Monthly Policy Review

Highlights of this Issue

Winter Session 2018 of Parliament ends; Budget Session 2019 begins

Five Bills were passed by Parliament in the Winter Session including a Constitutional Amendment Bill to enable reservation for economically weaker sections.

GDP estimated to grow at 7.2% in 2018-19, growth in earlier years revised

The growth in all sectors, except mining and services, is expected to increase from that in 2017-18.  The revised the estimated growth in 2016-17 is 8.2% (earlier estimate 7.1%) and 2017-18 is 7.2% (earlier estimate 6.7%).

President’s Address highlights key achievements made in the past five years

The Address focused on the achievements over the last five years across various sectors including health, sanitation, skill development and job creation.  

124th Constitutional Amendment Bill passed by Parliament

The Bill provides for 10% reservation in education and public employment to economically weaker sections.  Reservation of 10% in central educational institutions and central government posts have been notified.

Eleven Bills passed by Lok Sabha during the Winter Session 2018

These include the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the DNA Technology Bill, 2018, the Aadhaar (Amendment) Bill, the Transgender Bill, and the Triple Talaq Bill.

Three Ordinances re-promulgated

These were the Triple Talaq Ordinance, the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, and the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance.

National Clean Air Programme for India released

The five-year Programme aims to meet the prescribed annual average ambient air quality standards at all locations in the country through a combination of stricter enforcement and mitigation.

CAG submits report on compliance of the FRBM Act by centre during 2016-17

The CAG observed that the centre has increasingly resorted to off-budget financing to meet its expenditure requirements.  These off-budget methods are outside budgetary control and thus, parliamentary control.

GST Council approves levy of cess in Kerala, increase in registration limit

The cess will be levied on intra-state supplies within the state of Kerala at a rate not exceeding 1% for a period of up to two years.  Revenue generated from levy of the cess will be used as resources for natural calamities.

Parliamentary Committees submit reports on various subjects

The subjects include the Tribal Sub-Plan, hydro power, stressed assets in gas based power plants, and agricultural marketing and role of weekly gramin haats.

Draft Emigration Bill released by Ministry of External Affairs

The draft Bill seeks to provide a regulatory mechanism to govern overseas employment of Indian nationals, and protect the welfare of Indian emigrants.

High Level Committee constituted by RBI on deepening digital payments

The terms of reference include assisting current levels of digital payments in facilitating financial inclusion and suggesting measures to strengthen the security of digital payments. 

 

Parliament

Zarka Shabir (zarka@prsindia.org)

Winter Session of Parliament ends; Budget Session begins  

The Winter Session of Parliament ended on January 9, 2019.  During the session Parliament passed five Bills. These include the Constitution (124^th Amendment) Bill, 2019 (reservation for economically weaker sections), the National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Second Amendment) Bill, 2017.^[1]

Bills passed by one House and currently pending in the other House include the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, and the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018.  

Bills introduced during the session include the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019, the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill, 2019, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019.  The Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019, and the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 have been referred to a Parliamentary Committee for detailed examination.

The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on 31^st January and will end on 13^th February.  It will have a total of 10 sittings. 

For more details on the legislative business taken up during the Winter Session 2018, see here.  For details on the functioning of Parliament during the session, see here.  

President’s address highlights key achievements in the past five years

The President of India, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind, addressed a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on January 31, 2019.[2]  He outlined the major policy achievements of the government in his address.  Highlights of the address include:

• Economy: During the last four and a half years, the economy of the country has been growing at a rate of 7.3% on average.  India has emerged as the 6^th largest economy in the world.
• Finance and Banking: As a result of the expansion in Direct Benefit Transfer in the last four and a half years, more than Rs 6.05 lakh crore have been directly transferred to the bank accounts of beneficiaries.  
• Law and Governance: The government has created a provision for death penalty in case of heinous crimes like rape of minors and is also working on passing the Triple Talaq Bill in the Parliament.
• Corruption and Black Money: Through demonetization, the registration of 3.3 lakh shell companies responsible for flow of black money have been annulled.
• Skill Development and Job Creation: The creation of jobs with tax incentives under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana has been undertaken.  Under this scheme, the EPS and EPF contribution of 12% payable by the employer is being paid by the Government for the first three years.
• Health: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides five lakh rupees per year per family in case of a serious illness, has been launched.  More than 10 lakh people have availed free treatment from hospitals under the scheme.
• Sanitation: Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, more than 9 crore toilets have been constructed.  The coverage of rural sanitation, which was less than 40% in 2014, has increased to 98%.
• Women and Child Development: Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, maximum benefit has been availed by women.  Out of the 15 crore Mudra loans, 73% of these have been disbursed to women entrepreneurs.  The government has also enhanced maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

For more details on the President’s address, please see here.  For an analysis of the President’s addresses since 2014 to 2018, please see here.

 

Macroeconomic Development

Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)

GDP in 2018-19 estimated to grow at 7.2%; growth in earlier years revised up

There were two releases related to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the month.  The first release estimated the expected growth in 2018-19 (at constant 2011-12 prices) at 7.2% in over the previous year.^[3]  This is estimated to be higher than the 6.7% growth in 2017-18. 

GDP across economic sectors is measured in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA).  GVA of the country is estimated to grow at 7% in 2018-19, as compared to 6.5% in 2017-18.  Table 1 shows the growth in GVA across sectors.

Table 1: Gross Value Added across sectors (growth in %, year-on-year)

Sector	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19
Agriculture	6.3%	3.4%	3.8%
Mining	13.0%	2.9%	0.8%
Manufacturing	7.9%	5.7%	8.3%
Electricity	9.2%	7.2%	9.4%
Construction	1.3%	5.7%	8.9%
Services	7.5%	7.9%	7.3%
GVA	7.1%	6.5%	7.0%

Note: Data for 2017-18 is provisional estimates and for 2018-19 is first advance estimates.  GVA is measured at base prices (2011-12).

Sources: Central Statistics Office, MOSPI; PRS.

The growth rate in all sectors, except mining and services, is expected to increase from that in 2017-18.  Electricity and construction sectors are expected to grow the fastest.  Agriculture is expected to moderately increase from a growth rate of 3.4% in 2017-18 to 3.8% in 2018-19.

Later, a second release provided the first revised estimates for 2017-18.^[4]  This revised the estimated growth in 2016-17 at 8.2% (earlier estimate 7.1%) and 2017-18 at 7.2% (earlier estimate 6.7%).

Retail inflation at 2.19% in the third quarter of 2018-19

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation (base year: 2011-12, year-on-year) marginally decreased from 3.38% in October 2018 to 2.19% in December 2018.[5]  Food prices fell throughout the quarter, decreasing by 0.86% in October 2018, and even more sharply by 2.51% in December 2018.

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation (base year: 2011-12, year-on-year) decreased from 5.54% in October 2018 to 3.8% in December 2018.[6]  Trends in inflation during the third quarter of 2018-19 are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Inflation trends in Q3 2018-19

(% change, year-on-year)

Sources: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Ministry of Commerce and Industry; PRS. 

 

Finance

Standing Committee submits report on the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018

Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)

The Standing Committee on Finance (Chair: Dr. M. Veerappa Moily) submitted its report on the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018 on January 3, 2019.[7]  The Bill provides for a mechanism to ban unregulated deposit schemes and protect the interests of depositors.  It also seeks to amend three laws.  These are the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, the Multi-State Co-Operative Societies Act, 2002, and the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

• Definition of an unregulated deposit scheme: Under the Bill, ‘regulated deposits’ are listed as all deposit-taking schemes which are overseen and regulated by nine specified regulators, including: (i) the Reserve Bank of India, (ii) the Securities and Exchange Board of India, (iii) the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and (iv) state and union territory governments. 

A deposit-taking scheme is defined as ‘unregulated’ if it is not registered with the regulators listed in the Bill.  The Committee observed that the definition of ‘unregulated deposits’ is left for residual interpretation under the Bill.  This could allow open-ended and subjective decisions by authorities while adjudicating offences related to such deposits.  It recommended that unregulated deposits be more coherently defined and listed in a schedule to the Bill.

• Priority of depositors’ claims: The Bill states that unless otherwise provided by the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act), and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC), amounts due to depositors will be paid in priority over all other debts payable by the deposit taker.  The Committee noted that repaying depositors’ money is the most critical part of the process of restitution of depositors.  Therefore, it recommended that: (i) exceptions under the SARFAESI Act and IBC be removed from the Bill, and (ii) a time-frame be specified for repayment of depositors’ dues.
• Tracking and complaints: The Committee also suggested that a public website should be developed: (i) for people to check whether an entity soliciting deposits is registered with a regulator, and (ii) to file and track complaints against unregulated deposit takers.

For a PRS report summary, see here.

