Rights of Childrenfor Free and Compulsory Education Amendment Bill and 136 other bills

REGISTERED NO. DL—(N)04/0007/2003—25 The Gazette of India EXTRAORDINARY PART II — Section 2 PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 20] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025/AGRAHAYANA 14, 1947 (SAKA) Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation. LOK SABHA ———— The following Bills were introduced in Lok Sabha on 5th August, 2025:— BILL NO. 54 OF 2025 A Bill further to amend the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-Sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:— 1. (1) This Act may be called the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Act, 2025. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint. 2. In section 2 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act),— Amendment of section 2. 35 of 2009. (a) after clause (i), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:— “(ia) “National Right to Education Fund” means the National Right to Education Fund established under section 34A.”. CG-DL-E-28012026-269624 (b) after clause (q), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:— “(qa) “State Right to Education Fund” means the State Right to Education Fund established under section 34B.”. (c) after clause (n), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:— “(na) “non-compliant school” means school who fails to abide by the provisions of clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 12.” 3. In section 12 of the principal Act— Amendment of section 12. (a) in sub section (1), in clause (c), for the words, “at least twenty-five per cent.”, the words “minimum twenty-five per cent.”, shall be substituted. (b) aftersub-section (2), the following sub-section shall be inserted, namely: “(2A) Every school shall prepare and submit an annual compliance report,— (a) in case of each school under State Government with the District Collector within whose territorial jurisdiction it fall before the completion of an Academic Year, after which the said District Collector shall forward the said report to the respective Ministry of the State Government concerned who shall compile an annual report and then forward the same to the Union Ministry of Education on an annual basis; and (b) in case of each school under the Central Government to the Union Ministry of Education before the completion of an Academic year who shall then submit a compilation of the same to the Union Ministry of Education which shall be laid along with a compilation of the reports as submitted by respective State Governments under clause (a) of sub-section (2A). (2B) If any school fails to abide by provisions of clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 12, the name of the school shall be mentioned to a public list of ‘non-compliant schools’ and then: (a) in the first instance, the said school shall pay a penalty of ten times the admission fees for an academic year of the total number of prospective students who would have been given admission in order to fulfil the directives under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 12 and deposited as under: (i) in case of the school being recognised by the State Education department to the respective State Right to Education Fund established under section 34B; and (ii) in case of the school being under Central or any other authority, to the National Right to Education Fund established under section 34A; (b) at the second instance, the said school shall pay a penalty of twenty times the admission fees for an academic year of the total number of prospective students who would have been given admission in order to fulfil the directives and deposited in a manner mentioned under sub-clauses (i) or (ii) of clause (a) of section 12B. (c) in case offurther non-compliance, such schoolsshall be reviewed by recognised authorities under the Act and shall be de-recognised for continued non-compliance provisions of Section of clause (c) of sub section (1) of section 12.”. 4. After Chapter V of the principal Act, the following Chapter and sections thereunder shall be inserted, namely: “Chapter VA Establishment, Management and Utilisation of National and State Right to Education Fund Insertion of new Chapter VA. Establishment of National Right to Education Fund. 34A. (1) The Central Government shall, by notification in the official Gazette, constitute a Fund, hereinafter referred to as the National Right to Education Fund to whom shall be credited,— (a) amounts as collected from schools under sub-section (ii) of clause (a) and sub-section (ii) of sub-section (2B) of section 12; (b) any income from investment from the amount credited in the National Right to Education Fund; and (c) any other such amount, donations, transfers as mandated under the Act or otherwise credited to the National Right to Education Fund. (2) The NationalRight to Education Fund shall be monitored by an authority, hereinafter referred to as the National Right to Education Fund Monitoring Authority consisting of the following, namely: (a) Union Minister for Education, ex officio – Chairperson; (b) Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, ex officio - Deputy Chairperson; (c) Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, ex officio - Deputy Chairperson; (d) Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy under Ministry of Education- Ex-officio Convenor; (e) Chairperson, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes-ex-officio Member; (f) Chairperson, National Commission for Scheduled Castes-ex-officio Member; (g) Chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights ex-officio Member; (h) Economic Advisor, Department of Education and Literacy ex-officio Member; (i) five Members of Parliament of the House of the People belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes community appointed for a period of two years to be nominated by the Speaker, House of the People, as per the procedure established; (j) five expertsin the field of education, child rights and literacy to be appointed by the Central Government for a term of five years-Members. (3) The members of the National Right to Education Fund Monitoring Authority shall face disqualification on the following grounds,— (a) has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment by a competent court; or (b) is of moral turpitude; or (c) is an undischarged insolvent; or (d) is of unsound mind so declared by the competent court; (e) has, in the opinion of the Central Government, such financial or other interest in the National Authority or any State Authority as is likely to affect the duties discharged by him of his function as a member. (4) The salary and allowance payable to and other terms and condition of service of members appointed under clause (j) of sub-section 2 shall be such as may be prescribed. (5) The functions of the National Right to Education Fund Monitoring Authority shall be such as may be prescribed. 34B. (1) Every State Government shall, by notification in the official Gazette, constitute a fund, to as the (Name of State) Right to Education Fund to which shall be credited to this Fund,— Establishment of State Right to Education Fund. (a) amounts as collected from schools under sub-clause (i) of clause (a) and sub-section (i) of clause (b) ofsub-section (2B) ofsection 12; (b) any income from investment from the amount credited in the State Right to Education Fund; (c) any other such monies, amount, donations, transfers as mandated under theAct or otherwise credited to the Fund by recognised authorities under the Act. (2) The State Right to Education Fund shall be monitored by an authority, hereinafter referred to as the State Right to Education Fund Monitoring Authority consisting of the following individuals, namely: (a) State Minister for Education- ex officio – Chairperson; (b) State Minister for SocialJustice and Empowerment or its equivalent ex officio - Co- Chairperson; (c) State Minister for Tribal Affairs or equivalent- ex officio – Co Chairperson; (d) Secretary, State Department of School Education and Literacy ex-officio Convenor; (e) Chairperson, State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes- Ex-officio Member; (f) Chairperson, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights ex-officio Member; (g) Economic Advisor, State Department of Education and Literacy ex-officio Member; (h) five members of Legislative Assembly, three from the Scheduled Castes and two from Scheduled Tribes appointed for a period of two years, nominated by the concerned Speaker of the Assembly concerned-as per established procedure; (i) five experts in the field of education, child rights and literacy appointed by the State Government for a term of five years as Members. (3) Themembers ofthe above specifiedCommittee shallface disqualification on the following grounds: (a) has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment by a competent court; or (b) is of moral turpitude; or (c) is an undischarged insolvent; or (d) is of unsound mind so declared by the competent court; (e) has, in the opinion of the State Government, such financial or other interest in the concerned State Welfare and Education as is likely to affect the duties discharged by him of his function as a member. (4) The salary and allowance payable to and other terms and condition of service of members appointed under clause (i) of sub-section 2 shall be such as may be prescribed. (5) The functions of the State Right to Education Fund MonitoringAuthority shall be such as may be prescribed. 34C. (1) Allsums credited to the National Right to Education Fund and State Right to Education shall be utilised by the National Right to Education Fund Monitoring Authority and the State Right to Education Monitoring respectively for the following four purposes: Disbursement and Utilisation of National RTE Fund and State RTE. (a) school infrastructure including hygienic washrooms particularly for female students and staff, ramps and other such provisions for disabled students and potable water filters; (b) teacher training to carry out and provide teacher training programs for the benefit of teachers across schools in India and provide for their continuous development for the benefit of teachers; (c) development of scientific temperament amongst students to provide students of all age groups access to literature, equipment and laboratories to develop scientific temperament and thought; and (d) scholarships, sports and training equipment to provide students with sports and training infrastructure along with educational/artistic and sports oriented scholarships for supporting their all-round development. 34D. The Central Government and respective State Governments shall prepare and maintain proper accounts of all transportation and other relevant records in relation to the National RTE Fund and the State RTE Fund and prepare an annual statement of accounts in such form as may be prescribed in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.”. Accounting and Audit of the National RTE Fund and State RTE Fund. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 represents a pivotal step towards guaranteeing the fundamental right of every child to free and compulsory education. This landmark legislation mandates, the provision of high quality education to all children within the age bracket of six to fourteen years. While the existing Act was introduced to give access to the schooling system to all children as a fundamental right, such access is largely available in government schools, even in rural areas, section 12 (1) (c) goes as step further to give access to quality education that is available in unaided school. However, this provision in the Act was grossly and comprehensively not complied with. Therefore, there is an imperative need to address the same and hence this Bill has been proposed to bring the tenements of the original legislation to fruition. The proposed Bill not only provides for stringent action against schools at fault for not implementing section 12 (1) (c) of the RTE Act, it also intends to introduce a fund at the national and State level to increase financial support towards India’s education sector and the National and State Right to Education Fund are primarily concerned with the development of schools, teacher training programs, developing a scientific temperament and thought amongst the future generations and potential scholarships along with sports infrastructure for their all round development. The Right to Education Act, while providing access to education to millions, is also empowering them to participate in nation building. To fully harnessits potential, it is imperative to strengthen its implementation through rigorous enforcement, enhanced awareness, and active community participation. By adopting these measures, we can ensure that every child in India has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; KRISHNA PRASAD TENNETI January 20, 2025 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 4 of the Bill vide proposed section 34A provides for constitution of National Right to Education Fund by the Central Government. It also provides for establishment of National Right to Education Fund Monitoring Authority by the Central Government. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a sum of rupees one hundred crore will be involved as recurring expenditure per annum. No non-recurring expenditure is likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 13 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Bill. As the rules will relate to matters of detail only, the delegation of legislative power is of a normal character. Bill No. 156 of 2025 A Bill further to amend the Constitution of India. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:– 1.(1) This Act may be called the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2025. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. After article 21A of the Constitution, the following article shall be inserted, namely:– “21B. The State shall secure the right to safer roads to all citizens by adopting and enforcing comprehensive measures including emergency medical and trauma facilities for road safety and prevents road traffic injuries and fatalities in such manner as the State may by law, determine.”. Insertion of new article 21B. Right to safer roads. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS Road safety and fatalities resulting from it is a critical public concern in India, with the nation experiencing an alarming rate of road crashes and fatalities that far exceed many other public health crises. With over 1.68 lakh lives lost annually from road crashes, this poses a significant threat to the right to life and personal liberty, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. India has pledged to achieve SDG 3.6, that is, to reduce road crashes and deaths by 50 per cent by 2030. This singular issue of unsafe roads takes more lives than HIV and Malaria combined in India. Further, the 2022 Road Accidents in India Report reveal that approximately 45% of the accidental deaths in the country, amounting to 36.5 lakh people, died without receiving any medical attention, this is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the deficiencies in our current healthcare infrastructure. The 2021 report of NITI Aayog and AIIMS found that 30% mortalities were due to delayed emergency care, 98.5% of ambulance runs were made only transporting dead bodies, 90% of ambulances were functioning without any equipment/oxygen, 95% of ambulances had untrained personnel and most ED doctors had no formal training in EMS. The judiciary has repeatedly underscored the criticality of road safety and trauma care. In Ratan Singh vs. State of Punjab (1980 AIR 84), the Supreme Court called Indian roads “death traps” and emphasized on the need for stringent road safety measures. In MC Mehta vs. Union of India (13029 of 1985), the Court noted road safety as the fundamental right to life under Article 21, emphasizing that public safety measures should override individual rights when necessary. Similarly, on its own motion vs. State of NCT of Delhi [WP (CRL) 878/2007] the Delhi High Court took proactive steps to phase out dangerous Blue Line buses highlighting the precedence of the right to life (Article 21) over the right to conduct business [Article 19(1)(g)], emphasizing that public safety and the right to life are paramount. In Pt. Parmanand Katara vs. Union of India (1989) and Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity & others vs. State of West Bengal & Another, the court has interpreted emergency medical care as a right under Article 21. Despite these judicial pronouncements, the enforcement of road safety measures and development of a comprehensive trauma care framework remains inconsistent, and existing laws have not adequately curbed the growing menace. The courts have also emphasized that legislative and policy measures are imperative to address the systemic issues effectively. Therefore, the proposed bill seeks to recognize the Right to Safer Roads and Right to Trauma Care as a fundamental right for every citizen of India. Establishing this right will mandate that road safety is given paramount importance, not merely as a matter of policy but as an enforceable constitutional guarantee. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; KRISHNA PRASAD TENNETI January 3, 2025. FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 2 of the Bill vide proposed article 21B provides for right to safer roads to all citizens by adopting and enforcing comprehensive measures that guarantee road safety and prevent road traffic injuries and fatalities. The Bill, if enacted, would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is likely to involve a recurring expenditure of about rupees fifteen thousand five hundred crore per annum. A non-recurring expenditure of about rupees one lakh twenty thousand crore is also likely to be involved. Bill No. 167 of 2025 A Bill further to amend the Constitution of India. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth year of the Republic of India as follows:— 1. (1) This Act may be called the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2025. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In article 243G of the Constitution for the words, “economic development and social justice”, the words, “economic development, spatial planning and social justice”, shall be substituted. Amendment of article 243G. 3. In the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution,— Amendment of the Eleventh Schedule. (a) in entry (2), for the words, “and soil conservation”, the words, “soil conservation, regulation of land use and construction of buildings”, shall be substituted; (b) in entry 23, for the words, “primary health centres and dispensaries”, the words, “primary health centres, dispensaries and solid waste management”, shall be substituted; and (c) after entry 29, the following entry(s) shall be inserted, namely:— “30. Rural planning. 31. Planning for economic and social development. 32. Fire services.”. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS India had more than 6,49,481 villages with a population of 83 per cent. of the total India’s population in 2011. In fact, the Census of India 2011 enumerated a total of 3894 Census towns, which are villages but had all the characteristics of urban area. Researchers projected this Census Towns will grow upto 17.93 million with an additional 2231 Census Towns in 2021. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, mentions about the responsibility of Gram Panchayats, to prepare the social, economic and resource plans for rural areas, but not preparation of spatial plans. Spatial plans are prepared for urban areas popularly known as Master or Development Plans and notified under the respective State Town and Country Planning Acts. These Acts in their title include Country Planning, but in reality, there is rarely provision for preparing Development Plans for village. Many of the States do not even mention about the rural spatial planning in the respective Town and Country Planning Act. Therefore, the rural areas are devoid of planned spatial development. The absence of planned spatial development in rural areas, especially in peri-urban areas, and in major highway corridors, has major impact on regional development and within the Metropolitan areas as well. Lack of access to basic infrastructure (social, economic and physical) without spatial planning leads to high cost of urbanization and retrofitting for provision of services at a later stage. Some States have come out with rules and regulations to bring about planned spatial development supported under RURBAN Mission, MANCHITRA and SVAMITVA schemes. It is imperative to provide statutory backing to planned spatial development of rural areas. Well-designed rural communities & areas are places where people want to live and invest in the future. The proposed Bill would enable, holistic and cohesive planned spatial development in the rural areas which house over two-thirds of the country. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; BACHHAV SHOBHA DINESH July 4, 2025. Bill No. 78 of 2025 A Bill to provide for the protection of healthcare professionals and clinical establishments from violence, harassment, and damage or loss to property in the course of their duty and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. WHEREAS, acts of violence causing injury or danger to life of healthcare professionals and damage or loss to the property of clinical establishments are on the increase in the country creating unrest among healthcare professionals resulting in hindrance to healthcare services in the country; And Whereas, to protect healthcare professionals and clinical establishments from violence, it has become necessary to prohibit such acts of violence, to provide for punishment by making such acts of violence as cognizable and non-bailable offence and to provide compensation for injury to healthcare professionals or for causing damage or loss to the property of clinical establishments; Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:— 1. (1) This Act may be called Healthcare Professionals and Clinical Establishments (Prevention of Violence) Act, 2025. Short title, extent and commencement. (2) It extends to the whole of India. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— Definitions. (a) “by-stander” means an observer, on-looker, spectator or any other person ordinarily present at ‘locus-delicti’ irrespective of his affinity to the doctor, medical professional or the medical institution in question; and suffers any loss or damage by virtue of his presence at the place of offence; (b) “clinical establishment” means the clinical establishment as defined under clause (c) of section 2 of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010; 23 of 2010 (c) “damage” includes loss or harm to property, whether in whole or in part, without taking possession of the property that renders it inadequate for its designated purpose or wholly or partially incapable of performing its function; (d) “healthcare professional” means a registered medical or dental or alternative medicine practitioners including those having provisional registration by any recognized body by the Government of India as well as all those persons who practice or profess services associated to medical profession including those of nurses, radiologists, technicians, medical social workers, pharmacists, medical administrators, para-medical staff and practitioners including those seeking or imparting medical education, as the case may be; (e) “patient” means any recipient of healthcare services; (f) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (g) “property” means any property movable or immovable, medical equipment or machinery; owned by or in possession of or under the, control of any healthcare professional or clinical establishment; and (h) “violence” means includes any of the following acts committed by any person or persons against healthcare professional in the course of their duty, which causes, may cause or attempts to cause,— (i) physical or mental harm, injury, intimidation, threat to life, including verbal abuse; (ii) acts inciting online or digital harassment, including doxxing, trolling, threats, or coordinated campaigns inciting violence; (iii) endangers the safety of or causes obstruction or hindrance to any healthcare professional in discharge of their duties either within the premises of a healthcare institution or otherwise; and (iv) loss or damage to any property or documents in the custody of, or in relation to, such healthcare professional or clinical establishment. 3. No person shall indulge in any act of violence against a healthcare professional or cause any damage or loss to property owned by or under the care of healthcare professional or in connection with or incidental to their activities in a clinical establishment. Prohibition of violence or damage to property. 4. Any offence committed under this Act shall be cognizable and non-bailable and triable by the Court of Judicial Magistrate of the First Class. Cognizance of offence. 5. (1) Whoever, commits or attempts to commit or abets or incites the commission of any act of violence in infringement of the provisions of section 3, shall be punished with imprisonment which shall not be less than three years but which may extend up to ten years and with fine which shall not be less than rupees fifty thousand but which may extend upto rupees twenty lakh in addition to recovery of the entire damage to the property or belonging of all concerned including the by-standers if any, in actual. Penalty and compensation. (2) Whoever, commits or attempts to commit or abets or incites the commission of any act of violence causing grievous hurt or death of healthcare professional, shall be punished with imprisonment which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to life imprisonment, and with fine which shall not be less than rupees five lakh but which may extend upto rupees fifty lakh in addition to recovery of the entire damage to the property or belonging of all concerned including the by-standers if any, in actual. (3) If the convicted does not pay or is financially incompetent to pay the penalty at that time it shall be recovered as if it were an arrear of land revenue under the Revenue Recovery Act, 1890. 1 of 1890 6. Where it is established at any stage that no violation of the provisions of this Act was committed and the charge levied against the accused was false and malicious, the person levelling such false charge shall be prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Punishment for false charge. 45 of 2023 7. In addition to any other responsibility of a clinical establishment or a healthcare professional under any law for the time being in force, it shall be the responsibility of each clinical establishment to,— Responsibilities of clinical establishments. (a) take all necessary measures to prevent violence and harassment against healthcare professionals in the course of their duty, which includes measures such as to install CCTV surveillance, emergency alarms, trained security personnel, or other such security measures; (b) establish a mechanism for reporting incidents of violence and harassment against healthcare professionals; and (c) provide necessary support and assistance to healthcare professionals who are victims of violence or harassment in the course of their duty. 8. The Central Government shall, — Measures for supporting healthcare professionals. (a) establish a National Helpline for reporting violence against healthcare professionals and clinical establishments; (b) create awareness about mental health and illness and for reducing the stigma associated with mental illness among healthcare professionals; (c) encourage healthcare professionals to seek support and care for their mental health, to help such professionals identify risk factors associated with suicide and mental health conditions, and to help such professionals learn to respond to such risks, with the goal of preventing suicide and mental health conditions under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017; (d) set up peer support groups among healthcare professionals and provide mental healthcare and follow-up services, as appropriate; and (e) conduct a review on improving healthcare professionals’ mental health and the outcomes of programs authorized under this Act. 9. The provisions of this Act and rules made thereunder shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force. Act to have overriding effect. 10. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other law for the time being in force. Act to supplement other laws. 11. The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, provide, from time to time, adequate funds for carrying out the purpose of this Act. Central Government to provide funds. 12. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as may appear to it to be necessary for removing the difficulty: Power to remove difficulties. Provided that no order shall be made under this section after the expiry of a period of two years from the commencement of this Act. (2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament. 13. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Power of Central Government to make rules. (2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both the Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 was enacted to recognize, protect and promote the rights of persons with mental illnesses and promote their access to mental healthcare in the country. The 2011 Census pointed out that there are 15,05,624 persons with mental illnesses in the country. Reports by international organizations like WHO and national institutes like NIMHANS highlight the severity of the situation in multiple reports in the recent years. Today, there is a need to recognize the challenges related to mental health at workplace. Issues of workplace discrimination, stress, verbal and sexual abuse etc. are being highlighted every now and then. The National Mental Health Survey points out that there are an estimated 150 million Indians in need of mental healthcare services. While the institutional efforts so far have been aimed at providing access to mental healthcare to the common man, a preventive and early identification mechanism would contribute significantly in reducing the institutional deficiencies in addressing this challenge. With this background, the Bill aims to — (1) make it mandatory for establishments, including schools, institutions and corporate offices, to have an empanelled counsellor; and (2) address a possible conflict of interest for such consellors. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; RAJIV PRATAP RUDY June 18, 2024. FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 3 of the Bill provides appointment of counsellors in schools or establishments. The Bill, therefore, if enacted would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a recurring expenditure of about rupees One thousand crore per annum is likely to be involved from the Consolidated Fund of India. No non-recurring expenditure is likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 4 of the Bill provides for the State Government to make rules regarding frequency of visit of counsellor to schools or establishments. As the rules will relate to matters of detail only, the delegation of legislative power is of normal character. Bill No. 62 of 2025 A Bill to provide for the prevention of reptile bite incidents, improvement of treatment facilities for victims of reptile bites, effective treatment, social security benefits and conservation of reptile species and awareness towards reptiles and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixt h Year of the Republic of India as follows:– CHAPTER I Preliminary 1. (1) This Act may be called as the Reptile Bite (Prevention and Treatment) and Reptile Conservation Act, 2025. Short title, extent and commencement. (2) It extends to the whole of India. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— Definitions. (a) “appropriate Government” means in the case of a State, the Government of that State, and in all case, the Central Government; (b) “reptile conservation” refers to the measures and strategies implemented to protect and preserve Reptile species, particularly those threatened by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and climate change; (c) “climate change” refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other environmental factors that affect ecosystems, including reptile behaviour and distribution; (d) “disability pension” refers to the financial assistance provided to victims who suffer permanent disability due to a reptile bite; (e) “first responder” refers to an individual, often from the community, trained to provide immediate first aid and basic life support to reptile bite victims; (f) “health care facility” means any public or private hospital, clinic, or medical institution providing treatment to reptile bite victims. (g) “high-risk area” means a geographical location identified as having a high incidence of reptile bites based on historical data and environmental conditions; (h) “reptile bite” means any incident where a human is bitten by a reptile, whether venomous or non-venomous leading to injury or death; and (i) “reptile” includes reptiles lizards and other cold-blooded reptiles that may pose a danger to human life through venomous bites; (j) “reptile bite” means the penetration of skin by the fangs of a Reptile, leading to envenomation or injury; (k) “antivenom” refers to the biological product used in the treatment of Envenomation caused by reptile bites which neutralizes the venom’s toxic effects; (l) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act. CHAPTER II Prevention of Reptile Bites 3. (1) The Central Government shall, in coordination with State Governments, conduct regular public awareness campaigns on the prevention of reptile bites, especially in high risk areas. Public Awareness Programmes on Prevention of Reptile bites. (2) The awareness campaigns shall focus on,— (a) dissemination of information on identifying venomous reptiles, preventive measures and first aid techniques; (b) use of mass media, including radio, television, social media, and mobile applications to reach diverse populations, especially in rural areas; (c) development of educational materials including posters, pamphlets and videos in local languages to ensure accessibility to larger population; and (d) the importance of reptile conservation, emphasizing the ecological role of reptiles in controlling pests and maintaining biodiversity. (3) The appropriate Government may also launch special campaigns in response to seasonal increases in reptile bite incidents, linked to climate change-induced extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and rising temperatures, which alter reptile behaviour and increase human-reptile encounters. 4. (1)The appropriate Government shall ensure that,— Training and Capacity Building. (a) healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and paramedics are trained in the management of reptile bites, including the administration of antivenom, emergency care and the management of complications arising therefore; (b) specialized training programs are developed and conducted regularly, particularly in regions with a high incidence of reptile bites; (c) community members, particularly in high-risk areas, are trained as First Responders which shall cover basic life support, the identification of Reptile species and the administration of first aid for reptile bites; (d) training centres are established at the district level to facilitate ongoing capacity building of community volunteers and local health workers; (e) schools in high-risk areas integrate reptile bite prevention and first aid training into their curriculum and students, teachers and staff are educated on identifying reptiles, avoiding reptile bites, and providing first aid; (f) regular drills and workshops are conducted to ensure preparedness and reduce panic during reptile bite incidents; (g) mobile applications and online platforms are developed and deployed to provide training on reptile bite management which shall include instructional videos, interactive modules and real-time support for First Responders and healthcare professionals; and (h) telemedicine services are enhanced to provide expert guidance to healthcare facilities and First Responders in remote areas during reptile bite emergencies. 5. (1) The Central Government shall, in consultation with State Governments, develop a comprehensive reptile bite Risk Map identifying high-risk areas for reptile bites across the country. Reptile bite risk mapping. (2) The map under sub-section (1) shall be,— (a) based on historical data, environmental conditions and emerging trends, including the effects of climate change on Reptile habitats and behaviour; and (b) updated periodically to reflect changes in risk levels, especially in response to climate change-induced shifts in reptile populations and human-reptile interactions. (3) The reptile bite Risk Map developed under sub-section (1) shall be made publicly accessible and used to guide public health interventions, resource allocation, and awareness campaigns. (4) The appropriate Government shall establish a network of sentinel sites in high-risk areas to monitor reptile bite incidents, collect data on reptile populations, and assess the impact of environmental changes on reptile behaviour. CHAPTER III Treatment of Reptile Bite Victims 6. The appropriate Government shall,— (a) ensure the availability of sufficient and high-quality antivenom in all healthcare facilities, especially in high-risk areas; Availability of Antivenom. (b) regulate the production and distribution of antivenom to prevent shortages and ensure equitable access across the country; and (c) establish regional antivenom production units to reduce dependency on centralized manufacturing and ensure quicker distribution to remote areas. 7. (1) The appropriate Government shall ensure that every Healthcare Facility under its jurisdiction report cases of reptile bites to a central database within 24 hours of admission, detailing the nature of the bite, treatment provided, and outcome. Reporting of Loss of reptile bites. (2) The database under sub-section (1) shall be accessible to relevant authorities for monitoring and policy-making purposes in such manner as may be prescribed. 8. (1) The appropriate Government shall ensure that,— Social security benefits to reptile bite victims. (a) victims of reptile bites are entitled to free treatment at any Healthcare Facility which shall include the administration of antivenom, emergency care, and any subsequent medical treatment as may be required; (b) reptile bite victims are covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and other relevant National and State Health Insurance Schemes and the treatment of reptile bites is included in the list of covered medical procedures under these schemes; (c) the expense incurred by the private Healthcare Facilities that provide free treatment to reptile bite victims under this Act are reimbursed; (d) reptile bite treatment are included in their respective health schemes to ensure that such treatments are provided free of cost or under subsidized rates to victims who may not be covered under the national schemes; (e) reptile bite victims are being included under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) for accidental death and disability cover of rupees two lakh at a nominal premium; and (f) reptile bite victims are enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM) pension scheme, providing a minimum assured pension of rupees three thousand per month after attaining the age of sixty years. CHAPTER IV Rehabilitation and Compensation 9. (1) The appropriate Government shall,— Establishment of rehabilitation centre. (a) establish specialized rehabilitation centres in high-risk areas to provide comprehensive care for reptile bite victims; (b) provide physical rehabilitation including physiotherapy, prosthetics, and other necessary medical interventions for victims suffering from long-term disabilities in the rehabilitation centre; (c) provide psychological support including Counselling services for victims and their families to address trauma, anxiety and other mental health issues arising from reptile bite incidents; (d) reptile bite victims are provided assistance in reintegrating victims into society, including support for education and employment where needed; (e) formulate programmes aimed at equipping victims with skills to secure alternative livelihoods, especially for those who have lost their ability to perform their previous jobs due to reptile bite related disabilities; and (f) made special provisions for the rehabilitation of vulnerable groups, including women, children and the elderly. 10. The appropriate Government shall,— Compensation to victims and families. (a) In the event of a death caused by a reptile bite, provide the family of the deceased a payment of compensation which shall not be less than rupees five lakh to be provided within a reasonable time frame to support the family in their time of need; (b) provide to the victim who suffer permanent disability due to a reptile bite,— (i) appropriate financial assistance in the form of disability pension to ensure the victim’s well-being and support in maintaining his quality of life during his life; and (ii) in addition to the disability pension under sub-clause (i), a one-time compensation amount of not less than rupees three lakh to the victims to meet immediate financial needs. 