companies with specified end-use plants. According to the Act, specified end-uses include: (i) iron and steel production, (ii) power generation including captive power plants (power generated can be used only by the mine owner, and not be sold in the market), (iii) coal washing, and (iv) cement production.
The Committee has recommended that these specified end-use plants (with government companies or corporations) that were allotted coal mines under the 2015 Act, may be transferred with or without the ownership rights to such coal mines. The Ministry has approved the Committee’s recommendations.
The Committee noted that such transfer of plants may allow another government company or corporation to take over these plants without any change in the ownership of the allotted coal mine. It noted that such transfer will be allowed with prior intimation to the nominated authority and the central government, if either the allottee or the transferee are compliant with the eligibility guidelines. It also noted that such transfer of the plant should not result in the coal mine being left without any plants.
Ministry of Mines released amendments to the Mineral Auction Rules, 2015
The Ministry of Mines released certain amendments to the Mineral Auction Rules, 2015.[36] The Rules were notified under the Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation Act, 1957. Key amendments to the Rules include:
Social Justice
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
The Union Cabinet approved the extension of term of the Commission to examine the issue of sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) (Chairperson: Justice G. Rohini) by twelve weeks i.e., up to April 2, 2018.[37] The Commission started functioning on October 11, 2017. The Union Cabinet had approved the proposal for setting up this Commission in August, 2017. The Commission was required to submit its report within 12 weeks from the date of appointment of its Chairperson.[38]
The terms of references of the Commission are as follows: (i) examining the extent of inequitable distribution of the benefits of reservation among the OBCs (included in the central list consisting of OBCs across states); (ii) working out the mechanism and parameters, for the sub-categorisation within OBCs, and (iii) identifying the respective castes/ communities/ sub-castes/ synonyms in the central list of OBCs and classifying them into their respective subcategories. Nine states of the country have already carried out sub-categorization of OBCs.
Women and Child Development
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
A National Technical Board on Nutrition (Chairman: Dr. Vinod Paul, NITI Aayog) was constituted to make technical recommendations on policy issues related to nutrition for women and children.[39] It will consist of 29 members which include: (i) Chairman, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, (ii) Director- General, Indian Council for Medical Research, (iii) Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, and (iv) Director-General, Indian Council for Agricultural Research.
The objectives of the National Technical Board on Nutrition include: (i) providing technical guidance on the design of nutrition surveys proposed by states/union territories, (ii) formulation of India specific growth indicators, and (iii) identification of research gaps and making recommendations for the research agenda on nutrition.
The Board will meet once in three months to review technical recommendations on nutrition policy issues.
Water Resources
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India submitted a performance audit report on ‘Rejuvenation of river Ganga (Namami Gange)’.[40] The audit assessed the availability and utilisation of funds, planning and implementation of various schemes/ projects, adequacy of human resources, and effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Key recommendations of the CAG audit include:
For more details, see the report summary here.
North-east region
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
The Union Cabinet approved the introduction of a new central sector scheme for the north-east region.[41] The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme will get 100% funding from the central government between 2017-18 to 2019-20. It intends to fill gaps in infrastructure creation in certain sectors. The scheme will cover the creation of: (i) physical infrastructure relating to water supply, power, connectivity, and projects promoting tourism; and (ii) social infrastructure for health and education.
The Union Cabinet also approved the continuation of the existing Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources scheme till March 2020 for the north-east region. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 5,300 crore, with a fund sharing ratio of 90:10 between the centre and states.
Agriculture
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare released a Model State/Union Territory Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2018.[42] The Model Act seeks to: (i) provide for improved production and marketing of agriculture produce through contract farming, (ii) facilitate contracting parties, and (iii) create a regulatory and policy framework for contract farming. Based on this Model Act, legislatures of states and union territories can enact a law on contract farming. Key features of the Model Act include:
Comments are invited on the draft Model Act till January 6, 2018.
Home Affairs
Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)
The Standing Committee on Empowerment of Women (Chair: Ms. Bijoya Chakravarty) submitted its report on ‘Women in Detention and Access to Justice’.[43] The Indian Prison Act, 1894 is the primary legislation for matters dealing with prison governance. Other laws including the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, also provide safeguards against detention, torture, and other crimes during custody. Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS report summary, see here.
Chemicals and Fertilizers
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (Chair: Mr. Anandrao Adsul) submitted a report on the ‘Implementation of New Urea Policy 2015’.[44] The New Urea Policy 2015 was released in May, 2015. The Policy seeks to: (i) increase indigenous urea production, (ii) promote energy efficiency in urea production, and (iii) reduce subsidy burden on the central government. Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
Table 4: Production of urea (2014-17) (in lakh metric tonnes)
2014-15 |
2015-16 |
2016-17 |
|
Public |
69.3 |
70.8 |
71.4 |
Cooperatives |
63.5 |
69.4 |
66.8 |
Private |
93.1 |
104.6 |
103.8 |
Total |
225.9 |
244.8 |
242.0 |
Sources: Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers; PRS.