High Level Committee constituted on deepening of digital payments by the RBI

Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)

The Reserve Bank of India constituted a High Level Committee on Deepening of Digital Payments.[8]  The Committee will be chaired by Mr. Nandan Nilekani (former Chairman, Unique Identification Authority of India) and have representatives from the government and banking industry.

The terms of reference of the High Level Committee include: (i) assessing current levels of digital payments in facilitating financial inclusion, (ii) reviewing the existing status of digitisation of payments and suggesting a strategy to increase digital payments, (iii) suggesting measures to strengthen the safety and security of digital payments, and (iv) studying global best practices that can be adopted to accelerate digitisation and financial inclusion through the use of digital payments.

The Committee is expected to submit its report within 90 days from its first meeting.

RBI releases guidelines on restructuring of advances to MSMEs

Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released guidelines to allow one-time restructuring of existing stressed loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).[9]  In order to be eligible for loan restructuring, the following conditions will apply on the borrowing MSME: (i) the aggregate exposure of banks and NBFCs to the borrower does not exceed Rs 25 crore as on January 1, 2019, (ii) the borrower’s account is in default, but is classified as a standard asset as on January 1, 2019 and continues to be classified similarly till the date of restructuring, and (iii) the borrower is a GST-registered entity on the date of implementation of the restructuring.

In addition to the provisions already made, a provision of 5% shall be made for borrowings restructured under the scheme.  To adopt this, each bank or NBFC is required to formulate a policy for the scheme, with board approval, within one month of the date of the circular.  The policy should include a framework for viability assessment of the stressed accounts and regular monitoring of the restructured accounts. 

Accounts restructured under the scheme will not be downgraded to a non-performing asset (NPA).  Further, accounts classified as NPA can be restructured, with existing asset classification norms being applicable.

Restructuring of eligible accounts is to be completed before March 31, 2020.

Expert Committee constituted on MSMEs by the RBI

Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)

The Reserve Bank of India constituted an Expert Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).[10]  The Committee will be chaired by Mr. U. K. Sinha (former Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India).

The terms or reference of the Expert Committee include: (i) reviewing the current institutional framework supporting the MSME sector, (ii) examining factors affecting timely and adequate financing to the sector, (iii) examining the impact of recent economic reforms on the sector, and (iv) proposing measures for leveraging technology in accelerating growth of the sector.

The Committee is expected to submit its report by the end of June 2019.

RBI releases guidelines on tokenisation of card transactions

Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)

The RBI released guidelines on “tokenisation” of card transactions.[11]  Tokenisation involves a process in which a unique token masks sensitive card-related information, such as the card number at the point of sale.  A token is unique at the level of a card, token requestor (third party application provider) and device.  Instead of actual card details, the token is used to perform card transactions.

Authorised card payment networks can offer tokenisation services to any token requestor based on certain conditions, including:

• Recovery of the actual card number should be possible only for the authorised card network. Token requesters should not store actual card data.
• The security and required features of the token requestor’s systems should be certified by the card network.
• The customer shall have the option to register or de-register their card for tokenized transactions with a token requestor. They may also specify daily transaction limits.

Tokenisation will be available for mobile phones and tablets presently, and later extended to other devices based on experience.

CAG submits report on compliance of the FRBM Act, 2003 by the central government during the year 2016-17

Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India submitted its report on compliance of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 for the year 2016-17.[12]  The FRBM Act requires the central government to ensure responsible fiscal management and long-term stability.  The Act also requires it to ensure prudential debt management through limits on borrowings, debt and deficits.  Key observations and recommendations of the CAG include:

• Off-budget financing: The CAG observed that the central government has increasingly resorted to off-budget methods of financing to meet its expenditure requirements.  Off-budget financing refers to the government’s finances which are not accounted for in the budget documents.  These off-budget methods are outside budgetary control and thus, parliamentary control.  Such methods are used to finance capital investments, as well as revenue expenditure, such as payment of dues of subsidies.  The CAG noted that the quantum of such off-budget borrowings is huge, and remains beyond calculation of fiscal indicators.
• Revenue expenditure: Due to insufficient budgetary allocations, dues of some subsidies are carried over to the subsequent financial years.  Doing so understates that particular year’s expenditure by keeping deferred expenditure off the budget, and prevents transparent depiction of fiscal indicators.  Such an arrangement defers committed liability or creates future liability, and increases the cost due to interest payments.  For instance, the carryover liability due to deferment of payment of dues of fertilizer and food subsidies at the end of 2016-17 amounted to Rs 1.2 lakh crore.  Also, carryover liability due to dues of food subsidy has increased by 350% during the period 2011-17.
• Disclosure on off-budget financing: The CAG noted the current policy framework lacks transparent disclosures and management strategy for off-budget financing.  It recommended that the government should formulate a policy framework, which should include disclosure to Parliament, among other things.  This disclosure should provide details of off-budget financing undertaken in the year by all organisations substantially owned by the government.  Such details include: (i) rationale and objective of off-budget financing, (ii) quantum of such financing, (iii) budgetary support under the same programme or scheme, (iv) instruments and sources of financing, and (v) means and strategy for debt servicing.

For a PRS report summary, please see here.

GST Council approves levy of cess in Kerala to generate funds for calamities

Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)

The GST Council allowed Kerala to levy a cess on intra-state supply of goods and services.[13]  Revenue generated from levying the cess will be used as funds for relief measures required to be taken due to natural calamities.  Article 279A (4) of the Constitution provides for the GST Council to make recommendations to the centre and states on any special rate (for a specified period) to raise additional resources during any natural calamity or disaster.

The cess will be levied at a rate not exceeding 1% for a period of up to two years.

GST Council approves revised threshold limits for registration, new composition scheme for suppliers of services

Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)

The GST Council approved revised threshold limits of turnover below which suppliers of goods will be exempted from registration and payment of GST.[14]  The Council approved two threshold limits: (i) Rs 20 lakh, and (ii) Rs 40 lakh.  States can choose the limit that they want to adopt in their state.  Presently, the threshold limit for registration for suppliers of goods as well as services is Rs 20 lakh in all states except Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura (where it is Rs 10 lakh).  The limit remains unchanged for suppliers of services.

Further, the GST Council approved an increase in the threshold limit specified for the composition scheme from one crore rupees to one crore and fifty lakh rupees.  Under the composition scheme, certain taxpayers with their annual turnover within this limit are allowed to pay GST on their turnover, instead of on the value of supply of goods and services.

Under the GST laws, suppliers of services (other than restaurant services) are eligible for the composition scheme only under a specific condition.  Such suppliers are eligible if the value of supply of their services does not exceed 10% of their turnover in the state in the previous financial year, or five lakh rupees, whichever is higher.  The GST Council approved another composition scheme for suppliers of services who have their annual turnover within Rs 50 lakh.  Under the approved composition scheme, the suppliers will be liable to pay an amount of GST equivalent to 6% of their annual turnover.  Suppliers who supply goods along with services will also be eligible for the approved scheme.

The approved composition scheme as well as the increase in threshold limits will come into effect on April 1, 2019.

Cabinet approves creation of the national bench of the GST Appellate Tribunal

Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)

The Union Cabinet approved the creation of the national bench of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT).[15]  The Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 requires the central government to constitute a GST appellate tribunal at the national level and its benches at the state level.  The GSTAT will hear appeals against orders passed by the appellate authorities constituted under the central and state GST laws.

The GSTAT will be headed by its President (a judicial member) and consist of two technical members with experience in tax administration.  Of the two technical members, one will represent the centre, and the other will represent the states.  For the national bench, the judicial member will be appointed by the central government after consultation with the Chief Justice of India or his nominee.  The technical members of the bench will be appointed by the central government on the recommendations of a selection committee.

 

Social Justice and Empowerment

Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)

124th Constitutional Amendment Bill passed to enable reservation for economically weaker sections

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced and passed by Parliament.^[16]  The Bill seeks to provide for the advancement of “economically weaker sections” of citizens.    

• Article 15 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination against any citizen on the grounds of race, religion, caste, sex, or place of birth. However, the government may make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, or for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.  The Bill seeks to amend Article 15 to additionally permit the government to provide for the advancement of “economically weaker sections”.  Further, up to 10% of seats may be reserved for such sections for admission in educational institutions.  Such reservation will not apply to minority educational institutions.      
• Article 16 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination in employment in any government office. However, the government can allow reservation for any “backward class of citizens”, if they are not adequately represented in the services under the state.  The Bill seeks to amend Article 16 to permit the government to reserve up to 10% of all posts for the “economically weaker sections” of citizens.
• The reservation of up to 10% for “economically weaker sections” in educational institutions and public employment will be in addition to the existing reservation.
• The central government will notify the “economically weaker sections” of citizens on the basis of family income and other indicators of economic disadvantage.

Note that the provisions for reservation in central educational institutions and direct recruitments for central government posts have been notified.^{23, 29}  A PRS summary of the Bill is available here.