11. (1) The appropriate Government shall constitute a Special Fund for the purpose of disbursement of compensation payable to Reptile bite victims and their families under section 10. Constitution of special fund for payment of compensation to reptile bite victims. (2) The special Fund shall be credited such amount of funds by the Central Government and State Government in such proportion as may be prescribed. 12. In cases where victim is unable to return to his previous employment due to disability, provide continuous support, including vocational training, micro-finance opportunities and job placement assistance to help them secure alternative livelihoods in such manner as may be prescribed. Appropriate Government to provide support in case of loss of employment due to reptile bite. 13. (1) The appropriate Government shall identify communities disproportionately affected by Reptile bites, especially those residing in high-risk areas and implement targeted schemes to improve their socio-economic conditions. Schemes for welfare of Reptile bites victims. (2) The schemes under sub-section (1), shall include,— (a) establishing local health centres equipped to handle reptile bite cases, providing regular medical check-ups and ensuring access to necessary treatments; (b) special programmes to educate communities on reptile bite prevention, safe agricultural practices and wildlife conservation; and (c) providing financial support and livelihood opportunities to reduce the economic impact of reptile bite incidents on vulnerable communities. CHAPTER V Research, Conservation and Education 14. (1) The appropriate Government,— Research on conservation of Reptiles. (a) promote and provide financial assistance for research initiatives focused on developing more effective antivenoms including research into polyvalent antivenoms that may neutralize the venom of multiple reptile species; (b) conducting clinical trials and studies to refine and standardize treatment protocols for reptile bite management; (c) undertake research study on understanding reptile behaviour particularly in relation to climate change and environmental shifts affecting reptile distribution, activity patterns and human-Reptile interactions; (d) conduct research on the conservation of reptile species, understanding their ecological role, and developing strategies to mitigate human-reptile conflict while preserving biodiversity; and (e) encourage collaborative research with international institutions and local universities to foster innovation and knowledge exchange. 15. (1) The appropriate Government shall maintain a centralized, publicly accessible database to collect data on the location, frequency, and severity of reptile bites, along with treatment outcomes. Data collection and Monitoring. (2) The database under sub-section (1),— (a) track the distribution and behaviour of reptile species, particularly in relation to climate change; (b) monitor the availability of anti-venom, trained personnel, and necessary equipment in healthcare facilities across the country; (c) include information on the population of reptile species in the country, monitoring fluctuations and ensuring that conservation measures are responsive to any declines; and (d) be updated in real-time and used to guide policy decisions, resource allocation, and public health interventions. (3) While collecting the database, the appropriate Government shall,— (a) identify the threats on the natural habitats of reptiles including habitat destruction or encroachment with a view to implement protective measures to maintain and restore their environments. (b) give special attention to threatened or endangered reptile species, ensuring that their populations are protected through habitat preservation efforts and regulatory measures. (4) The appropriate Government shall propose an Annual report on reptile bite incidents, reptile populations, habitat changes, and government responses which shall be published and disseminated to the public, in such manner as may be prescribed. 16. (1) The appropriate Government shall formulate and implement programmes aimed at conserving reptile species and protecting their natural habitats. Reptile Conservation and Habitat Protection. (2) The programmes under sub-section (1) shall include,— (a) initiatives to restore and preserve critical reptile habitats, particularly in areas where habitat destruction is leading to increased human-reptile conflicts. (b) strengthening the legal framework to protect threatened Reptile species from poaching, habitat destruction, and other forms of harm. (c) educating and involving local communities in conservation efforts, promoting coexistence, and reducing the likelihood of retaliatory killings of reptiles. (d) developing strategies to help reptile populations adapt to changing environmental conditions caused by climate change, thereby reducing the risk of increased human reptile encounters. (3) The appropriate Government shall collaborate with environmental Non- Government Organisations, wildlife experts, international conservation bodies to implement the programmes formulated under sub-section (1) effectively. 17. (1) The Central Government shall ensure that Reptile bite Management shall be introduced as a mandatory subject in the curriculum of all medical colleges and nursing schools across the country. Reptile Management in Medical Education. (2) The course on reptile management under sub-section (1) shall include,— (a) training on the recognition of venomous and non-venomous reptiles and the implications for treatment; (b) the administration of anti venom, managing complications and post-treatment care; (c) understanding the epidemiology of reptile bites, the socio-economic impact on affected communities and strategies for prevention; and (d) educating future healthcare professionals on the impact of climate change on reptile behaviour and the increasing incidence of reptile bites in new areas. (3) The Central Government shall made available the Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes on Reptile bite Management for practicing healthcare professionals to keep them updated on the latest developments and best practices. CHAPTER VI Miscellaneous 18. Any person found guilty of not complying with the provisions of this Act shall be liable to a fine which shall not less than rupees fifty thousand and in the case of repeated offenses, licence of the healthcare facility may be cancelled. Penalties. 19. The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, provide requisite funds to the Authority for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Central Government to provide funds. 20. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of the provisions in any other law, for the time being in force. Act not in derogation of other laws. 21. (1) The Central Government may, by notification, make rules to carry out the provisions of this Act. Power of Central Government to make rules. (2) In particular, and without prejudice to the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:— (a) the qualifications, experience, functions, powers, and terms and conditions of service of the officers and other employees of the Boards under sub-section (3) and (4) of section 3; (b) the time and place of the meetings of the Committees and the procedure to be followed at such meetings under sub-section (1) of section 4 and the expenditure incurred on the meetings of the Boards under sub-section (3) of section 4; (c) any other matter which is to be or may be, prescribed or in respect of which provision is to be made by the Central Government by rules. (3) Every rule made by the Central Government under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both the Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or regulation or both Houses agree that the rule or regulation should not be made, the rule or regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule or regulation. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS Reptile bite related deaths in India, particularly in rural regions, have emerged as a significant public health concern, necessitating a robust legislative framework. This Bill not only aims to reduce the incidence of such fatalities by ensuring the availability of anti venom, providing free and timely medical treatment, and supporting the rehabilitation of victims and their families but also includes provisions for the conservation and protection of reptiles. Recognizing the ecological importance of reptiles in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, the Bill seeks to foster co-existence through awareness campaigns and conservation efforts, ensuring that public health measures do not compromise the survival of reptile species. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 50,000 people die each year in India due to reptile bites. These deaths predominantly affect rural areas, where poor farmers and field workers face heightened risks. Reptile bite incidents are medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention to prevent fatalities and long-term disabilities. However, accessibility to timely and effective treatment, such as the provision of anti-venom, remains a challenge, especially in remote and underserved communities. This Bill aims to address these challenges by improving healthcare access and support for vulnerable populations. Climate change has further intensified the situation, leading to an increase in human reptile encounters. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and changes in land use have contributed to more frequent reptile bite incidents, placing communities at even greater risk. The Bill recognizes the need for a comprehensive approach to manage these climate induced challenges and to protect vulnerable groups by ensuring adequate healthcare and emergency response mechanisms. The Bill also seeks to establish mechanisms for rehabilitation and compensation for victims, providing free medical treatment and including reptile bite care under social security schemes like Ayushman Bharat. It further outlines support for long-term injury victims, such as disability pensions, financial aid, and vocational training programs. Public awareness campaigns are integral to the Bill, aiming to educate communities about prevention strategies, high-risk area mapping, and methods to promote coexistence with reptiles. In addition, the Bill introduces penalties for non-compliance with mandated treatment protocols and reporting requirements, ensuring accountability and proper care for reptile bite victims. A critical aspect of this Bill is the conservation of reptiles, recognizing their vital ecological role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations and supporting biodiversity. In light of climate change, it is essential to protect these species and promote awareness of their significance, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and reptiles. By incorporating reptile protection measures, the Bill aims to ensure both public safety and ecological stability. To ensure the effectiveness of the proposed measures, the Bill grants the Government the authority to frame and amend regulations as needed to respond to evolving challenges in reptile bite prevention, treatment, and conservation. This legislative framework provides a multi-dimensional approach, addressing public health and ecological concerns while promoting sustainable and effective solutions to the growing challenges posed by climate change Hence this Bill. New Delhi; RAJIV PRATAP RUDY November 7, 2024 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 9 of the Bill provides for the establishment of rehabilitation centres. Clause 10 provides for compensation to victims and families in the event of a Death caused by reptile bite. Clause 11 provides for the Constitution of special fund for payment of compensation to reptile bite victims. Clause 12 provides that the appropriate Government shall provide support in case of loss of employment due to reptile bite. Clause 19 provides for the Central Government to provide adequate fund. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a recurring expenditure of about rupees two crore and fourty thousand per annum would be involved from the Consolidated Fund of India. A non-recurring expenditure of about rupees sixty lakh is also likely to be incurred for survey. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 21 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules regarding the qualifications, experience, functions, powers, and terms and conditions of service of the officers and other employees of the Boards, the time and place of the meetings of the Boards and the procedure to be followed at such meetings, etc. As the matters in respect of which rules may be made by the Central Government are matters of procedure and administrative details only, the delegation of legislative power is, therefore, of a normal character. Bill No. 23 of 2024 A Bill further to amend the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences Act, 1956. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy- fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:— 1. (1) This Act may be called the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences Act, 2024. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. After section 3 of the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences Act, 1956, the following section shall be inserted, namely:– “3A. (1) There shall be established an All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Nagina in the State of Uttar Pradesh which shall be a body corporate, to be known as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagina. Insertion of new section 3A. Establishment of All India Institute of Medical Science at Nagina in the State of Uttar Pradesh. 25 of 1956. (2) The provision of this Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagina established under sub-section (1).”. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The State of Uttar Pradesh has been demanding for establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Nagina. Health infrastructures in our State is very poor. In recent years the number of communicable and lifestyle diseases in the State are on the rise due to rapid transit of our population and heavy population density. Day-by-day our country is witnessing new disease. The State needs a central institute like All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Nagina, Uttar Pradesh to combat emerging challenges in healthcare sector. This will enable the State to ensure that the health of its citizens is always protected. The Bill, therefore, seeks to amend the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences Act, 1956 with a view to establish an All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Nagina in the State of Uttar Pradesh. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; CHANDRA SHEKHAR AZAD June 26, 2024. FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 2 of the Bill provides for establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Nagina in the State of Uttar Pradesh. The Bill, therefore, if enacted would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that an expenditure of about rupees one thousand crore would be incurred per annum from the Consolidated Fund of India. A non-recurring expenditure of about rupees ten thousand and five hundred crore is likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 9 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Bill. As the rules will relate to matter of details only, the delegation of legislative power is, therefore, of a normal character. Bill No. 145 of 2024 A Bill to confer upon every farmer the right to realize a minimum price for their agricultural produce and for matters connected thereto. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-fifth Y ear of the Republic of India as follows:– CHAPTER I Preliminary 1.(1) This Act may be called the Farmers Right to Guaranteed Minimum Price Realization of Agricultural Produce Act, 2024. Short title, extent and commencement. (2) It extends to the whole of India. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise require,— Definitions. (a) “agricultural produce” includes the agricultural produce specified under the Schedule; (b) “appropriate Government” means in the case of a State, the Government of that State, and in all other cases, the Central Government; (c) “Commission” means the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) constituted under the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to recommend Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) to agricultural produces; (d) “Department” means the Department for Guaranteed Minimum Support Price Realization constituted under section 6; (e) “farmer” means any individual or group of individuals collectively including but not limited to an individual, forest-produce gatherer, farmer groups, cooperatives engaged in the agricultural activity in terms of growing crops and agricultural produce on self-owned or leased land; (f) “guaranteed minimum support price” means the price that ensures a fifty per cent. profit on the comprehensive cost of production for any agricultural produce as determined under section 3, excluding any bonus announced and applicable for the respective agricultural produce for that crop season; (g) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; and (h) “trader” means any individual or group of individuals collectively engaged in the direct purchase of agricultural produce from the farmer for direct consumption or further selling of agricultural produce, in same form or with value-addition, and includes but not limited to commission agents, purchasers and arthiyas or adatiyas. CHAPTER II Guarantee of Minimum Support Price 3. (1) The Central Government shall, on the basis of recommendation for guaranteed minimum support price for each agricultural produce as computed by the Commission under section 5, notify the guaranteed minimum price of each agricultural produce, as soon as possible, but not later than one month of the receipt of such recommendation from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices in such manner as may be prescribed. Notification of Guaranteed Minimum Support Price for Agricultural Produce. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the Central Government shall notify the guaranteed minimum support price two months before the start of kharif season on 1st day of April every year and two months before the start of Rabi season or 15th day of September every year, as applicable in such manner as may be prescribed. 4. The State Government shall, notify bonus on each agricultural produce, to be paid from the State Government exchequer in addition to the guaranteed minimum support price in case of— State Government to notify Bonus. (a) Kharif crops, one month before the start of Kharif season or 1st day of May of each calendar year; and (b) Rabi crops, one month before the start of the Rabi season or 15th day of October of each calendar year. 5. (1) The Commission shall recommend guaranteed minimum support price for all agricultural produce subject to quality standards as prescribed under sub-section (2) and (3) to the Central Government which shall not be less than a profit margin of at least fifty per cent. over and above the comprehensive cost of production including,— Computation of guaranteed minimum support price for agricultural produce. (a) actual paid-out expenses incurred by farmers on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, hired labour, fuel, irrigation and other inputs from outside, incurred in cash or kind; (b) imputed value of unpaid family labour; and (c) rentals and foregone interests on farmland and fixed agricultural assets. (2) The Commission shall define the fair and acceptable quality standards for the agricultural produce for which the prices shall be notified as per section 3 and computed under sub-section (1). (3) The Commission shall undertake an annual exercise to classify the quality parameters on the basis of which crops not meeting the fair and acceptable quality standards may be classified into different categories and announce the guaranteed minimum support prices of each category for all agricultural produce which may be based on guaranteed minimum support price adjusted for quality differentials. (4) The Commission shall prescribe an indicative list of agricultural produce that may be grown in a particular sub-district considering the prevalent environment factors, including weather, groundwater patterns, soil health and other relevant environment factors. CHAPTER III Department of Guaranteed Minimum Support Prices Realization 6. (1) The Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a Department to be known as the Department for Guaranteed Minimum Support Price Realization to exercise the powers conferred upon, and to perform the functions assigned to it under this Act. Constitution of the Department for Guaranteed Minimum Support Price Realization. (2) The Department shall consist of— (a) four farmer representatives; (b) one Indian Administrative Services officer not below the rank of an Additional Secretary to the Central Government; and (c) four agricultural experts with a distinguished record in agriculture policy formulation of not less than twenty years, to be appointed by the Central Government in such manner as may be prescribed. (3) The Department shall have its offices in every State to carry out the provisions of this Act and help in the facilitation and coordination of the functions vested to it under this Act with the respective State Governments. (4) The offices of the Department in each State shall consist of such number of members appointed by the respective State Governments including representatives of agricultural economists and an Indian Administrative Services officer to be appointed by the respective State Government in such manner as may be prescribed: Provided that the constitution of offices of the Department in each State shall be the same as may be decided by the Department through a consultative process from the State Governments concerned. (5) The Central Government shall appoint such number of staff to the Department as may be required to carry out functions of this Act. (6) All such staff members, including the members of the Department, shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of sub-section (28) of section 2 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023. 