For a PRS report summary, see here.
Standing Committee submits report on Freight Subsidy Policy
The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (Chair: Mr. Anandrao Adsul) submitted a report on the ‘Freight Subsidy Policy’.[45] The Uniform Freight Policy was released in April, 2008. Under the Policy, freight subsidy is provided to fertiliser manufacturers to ensure timely and easy availability of fertilisers in all parts of the country. Reimbursement is based on rates notified by the Department of Fertilisers. Key observations and recommendations made by the Committee include:
For a PRS report summary, see here.
Statistics
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
The Standing Committee on Finance (Chair: Dr. M. Veerappa Moily) submitted a report on the ‘Review of NSSO and CSO and streamlining of statistics collection machinery in the country including Management Information System for project monitoring/appraisal’.[46] The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation comprises of: (i) the Statistics wing (National Statistical Organisation), and (ii) the Programme Implementation wing. The National Statistical Organisation consists of the Central Statistics Office (CSO), and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
Table 5: Vacancies in the Ministry (As of December, 2016)
Sanctioned |
Vacancies |
% of vacancies |
|
Senior Statistical Officer |
1,781 |
361 |
20% |
Junior Statistical Officer |
2,196 |
500 |
23% |
Total |
3,977 |
861 |
22% |
Sources: Standing Committee on Finance; PRS.
For a PRS report summary, see here.
Energy
Sanat Kanwar (sanat@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released guidelines for procurement of wind power through tariff based competitive bidding.[47] Key features of the guidelines include:
[1] Lok Sabha Bulletin – II, December 8, 2017, http://164.100.47.193/bull2/2017/8.12.2017.pdf.
Rajya Sabha Bulletin-II, December 8, 2017,
http://164.100.47.5/newsite/bulletin2/Bull_No.aspx?number=57111.
[2] Fifth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement 2017-18, Press Release, Reserve Bank of India, December 6, 2017, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR154282904D281FD54EF08343C906F501BEE5.PDF.
[3] “Developments in India’s Balance of Payments during the second quarter of 2017-18”, Reserve Bank of India, Press Release, December 13, 2017, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR1618E210FEF7F02F4EA1B2850877DEFE6CDC.PDF.
[4] The Goods and Services (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/PassedLoksabha/269-c_2017_LS_eng.pdf.
[5] The Goods and Services (Compensation to States) Amendment Ordinance, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Ordinances/The%20Goods%20and%20Services%20Tax%20Compensation%20to%20States%20Ordinance%202017.pdf.
[6] The Goods and Services (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/GST,%202017/GST%20(Compensation%20to%20States)%20Act,%202017.pdf.
[7] The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Bankruptcy/Insolvency%20and%20Bankruptcy%20Code%20Amendment%20Bill%202017.pdf.
[8] The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Ordinances/Insolvency%20and%20Bankruptcy%20Code%20(Amendment)%20Ordinance,%202017.pdf.
[9] The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, http://ibbi.gov.in/webadmin/pdf/legalframwork/2017/Jul/IBC%202016.pdf.
[10] Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Companies,%202016/As%20passed%20by%20LS%20-%20Companies%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[11] The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Companies,%202016/Companies%20bill,%202016.pdf
[12] Report no. 37 on the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016, Standing Committee on Finance, Lok Sabha, December 07, 2016. http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Finance/16_Finance_37.pdf.
[13] The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Companies,%202016/As%20passed%20by%20LS%20-%20Companies%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[14] The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Muslim%20Women%20(Protection%20of%20Rights%20on%20Marriage)/Muslim%20Women%20(Protection%20of%20Rights%20on%20Marriage)%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[15] Shayara Bano vs Union of India and others, Writ Petition (Civil) No. 118 of 2016, August 22, 2017, http://supremecourtofindia.nic.in/pdf/LU/Supreme%20Court%20of%20India%20Judgment%20WP(C)%20No.118%20of%202016%20Triple%20Talaq.pdf.
[16] The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Representation%20of%20the%20People%20Bill,%202017/Representation%20of%20the%20People%20(Amendment)%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[17] The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Specific%20Relief/Specific%20Relief%20(Amendment)%20Bill%202017.pdf.