 

Home Affairs

Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)

Lok Sabha passes Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was passed by Lok Sabha.^[17]  The Bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955.  The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Chaiperson: Mr Rajendra Agrawal) submitted its report on the Bill on January 7, 2019.[18]  The Bill as reported by the Committee was passed by Lok Sabha.  Key features of the Bill are:

• Definition of illegal migrants: The Act prohibits illegal migrants from acquiring Indian citizenship.  It defines an illegal migrant as a foreigner: (i) who enters India without a valid passport or travel documents, or (ii) stays in India beyond the permitted time.  The Bill amends the Act to provide that the following groups of persons will not be treated as illegal migrants: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan (minority communities).  They must also have been exempted from provisions of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and the Foreigners Act, 1946.  In addition, the Bill states that any proceedings pending against a person belonging to these minority communities shall be withdrawn.  Further, such persons would be eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalisation. 
• Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs): The Act provides that the central government may cancel registration of OCIs on certain grounds.  These include: (i) if the OCI has obtained registration through fraud, or (ii) within five years of registration the OCI has been sentenced to imprisonment for two years.  The Bill adds one more ground for cancelling registration, that is, if the OCI has violated any provisions of the Act, or any other laws as may be notified by the central government.  However, no orders for cancelation can be passed till the cardholder is given an opportunity to be heard.    
• Citizenship by naturalisation: The Act allows a person to apply for citizenship by naturalisation, if the person meets certain qualifications.  One of the qualifications is that the person must have resided in India or been in service of the central government for at least 11 years before applying for citizenship.  The Bill creates an exception for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, with regard to this qualification.  For these groups of persons, the 11 years’ requirement will be reduced to six years. 

For more information on the Bill, see here.

Committee constituted on implementation of Assam Accord

A High-Level Committee has been constituted for implementation of clause six of the Assam Accord.^[19]  The Assam Accord was signed on August 15, 1985.^[20]  Clause six of the Accord states that appropriate constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards will be provided to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese people. 

The Terms of Reference of the Committee include: (i) examining the effectiveness of actions taken to implement clause six of the Accord, (ii) assessing the appropriate level of reservation of seats in the Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people, and (iii) suggesting measures to protect Assamese and other languages of Assam.

The Committee is required to submit its report within six months. 

 

Education

Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)

The RTE (Second Amendment) Bill, 2017 passed by Parliament

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Second Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by Parliament.^[21]  The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 11, 2017 and amends the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

The Act prohibits detention of children till they complete elementary education i.e., class 8.  The Bill seeks to amend this provision to empower the central or state government to allow schools to hold back a child in class 5, class 8, or in both the classes.

The Bill seeks to amend this provision to state that a regular examination will be held in class 5 and class 8 at the end of every academic year.  If a child fails in the examinations, he will be given additional instruction, and will take a re-examination.  If he fails in the re-examination, the relevant central or state government may decide to allow schools to detain the child.

For more details on the Bill, see here.

The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 passed by Parliament

The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by Parliament.^[22]  The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 18, 2017.  It amends the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993.  The Act establishes the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) which regulates the teacher education system and the standards it is required to maintain. 

The Bill seeks to grant retrospective recognition to institutions: (i) notified by the central government, (ii) funded by the central government or state/union territory government, (iii) which do not have recognition under the Act, and (iv) which must have offered teacher education courses on or after the establishment of the NCTE until the academic year 2017-2018.   It also seeks to grant retrospective permission to such institutions to start a new course or offer training in teacher education.

For more details on the Bill, see here.

Reservation of 10% for economically weaker sections for admission in central educational institutions

The Department of Higher Education notified reservation of up to 10% for economically weaker sections in admission in all central educational institutions, with effect from academic year 2019-20.^[23] 

The reservation will be provided in all central educational institutions which include universities set up by Acts of Parliament, institutions of national importance, and institutions deemed to be a university.  With prior approval of the appropriate authority (such as the University Grants Commission, or the Bar Council of India), every central educational institution, should increase its seats above its annual permitted strength so that the number of seats available, excluding those reserved for persons belonging to the economically weaker sections, is not less that the number of seats for the previous academic session.

The following persons will not be eligible for the reservation:  

• Persons covered under any existing scheme of reservation for Scheduled Castes, Schedules Tribes, and Social and Educationally Backward Classes, or
• Persons whose family has a gross annual income of over eight lakh rupees, or
• Persons whose family owns five acres or more of agricultural land, or
• Persons whose family owns a residential flat of a thousand square feet or more, or
• Persons whose family owns a residential plot of hundred square yards or more in notified municipalities, or
• Persons whose family owns a residential plot of two hundred square yards or more in areas other than notified municipalities.

 

Health

Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)

The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 introduced in Rajya Sabha

The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 was introduced in Rajya Sabha and referred to the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare[24].  The Committee is expected to submit its report on January 30, 2019.  The Bill repeals the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 and provides for a medical education system which ensures: (i) availability of adequate and high quality homoeopathic medical professionals, (ii) adoption of the latest medical research, and (iii) periodic assessment of medical institutions. 

Key features of the Bill include:

• Constitution of the National Commission for Homoeopathy: The Bill sets up the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).  The NCH will consist of 20 members, appointed by the central government.  Members of the NCH will include: (i) the Chairperson, (ii) the President of the Homoeopathy Education Board, (iii) the President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy, (iv) the Director General, National Institute of Homoeopathy, and (v) four members (part-time) to be elected by the registered homoeopathic medical practitioners from amongst themselves from the prescribed regional constituencies.
• Functions of the National Commission for Homoeopathy: Functions of the NCH include: (i) framing policies for regulating medical institutions and homoeopathic medical professionals, (ii) assessing the requirements of healthcare related human resources and infrastructure, (iii) ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of Homoeopathy of the regulations made under the Bill, and (iv) ensuring coordination among the autonomous boards set up under the Bill.
• Entrance examinations: There will be a uniform National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for admission to under-graduate homoeopathy education in all medical institutions regulated by the Bill.  The NCH will specify the manner of conducting common counselling for admission in all such medical institutions.  The Bill proposes a common final year National Exit Test for the students graduating from medical institutions to obtain the license for practice.  Further, there will be a uniform Post-Graduate National Entrance Test which will serve as the basis for admission into post-graduate courses at medical institutions.
• The Bill also proposes a National Teachers’ Eligibility Test for postgraduates of homoeopathy who wish to take up teaching homoeopathy as a profession.

For more information on the Bill, see here.

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 introduced in Rajya Sabha

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 was introduced in Rajya Sabha and referred to the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare.[25]  The Committee is expected to submit its report on January 30, 2019.  The Bill repeals the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 and provide sfor a medical education system which ensures: (i) availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals of Indian system of medicine, (ii) adoption of the latest medical research by medical professionals, and (iii) periodic assessment of medical institutions.   Key features of the Bill include:

• Constitution of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine: The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).  The NCISM will consist of 29 members, appointed by the central government.  Members of the NCISM will include: (i) the Chairperson, (ii) the President of the Board of Ayurveda, (iii) the President of the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa, and (iv) three members (part-time) to be elected by the registered medical practitioners of Ayurveda, and one member each by the respective registered medical practitioners of Siddha, Unani, and Sowa-Rigpa from amongst themselves from the prescribed regional constituencies under the Bill.
• Functions of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine: Functions of the NCISM include: (i) framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine, (ii) ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of Indian System of Medicine of the regulations made under the Bill, and (iii) ensuring coordination among the autonomous boards set up under the Bill.
• Autonomous boards: The Bill sets up certain autonomous boards under the supervision of the NCISM.  These boards are: (i) the Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa:  They will be responsible for formulating standards, curriculum, guidelines, and granting recognition to medical qualifications in their respective disciplines, (ii) the Medical Assessment and Rating Board:  It will determine the process of rating and assessment of medical institutions, and (iii) the Ethics and Medical Registration Board:  It will maintain a National Register of all licensed medical practitioners of Indian System of Medicine, and regulate their professional conduct. 

For more information on the Bill, see here.

Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance 2019 promulgated

The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 was promulgated on January 12, 2019.[26]  It replaces a previous Ordinance promulgated on September 26, 2018.  The Ordinance amends the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 which sets up the Medical Council of India (MCI) which regulates medical education and practice. 

Note that the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill 2018 (to replace the 2018 Ordinance) was passed by Lok Sabha on December 31, 2018 and is currently pending in Rajya Sabha.

• Supersession of the MCI: The 1956 Act provides for supersession of the MCI and its reconstitution within a period of three years.  The Ordinance amends this provision to provide for the supersession of the MCI for a period of one year.  In the interim period, the central government will constitute a Board of Governors, which will exercise the powers of the MCI.  
• The Act provides for the Board of Governors to consist of up to seven members including persons of eminence in medical education, appointed by the central government. The Ordinance amends this provision to increase the strength of the Board from seven members to 12 members. 
• Further, it allows for persons with proven administrative capacity and experience to be selected in the Board.  The Ordinance provides for the Board of Governors to be assisted by a Secretary General appointed by the central government.