45 of 2023 (7) The salary and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of members and staff of the Department shall be such as may be prescribed. 7. The Department shall— Functions of the Department. (a) review and recommend to the Central Government on a half-yearly basis and at least two months before the start of Rabi or Kharif seasons regarding inclusion of any crop or agricultural produce including but not limited to spices, cereals, oilseeds, pulses, cash crops, dairy produce, fruits, vegetables in the Schedule; (b) decide and notify the list of officers along with their roles and responsibilities to ensure the smooth implementation of this Act, which includes but not limited to— (i) the monitoring of auctions and payments for agricultural produce; (ii) mandi operations; (iii) categorization, recording and decision for implementation of punitive actions or penalties; (iv) payment of Compensation as prescribed under section 9: Provided that the list of officers shall be prepared from a taluka level and be published along with their contact details in leading regional newspapers for complete transparency in such manner as may be prescribed; (c) from time to time, advise the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on the import duties that may be levied so that the landed cost of imported agricultural produce is at least equal to the price stipulated under section 5; and (d) maintenance of separate books of accounts and other records to prepare annual statements which shall be audited on an annual basis and the annual statements along with audit findings and recommendations to be tabled before each Houses of Parliament. 8. (1) The appropriate Government shall ensure that all agricultural markets (including Agriculture Produce Market Committee) commence the auction for all agricultural commodities at a base offer price not lesser than the guaranteed minimum support price notified by the Central Government under section 3. Responsibility of appropriate Government to ensure payment of agricultural commodities on prices not less than guaranteed minimum support price. (2) The appropriate Government shall, in order to procure agricultural commodities at or higher than the guaranteed minimum support price, establish adequate number of procurement Centres, either under direct control or through designated procurement agencies in a localized manner as far as possible, so that there exists a minimum of one Centre per three villages. (3) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the Central Government, may appoint an independent Committee which shall,— (a) evaluate the number of such procurement Centres required and their preferred village locations and submit their recommendations within a period of six months in such manner as may be prescribed; (b) ensure increase and maintenance of storage capacity including cold storage and affordable access to such facilities to enable farmers to store their agricultural produce and sell at the time of procurement operations; and (4) The appropriate Government shall ensure direct payments by the traders or procurement agency to the farmers bank account or in cash in absence of bank account within two days of such procurement. (5) The appropriate Government shall aid and advice the Department to ensure compliance and cooperation from officers notified under clause (b) of section 7. 9. (1) Any farmer who is not paid by the trader the guaranteed minimum support price for his sale of agricultural produce shall be entitled to a compensation payable from the Fund constituted under section 10 which shall be equal to the difference between the guaranteed minimum support price and price paid to the farmer within a period of seven working days from the day the matter is brought to the notice by the aggrieved farmer. Compulsory payment of compensation for not obtaining guaranteed minimum support price. (2) Where a farmer does not get instant and direct payment of guaranteed minimum support price of agricultural produce such farmers shall be entitled to get for compensation fixed at ten per cent. per annum on the total payment due from the buyer calculated on daily basis. 10. (1) The State Commission shall, by notification in the Official gazette, constitute and maintain a Fund to be known as the Farmers Compensation Fund for the payment of compensation to farmers for non-receipt of guaranteed minimum support prices or delayed payment for sale of agricultural produce under sub-section (1) of section 9. Constitution of Farmers Compensation Fund. (2) The Fund shall be credited all the amount of penalties collected under section 14. 11. All farmers shall be entitled to avail institutional credit from public institutions and public sector banks up to such per cent. of the value of the produce in lieu of the warehouse receipt, obtained post storage or sales of produce at the storage facilities as may be decided Farmers’ Right to institutional credit. by the Department within a period of three months from the date of application of credit from the farmer. 12. (1) Any formal or informal agreement, written or oral, or any implicit arrangement between the purchasing parties, including, but not limited to the control or influence of auction prices by traders, commission agents and private buyers shall be liable for penalties as mentioned under section 14 including the cancellation of license by the appropriate Government on complaint by aggrieved farmers or public interest groups. Penalty. (2) Any trader who abstains from purchasing any agricultural produce with a view to violate the rights conferred on farmers by this Act, especially for the quarter succeeding the seasonal harvest of a given commodity for one Rabi and Kharif season consecutively, shall be liable for penalties under section 14, including the cancellation of their license by the appropriate Government. 13. (1) Department shall constitute sub-district or Block level Dispute Resolution Committees for dispute resolution between the farmer and the trader or purchaser consisting of not more than seven members, comprising of officials from the respective State Agriculture Ministry to be appointed by the State Government concerned in such manner as may be prescribed. Dispute Resolution Mechanism. (2) The Dispute Resolution Committee constituted under sub-section (1) shall provide resolution to the grievances within thirty days from the receipt of such complaint from either party, failing which the complainant reserves the right to approach to the appropriate Court. 14. (1) Any trader, purchaser or commission agent, who contravenes the provision of section 12 shall be deemed to have committed a cognizable offence and punishable as under,— Penalty. (i) for the first time offence a penalty equal to the total deficit suffered by the farmers on account of the violation by the trader, purchaser or commission agent; or (ii) for the second time offence a penalty equal to two times the total deficit suffered by farmers on account of the violation by trader, purchaser or commission agent; and (iii) for the third time an imprisonment for a term upto six months and cancellation of license leading to stoppage of any future trading for all non Governmental traders. (2) If any Government employee is found indulged in willful negligent in discharging of his duties stipulated under this Act, such employee shall be punished,— (a) for the first time offence a penalty a half of his month salary; or (b) for the second time offence a penalty of full months’ salary with a warning; and (c) for the third or subsequent time suspension from service till further notice as may be prescribed. 15. The provisions of this Act or any rule or order made thereunder shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any law, or any instrument having effect by virtue of any law other than this Act. Overriding effect of Act. 16. If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, by order, as occasion requires, do anything not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, which appears to them to be necessary for the purposes of removing the difficulty: Power to remove difficulties. Provided that no such orders shall be made after expiry of two years from the date of commencement of this Act. 17. (1) The appropriate Government may, by notification in the Gazette, make rules for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Act. Power to make rules. (2) Every rule made under this Act by the Central Government shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament while it is in session for a total period of fourteen days which may be comprised in one session or in two successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both the Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so however that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule. (3) Every rule made by the State Government under this Act shall laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before the State Legislature. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The Minimum Support Price (MSP) declared by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare signals a right to the farmer to sell the agricultural produce at the declared price in case the open market prices fall in order to protect them from financial losses. Over the years, however, the efficacy of MSP has declined as most farmers do not receive the declared MSP, remaining at best limited to cereals within a handful of States. A close look at acreage and declared MSP, especially for pulses and oilseeds in recent years, illustrate that MSP has limited impact on acreage under a crop, as farmers have inadequate information and Government procurement agencies have focussed comparatively more on selected crops in selected geographies. The Food Corporation of India (FCI), the primary frontrunners for procuring agricultural commodities from farmers, procures only a portion of marketed surplus even for wheat and paddy (~32% for wheat and 35% for paddy). They have been able to procure ~160 million MT of wheat and ~203 million MT of rice, against a production of ~500 million MT and ~561 million MT respectively, during FY 2016-17 to FY 2020-21. Despite increasing trend of procurement, about 70 per cent of all produce was sold outside these agencies, and quite possibly at rates lower than the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Herein, the small and marginal farmers, accounting for almost 80 per cent of all Indian farmers remain the worst affected, due to small produce, lack of access to Government procurement centres, logistics costs and delayed payments, thereby selling it to middlemen as an option of last resort with little profit if at all. Despite the presence of 2477 principal regulated markets (APMC’s) and 4843 sub-market yards (regulated by APMCs), many farmers do not have access to proper mandis for sales at competitive market prices. In places where they exist, the principal market yards and sub-market yards set up under the State Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) have been found lacking in marketing infrastructure, with only a fraction of APMC markets having cold storage facilities and proper harvest management infrastructure for grading, packing and weighing. Poor digital connectivity and civic infrastructure only compounds to the existing deficiencies. In terms of access, the National Commission on Farmers (2006) recommended that regulated markets should be available for market area of 80 sq. km., yet the density of regulated markets varied from 116 sq. km. (Punjab) to 11,215 sq. km. (Meghalaya). In order to ensure access, the country would need an estimated 41,000 markets across the country. The guaranteed realization of minimum support price will also have long term environmental benefits – especially on groundwater situation across the country. Groundwater stress in India remains at an all-time high. In Punjab, 80% of the blocks (talukas) are overexploited when it comes to groundwater. Rajasthan follows close with 71% of its blocks being overexploited whereas Haryana registers the metric at 61%. Thus, aquifers in majority of the areas in these States are subjected to a physically unsustainable situation wherein withdrawal is more than the recharge leading to long term declines in water table. We fundamentally remain a water stressed society, with per-capita water availability at 1500 cubic meters in 2011, a 64 per cent drop from independence era availability of 5000 cubic meters and water stress threshold of 1700 cubic meters. Much of the dependence on groundwater also comes from our choice of crops, growing water intensive crops in water scarce regions (e.g., paddy in Punjab, sugarcane in Maharashtra). The promise of a guaranteed MSP realization will provide farmers with the right set of incentives to make better choices for long term ecological and agricultural sustainability. Quality also remains a key issue is reduced price realization of agricultural commodities, with MSP being applicable for crops at Fair and Acceptable Quality. The classification of each crop based on quality parameter and MSP price determination for various varieties depending on quality will reduce distress sales by farmers to purchasers, especially private parties. The quality differentials will also help in formalizing price of better varieties of crops (e.g., Basmati for rice, Sharbati for wheat). The need is to provide for payment of compensation equal to the difference in value between sales price and MSP within seven days of matter being brought to attention by the aggrieved farmer. It will ensure quick payment to farmers and in line with agriculture credit linked to warehouse receipts will alleviate working capital distress for farmers. The declaration of guaranteed MSP to farmers shall result in improved farm realization for potentially 93 million agricultural households, leading to resurgence in rural economy, consequent improvement in socio-economic outcomes and improved tax revenues for the Government. The declaration of minimum price realization shall provide an economic support to the agricultural community with such practice already implemented across different aspects of economy – be it labour (The Code on Wages, 2019 sets a floor wage taking into account the living standards and appropriate Government prescribes a minimum wage rate which is equal to or more than the floor rate), or land or even other crops like sugarcane. In such situations, the guaranteed minimum support price needs to be declared for a significant majority of our agricultural produce, Government-sourced or otherwise. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; CHANDRA SHEKHAR AZAD July 10, 2024 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 6 of the Bill provides for the Central Government constitute a Department for Guaranteed Minimum Support Price Realization for Agriculture Produce. It also provides for appointment of farmers and agricultural experts to the Department. Clause 8 of the bill provides that the appropriate Government shall, in order to procure agricultural produce at or higher than the guaranteed minimum support price, establish adequate number of procurement centers, either under direct control or through designated procurement agencies in a localized manner as far as possible, such that there exits a minimum of one Centre per five villages. Clause 10 provides for constitution and maintenance of a State Compensation Fund. Clause 13 provides for setting up of a Dispute Resolution Committee to redress complaints from farmers. The Bill, therefore if enacted, will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a recurring expenditure of about rupees two lakh crore per annum would involve from the Consolidated Fund of India. A non-recurring expenditure of about rupees one thousand and forty crore is also likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 17 of the Bill empowers the appropriate Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. As the rules will relate to matters of detail only, the delegation of legislative power is of a normal character. Bill No. 269 of 2024 A Bill to constitute a National Commission for Detection and Reporting of Cases of Atrocities and Caste Discrimination Against the Persons Belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-fifth year of the Republic of India as follows:- 1. (1) This Act may be called the National Commission for Detection and Reporting of Cases of Atrocities and Caste Discrimination against the Persons Belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, 2024. Short title, extent and commencement. (2) It extends to the whole of India. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2.(1) In this Act unless the context otherwise requires- Definitions. (a) "atrocity" means atrocity as defined in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. (Act no. 33 of 1989); (b) "caste discrimination" means any act which results in discrimination against a member of the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in violation of any existing law, rule, sub-rule or bye laws or regulation or absence of fair play in the process or put such member in disadvantageous position due to his caste factor in any forn1 by any person other than the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes; (c) “Commission" means the National Commission for Detection and Reporting of Cases of Atrocities and Caste Discrimination Against the Persons Belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes constituted under section 3; (d) prescribed means as may be prescribed under this Act; and (e) "Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes" shall have the meanings as assigned to them, respectively, under clause (24) and clause (25) of article 366 of the Constitution. 2. The words and expressions used but not defined in this Act and defined in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023) or the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023) shall have the same meanings assigned to them, respectively, in those enactments. 3. The Central Government shall, by notification in the official Gazette, constitute a body to be known as the National Commission for Detection and Reporting of Cases of Atrocities and Caste Discrimination against the Persons Belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and to exercise the powers conferred on, and to perform the functions assigned to, it under this Act. Constitution of the National Commission for detection and reporting of cases of atrocities and caste discrimination against the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 3. The National Commission shall consist of- (i) a Chairperson, who shall be a retired Judge of the Supreme Court or a retired Chief Justice or a retired Justice of the High Court, preferably belonging to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, or a person who is or has been committed to the cause of welfare of the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes, to be nominated by the Central Government. (ii) twenty Members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing who have had experience in law or legislation, trade unionism, management of an industry or organization committed to cause of welfare of the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes or administration, economic development, health, education or social welfare: Provided that at least fifteen Members shall be from amongst the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, respectively, (iii) a Member-Secretary to be nominated by the Central Government, who shall be- (i) an expert in the field of management, organizational structure or sociological movement, or (ii) an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary in the Central Government belonging to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes , who holds an equivalent civil post under the Union with appropriate experience. 