[18] The High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/High%20Court%20and%20Supreme%20Court%20Judges%20Salaries%20Bill,%202017/High%20Court%20and%20the%20Supreme%20Court%20Judges%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[19] The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Repealing%20and%20amending/Repealing%20and%20Amending%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[20] Repealing and Amending (Second) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Repealing%20and%20Amending%20%282nd%29%20bill/Repealing%20and%20Amending%20%28Second%29%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[21] The Indian Forest Amendment Bill, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Indian%20Forest%20Bill,%202017/Indian%20Forest%20(Amendment)%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[22] The National Medical Commission Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/medical%20commission/National%20Medical%20Commission%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[23] The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Dentists%20Bill,%202017/Dentists%20(Amendment)%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[24] “Cabinet approves setting up of National Nutrition Mission”, Cabinet, December 1, 2017, Press Information Bureau.
[25] Report no.37: ‘Performance Audit on Implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006’, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, December 19, 2017, http://cag.gov.in/content/report-no37-2017-performance-audit-implementation-food-safety-and-standards-act-2006-union
[26] “Constitution of a Committee of Experts”, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, December 1, http://pharmaceuticals.gov.in/sites/default/files/Final%20Expert%20Committee%20by%20DoP.pdf.
[27] “Cabinet approves continuation of the National AYUSH Mission”, Cabinet, Press Information Bureau, December 15, 2017.
[28] The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/IIM%20Bill/IIM%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[29] The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/National%20Council%20for%20Teacher%20Education%20Bill,%202017/National%20Council%20for%20Teacher%20Education%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[30] The Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, 2017, Ministry of Urban Development, July 18, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Immovable%20Property/Requisitioning%20of%20Immovable%20Property%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[31] The Central Road Find (Amendment) Bill, 2017, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, July 24, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Road%20Fund/Central%20Road%20Fund%20%28Amendment%29%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[32] Minister of Railways directs to re-categorize railway stations taking into account earnings, passenger footfall, strategic importance, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways, December 28, 2017
[33] The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Payment%20of%20Gratuity%20Bill,%202017/Payment%20of%20Gratuity%20(Amendment)%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[34] Report No. 139, Standing Committee on Commerce: ‘Impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Exports", Rajya Sabha, December 19, 2017, http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20Commerce/139.pdf.
[35] Notification no. 103/13/2015/NA, Ministry of Coal, November 16, 2017, https://coal.nic.in/sites/upload_files/coal/files/curentnotices/30-11-2017.pdf.
[36] “Amendments in the Mineral Auction Rules”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Mines, December 1, 2017.
[37] “Cabinet approves extension of term of the Commission to examine the issue of sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes”, Cabinet, December 20, 2017, Press Information Bureau.
[38] “Cabinet approves setting up of a Commission to examine the Sub-Categorization within OBCs”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet, August 23, 2017.
[39] Constitution of National Technical Board on Nutrition, Ministry of Women and Child Development, December 15, 2017, http://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/Constitution%20of%20National%20Technical%20Board%20on%20Nutrition%20%28NTBN%C2%A0%29.PDF.
[40] “Report No.39 of 2017- Performance Audit of Rejuvenation of River Ganga (Namami Gange)”, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, December 19, 2017, http://www.cag.gov.in/content/report-no39-2017-performance-audit-rejuvenation-river-ganganamami-gange.
[41] “Cabinet approves continuation of NLCPR scheme for North East till March 2020
Also approves introduction of new Scheme, NESIDS till March 2020”, Press information Bureau, Ministry for the development of the North-East Region, December 15, 2017.
[42] Preliminary Draft for Model Act- The State /UT Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming (Promotion & Facilitation) Act 2018, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, December 23, 2017, http://agricoop.nic.in/sites/default/files/Model%20Contract%20Farming%20Act%202018.pdf.
[43]“Tenth Report: Women in Detention and Access to Justice”, Committee on Empowerment of Women, Lok Sabha, December 22, 2017, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Empowerment%20of%20Women/16_Empowerment_of_Women_10.pdf.
[44] Report No. 40, Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers: ‘Implementation of New Urea Policy 2015’, Lok Sabha, December 19, 2017, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Chemicals%20&%20Fertilizers/16_Chemicals_And_Fertilizers_40.pdf.
[45] Report No. 41, Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers: ‘Freight Subsidy Policy’, Lok Sabha, December 21, 2017, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Chemicals%20&%20Fertilizers/16_Chemicals_And_Fertilizers_41.pdf.
[46] Report No. 50, Standing Committee on Finance: ‘Review of NSSO and CSO and streamlining of statistics collection machinery in the country including Management Information System for project monitoring/appraisal", Lok Sabha, December 18, 2017, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Finance/16_Finance_50.pdf.
[47] Notification No. 23/54/2017-R&R, Ministry of Power, December 8, 2017, http://powermin.nic.in/sites/default/files/webform/notices/Resolution_on_wind_Bidding_Guidelines_dated_8th_Decemeber_2017_Eng.pdf.
[48] Frequently Asked Questions on Wind Power Programme, Ministry of New and Renewable Resources of Energy,
http://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/faq_wind.pdf.
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