For more information on the Bill, see here.

Cabinet approves restructuring of the National Health Agency

The Union Cabinet approved the restructuring of National Health Agency as National Health Authority.[27]  The National Health Agency is an autonomy body responsible for the design, implementation, and management of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.[28]  Set up in May 2018, the National Health Agency is currently registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860.  With this approval, the existing society has been dissolved and will be replaced by National Health Authority as an attached office to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.  The Authority will be governed by a Governing Board (Chair: Minister of Health and Family Welfare).  Members of the Board will include representatives of the central government, representatives from states on a rotational basis, and experts.

 

Personnel and Public Grievances

Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)

Reservation of 10% in direct recruitment vacancies notified for economically weaker sections

The Department of Personnel and Training notified reservation of up to 10% in all direct recruitment vacancies in government posts, with effect from February 1, 2019.^[29]  The following persons will not be eligible for the reservation:

• Persons that are covered under any existing scheme of reservation for Scheduled Castes, Schedules Tribes, and Social and Educationally Backward Classes, or
• Persons whose family has a gross annual income of over eight lakh rupees, or
• Persons whose family owns five acres or more of agricultural land, or
• Persons whose family owns a residential flat of a thousand square feet or more, or
• Persons whose family owns a residential plot of hundred square yards or more in notified municipalities, or
• Persons whose family owns a residential plot of two hundred square yards or more in areas other than notified municipalities.

 

Environment

Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)

National Clean Air Programme launched 

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched a five year action plan called the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).[30]  The NCAP aims to meet the prescribed annual average ambient air quality standards at all locations in the country.  Key features of the NCAP include:

• Objectives: The key objectives of the NCAP include: (i) to create a management plan for prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution, (ii) to develop an effective ambient air quality monitoring network across the country, and (iii) to augment public awareness and capacity-building measures through data dissemination and public outreach programmes. 
• Enforcement: Trained manpower and regular inspection drives will be undertaken to ensure implementation of the NCAP.  The enforcement of the programme will be carried out through a three-tier system that includes: (i) real-time physical data collection, (ii) data archiving and data analytics infrastructure, and (iii) an action trigger system.  This three-tier system will work under the supervision of a single authority, which will ensure accreditation of three independently operating entities.
• Mitigation: The NCAP intends to plug the gaps in the ongoing government initiatives towards mitigating air pollution. With reference to augmenting the air quality monitoring network, it proposes to increase the number of monitoring stations from existing 703 to 1,500.  It also plans to bring in rural areas under the existing National Air Quality Monitoring Programme.  Towards this, it will set up 75 monitoring stations in rural areas.  The NCAP will also develop guidelines and protocols for monitoring and managing indoor air pollution.
• Certification: To address concerns of poor data quality, the NCAP plans to set up a Certification Scheme.  This Scheme will aim to provide a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for testing, calibration, and certification of equipment used in environmental monitoring.  It also envisages setting up an Air Quality Forecasting System which will accurately forecast air pollution on a daily basis and forecast expected air pollution exigencies.  

 

Law and Justice

Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 passed by Lok Sabha; subsequently Ordinance promulgated

Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 was passed by Lok Sabha.^[31]  It replaces an Ordinance promulgated on September 19, 2018.^[32]  Key features of the 2018 Bill include:

• The Bill makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal. It defines talaq as talaq-e-biddat or any other similar form of talaq pronounced by a Muslim man resulting in instant and irrevocable divorce.  Talaq-e-biddat refers to the practice under Muslim personal laws where pronouncement of the word ‘talaq’ three times in one sitting by a Muslim man to his wife results in an instant and irrevocable divorce.
• Offence and penalty: The Bill makes declaration of talaq a cognizable offence, attracting up to three years imprisonment with a fine.  (A cognizable offence is one for which a police officer may arrest an accused person without warrant.)  The offence will be cognizable only if information relating to the offence is given by: (i) the married woman (against whom talaq has been declared), or (ii) any person related to her by blood or marriage. 
• The Bill provides that the Magistrate may grant bail to the accused. The bail may be granted only after hearing the woman (against whom talaq has been pronounced), and if the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for granting bail.
• The offence may be compounded by the Magistrate upon the request of the woman (against whom talaq has been declared). Compounding refers to the procedure where the two sides agree to stop legal proceedings, and settle the dispute.  The terms and conditions of the compounding will be determined by the Magistrate. 
• Subsistence allowance and custody: A Muslim woman against whom talaq is declared is entitled to seek subsistence allowance from her husband for herself and for her dependent children.  She is also entitled to seek custody of her minor children.  The amount of the allowance as well as manner of custody will be determined by the Magistrate.

After the conclusion of the winter session of Parliament, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2019 was promulgated on January 12, 2019.^[33]  The Ordinance is similar to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, pending in Rajya Sabha.³¹  The Ordinance replaces a previous Ordinance promulgated on September 19, 2018.³²  

A PRS summary of the Bill is available here.

The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill passed by Lok Sabha

Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)

The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was introduced and passed by Lok Sabha.^[34]  The Bill amends the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

• Offline verification: Under the Aadhaar Act, an individual’s identity may be verified by Aadhaar ‘authentication’. Authentication involves submitting the Aadhaar number, and their biometric and demographic information to the Central Identities Data Repository for verification.  The Bill additionally allows ‘offline verification’ of an individual’s identity, without online authentication, through modes specified by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) by regulations.
• Voluntary use: The Act provides for the use of Aadhaar number as proof of identity of a person, subject to authentication.  The Bill replaces this provision to state that an individual may voluntarily use his Aadhaar number to establish his identity, by authentication or offline verification.  The Bill states that authentication of an individual’s identity via Aadhaar, for the provision of any service, may be made mandatory only by a law of Parliament.
• The Bill amends the Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 to state that telecom companies, banks and financial institutions may verify the identity of their clients by (i) authentication or offline verification of Aadhaar, or (ii) passport, or (iii) any other documents notified by the central government. The person has the choice to use either mode to verify his identity and no person shall be denied any service for not having an Aadhaar number.
• UIDAI Fund: Under the Act, all fees and revenue collected by the UIDAI shall be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India. The Bill removes this provision, and creates the Unique Identification Authority of India Fund.  All fees, grants and charges received by the UIDAI shall be credited to this fund.  The fund shall be used for expenses of the UIDAI, including salaries and allowances of its employees.

For a PRS Bill Summary, see here.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed by Lok Sabha

Zarka Shabir (zarka@prsindia.org)

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha in January 2019.  The Bill amends the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.  The Act seeks to protect children from offences such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography.

The Bill seeks to augment the penalties prescribed for sexually-related offences.  Key amendments include:

• Penetrative Sexual Assault: The bill increases the minimum punishment for penetrative sexual assault from seven years to ten years. The Bill adds that if a person commits penetrative sexual assault on a child below the age of 16 years, he will be punishable with imprisonment between 20 years to life, along with a fine.
• Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault: Under the Act, “aggravated penetrative sexual assault” has been defined to include cases where a police officer, a member of the armed forces, or a public servant commits penetrative sexual assault on a child. The Bill adds two additional grounds.  These include: (i) assault resulting in the death of a child, and (ii) assault committed during a natural calamity.
• Aggravated Sexual Assault: The Act defines “sexual assault” as actions where a person touches the vagina, penis, anus or breast of a child with sexual intent without penetration. The Bill adds two more offences to the definition of aggravated sexual assault.  These include: (i) assault committed during a natural calamity, and (ii) administrating any hormone or any chemical substance to a child for the purpose of attaining early sexual maturity.
• Storage of pornographic material: The Act penalizes storage of pornographic material with imprisonment of three years or a fine. The Bill amends the punishment for storage of child pornography, increasing it from three years’ imprisonment to three to five years’ imprisonment.  

A PRS summary of the Bill is available here.

Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill passed by Lok Sabha

Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)

The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was passed by Lok Sabha.^[35]  It seeks to amend five Acts.  These are: (i) the Divorce Act, 1869, (ii) the Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act, 1939, (iii) the Special Marriage Act, 1954, (iv) the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and (v) the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956. 

These Acts contain provisions related to marriage, divorce, and separation of Hindu and Muslim couples.  Each of these Acts prescribe leprosy as a ground for seeking divorce or separation from the spouse. 

The Bill seeks to remove this as a ground for divorce or separation.

A PRS summary of the Bill is available here.

