Highlights of the 2024 Winter Session of Parliament
The Winter Session of Parliament for 2024 commenced on November 25 and concluded on December 20, 2024. This session was significant, featuring 20 sittings in the Lok Sabha and 19 in the Rajya Sabha over a span of 26 days. The session was marked by the introduction and passage of several important bills, as well as the celebration of a historic constitutional milestone.
Legislative Achievements During the Session
During the Winter Session, a total of five bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha. Out of these, four bills were successfully passed by the Lok Sabha, while three bills received approval from the Rajya Sabha. Notably, the “Bhartiya Vayuyaan Vidheyak, 2024” was passed by both Houses. This bill aims to re-enact the Aircraft Act, addressing ambiguities caused by various amendments to the original Aircraft Act of 1934.
The session also saw the introduction of two landmark bills aimed at implementing the vision of “One Nation, One Election.” These are the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth) Amendment Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Both bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17 and subsequently referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on December 20.
The productivity of the Lok Sabha during this session was approximately 54.5%, while the Rajya Sabha achieved around 40%. This productivity reflects the commitment of the Parliament to address legislative business effectively.
Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Constitution
A significant highlight of the Winter Session was the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 2024. This historic milestone was celebrated with year-long events centered around four themes: the Preamble, Know Your Constitution, Making of the Constitution, and Celebrating its Glory.
A special function was held at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, where President of India launched a commemorative coin and stamp. Two books titled “Making of the Constitution of India and its Glorious Journey” and “Making of the Constitution of India: A Glimpse” were also released. Dignitaries, including the Vice-President, Prime Minister, and leaders from both Houses of Parliament, attended the event.
On this day, Indians across the globe joined the President in reading the Preamble, reinforcing the importance of the Constitution in the nation’s democratic framework.
Engaging Discussions on Constitutional Journey
As part of the year-long celebrations, the Lok Sabha organized a special discussion titled “Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India” on December 13 and 14. The Rajya Sabha held a similar discussion on December 16 and 17.
These discussions were well-attended, with 62 members participating in the Lok Sabha session, which lasted for 15 hours and 43 minutes. The Prime Minister responded to the discussions, highlighting the significance of the Constitution in shaping modern India. In the Rajya Sabha, 80 members engaged in discussions for a total of 17 hours and 41 minutes, with the Home Minister providing responses.
These discussions not only celebrated the Constitution’s legacy but also encouraged members to reflect on its impact over the past 75 years.
Financial Discussions and Appropriation Bills
In addition to legislative achievements, the Winter Session included discussions on the First Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the fiscal year 2024-25. The Lok Sabha discussed and voted on these demands, culminating in the introduction, discussion, and passage of the related Appropriation Bill on December 17, 2024. This debate lasted approximately 7 hours and 21 minutes, showcasing the Parliament’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and governance.
The session’s legislative activities and discussions reflect the Parliament’s dedication to addressing critical issues while commemorating the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution. As the session concluded, it left a lasting impact on the legislative landscape and the nation’s democratic ethos.
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