The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2018 passed by Lok Sabha

Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)

The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2018 was passed by Lok Sabha.^[36]  It seeks to establish an autonomous and independent institution for better management of arbitration in India.  Key features of the Bill include:

• New Delhi International Arbitration Centre: The Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) to conduct arbitration, mediation, and conciliation proceedings.  The Bill declares the NDIAC as an institution of national importance.
• International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR): The ICADR is a registered society to promote the resolution of disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods (such as arbitration and mediation). The Bill seeks to transfer the existing ICADR to the central government.  Upon notification by the central government, all the rights, title, and interest in the ICADR will be transferred to the NDIAC. 
• Composition: Under the Bill, the NDIAC will consist of seven members including: (i) a Chairperson who may be a Judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, or an eminent person with special knowledge and experience in the conduct or administration of arbitration; (ii) two eminent persons having substantial knowledge and experience in institutional arbitration; and (iii) three ex-officio members, including a nominee from the Ministry of Finance and a Chief Executive Officer (responsible for the day-to-day administration of the NDIAC). 
• Term and superannuation: The members of NDIAC will hold office for three years and will be eligible for re-appointment.  The retirement age for the Chairperson is 70 years and other members is 67 years.
• Objectives and functions: The key objectives of the NDIAC include: (i) providing facilities and administrative assistance for the conduct of arbitration, mediation, and conciliation proceedings; (ii) maintaining a panel of accredited professionals to conduct arbitration, mediation and conciliation proceedings; (iii) promoting research, providing training, and organising conferences and seminars in alternative dispute resolution matters. 
• Key functions of the NDIAC include: (i) facilitating conduct of arbitration and conciliation proceedings in a professional, timely and cost-effective manner; and (ii) promoting studies in the field of alternative dispute resolution.

A PRS summary of the Bill is available here.

 

Corporate Affairs

Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)

Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018 passed by Lok Sabha; subsequently Ordinance promulgated

The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was passed by Lok Sabha.^[37]  It replaces an Ordinance promulgated on November 2, 2018.^[38]  The Bill amends several provisions in the Companies Act, 2013 relating to penalties, among others. 

• Re-categorisation of certain Offences: The 2013 Act contains 81 compoundable offences punishable with fine or fine or imprisonment, or both.  These offences are heard by courts.  The Bill re-categorizes 16 of these offences as civil defaults, where adjudicating officers (appointed by central government) may levy penalties for default.  These offences include: (i) issuance of shares at a discount, and, (ii) failure to file annual return.   
• Commencement of business: The Bill states that a company may not commence business, unless it (i) files a declaration within 180 days of incorporation, confirming that every subscriber to the Memorandum of the company has paid the value of shares and (ii) files a verification of its registered office address with the Registrar of Companies within 30 days of incorporation.  If a company fails to comply with these provisions and is found not to be carrying out any business, its name may be removed from the Register of Companies. 
• Change in approving authority: Under the Act, change in period of financial year for a company associated with a foreign company, has to be approved by the National Company Law Tribunal.  Similarly, any alteration in the incorporation document of a public company which has the effect of converting it to a private company, has to be approved by the Tribunal.  Under the Bill, these powers have been transferred to the central government. 
• Compounding: Under the Act, a regional director can compound (settle) offences with penalty of up to five lakh rupees.  The Bill increases the limit to Rs 25 lakh.   

After the conclusion of the winter session of Parliament, the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 was promulgated on January 12, 2019.^[39]  The Ordinance is similar to the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018, pending in Lok Sabha.³⁷  The Ordinance replaces a previous ordinance promulgated on November 2, 2018.³⁸   

A PRS summary of the Bill is available here.

Certain public companies exempted from the requirement to dematerialise shares

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified amendments to the Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Third Amendment Rules, 2014.  The 2014 Rules were earlier amended in September 2018 to provide that issue of further shares and transfer of all shares by unlisted public companies may only be in dematerialised form. [40]  The new amendments provide that the requirement of dematerialization will not apply to an unlisted public company which is: (i) a Nidhi company, (ii) a government company, or (iii) a wholly owned subsidiary.^[41]

 

Science and Technology

Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)

DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 passed by Lok Sabha

The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 was passed by Lok Sabha.  The Bill provides for regulation of use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of certain persons.  Key features of the Bill include:  

• Use of DNA Data: Under the Bill, DNA testing is allowed only for matters listed in the schedule to the Bill (such as for offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, for paternity suits, or in order to identify abandoned children).
• Collection of DNA: Investigation authorities can collect DNA samples of victims and suspects of crimes, with their written consent.  In case someone is arrested for a crime that carries punishment higher than seven years, consent is not required.  In addition, the Bill allows DNA technology to be used for identifying missing persons.  In this case, relatives of the missing person can volunteer to provide DNA samples.
• DNA Data Bank: The Bill provides for the establishment of a National DNA Data Bank and regional DNA Data Banks.  These Data Banks will store DNA profiles.  The DNA profiles in the Data Banks will be organized into five indices: (i) a crime scene index, (ii) a suspects’ or undertrials’ index, (iii) an offenders’ index, (iv) a missing persons’ index, and (v) an unknown deceased persons’ index.
• DNA Regulatory Board: The Bill provides for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, which will supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA laboratories. 
• Protection of information: Under the Bill, the Board is required to ensure that all information relating to DNA profiles with the Data Banks, laboratories and other persons are kept confidential.  DNA data may only be used for identification of the person.  However, the Bill allows for access to information in the Data Bank for the purpose of a one-time keyboard search.  This search allows for information from a DNA sample to be compared with information in the index without information from the sample being included in the index.

For more information on the Bill, see here.

 

Labour and Employment

Trade Unions Amendment Bill, 2019 introduced in Lok Sabha

The Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha.^[42]  The Bill amends the Trade Unions Act, 1926, which provides for the registration and regulation of trade unions.  Key features of the Bill include:

• The Bill seeks to provide for recognition of trade unions or a federation of trade unions at the central and state level by the central and state government, respectively. Such trade unions or the federation of trade unions will be recognised as Central Trade Unions or State Trade Unions, as the case may be.
• The central or state government may make rules for: (i) the recognition of such Central or State Trade Unions, and (ii) the authority to decide disputes arising out of such recognition, and the manner of deciding such disputes.

A PRS summary of the Bill is available here.

 

Tribal Affairs

Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)

Bills introduced to amend list of Scheduled Tribes in Assam and Karnataka

Two Bills were introduced in Rajya Sabha to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, in respect of Assam and Karnataka.  The Order specifies the list of tribal communities which are deemed to be Scheduled Tribes.  These Bills are the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019.^[43],[44]

• The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019 amends Part II of the Order which specifies the Scheduled Tribes in Assam.⁴³ The Bill inserts 41 entries for granting Scheduled Tribe status to these communities.  These include: (i) Matak, (ii) Kock Rajbongshi, (iii) Tai Ahom, (iv) Bhil, and (iv) Bhumij.
• The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019 amends Part VI of the Order which specifies the Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka.⁴⁴ It substitutes: (i) “Naikda, Nayaka” with “Naikda, Nayaka (including Parivara and Talawara)”, and (ii) “Siddi (in Uttar Kannada district)” with “Siddi (in Belagavi, Dharwad and Uttar Kannada districts)”.

For more information on these two Bills, see here and here.

Standing Committee submits report on the Tribal Sub-Plan

The Standing Committee on External Affairs (Chairperson: Sh Ramesh Bais) submitted its report on ‘Assessment of the Working of Tribal Sub-Plan’ on January 3, 2019.  The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) aims to bridge the gap between the Schedule Tribes and the general population with respect to all socio-economic development indicators in a time-bound manner.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

• Allocation of Funds: The Committee noted that earlier, earmarking of funds towards TSP was done by the concerned Ministries against their Plan allocation.  After the merger of Plan and non-Plan expenditure, the Ministry of Finance revised the percentage for earmarking of funds towards TSP in December 2017.  Currently, there are 41 central Ministries implementing TSP through different schemes.  The Committee noted that the allocation of funds towards TSP by various Ministries has been meagre after the merger of expenditure heads. 
• The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Ministry) should direct all Ministries to earmark funds according to the prescribed percentage allocation of their total scheme outlays. The Committee also recommended that the Ministry direct all Ministries to furnish a bi-annual statement regarding scheme-wise expenditure under TSP.
• Allocation of funds by states: The Committee noted that according to the guidelines for earmarking funds to states under TSP, the state governments are required to allocate funds out of their total plan outlays, in proportion to their tribal population.   It noted that some States are not adhering to these guidelines.  The Committee recommended that the Ministry pursue the matter with all states and ensure that funds towards TSP are earmarked as per the guidelines.
• Shortfall in Health Centres: The Committee observed that there is a shortfall of 1,240 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 273 Community Health Centres (CHCs) and 6,503 sub-Centres in Tribal areas as on March 31, 2017.  The Committee were informed that Ministry has formulated a proposal to ensure adequate health infrastructure in 94 Scheduled Tribes-dominated districts, where tribal population is 50% or more.  The Committee noted that 40 of these districts still do not have adequate health infrastructure in the form of PHCs. The Committee recommended that the Ministry should ensure availability of facilities and doctors in PHCs and CHCs by giving regular advisories to the state governments and concerned Ministries.

A PRS summary of the report is available here.

 

Power

Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)

Standing Committee on Energy submits report on Hydro Power

The Standing Committee on Energy (Chair: Dr. Kambhampati Haribabu) submitted its report on ‘Hydro Power’.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

• Hydro power as renewable energy source: Currently, hydro power plants with up to 25 MW capacities are considered as renewable energy sources and are under the purview of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.  Hydro plants with capacities over 25 MW are considered as conventional energy sources and come under the purview of Ministry of Power.  The Committee noted that there is no logic in segregating hydro power into renewable and conventional energy on the basis of capacity.  The green-house gas emissions from hydro power is 4-10 gram CO₂/kWh which is lesser than that from solar power at 38 gram CO₂/kWh, and from coal based thermal power at 957 gram CO₂/kWh.  It recommended that all hydro projects should be classified as renewable energy sources. 
• Clearance issues: The Committee noted that land acquisition is a persistent issue with hydro power projects, which results in project delays and cost escalation.  It found that the problem lies in the execution of land acquisition and resettlement and rehabilitation schemes for which the district administration is responsible.  The district administrators have limited time as they are entrusted with plethora of work.  Further, due to the complexity of land related matters, delays and unresolved issues are observed in the land acquisition and resettlement process.  It recommended that the district administration should expedite such cases with the cooperation of the central and state governments and the project developer. 
• Financial issues: The Committee noted that a typical hydro station is financed based on a debt to equity ratio of 70:30.  It noted that despite the long life of hydro power projects, only short tenure loans are being issued to them.  Since, the loan amount has to be repaid in 10-12 years, it leads to significant increase in tariff during the initial years.  Currently, of the 16 hydro projects, 10 are stalled due to financing issues.  The higher interest rate charged on the loan further aggravates the problem of higher tariff of hydro power.  It suggested that long term loan at cheaper interest rate will help with projects becoming viable. 

For a PRS report summary, see here.

Standing Committee submits report on stressed assets in gas based power plants

The Standing Committee on Energy (Chair: Dr. Kambhampati Haribabu) submitted its report on ‘Stressed/Non-Performing Assets in Gas based Power Plants’.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

• Stranded gas based capacity: Currently, out of the total installed capacity of about 345 GW, 24.9 MW (7%) comes from gas based power plants.  However, 14.30 GW (57%) of this gas based capacity is stranded due to shortage of domestic gas supply and competitive tariff scenario.  There are 31 stranded gas based power plants of which one belongs to central government, six to the state governments, and 24 to the private sector.  All these power plants were planned based on the expectation of increase in domestic gas production, particularly from the Krishna Godavari Dhirubhai 6 (KG-D6) field.  However, the production from KG D6 field has reduced drastically to zero since March 2013.  The Committee noted that since these gas based power plants were set up on the basis of the government’s assurance regarding supply of gas, it is the government’s responsibility to help them come out of stress. 
• Gas production: The Committee observed that from 2011-12 to 2016-17, domestic gas production has been declining, with a slight increase in 2017-18.  The import of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) has increased by 41% between 2014 and 2017.  Currently, about 50% of the country’s requirement of gas is being met by imported gas.  Further, the domestic gas allocated to power projects fell short by 70% of the allocated amount.  Due to such shortage, the plant load factor (or efficiency) of gas based power plants has come down from 67% in 2009-10 to 24% currently.  The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas should be cautious in making future projections regarding availability of natural gas. 
• Allocation of natural gas: The Committee noted that several policy flip-flops have resulted in gas based power plants becoming stranded.  These gas based plants are now unable to service their debt obligations and are on the verge of becoming non-performing assets (NPAs).  It recommended that the government should avoid erratic policy shifts in the future.  Further, any policy or guidelines regarding the change in allocation of gas should be prospective and it should not impact the existing users.

For a PRS report summary, see here. 

Guidelines for bidding process for procuring power from grid connected solar PV power projects amended

The Ministry of Power notified amendments to the Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects.^[45]  These guidelines were released in August 2017.  The amendments reduce the time frame for several stages under the bidding mechanism.  The changes are as follows:

• Bid submission: Earlier, bid submission for request for selection documents was 30 days.  This has been reduced to 22 days.
• Financial closure: Earlier, the solar power generator had to attain financial closure, in terms of the power purchase agreement (PPA), within 12 months from the date of execution of the PPA.  This time frame has been reduced to nine months for projects being set up in solar park. 
• Commissioning schedule: Earlier, the Projects were required to be commissioned within a period of 21 months, from the date of execution of the PPA.  This time frame has been reduced to 15 months for projects being set up in the solar par, and to 18 months for all other projects.

Public procurement guidelines for power sector to provide for local content released

The Ministry of Power released public procurement guidelines to provide for purchase preference (linked to local content) for the transmission, thermal, and hydro power sectors.^[46],[47]^,[48]  These guidelines are in furtherance of the notification of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion on public procurement (preference to Make in India). 

The notifications provide details of the minimum local content required for various projects in these sectors.  The Ministry of Power will constitute a Committee for each of the sectors to take decisions on complaints relating to implementation of the orders.  Each Committee will be chaired by Member of the respective department of the Central Electricity Authority. 

 

Water Resources

Zarka Shabir (zarka@prsindia.org)

CAG releases performance audit of the Accelerated Irrigated Benefits Programme

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) released a performance audit of the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme on January 8, 2019.  The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was launched in 1996 with the aim of accelerating the implementation of irrigation projects that exceed the resource capabilities of states.  Key findings and recommendations include:

• Irregular inclusion of projects: AIBP provides eligibility criteria for the inclusion of projects under its purview.  In its report, the CAG noted that between 2008-17, 30 Major, Medium Irrigation (MMI) projects and 41 Minor Irrigation (MI) schemes that were included, violated criteria. It found that these irregularities in inclusion had led to losses amounting to Rs 3,718 crore.
• Benefit Cost Ratio: The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) measures the ratio of annual benefits from irrigation to the annual cost of providing those benefits.  The CAG observed that in 28 MMI projects and 82 MI schemes, uniform parameters were not used for the calculation of BCR. As a remedy, the CAG recommended that BCRs be reviewed continuously and be based on realistic assumptions.
• Delay in releasing funds: Between 2007-17, the Ministry of Water Resources released Rs 19,184 crore for 115 MMI projects and Rs 12,809 crore for all MI schemes.  As per the CAG report, there was short release of funds in various projects, resulting in non-realization of revenues amounting to Rs 1,251 crore. The CAG recommended that State governments be held responsible for conducting adequate checks on work and creating systems of accountability for deficient execution.
• Cost overrun: Delays in the implementation of projects, inefficient work management, combined with changes in the scope of projects resulted in a cost overrun in 84 projects from Rs 40,943 crore to Rs 1,20,772 crore. The CAG recommended that the Ministry of Water Resources ensure regular monitoring of performance and intensify efforts towards completion of projects.

For a PRS report summary, please see here.

 

Agriculture

Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)

Standing Committee submits report on agriculture marketing and role of weekly gramin haats

The Standing Committee on Agriculture (Chair: Mr. Hukmdev Narayan Yadav) submitted its report on ‘Agriculture Marketing and Role of Weekly Gramin Haats’.^[49]  Agriculture marketing in most states is regulated by the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) established by state governments.  Gramin Haats are rural markets where farmers can sell without going to APMC markets.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

• Issues with APMCs: The Committee observed that provisions of the APMC Acts are not implemented in their true sense, due to reasons such as: (i) limited number of traders in APMC markets thereby reducing competition, (ii) cartelisation of traders, and (iii) undue deductions in the form of commission charges and market fee.  The Committee observed that most farmers lack access to government procurement facilities including APMC markets.  It recommended the central government to prioritise creation of alternative marketing platforms, and hold stakeholder consultations for reforms in agriculture marketing.
• Reforms in APMC Acts: The Committee observed that APMC Acts need to be reformed urgently.  The Acts are highly restrictive in promotion of multiple channels of marketing and competition in the system.  It noted that the central government is continuously pursuing state governments for reform in APMC Acts through model Acts.  However, there is lukewarm response of state governments towards reforms in the Acts.  The Committee recommended that the central government constitute a Committee of Agriculture Ministers of all states to arrive at a consensus and design a legal framework for agriculture marketing.
• Availability of markets: The Committee observed that the average area served by an APMC market is 496 sq. km., which is much higher than the 80 sq. km. recommended by the National Commission on Farmers (Chair: Dr. M. S. Swaminathan) in 2006.  The Committee noted that there is a need of 41,000 markets to meet this requirement.  It recommended that the central government (i) initiate consultation with state governments to increase the number of agriculture markets, and (ii) create marketing infrastructure in states which do not have APMCs.

For a PRS report summary, please see here.

 

Transport

Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)

Standing Committee submits report on maintenance of Railway bridges

The Standing Committee on Railways (Chair: Mr. Sudip Bandyopadhyay) submitted its report on ‘Maintenance of Bridges in Indian Railways: A Review’.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

• Classification of bridges in Indian Railways: The Committee observed that Indian Railways has 1,47,523 bridges across its network.  These bridges are classified under three broad categories which is based on the breadth of their waterway: (i) Bridges with a linear waterway of 300 meter are classified as Important Bridges, (ii) those with a linear waterway of 18 meter are classified as Major Bridges, and (iii) all other bridges are classified as Minor Bridges.  As per this classification, about 92% of the bridges in Indian Railways are minor bridges.  The Committee noted that such a classification may be too broad, which may lead to exclusion of large number of bridges, and unequal importance being given to only a few bridges.  It recommended that the Ministry of Railways should re-evaluate their classification of bridges.  The Ministry should also consider other parameters (than just waterway breadth) for classifying bridges. 
• The Committee noted that 37,689 bridges on the railway network are 100 years or older. However, the Railways does not classify them separately.  Instead, they are kept at par with the newer or modern bridges when it comes to inspections and maintenance.  With faster and heavier trains coming in, the safety of these old bridges may be severely compromised leading to safety failures.  The Committee recommended that the Ministry must come up with a protocol for inspection and maintenance of these old bridges.  
• Use of modern technology in monitoring of bridges: The Committee suggested that the Ministry should explore the use of modern technology for inspection of bridges.  This may help in early detection of damage and lower maintenance costs.  The Committee noted that currently satellite imagery is being used to detect faults in tracks.  It suggested that similar technology can be extended to bridges. 

For a PRS report summary, see here. 

Railways Convention Committee submits report on cleanliness and hygiene in coaches and stations

The Railways Convention Committee (Chair: Mr. Bhartruhari Mahtab) submitted its report on ‘Cleanliness and Hygiene in Coaches and Stations’.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

• Steps for the cleanliness of coaches and stations: The Committee observed that Indian Railways has taken several steps for the cleanliness of coaches and stations.  These include: (i) mechanised cleaning of coaches in more than 145 coaching depots, (ii) Clean My Coach scheme, (iii) rag picking contracts and garbage disposal contracts at more than 730 stations, (iv) Clean Train Station scheme at 40 stations, and (v) a pilot project for disposal of municipal solid waste being generated at major railway terminals.  However, these cleaning facilities and schemes have been implemented at few select stations, and in broad gauge coaches with on-board housekeeping facility.  The Committee recommended that these facilities and schemes should be extended to all stations and broad gauge coaches.  It also suggested that more stations should be brought under the purview of Railways’ audit-cum-survey assessment, to foster competition among stations in maintenance of cleanliness. 
• Cleanliness survey: The Committee observed that as per the station cleanliness survey, the stations which are located on the south side of Vindhyas are better maintained.  This is despite the station cleaning contracts awarded being the same across Railways.  The Committee recommended that the best management practices that are being followed by the railway officers and the station cleaning contractors, south of Vindhyas, should be studied and codified, so that these can be emulated by other divisions.
• Cleanliness in train coaches: The Committee observed that currently, cleaning of coaches during the run of the trains is carried out through the on-board housekeeping facilities in 30% of the mail/express trains.  The Committee recommended that the facility of on-board housekeeping should be progressively extended to all mail/express trains within a time bound period of two to three years. 

For a PRS report summary, see here. 

 

Information Technology

Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)

Standing Committee submits report on Setting up of Post Bank of India as a Payments Bank

The Standing Committee on Information Technology (Chairperson: Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur) submitted its report on ‘Setting up of Post Bank of India as a Payments Bank- Scope, Objectives, and Framework’ on January 8, 2019.  The Indian Post Payment Bank (IPPB) is a financial service provider, launched with the mandate of improving financial inclusion through the postal network in the country.  The IPPB is a public sector company under the Department of Posts.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

• Aadhar-based authentication: The Committee stated that Aadhar-based authentication is vital for financial inclusion.  Therefore, the Committee was concerned about the potential impact of the Supreme Court judgement on the IPPB (the Court struck down Aadhar linkage where no subsidies or benefits were involved).  The Committee observed that discontinuation of Aadhar-based authentication had a negative impact on the vision and business model of IPPB.  It recommended that IPPB should take up the matter with UIDAI/RBI for suggesting alternative modes of authentication.  
• Recruitment in IPPB: The Committee noted that IPPB was recruiting staff through direct recruitment, deputation from Public Sector Banks, and professional search firms for specialised resources.  However, out of 3,500 banking professionals proposed to be employed, IPPB has only recruited 2,152 employees so far.  The Committee recommended that the recruitment process should be expedited, and that it be informed of the steps taken by IPPB in this regard.
• Competitiveness: The Committee noted that IPPB is likely to face stiff competition from private payment banks (such as Airtel, Jio, and Paytm payment banks).  It observed that that the 4% interest rate offered by IPPB is lower compared to other payment banks.  In order to increase their customer base and compete with private players, the Committee recommended that the current interest rate may be reviewed.       

For a PRS report summary, please see here. 

 

External Affairs

Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)

Draft Emigration Bill released

The Ministry of External Affairs released the draft Emigration Bill, 2019.^[50]  The draft Bill seeks to provide a regulatory mechanism to govern overseas employment of Indian nationals, and protect and promote the welfare of Indian emigrants.  Key features of the draft Bill include:

• Authorities: The draft Bill seeks to create three authorities: (i) the Emigration Management Authority (EMA), (ii) the Bureau of Emigration Policy and Planning (BEPP), and (iii) the Bureau of Emigration and Administration (BEA).  The EMA, will be headed by the Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.  Its functions include supervising the management of emigration in India, and advising the central government on emigration policy.
• The BEPP will consist of a Chief of Emigration Policy and other officers. Its functions include: (i) preparing policies on issues related to welfare of emigrants, (ii) negotiating labour agreements with destination countries, and (iii) undertaking labour market analysis.  Further, the BEA will consist of a Chief Emigration Officer and other officers.  Its functions include: (i) maintaining a database of Indian migrants, and (ii) preventing illegal migration and recruitment procedures.
• Registration of agencies: All recruitment and enrolment agencies must be registered with a competent authority.  Recruitment agencies are those entities engaged in recruitment of individuals for an employer, and enrolment agencies are entities engaged in enrolment of Indian students for study in a foreign institution.  The competent authority may cancel the certificate of registration on various grounds including: (i) the certificate was issued on misrepresentation of a fact, or (ii) the agency has breached any of the terms and conditions in the certificate.  Appeal against decisions of the competent authority with regard to registration of these agencies will lie with the central government.
• Accreditation of employers: Any employer who intends to recruit an emigrant must apply for accreditation with the central government.  Such accreditation will be valid for a period of five years, and may be cancelled on the same grounds as specified for cancellation of registration of recruitment and enrolment agencies.

Standing Committee submits report on Issues Related to Migrant Labour

The Standing Committee on External Affairs (Chairperson: Dr. Shashi Tharoor) submitted its report on ‘Issues Relating to Migrant Workers including Appropriate Legislative Framework and Skill Development Initiatives for Prospective Emigrants’ on January 2, 2019.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

• Migration policy and data: The Committee noted that India does not have a migration policy.  This affects India’s ability to use the potential offered by Indians in the international labour market.  The Committee therefore, recommended that India should frame a coherent migration policy.  In addition, the Committee noted that despite the growing scale of migration, statistics and data was not readily available.  It recommended that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) should maintain a database on various aspects of migration such as profile of migrants, their job profile, and country of destination.
• Skill development: The Committee noted that the limited skill sets of migrant workers is a major hindrance in finding overseas employment.  The MEA highlighted five core elements in preparing the workforce for global mobility including: (i) alignment of qualifications with global standards, (ii) infrastructure development, (iii) credible assessment and certification framework, (iv) pre-departure orientation, and (v) job linkage.  While the MEA stated that there has been progress on the first two elements, the Committee recommended that all five elements should be taken into account while framing standards for skill development. 
• Emigration Bill: The Committee noted that in light of significant changes in migration patterns, the current legal provisions are inadequate to deal with issues confronting migrant workers.  While the MEA is drafting an Emigration Management Bill, the Committee expressed concerns over delay in the introduction of the Bill.  The Committee recommended that the Bill be finalised and presented to Parliament without further delay.  Further, the Committee recommended various provisions that should form part of the Bill.  These include: (i) providing Migrant Worker Welfare Centres at international airports to provide information, (ii) creation of a digitized database with records of all migrant workers, their recruitment companies, skills, and educational qualifications, and (iii) creation of a separate department under the Protector of Emigrants to investigate complaints of exploitation as well as abuse by recruiters.          

For a PRS report summary, please see here.

 

Youth Affairs and Sports

Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)

Cabinet approves continuation of the scheme Rastriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram for 2017-18 to 2019-20

The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of Rastriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK) for the period of 2017-18 to 2019-20 with an outlay of Rs 1,160 crore.[51]  RYSK is a central sector scheme which aims to develop the personality and leadership qualities of youth and to engage them in nation building activities.

In 2016, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports brought eight schemes under the umbrella scheme of RYSK.  These schemes include: (i) Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, (ii) National Youth Corps, (iii) National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development, (iv) Youth Hostels, and (v) National Discipline Scheme.

 

Information and Broadcasting

Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)

Draft amendments to the Cinematograph Act, 1952 released

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released draft amendments to the Cinematograph Act, 1952 for feedback.^[52]  The Act provides for certification of films for exhibition.  Further, the Act imposes penalties for various offences such as: (i) exhibition of a film that has not been certified for public exhibition, or (ii) tampering with a film after it has been certified.  The draft amendments propose additional penalties for film piracy.  The penalties proposed include imprisonment up to three years or fine up to ten lakh rupees, or both.    

 

 

[1] Parliament Session Wrap, January 9, 2019, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/Session%20wrap%20Winter%20Session%202018%20%289%20Jan%2019%29_0.pdf.

[2] “Address by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind to the Joint Sitting of two Houses of Parliament,” January 31, 2019, https://presidentofindia.nic.in/speeches-detail.htm?645.  

[3] “Press Note on First Advance Estimates of National Income 2018-19”, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, January 7, 2019, http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/Presss%20note%20for%20first%20advance%20estimates%202018-19.pdf

[4] “Press Note On First Revised Estimates of National Income, Consumption Expenditure, Saving and Capital Formation for 2017-18”, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, January 31, 2019 http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/FRE%20of%20Nat....

[5] “Consumer Price Index Numbers on Base 2012=100 for Rural, Urban and Combined for the month of December 2018”, Press Release, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, January 14, 2019, http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/Press%20Statement_0.pdf.

[6] “Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India (Base: 2011-12=100): Review for the month of December, 2018”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, January 14, 2019

[7] Report No. 70, Standing Committee on Finance, “The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018, January 2019, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Finance/16_Finance_70.pdf.

[8] “Committee on Deepening of Digital Payments”, Press Release, Reserve Bank of India, January 8, 2019, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR159028CC3F640AFF45138E1FE4D36BDCBF43.PDF.

[9] “Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector – Restructuring of Advances”, Press Release, Reserve Bank of India, January 1, 2019, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/notification/PDFs/NOTI10062D55CDAC41B47749D3213030B5E3D99.PDF.

[10] “RBI constitutes Expert Committee on Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)”, Press Release, Reserve Bank of India, January 2, 2019,  https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR154099813943CAFB42CCA346F1F7D9BD4CBD.PDF.

[11] “Tokenisation – Card Transactions”, Press Release, Reserve Bank of India, January 8, 2019, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/notification/PDFs/NT103FB1ACF7FF52B4F77BF82BDE43375F3AE.PDF.

[12] Report No. 20, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, ‘Compliance of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 for the year 2016-17’, January 8, 2019, https://www.cag.gov.in/sites/default/files/audit_report_files/Report_No_20_of_2018_Compliance_of_the_Fiscal_Responsibility_and_Budget_Management_Act_2003_Department_of_Economic_Affairs_Minis.pdf.

[13] “Major Decisions taken by the GST Council in its

32nd Meeting held today under the Chairmanship

of the Union Minister of Finance & Corporate

Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, January 10, 2019.

[14] “Major Decisions taken by the GST Council in its

32nd Meeting held today under the Chairmanship

of the Union Minister of Finance & Corporate

Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, January 10, 2019.

[15] “Cabinet approves creation of the National Bench of

the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal

(GSTAT)”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet, January 23, 2019.

[16] The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019, http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/constitution-one-hundred-and-twenty-fourth-amendment-bill-2019.

[17] Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, http://prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Citizenship%20%28A%29%20Bill%2C%202019%20as%20passed%20by%20LS.pdf.  

[18] Report of the Joint Committee on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, Lok Sabha, January 7, 2019, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Joint%20Committee%20on%20Bill%20to%20amend%20the%20Citizenship%20Act,%201955/16_Joint_Committee_on_Bill_to_amend_the_Citizenship_Act_1955_1.pdf .  

[19] “Government notifies High Level committee for implementation of Clause 6 of Assam Accord”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, January 6, 2019.  

[20] “Cabinet approves high level committee to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, January 2, 2019.

[21] The Right to Education (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019 (as passed by Parliament), Ministry of Human Resource Development, January 3, 2019, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/PassedLoksabha/166_C_2017_LS_Eng.pdf.

[22] The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill 2019, (as passed by Parliament), Ministry of Human Resource Development, January 3, 2019, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/PassedLoksabha/203c_ls_eng_%20Teacher.pdf.

[23] “Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) for admission in central education institutions, Ministry of Human Resource Development, http://mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/ews.pdf.

[24] The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, January 7, 2019, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Nationl%20commission%20for%20Homoeopathy%20bill%2C%202019.pdf.

[25] The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, January 7, 2019, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Nationl%20commission%20for%20Indian%20system%20of%20medicine%20bill%2C%202019.pdf.

[26] The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019, http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/indian-medical-council-amendment-ordinance-2019.

[27] “Cabinet approves restructuring of National Health Agency as "National Health Authority" for better implementation of Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana”, Press Information Bureau, January 2, 2019.

[28] About NHA, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, https://www.pmjay.gov.in/about-nha.

[29] “Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) in civil posts and services in the Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, http://documents.doptcirculars.nic.in/D2/D02adm/EWSreservationx5i3a.pdf.

[30] National Clean Air Programme, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, http://envfor.nic.in/sites/default/files/press-releases/NCAP%20Report%20Full.pdf.

[31] The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, https://prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Muslim%20Women%20%28Protection%20of%20rights%20on%20marriage%29%20Bill%2C%202018_0.pdf.

[32] The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2018, https://prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Muslim%20women%20%28Triple%20Talaq%29%20Ordinance%2C%202018.pdf.

[33] The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2019, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Muslim%20Women%20%28Protection%20of%20Rights%20on%20Marriage%29%20Ordinance%2C%202019.pdf.

[34] “The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018”, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Aadhaar%20Bill%2C%202018.pdf.

[35] The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Personal%20Laws%20%28A%29%20bill%2C%202018%20Bill%20Text.pdf.

[36] The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/ND%20International%20Arbitration%20Centre%20Bill%2C%202018.pdf.

[37] The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018, https://prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Companies%20%28Amendment%29%20Bill%2C%202018.pdf.

[38] The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, https://prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Companies%20Amendment%20Ordinance%202018.pdf.

[39] The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Companies%20%28Amedment%29%20Ordinance%2C%202019.pdf.

[40] Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Third Amendment Rules, 2014, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2018/189439.pdf.

[41] Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Third Amendment Rules, 2019, http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/CompaniesProspectusAllotmentRule_23012019.pdf.

[42] The Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill, 2019, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Trade%20Unions%20%28A%29%20bill%2C%202019.pdf.

[43] The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019, ,http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/ST%20order%20%28A%29%20Bill%2C%202019.pdf.

[44] The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/ST%20order%20%28Second%20Amendment%29%20Bill%2C%202019.pdf.

[45] “Amendments to the Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects”, No. 23/27/2017-R&R., Ministry of Power, January 3, 2019, https://powermin.nic.in/sites/default/files/webform/notices/Amendment_to_Solar_Guidelines_3_Jan_2019.pdf.

[46] “Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) to provide for Purchase Preference (linked with local content) in respect of Thermal Power Sector”, No. 11/05/2018, Ministry of Power, December 20, 2018, https://powermin.nic.in/sites/default/files/webform/notices/Thermal_Order_dt_28_12_2018.pdf.

[47] “Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) to provide for Purchase Preference (linked with local content) in respect of Transmission Power Sector”, No. 11/05/2018, Ministry of Power, December 20, 2018, https://powermin.nic.in/sites/default/files/webform/notices/Trans_Order_dt_20_12_2018.pdf.

[48] “Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) to provide for Purchase Preference (linked with local content) in respect of Hydro Power Sector”, No. 11/05/2018, Ministry of Power, December 20, 2018, https://powermin.nic.in/sites/default/files/webform/notices/Hydro_Order_dt%2020_12_2018.pdf.

[49] Report No. 62, Standing Committee on Agriculture, ‘Agriculture Marketing and Role of Weekly Gramin Haats’, Lok Sabha, January 3, 2019, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Agriculture/16_Agriculture_62.pdf.

[50] Draft Emigration Bill, 2019, https://mea.gov.in/Images/amb1/Emigration_Bill_2019.pdf.

^[51] “Cabinet approves continuation of Rastriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Scheme for the Period 2017-18 to 2019-2020”, Press Information Bureau, January 2, 2019.

[52] “Public comments sought on Cinematograph Act (Amendment) Bill”, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, January 3, 2019, https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/Public%20Notice%20-%20Amendment%20of%20Cinematograph%20Act%20Bill.pdf.   

 

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