4.(1) The Chairperson and every Member shall hold office for such period, not exceeding three years, as may be specified by the Central Government in this behalf. Term of office and conditions of service of Chairperson and Members National Commission (2) The Chairperson or a Member (other than the Member-Secretary who is a member of a civil service of the Union or of an all-India service or holds a civil post under the Union) may, by writing and addressed to the Central Government, resign from the office of Chairperson or of the Member, as the case may be, at any time. (3) The Central Government shall remove a person from the office of Chairperson or a Member referred to in sub-section (2) if that person- (a) becomes an undischarged insolvent; (b) gets convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence which in the opinion of the Central Government involves moral turpitude; (c) becomes of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; (d) refuses to act or becomes incapable of acting; (e) is, without obtaining leave of absence from the Commission, absent from three consecutive meetings of the Commission; or (f) in the opinion of the Central Government has so abused the position of Chairperson or Member as to render that person's continuance in office detrimental to the public interest: Provided that no person shall be removed under this clause until that person has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter. (4) A vacancy caused under sub-section (2) or otherwise shall be filled by fresh nomination. (5) The salaries and allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions of service of, the Chairperson and Members shall be such as may be prescribed. 5. (1) The Central Government shall provide the Commission with such officers and employees as may be necessary for the efficient performance of the functions of the Commission under this Act. Officers and other employees of the Commission. (2) The salaries and allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions of service of, the officers and other employees appointed for the purpose of the Commission shall be such as may be prescribed. 6. The salaries and allowances payable to the Chairperson and Members and the administrative expenses, including salaries, allowances and pensions payable to the officers and other employees referred to in section 5, shall be paid out of the grants referred to in sub-section (1) of section 11. Salaries and allowances to be paid out of grants made under section 11. 7. No act or proceeding of the Commission shall be questioned or shall be invalid on the ground merely of the existence of any vacancy or defect in the constitution of the Commission. Vacancies, etc., not to invalidate proceedings of the Commission. 8.(1) The Commission may set up such number of its offices at such places, throughout the country, as may it may consider necessary for detection and reporting of crime of atrocities and caste discrimination against persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, from time to time; Offices of the Commission. (2) The Commission shall have the power to depute such number of officers as it may think fit for the purpose of detection and reporting of cases throughout the country. (3) The Officers of the Commission shall be given special assistance in discharge of their functions by the officials of the State Governments particularly by police officials in the States whenever such request is made in writing. 9. (1) The Commission shall meet as and when necessary and shall meet at such time and place as the Chairperson may think fit. Procedure to be regulated by the Commission. (2) The Commission shall regulate its own procedure and the procedure of the committees thereof. (3) All orders and decisions of the Commission shall be authenticated by the Member-Secretary or any other officer of the Commission duly authorized by the Member-Secretary in this behalf. 10. The Commission shall- Functions of the Commission. (i) detect and report the crime of atrocities and caste discrimination against persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to the Home Secretary to the Central Government or State Government concerned, as the case may be, and ensure that there is no under reporting; (ii) send the details of cases of atrocities and caste discrimination against persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes detected to the Home Secretary of the Central Government or State Government concerned, as the case may be, irrespective of the fact that such cases have actually been registered by the police or not; (iii) instill the feeling of security among the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes that they are safe to enjoy their human rights and live their lives with dignity and respect; (iv) sensitize the law enforcement agencies/machinery towards crimes against persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by way of suggesting well structured training programme meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars for police personnel and other law enforcement against at all level; (v) suggest material to be incorporated in the syllabi of various Police Training Centers/ Academics at all levels for creating awareness about their duties towards prevention of crime against weaker sections of the society particularly persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; (vi) suggest material to be incorporated in the syllabi of schools, colleges, educational institutions and universities to inculcate the values of egalitarian society in the minds of teachers and students in schools, colleges and universities and to abolish the practice of untouchability and create awareness amongst teachers and students about the importance of their roles in prevention of crime against the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; (vii) take concrete steps to increase awareness in administration in general at district level to increase awareness about methods of preventing crime against persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; (viii) take steps to improve general awareness about legislation seeking to prevent crimes against persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by- (a) creating awareness through print and electronic media; (b) developing a community monitoring system to check cases of violence, abuse and exploitation; (c) involving community in creating and spreading awareness. (d) organizing legal literacy and legal awareness; (ix) ensure that proper mechanism is in place for safety and protection of persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; (x) encourage NGOs working in the area of combating crimes against the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and working with the district administration and police to prevent such crime; (xi) encourage citizens groups/civil society to create awareness about the issues of atrocities and caste discrimination and help in bringing to light the cases of atrocities and caste discrimination against persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and also to assist the police in investigation of such crimes; (xii) conduct study and suggest methods to overcome delay in registration of First Information Report in cases of crimes against the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; (xiii) ensure proper supervision with the help of District Administration and Senior Police Officer at District level for timely completion of investigation and proper follow up of reports of cases of atrocities and caste discrimination against the persons belonging to the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; (xiv) identify atrocity prone area for taking preventive measures to save life and property of the members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities and taking up matters with District Administration and police officers at District level to provide adequate infrastructure in such vulnerable areas for prevention of crimes against persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; (xv) help in economic and social rehabilitation of victims of atrocities and caste discrimination; (xvi) conduct survey and studies to evaluate the working of legislations seeking to prevent atrocities and caste discrimination with reference to the problems being faced by police and judiciary in disposal of cases and take appropriate measures to resolve such problems; (xvii) forward report of extreme violation of human rights and take all measures to prevent recurrence of such cases at initial stage; (xviii) discuss issues resulting in delay in investigation and trial of cases of atrocities at least once in a month compulsorily at appropriate level in the State; (xix) measures for swift and salutary punishment to public servants found guilty of neglect of duty and violence against persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; and (xx) undertake a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the machinery in tackling the issues of atrocities and caste discrimination against the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; 11.(1) The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, pay to the Commission by way of grants such sums of money as the Central Government may think fit for being utilized for the purposes of this Act. Grants by the Central Government (2) The Commission may spend such sums as it thinks fit for performing the functions under this Act, and such sums shall be treated as expenditure payable out of the grants referred to in sub-section (1). Accounts and audit 12. (1) The Commission shall maintain proper accounts and other relevant records and prepare an annual statement of accounts in such form as may be prescribed by the Central Government in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. (2) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General at such intervals as may be specified by him and any expenditure incurred in connection with such audit shall be payable by the Commission to the Comptroller and Auditor-General. (3) The Comptroller and Auditor-General and any person appointed by him in connection with the audit of the accounts of the Commission under this Act shall have the same rights and privileges and the authority in connection with such audit as the Comptroller and Auditor-General generally has in connection with the audit of Government accounts and, in particular, shall have the right to demand the production of books, accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and papers and to inspect any of the offices of the Commission. (4) The accounts of the Commission, as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-General or any other person appointed by him in this behalf, together with the observations of the Central Government shall be laid before each Houses of Parliament. 13. The Commission shall prepare, in such form and at such time, for each financial year, as may be prescribed, its annual report, giving a full account of its activities during the previous financial year and forward a copy thereof to the Central Government. Annual report 14. The Central Government shall cause the annual report together with a memorandum of action taken on the recommendations contained therein, in so far as they relate to the Central Government, and the reasons for the non acceptance, if any, of any of such recommendations and the audit report to be laid as soon as may be after the reports are received, before each House of Parliament. Annual report and audit report to be laid before Parliament. 15. The Central Government shall consult the Commission on all major policy matters affecting the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. Central Government to consult Commission. 16. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other law for the time in force. Act not in derogation of any other law. 17. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, by order, published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as may appear to it to be necessary for removing the difficulty: Power to remove difficulties. Provided that no order shall be made under this section after the expiry of two years from the commencement of this Act. (2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament. 18. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Power to make rules. (2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, Parliament or, as the case may be, the State Legislature agrees in making any modification in the rule or agrees that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS Entries 1 and 2 of List II - State List to the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution mention 'Public Order' and 'Police' are the subject matter of the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. However article 15(4) enables the State to make special provisions for advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens including for the Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes. Article 15(3) of the Constitution enables the State to make special provisions for women and children which includes the women and children of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes communities. Article 17 abolishes the practice of Untouchability. However, the practice of Untouchability still persists in our society. There is no effective institutional mechanism of the Central Government at village level to prevent, detect, register, investigate, and prosecute all the crimes against the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes communities. Absence of effective mechanisms to deal with cases at local level makes the situation worse for victims. There is an abysmal rate of prosecution in cases of atrocities. In view of the articles 15 and 17 of the Constitution central legislations such as "the Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act l989 have been enacted to check atrocities against SCs and STs People. To look after welfare of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes , the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs are functioning but not proving that much effective to check the increasing the number of cases of atrocities against these communities. In the last few years particularly from 2019 to 2021 as per National Crime Records Bureau data there is an increasing number of atrocities against SCs and STs People. It appears that there is no mechanism of the Central Government to prevent, detect and report all these crimes of atrocities at village level or police station level in the States. There are also other reasons for these social evils such as lack of awareness of legislations to prevent atrocities among civil society, local administration, teachers, students and others. Lack of courage in public to be witness or approver of such crimes. The Police personnel in the States are not very much sensitive to deal with such cases properly due lack of focused training, set up caste ridden society at local level and lack of public support in detection and reporting of cases of atrocities against the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. Therefore, there is an urgent need for plugging the loopholes in our system to deal with the cases of atrocities and provide the appropriate guidelines to be followed and implemented in the right manner. The bill seeks to establish a National Commission with its offices at local level to prevent, detect and report the cases of atrocities and other crimes against the SCs and STs Communities. It further provides to strengthen and streamline time bound investigation procedures to be followed by police while dealing such cases. The Bill also suggests ways to encourage civil society and youth in schools, colleges and Universities to come forward to create an egalitarian society. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives Hence this Bill. NEW DELHI; CHANDRA SHEKHAR AZAD June 12, 2024. FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 3 of the Bill provides for the constitution of the National Commission for prevention, detection, and reporting of crimes of atrocities and caste discrimination against the persons belonging to the SCs and STs Communities. Clause 5 provides for salaries and allowances to be paid to the officer and employees of the National Commission. Clause 6 provides for salary and allowances of the Chairperson and Members of the National Commission. Clause 10 provides for improving general awareness about legislation seeking to prevent crimes against SCs/STs by the Commission. Clause 11 provides that the Central Government shall, by way of an appropriation by the Parliament, provide the funds to the National Commission. The Bill, if enacted, will involve fund from the consolidated fund of India. It will involve rupees one hundred crore recurring amount from the consolidated fund of India. It also requires non recurring amount of rupees one hundred crore. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 18 of the Bill provides that the Central Government shall make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. The delegation power is of a normal character. Bill No. 151 of 2024 A Bill to provide for establishment of a modern sports infrastructure with state-of-the art facilities for various sports disciplines, training Centres and recreational amenities in the Virudhunagar in the State of Tamil Nadu and for matters connected therewith. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:– 1. (1) This Act may be called the Establishment of Sports Infrastructure in Virudhunagar Act, 2024. Short title and commencement. (2) It extends to the whole of India. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,– Definitions. (a) “Fund” means the Virudhunagar Sports Establishment and Development Fund constituted under section 6; and (b) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act. 3. (1) The Central Government shall, within six months of coming into force of this Act shall develop State-of-the-art Sports Infrastructure in Virudhunagar district of the State of Tamil Nadu to promote sports at grassroot level in such manner as may be prescribed. Establishment of Sports Infrastructure in Virudhunagar. (2) The Sports Infrastructure developed under sub-section (1) shall have requisite stadiums, indoor and outdoor courts, swimming pools, fitness centers and administrative buildings. 4. The Sports Infrastructure developed under sub-section (1) of section 3 shall,– Objectives of development of Sports Infrastructure. (a) provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for training and development of sportsperson in various sports disciplines; (b) promote public participation in sports and physical fitness activities to enhance overall health and well-being; and (c) create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth through sports-related tourism and activities. 5. (1) The Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a Governing Body to oversee the planning, construction, and management of the development of Sports Infrastructure under sub-section (1) of section 3 in such manner as may be prescribed. Implementation and Monitoring. (2) The functions, composition and other terms and conditions of the Governing Body shall be such as may be prescribed. 6. (1) The Central Government shall by notification in the official Gazette, constitute a Fund to be known as Virudhunagar Sports Establishment and Development Fund. Constitution of Virudhunagar Sports Infrastructure Establishment and Development Fund. (2) The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, grant sums of money to the Fund as the Central Government may think fit for establishment and development of sports in Virudhunagar. (3) The Fund may also be credited with money sourced through public-private partnerships, grants and donations received for sports city in Virudhunagar. (4) The Central Government shall conduct regular audit to ensure transparency, efficiency and accountability in utilization of funds in such manner as may be prescribed. 7. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, by order published in the Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent Power to remove difficulties. with the provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient, for removing the difficulty: Provided that no such order shall be issued after the expiry of a period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act. (2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before the Parliament. 8. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Power to make rules. (2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both the Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; however, any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The Virudhunagar constituency in the State of Tamil Nadu, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community, currently lacks adequate sports infrastructure to support the physical and recreational needs of its residents. Recognizing the significant benefits of sports in promoting health, well-being and community spirit, there is a pressing need to develop Sports Infrastructure in Virudhunagar. The primary objective of this proposed legislation is to create state-of-the-art facilities for various sports disciplines, training centres and recreational amenities. This initiative aims to provide local athletes and enthusiasts with access to high-quality facilities for practice, competitions and physical fitness activities. By fostering a culture of sportsmanship and active living, the Sports will contribute to improving public health outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of life in Virudhunagar. Further, the development of Sports Infrastructure is expected to stimulate economic growth by attracting sports-related tourism, creating job opportunities in sports management and hospitality sectors and promoting local businesses. This legislation underscores our commitment to investing in the development of youth, promoting inclusivity in sports and strengthening community bonds through recreational activities and competitive events. In conclusion, the development of Sports Infrastructure in Virudhunagar represents a significant step towards realizing the constituency’s potential as a hub for sports excellence and fostering a healthier, more active lifestyle among its residents. Hence this Bill. NEW DELHI; MANICKAM TAGORE B. July 12, 2024 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 3 of the Bill provides for development of Sports Infrastructure in Virudhunagar district of State of Tamil Nadu to promote sports at grassroot and competitive level. Clause 5 provides for constitution of a Governing Body by Central Government to oversee the planning, construction and management of the Sports Infrastructure. Clause 6 provides for the constitution of Virudhunagar Sports Establishment and Development Fund. It also provides for the Central Government to provide grants to the Fund. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a recurring expenditure of about Rupees One Thousand Crore per annum will be involved from the Consolidated Fund of India. A non-recurring expenditure of about Rupees One Thousand Crore is also likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 8 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Bill. As the rules will relate to matter of details only, the delegation of legislative power is of a normal character. Bill No. 158 of 2024 A Bill further to amend the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-fifth Year of the Republic of Indi as follows:– 1(1. ) This Act may be called as the Special Economic Zones (Amendment ) Act, 2024. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In section 2 of the Special Economic Zone Act, 2005 (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), after clause (m), the following clause shall be inserted:– Amendment of Section 2. 28 of 2005 “(ma) “Fire Factory” means a manufacturing facility involved in production of goods such as fireworks, chemicals or other products involved in production of fireworks or explosion (hazards).”. 3. After section 4 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely:– Insertion of new section 4A. “4A. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 3 and 4, there shall be established a Virudhunagar Fire Factories Special Economic Zone (VFFSEZ) in the Virudhunagar district in the State of Tamil Nadu to facilitate the development, operation, maintenance, management, administration and regulation of fire factories in Virudhunagar district. (2) The VFFSEZ established under sub-section (1) shall,– (a) facilitate the growth of fire factories by providing infrastructure, incentives and a conducive regulatory environment; (b) promote exports and attract foreign and domestic investments in the fire manufacturing sector; and (c) ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental standards and labour regulations within the Special Economic Zone. (3) The provisions of this Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the VFFSEZ established under sub-section (1).” STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The Virudhunagar constituency in Tamil Nadu has long been recognized for its dynamic industrial sector, particularly in the production of goods that involve fire or explosion hazards, such as fireworks and chemicals. These industries play a crucial role in the local economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing significantly to the region’s economic growth. However, the operation of fire factories inherently involves risks to worker safety and environmental sustainability. Despite these challenges, these industries continue to thrive and serve both domestic and international markets. Recognizing the need to balance economic growth with stringent regulatory oversight, it is imperative to establish a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for fire factories within Virudhunagar constituency. The primary objectives of this Bill are as follows:– 1. Promotion of Economic Growth: The SEZ aims to stimulate economic activity by providing a conducive environment for the establishment and expansion of fire factories. It seeks to attract investments, both domestic and foreign, in the manufacturing sector, thereby creating employment opportunities and boosting local income levels. 2. Enhancement of Safety Standards: By designating a specific area for fire factories, the Act intends to enforce stringent safety protocols and fire prevention measures. This includes the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies and infrastructure aimed at minimizing risks and ensuring the well-being of workers and surrounding communities. 3. Environmental Sustainability: The Act underscores the importance of environmental stewardship by mandating compliance with eco-friendly manufacturing practices within the SEZ. It encourages the adoption of sustainable production methods, waste management strategies, and pollution control measures to mitigate the environmental impact of fire factory operations. 4. Regulatory Framework: Establishing a SEZ Authority will ensure effective oversight and enforcement of regulatory standards governing fire factories. This includes streamlined licensing procedures, periodic inspections, and stringent enforcement mechanisms to uphold safety, environmental, and labour regulations. 5. Incentives for Growth: The Act proposes incentives such as tax holidays, customs duty exemptions, and infrastructure support to incentivize investment and facilitate the growth of fire factories within the SEZ. These measures aim to enhance competitiveness, encourage innovation, and facilitate the integration of global best practices in manufacturing. The Bill, therefore, seeks to amend the SEZ, Act, 2005 with a view to establish VFFSEZ in the Virudhunagar district in the State of Tamil Nadu. Hence this Bill. NEW DELHI; MANICKAM TAGORE B. July 15, 2024 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to provide for Establishment of Virudhunagar Fire Factories Special Economic Zone. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that an annual recurring expenditure of about rupees One thousand crore will be incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India. A non-recurring expenditure of about rupees One thousand crore would also be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 14 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. As the rules will relate to matters of detail only, the delegation of legislative power is of a normal character. Bill No. 156 of 2024 A Bill to exempt the State of Tamil Nadu from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to undergraduate medical courses and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:– 1. (1) This Act may be called the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Exemption for the State of Tamil Nadu Act, 2024. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, “NEET” means the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for admission to undergraduate medical courses conducted by the National Testing Agency. Definitions. 3. Notwithstanding anything contained in the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, or any other law for the time being in force, the NEET shall not be applicable for admission to Under-Graduate Medical Courses in the State of Tamil Nadu. Exemption from NEET for admission in Under-Graduate Medical Courses in the State of Tamil Nadu. 4. Notwithstanding anything contained in any judgment, decree or order of any Court, Tribunal or other Authority, all admissions to undergraduate medical courses made by the State of Tamil Nadu for the academic years prior to the commencement of this Act shall be deemed to be valid and shall not be questioned on the ground of non-conduct of NEET in the State of Tamil Nadu. Validation of admissions. 5. (1) The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force. Repeal and Savings. (2) Any rule or order made or any appointments or admissions made under any law repealed by this Act shall, insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, be deemed to have been made or done under the corresponding provisions of this Act. 6. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette make such provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as may appear to it to be necessary for removing the difficulty: Power to remove difficulties. Provided that no such order shall be made under this section after the expiry of a period of two years, from the commencement of this Act. (2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has been a matter of contention in the State of Tamil Nadu, particularly regarding its impact on students from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds. The State Government of Tamil Nadu has consistently sought exemption from NEET to uphold the principles of social justice and equitable access to medical education. This Bill seeks to address these concerns by exempting the State of Tamil Nadu from the purview of NEET for undergraduate medical admissions. Hence this Bill. NEW DELHI; MANICKAM TAGORE B. July 18, 2024 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 5 of the Bill provides for formulation of a comprehensive insurance scheme for vegetable produce. Clause 6 provides for payment of insurance amount to vegetable growers in case of natural calamity or loss due to poor quality of fertilizers, pesticides and seeds. Clause 7 provides for payment of adequate funds to the States for carrying out the purposes of the Act. The Bill, therefore, if enacted will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a recurring expenditure of rupees one thousand crore would be involved per annum from the Consolidated Fund of India. A non-recurring expenditure of about rupees one thousand crore is also likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 8 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules regarding for carrying out the purposes of this Bill. As the rules will relate details only, the delegation of legislative power is, therefore, of a normal character. Bill No. 195 of 2024 A Bill further to amend the Constitution of India. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:— 1. This Act may be called the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2024. Short title. 2. In the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution, the existing entries 17 to 22 shall be re-numbered as entries from 18 to 23, respectively, and before entry 18 as so renumbered, the following entry shall be inserted, namely: “17. Rajbanshi.” Amendment of the Eighth Schedule. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS Language is indicative of the history, culture, people, system of governance, ecology, politics etc. of a region. Rajbanshi is member of the Bengali-Assamese branch of the Indo-Aryan language family. Rajbonshi/Rajbashi language is spoken by two crore people spread over West Bengal, Assam, Northern Bihar, Western Meghalaya in India and neighbouring countries of Bangladesh (Northern Region), Nepal (Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari districts) and plains areas of Bhutan. Other names of the Rajbanshi language are Kamtapuri, Rajbanga, Rajbansi, Rajbongshi, Goalpariya and Tajpuri. The Rajbanshi language has a complete grammar. The main dialects are Western Rajbanshi, Central Rajbanshi, Eastern Rajbanshi and the dialect of the Rajbanshi of the hills, also known as Koch language. Rajbanshi is written with the Devnagari alphabet. It is taught in primary schools and used in literature, newspapers and other media. Rajbanshi language, while being historically and traditionally very rich, is subjected to gross neglect at the national level. This poses a risk of the language eventually losing its existence. There have been persistent demands from the Rajbanshi-speaking people for inclusion of the Rajbanshi language in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. Therefore, in view of the above, in order to protect, promote and preserve the sanctity of Rajbanshi language and protect the culture and the traditions of the speakers of this language, and also taking into consideration the importance of this language, it is necessary that Rajbanshi language be given due recognition by including it in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. Hence this Bill. NEW DELHI; JAYANTA KUMAR ROY July 15, 2024 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Amendment Order, 1976, by amending the list of Scheduled Tribes in respect of the State of Odisha. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, would involve additional recurring and non-recurring expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India on account of benefits likely to be provided to the welfare of the persons belonging to these tribes. It is estimated that a recurring expenditure of about rupees three hundred crore is likely to be involved per annum. No non-recurring expenditure is likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 18 of the Bill provides that the Central Government shall make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. The delegation power is of a normal character. Bill No. 142 of 2024 A Bill further to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:– 1.(1) This Act may be called the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act, 2024. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In entry 55 of the Schedule to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, in Part XII.- Orissa, for the words “,Jhodia Paroja,”, the words, “,Jhodia, Jhodia Paroja,”, shall be substituted. Amendment of the Schedule. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS Jhodia is a prominent tribe in Kashipur block of Rayagada district with more than one lakh population. They previously had tribal status and were getting all Government benefits till 1997 after which they had been deprived of the Scheduled Tribe status, thereby not receiving any benefits. Socially and culturally, Jhodias are members of the endogamous community of Jhodia Paraja and are very much a part of the Paraja clan. “Jhodia” needs to be included as a synonym of “Paroja” which is notified as Scheduled Tribe at serial number-55 in respect of State of Odisha in Scheduled Tribe list of India. The Jhodias possess all the criteria proposed by the Lukur Committee (1965). They resemble tribal community from the viewpoint of lifestyle, traditional culture, primitive traits, geographical isolation, educational and economic backwardness. Non-inclusion of their name in the ST list is depriving them of the benefits provided by the Government. Though the State Government of Odisha has written to Government of India to include Jhodia as a synonym of Paroja, it is a fact that their revenue staff made clerical mistakes by writing on their Record of Rights (RoR) as Jhodia instead of Jhodia-Paroja during land settlement. The Bill, therefore, intends to include the “Jhodia” community from Kashipur as the Schedule Tribes in respect of State of Odisha. Hence this Bill. NEW DELHI; SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA July 18, 2024 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Amendment Order, 1976, by amending the list of Scheduled Tribes in respect of the State of Odisha. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, would involve additional recurring and non-recurring expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India on account of benefits likely to be provided to the welfare of the persons belonging to these tribes. It is estimated that a recurring expenditure of about rupees three hundred crore is likely to be involved per annum. No non-recurring expenditure is likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 18 of the Bill provides that the Central Government shall make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. The delegation power is of a normal character. Bill No. 145 of 2025 A Bill further to amend the Constitution of India. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:— 1. (1) This Act may be called the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2025. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In the Eighth Schedule to Constitution,— Amendment of the Eighth Schedule. (a) existing entry 6 shall be re-numbered as entry 7 and before the entry 7 as so re-numbered, the following entry shall b inserted, namely:- “6. Ho”; and (b) existing entries 20 to 22 shall be re-numbered as entries from 21 to 23 and before the entry 21 as so re-numbered, the following entry shall be inserted, namely:- “20. Soura.”. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS There have been persistent demands from the Soura-speaking and Ho-speaking people for the inclusion of the Soura and Ho language in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. At present Soura is a language spoken by Soura people which is an ethnic group in eastern India, mainly concentrated in the State of Odisha. Soura is also recognized as an endangered language by UNESCO. On the other hand, Ho is spoken by the Ho tribal people living in the Kolhan region encompassing the State of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Assam. These Language have a rich ethnic and phylogenetic vocabulary which needs to be preserved. The Bill seeks to give effect to the same. The Bill, therefore, seeks to amend the Constitution with a view to include “Ho” and “Soura” language in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. Hence this Bill. NEW DELHI; Saptagiri Sankar Ulakar November 7, 2024. SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Amendment Order, 1976, by amending the list of Scheduled Tribes in respect of the State of Odisha. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, would involve additional recurring and non-recurring expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India on account of benefits likely to be provided to the welfare of the persons belonging to these tribes. It is estimated that a recurring expenditure of about rupees three hundred crore is likely to be involved per annum. No non-recurring expenditure is likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 18 of the Bill provides that the Central Government shall make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. The delegation power is of a normal character. Bill No. 78 of 2025 A Bill to provide for the protection of healthcare professionals and clinical establishments from violence, harassment, and damage or loss to property in the course of their duty and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. WHEREAS, acts of violence causing injury or danger to life of healthcare professionals and damage or loss to the property of clinical establishments are on the increase in the country creating unrest among healthcare professionals resulting in hindrance to healthcare services in the country; And Whereas, to protect healthcare professionals and clinical establishments from violence, it has become necessary to prohibit such acts of violence, to provide for punishment by making such acts of violence as cognizable and non-bailable offence and to provide compensation for injury to healthcare professionals or for causing damage or loss to the property of clinical establishments; Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:— 1. (1) This Act may be called Healthcare Professionals and Clinical Establishments (Prevention of Violence) Act, 2025. Short title, extent and commencement. (2) It extends to the whole of India. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— Definitions. (a) “by-stander” means an observer, on-looker, spectator or any other person ordinarily present at ‘locus-delicti’ irrespective of his affinity to the doctor, medical professional or the medical institution in question; and suffers any loss or damage by virtue of his presence at the place of offence; (b) “clinical establishment” means the clinical establishment as defined under clause (c) of section 2 of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010; 23 of 2010 (c) “damage” includes loss or harm to property, whether in whole or in part, without taking possession of the property that renders it inadequate for its designated purpose or wholly or partially incapable of performing its function; (d) “healthcare professional” means a registered medical or dental or alternative medicine practitioners including those having provisional registration by any recognized body by the Government of India as well as all those persons who practice or profess services associated to medical profession including those of nurses, radiologists, technicians, medical social workers, pharmacists, medical administrators, para-medical staff and practitioners including those seeking or imparting medical education, as the case may be; (e) “patient” means any recipient of healthcare services; (f) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (g) “property” means any property movable or immovable, medical equipment or machinery; owned by or in possession of or under the, control of any healthcare professional or clinical establishment; and (h) “violence” means includes any of the following acts committed by any person or persons against healthcare professional in the course of their duty, which causes, may cause or attempts to cause,— (i) physical or mental harm, injury, intimidation, threat to life, including verbal abuse; (ii) acts inciting online or digital harassment, including doxxing, trolling, threats, or coordinated campaigns inciting violence; (iii) endangers the safety of or causes obstruction or hindrance to any healthcare professional in discharge of their duties either within the premises of a healthcare institution or otherwise; and (iv) loss or damage to any property or documents in the custody of, or in relation to, such healthcare professional or clinical establishment. 3. No person shall indulge in any act of violence against a healthcare professional or cause any damage or loss to property owned by or under the care of healthcare professional or in connection with or incidental to their activities in a clinical establishment. Prohibition of violence or damage to property. 4. Any offence committed under this Act shall be cognizable and non-bailable and triable by the Court of Judicial Magistrate of the First Class. Cognizance of offence. 5. (1) Whoever, commits or attempts to commit or abets or incites the commission of any act of violence in infringement of the provisions of section 3, shall be punished with imprisonment which shall not be less than three years but which may extend up to ten years and with fine which shall not be less than rupees fifty thousand but which may extend upto rupees twenty lakh in addition to recovery of the entire damage to the property or belonging of all concerned including the by-standers if any, in actual. Penalty and compensation. (2) Whoever, commits or attempts to commit or abets or incites the commission of any act of violence causing grievous hurt or death of healthcare professional, shall be punished with imprisonment which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to life imprisonment, and with fine which shall not be less than rupees five lakh but which may extend upto rupees fifty lakh in addition to recovery of the entire damage to the property or belonging of all concerned including the by-standers if any, in actual. (3) If the convicted does not pay or is financially incompetent to pay the penalty at that time it shall be recovered as if it were an arrear of land revenue under the Revenue Recovery Act, 1890. 1 of 1890 6. Where it is established at any stage that no violation of the provisions of this Act was committed and the charge levied against the accused was false and malicious, the person levelling such false charge shall be prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Punishment for false charge. 45 of 2023 7. In addition to any other responsibility of a clinical establishment or a healthcare professional under any law for the time being in force, it shall be the responsibility of each clinical establishment to,— Responsibilities of clinical establishments. (a) take all necessary measures to prevent violence and harassment against healthcare professionals in the course of their duty, which includes measures such as to install CCTV surveillance, emergency alarms, trained security personnel, or other such security measures; (b) establish a mechanism for reporting incidents of violence and harassment against healthcare professionals; and (c) provide necessary support and assistance to healthcare professionals who are victims of violence or harassment in the course of their duty. 8. The Central Government shall, — Measures for supporting healthcare professionals. (a) establish a National Helpline for reporting violence against healthcare professionals and clinical establishments; (b) create awareness about mental health and illness and for reducing the stigma associated with mental illness among healthcare professionals; (c) encourage healthcare professionals to seek support and care for their mental health, to help such professionals identify risk factors associated with suicide and mental health conditions, and to help such professionals learn to respond to such risks, with the goal of preventing suicide and mental health conditions under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017; (d) set up peer support groups among healthcare professionals and provide mental healthcare and follow-up services, as appropriate; and (e) conduct a review on improving healthcare professionals’ mental health and the outcomes of programs authorized under this Act. 9. The provisions of this Act and rules made thereunder shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force. Act to have overriding effect. 10. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other law for the time being in force. Act to supplement other laws. 11. The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, provide, from time to time, adequate funds for carrying out the purpose of this Act. Central Government to provide funds. 12. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as may appear to it to be necessary for removing the difficulty: Power to remove difficulties. Provided that no order shall be made under this section after the expiry of a period of two years from the commencement of this Act. (2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament. 13. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Power of Central Government to make rules. (2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both the Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS Access to quality health services is a right of every Indian citizen, with investments made in medical education, and medical facilities. Since independence, health services have made tremendous progress in India. India’s healthcare workforce has already exceeded 6 million as of 2024, and anticipated to experience further growth. Yet the issues faced by the healthcare workers: doctors, nurses and medical practitioners alike, have been rarely addressed. The Indian healthcare workforce is in a state of deep crisis, characterised by extremely long working hours, low income, severe lack of safety and general apathy from the public. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) estimates that 75 percent of all doctors face some form of verbal and physical abuse during their service, with cases of violence severely underreported. High risk of violence makes it difficult for our medical staff to provide care, thereby, reducing healthcare access for the common man. The increasing violence against healthcare professionals must be addressed on a priority basis. Existing, legislative framework, including the central level and State level laws, including the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, fail to comprehensively addresses this issue. While ‘Health’ and ‘Law and Order’ are State subjects, the Parliament is competent to legislate on matters related to ‘Legal, Medical and other professions’ as listed in Entry 26, List 3 (Concurrent List) of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. This, therefore, necessitates a comprehensive central legislation to provide for safety and security of healthcare professionals in the country. The proposed Bill would enable for the establishment of a mechanism for the protection and compensation of healthcare professionals who are victims of violence or harassment, and imposes obligation on clinical establishments to prevent and report such incidents. By creating a framework that prevents violence, supports victims, and holds offenders accountable, this Bill not only enhances the quality of healthcare services but also protects the fundamental rights and safety of those working in the healthcare sector. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; BACHHAV SHOBHA DINESH July 4, 2025. FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 8 of the Bill provides for special measures for supporting healthcare professionals such as establishment of a National Helpline for reporting of violence against healthcare professionals and clinical establishments and creating awareness about mental health and illness and reducing the stigma associated with mental health and illness among healthcare professionals. Clause 11 provides that the Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, provide, from time to time, adequate funds for carrying out the purpose of this Act. The Bill, therefore, if enacted and brought into operation, will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a recurring expenditure of estimated a sum of rupees one hundred crore per annum. A non-recurring expenditure of about rupees one hundred crore is also likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 13 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Bill. As the rules will relate to matters of detail only, the delegation of legislative power is of a normal character. Bill No. 156 of 2025 A Bill further to amend the Constitution of India. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:– 1.(1) This Act may be called the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2025. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. After article 21A of the Constitution, the following article shall be inserted, namely:– “21B. The State shall secure the right to safer roads to all citizens by adopting and enforcing comprehensive measures including emergency medical and trauma facilities for road safety and prevents road traffic injuries and fatalities in such manner as the State may by law, determine.”. Insertion of new article 21B. Right to safer roads. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS Road safety and fatalities resulting from it is a critical public concern in India, with the nation experiencing an alarming rate of road crashes and fatalities that far exceed many other public health crises. With over 1.68 lakh lives lost annually from road crashes, this poses a significant threat to the right to life and personal liberty, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. India has pledged to achieve SDG 3.6, that is, to reduce road crashes and deaths by 50 per cent by 2030. This singular issue of unsafe roads takes more lives than HIV and Malaria combined in India. Further, the 2022 Road Accidents in India Report reveal that approximately 45% of the accidental deaths in the country, amounting to 36.5 lakh people, died without receiving any medical attention, this is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the deficiencies in our current healthcare infrastructure. The 2021 report of NITI Aayog and AIIMS found that 30% mortalities were due to delayed emergency care, 98.5% of ambulance runs were made only transporting dead bodies, 90% of ambulances were functioning without any equipment/oxygen, 95% of ambulances had untrained personnel and most ED doctors had no formal training in EMS. The judiciary has repeatedly underscored the criticality of road safety and trauma care. In Ratan Singh vs. State of Punjab (1980 AIR 84), the Supreme Court called Indian roads “death traps” and emphasized on the need for stringent road safety measures. In MC Mehta vs. Union of India (13029 of 1985), the Court noted road safety as the fundamental right to life under Article 21, emphasizing that public safety measures should override individual rights when necessary. Similarly, on its own motion vs. State of NCT of Delhi [WP (CRL) 878/2007] the Delhi High Court took proactive steps to phase out dangerous Blue Line buses highlighting the precedence of the right to life (Article 21) over the right to conduct business [Article 19(1)(g)], emphasizing that public safety and the right to life are paramount. In Pt. Parmanand Katara vs. Union of India (1989) and Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity & others vs. State of West Bengal & Another, the court has interpreted emergency medical care as a right under Article 21. Despite these judicial pronouncements, the enforcement of road safety measures and development of a comprehensive trauma care framework remains inconsistent, and existing laws have not adequately curbed the growing menace. The courts have also emphasized that legislative and policy measures are imperative to address the systemic issues effectively. Therefore, the proposed bill seeks to recognize the Right to Safer Roads and Right to Trauma Care as a fundamental right for every citizen of India. Establishing this right will mandate that road safety is given paramount importance, not merely as a matter of policy but as an enforceable constitutional guarantee. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; KRISHNA PRASAD TENNETI January 3, 2025. FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 2 of the Bill vide proposed article 21B provides for right to safer roads to all citizens by adopting and enforcing comprehensive measures that guarantee road safety and prevent road traffic injuries and fatalities. The Bill, if enacted, would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is likely to involve a recurring expenditure of about rupees fifteen thousand five hundred crore per annum. A non-recurring expenditure of about rupees one lakh twenty thousand crore is also likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 13 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Bill. As the rules will relate to matters of detail only, the delegation of legislative power is of a normal character. Bill No. 167 of 2025 A Bill further to amend the Constitution of India. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth year of the Republic of India as follows:— 1. (1) This Act may be called the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2025. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In article 243G of the Constitution for the words, “economic development and social justice”, the words, “economic development, spatial planning and social justice”, shall be substituted. Amendment of article 243G. 3. In the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution,— Amendment of the Eleventh Schedule. (a) in entry (2), for the words, “and soil conservation”, the words, “soil conservation, regulation of land use and construction of buildings”, shall be substituted; (b) in entry 23, for the words, “primary health centres and dispensaries”, the words, “primary health centres, dispensaries and solid waste management”, shall be substituted; and (c) after entry 29, the following entry(s) shall be inserted, namely:— “30. Rural planning. 31. Planning for economic and social development. 32. Fire services.”. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS India had more than 6,49,481 villages with a population of 83 per cent. of the total India’s population in 2011. In fact, the Census of India 2011 enumerated a total of 3894 Census towns, which are villages but had all the characteristics of urban area. Researchers projected this Census Towns will grow upto 17.93 million with an additional 2231 Census Towns in 2021. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, mentions about the responsibility of Gram Panchayats, to prepare the social, economic and resource plans for rural areas, but not preparation of spatial plans. Spatial plans are prepared for urban areas popularly known as Master or Development Plans and notified under the respective State Town and Country Planning Acts. These Acts in their title include Country Planning, but in reality, there is rarely provision for preparing Development Plans for village. Many of the States do not even mention about the rural spatial planning in the respective Town and Country Planning Act. Therefore, the rural areas are devoid of planned spatial development. The absence of planned spatial development in rural areas, especially in peri-urban areas, and in major highway corridors, has major impact on regional development and within the Metropolitan areas as well. Lack of access to basic infrastructure (social, economic and physical) without spatial planning leads to high cost of urbanization and retrofitting for provision of services at a later stage. Some States have come out with rules and regulations to bring about planned spatial development supported under RURBAN Mission, MANCHITRA and SVAMITVA schemes. It is imperative to provide statutory backing to planned spatial development of rural areas. Well-designed rural communities & areas are places where people want to live and invest in the future. The proposed Bill would enable, holistic and cohesive planned spatial development in the rural areas which house over two-thirds of the country. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; BACHHAV SHOBHA DINESH July 4, 2025. FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 4 of the Bill provides for constitution of a committee of archaeological experts and scholars, for the purpose, identification, conservation and preservation of heritage sites, natural sites, etc. Clause 8 of the Bill makes it obligatory for the Central Government to provide requisite fund for carrying out the purposes of this Act. The expenditure to be incurred depends upon number of heritage sites to be identified for the purpose of conservation and maintenance. Therefore, the Bill, if enacted, will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. However, it is not possible at this stage to estimate the actual financial expenditure that is likely to be incurred. No non-recurring expenditure is likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 9 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Bill. As the rules will relate to matter of details only, the delegation of legislative power is, therefore, of a normal character. Bill No. 40 of 2025 A Bill to provide for the compulsory periodical desiltation of dams, reservoirs, rivers and such other water bodies and an institutional mechanism by establishing a National Authority to ensure timely and periodical desiltation of such water bodies in the country to increase their water holding capacity and ensure smooth flow of water which will reduce the incidence of floods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:– 1. (1) This Act may be called the Compulsory Periodical Desiltation of Dams, Reservoirs and Rivers Act, 2025. Short title, extent and commencement. (2) It extends to the whole of India. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— Definitions. (a) “appropriate Government” means in the case of a State, the Government of that State, and in all other cases, the Central Government; (b) “Authority” means the National Desiltation Authority of India established under section 3; (c) “Dam” means any artificial barrier and its appurtenant structure constructed across rivers or tributaries thereof to impound or divert water which also include barrage, weir and similar water impounding structures; (d) “desiltation” means removing of sediments of rocks and clay deposited by flowing stream of water in a river, dams and other water bodies; (e) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; and (f) “reservoir” in relation to a dam shall mean any spread of water impounded by such a dam. 3. (1) The Central Government shall, within a period of sixty days from the date of commencement of this Act, by notification in the Official Gazette, establish for the purposes of this Act, an Authority to be known as the National Desiltation Authority of India for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Establishment of National Desiltation Authority of India. (2) The Authority shall be a body corporate, by the name aforesaid, having perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire, hold and dispose off properties, both movable and immovable, and to contract, and shall, by the said name, sue or be sued. (3) The headquarters of the Authority shall be at Deoghar in the State of Jharkhand and the Authority may also establish offices at other places in India. (4) The Authority shall consist of a Chairperson, a deputy Chairperson and four other members having such qualifications and experience to be appointed by the Central Government in such manner as may be prescribed. (5) The salaries and allowances payable to and other terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and other members shall be such as may be prescribed. (6) The Authority shall have its own Secretariat headed by a Secretary and such number of officers and staff as may be necessary for the efficient functioning of the Authority. (7) The salaries, allowances payable to and other terms and conditions of service of the Secretary, other officers and staff shall be such as may be prescribed. (8) The Authority shall comply with such directions, as may, from time to time, be given to it by the Central Government. (9) The Authority shall meet at such times and places and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings in the manner as may be prescribed. 4. (1) The Authority shall,– Functions of the Authority. (i) prepare a list of dams, reservoirs and rivers in the country and chalk out a programme for desiltation of each of these dams, reservoirs and rivers; (ii) prescribe norms for desiltation, prioritisation of works, proper surveillance and inspection; and (iii) ensure that every dam, reservoir and river undergoes desiltation process at least once in every five years. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions, contained in sub-section (1), the Authority shall make all endeavours to,— (a) make provision for machinery, vehicles and necessary infrastructure required for desiltation works; (b) hire services of experts in the field of desiltation works in consultation with Dredging Corporation of India; (c) suggest measures for the use of silt which will be generated after the desiltation works; and (d) make provisions for safety, emergency action plan and such other measures, as may be prescribed, during the desiltation works undertaken by the Authority. 5. It shall be the duty of the appropriate Government to extend requisite help, manpower and assistance to the Authority, as and when required by it. Appropriate Government to extend required help to the Authority. 6. (1) The Authority shall prepare once in every year, in such form and at such time as may be prescribed, an annual report giving a true and full account of its activities during the previous financial year and submit a copy thereof to the Central Government. Annual Report. (2) The Central Government shall, as soon as may be, cause the annual report to be laid before each House of the Parliament. 7. The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, provide to the Authority by way of grants such sums of money as may be required for the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act. Central Government to provide funds. 8. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other law, for the time being in force dealing with the subject matter of this Act. Act to supplement other laws. 9. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Power to make rules. (2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of the Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both the Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both the Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS Our country has many rivers and there are several cities and villages near their banks. These rivers give much required water for drinking and other purposes and for irrigation purposes to grow crops in major parts of the country. On many rivers, dams have been constructed to generate hydro-power to meet the power demands of our vast nation. The water stored in these dams is also used for drinking and irrigation purposes. Similarly, large number of reservoirs have been constructed across the country which store rainwater which is used for drinking and other purposes. For instance, Jharkhand is at large dependent on nearby reservoirs for its daily water supply and so is the case of other States also. However, the holy rivers which provide water for our lifeline also bring havoc and destructions through floods. One of the main reasons for flooding of these rivers is deposit of huge quantities of silt in their bed which reduces their water holding capacity resulting in floods. Similarly, large quantities of silt deposited in dams and reservoirs across the country which has substantially reduced their capacity to hold water in them. As a result, for instance, when summer approaches the water level in reservoirs goes down substantially resulting in severe water crisis and this happens almost every year. Since the rivers, dams, reservoirs and big water bodies in the country are never desilted, the situation is becoming from bad to worse. Floods are causing huge losses of human lives, properties, crops, livestock and bring miseries to the people year after year. Similarly, huge deposits of silt in dams and reservoirs is causing severe water crisis for drinking as well as irrigation purposes. Hence, it has become utmost necessary to carry out periodical for periodical desiltation of rivers, dams and reservoirs in the country. It is felt that every river, dam and reservoir must be desilted once in every five years. For this purpose, an Authority be established at the national level to ensure desiltation of these water bodies as per time schedule. Hence, this Bill. NEW DELHI; NISHIKANT DUBEY 22 January, 2025. FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 3 of the Bill provides for the establishment of National Desiltation Authority of India. Clause 7 makes it mandatory for the Central Government to provide required funds to the Authority. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a sum of rupees fifty thousand crore will involve as recurring expenditure per annum from the Consolidated Fund of India. A non-recurring expenditure to the tune of rupees one lakh crore will also be involved from the Consolidated Fund of India. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 9 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. As the rules will relate to matters of detail only, the delegation of legislative power is, therefore, of a normal character. Bill No. 85 of 2025 A Bill to provide for social security and welfare measures to orphan children and for matters connected therewith. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:— 1. (1) This Act may be called the Orphan Children (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— Definitions. (a) "appropriate Government" means in the case of a State, the Government of the State and in all other cases, the Central Government; (b) "child" means a child who has not completed the age of eighteen years; (c) "foster care home" means foster care home established under section 8; and (d) "orphan child" means a child who has been abondoned or has lost both parents or whose parents' identity is not known and includes a child who is not part of a family either natural or foster; (e) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act. 3. (1) The Central Government shall, in consultation with State Governments, conduct and publish the survey of orphan children after every ten years alongwith census. Central Government to conduct survey of orphan children. (2) The survey conducted under sub-section (1) shall include- (a) socio-economic status of orphan children; (b) data on the cause and effect of becoming orphans; (c) demographic profile of orphan children; and (d) performance appraisal of existing orphan children welfare schemes and programs. 4. (1) The Central Government shall, within one year of the publication of the survey under section 3, formulate a National Policy for the welfare of orphan children. National policy for welfare of orphan children. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions, the National Policy referred to in sub-section (1) may provide for— (a) placing orphan children in a family setting either through reunion with their natural parents or relatives or through adoption by foster ones; (b) establishment of a robust system of institutional care for orphan children who are unable to be reintegrated in a family setting; (c) evolution of a preventive approach to the phenomenon of children becoming orphans; (d) development of a tracking system for identification of families of abandoned children to facilitate reunification; (e) development of psychological and other support system to prevent abandoning of children by parents due to poverty, deprivation and other such factors; (f) universalising the Cradle Baby Reception Centre scheme and its mandatory inclusion in every public health centre in the country; (g) counseling facilities at the Cradle Baby Reception Centers to link parents to relevant welfare schemes; (h) simplification and reform of the adoption system by foster parents; (i) conducting awareness campaigns in high risk districts informing the parents about the Governmental assistance; (j) training and capacity building to health workers to cater to the complex psycho-social needs of orphan children; (k) specialised attention to orphan children suffering from vulnerable diseases like HIV and other communicable diseases and to orphan children living in militancy and naxalism affected areas; (l) post-institutional support to ensure education, skill training and livelihood to orphan children; (m) grants-in-aid to foster care homes and Non-Governmental Organisations working for the orphan children; (n) stringent monitoring of foster care institutions to prevent any kind of emotional, physical or sexual abuse of orphan children; (o) strict and swift punishment to child abusers in foster care institutions; (p) issuance of single and multi-purpose 'orphan certificate' containing therein, if available, such information as date of birth, nativity, parental status and family surname to ensure enjoyment of legal rights, entitlements and benefits; (q) linkage of all orphan-related agencies such as cradle baby centres, adoption centres and foster care homes with authorities that issue orphan certificates; (r) promoting awareness about legal rights and entitlements of orphan children; and (s) such other provisions as may be deemed necessary and expedient for carrying out the purposes of this Act. 5. It shall be the duty of the appropriate Government to implement the National Policy for welfare of orphan children formulated under section 4. Appropriate Government to implement the National policy. 6. (1) The Central Government shall, as soon as may be, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a Fund to be known as the Orphan Children Welfare Fund for the purposes of this Act with an initial corpus of rupees two thousand crores, to be provided by the Central Government, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf. Constitution of a Orphan Children Welfare Fund. (2) The Fund shall also include,— (a) contributions made by the Central Government and State Governments in such ratio, as may be prescribed; (b) moneys received by way of donations, contributions, assistance or otherwise from individuals, body corporates, domestic and foreign financial institutions. (3) The Fund shall be utilised for rehabilitation and welfare of orphan children covered under this Act in such manner as may be prescribed. 7. There shall be three per cent. reservation in educational institutions and in posts and services under the Central Government for orphan children. Reservation in Educational Institutions and in posts and services. 8. (1) The appropriate Government shall establish such number of foster care homes as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. Establishment of foster care homes. (2) The foster care homes established under sub-section (1) shall provide free of cost boarding and lodging and such other facilities to the orphan children as may be prescribed. 9. (1) The appropriate Government shall designate a nodal officer in every district to ensure effective implementation of all the schemes and policies meant for welfare of orphan children; Nodal officer to ensure welfare schemes in every district. (2) Every nodal officer shall submit to the appropriate Government an annual report containing such details, as may be prescribed, of welfare measures provided to orphan children in the district. (3) The appropriate Government shall, if satisfied that schemes and policies are not being implemented properly, remove from the office the nodal officer for dereliction of duty: Provided that no criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the nodal officer who is removed from office. 10. The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament, by law in this behalf, provide adequate funds to the State Governments for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Central Government to provide funds. 11. The provisions of this Act and rules made thereunder shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force. Overriding effect of the Act. 12. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other law for the time being in force. Act not in derogation of any other law. 13. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Power to make rules. (2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both the Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS At present, there exists no dedicated or comprehensive legislation in India that addresses the specific challenges faced by orphaned children. As a consequence, these children are often subjected to various hardships, with the absence of legal identity being the most pressing. This lack of identity hampers their ability to participate in civic life and prevents them from accessing essential public services, welfare schemes, and statutory entitlements. The absence of identity is not merely an administrative gap but reflects a deeper neglect of the rights and needs of orphaned children—particularly those who are at a heightened risk of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and neglect. The proposed Bill seeks to establish a robust legislative framework that recognizes orphaned children as a distinct and vulnerable category requiring urgent and sustained support. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; SMITA UDAY WAGH July 7, 2025. FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 3 of the Bill provides for survey of orphan children. Clause 4 provides for formulation of a national policy for the welfare of orphan children. Clause 6 provides for constitution of an Orphan Children Welfare Fund. Clause 8 provides for establishment of foster care homes to provide free food, lodging and other requisite amenities to orphans. Clause 10 provides that the Central Government shall provide adequate funds to the State Governments for carrying out the purposes of the Act. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a sum of rupees two thousand crore would be involved as recurring expenditure per annum. A non-recurring expenditure of about rupees twenty thousand crore is also likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 13 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Bill. As the rules will relate to matters of detail only, the delegation of legislative power is of a normal character. Bill No. 90 of 2025 A Bill further to amend the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:– 1(.1) This Act may be called the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act, 2025. Short title and commencement. (2)It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. 2. In Section 5 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 200505 hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), after clause (e), the following clauses shall be inserted, namely:— Amendment of Section 5. 43 of 2005. ‘‘(f) of the available Self-help Groups in his jurisdiction and provide her access to such groups; ‘‘(g) of the National Skill India Policy and connect her to one of the Schemes;”. 3. In section 9 of the principal Act, in sub-section (1), after clause (h), the following clause shall be inserted, namely: Amendment of Section 9. ‘‘(ha) to ensure that the aggrieved person is provided access to Self-help Groups and National Skill India Policy Schemes;”. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS As per recent data published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the incidents of crime against women have consistently shown an upward trend over the past decade. The data indicates that, on average, a crime against a woman is committed approximately every three minutes. Moreover, studies suggest that between 50 to 70 per cent of women experience some form of domestic violence during their lifetime. However, only a small fraction — around 2 per cent — are able to formally report such crimes to law enforcement agencies. This significant gap between the actual incidence of domestic violence and its reporting is a matter of grave concern. One of the key factors, as identified by multiple research studies, is the economic dependence of women on their male partners or families, which prevents them from seeking legal recourse or escaping abusive environments. In particular, the inclusion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and initiatives under the National Skill Development Mission can play a transformative role by offering financial independence and vocational opportunities to survivors. The Bill, therefore, proposes to amend the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, to ensure that women subjected to domestic violence are given direct access to financial empowerment tools, including SHGs and national skill development schemes, thereby enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity and security. Hence this Bill. OMPRAKASH BHUPALSINH ALIAS PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR New Delhi July 7, 2025 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 3 of the Bill provides for survey of orphan children. Clause 4 provides for formulation of a national policy for the welfare of orphan children. Clause 6 provides for constitution of an Orphan Children Welfare Fund. Clause 8 provides for establishment of foster care homes to provide free food, lodging and other requisite amenities to orphans. Clause 10 provides that the Central Government shall provide adequate funds to the State Governments for carrying out the purposes of the Act. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a sum of rupees two thousand crore would be involved as recurring expenditure per annum. A non-recurring expenditure of about rupees twenty thousand crore is also likely to be involved. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 13 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Bill. As the rules will relate to matters of detail only, the delegation of legislative power is of a normal character. Bill No. 83 of 2025 A Bill to provide for the protection of working women against discrimination and to ensure that essential facilities such as crèche service, recreational amenities, maternity benefits, hostel and transport support are available to working women and also to mandate for welfare measures by the employers to improve the state for the women employees working in Government establishments; public sector undertaking including banks and ports, educational institutions including universities, colleges and schools; as well as in factories, mines, plantations, agricultural lands, orchards and other such work places; and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:— 1. (1) This Act may be called the Women Workforce (Support and Welfare) Act, 2025. Short title, extent and commencement. (2) It extends to the whole of India. (3) It shall come into force with immediate effect. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— Definitions. (a) “appropriate Government” means in the case of a State, the Government of that State and in other cases, the Central Government; (b) “child” means a male or female of the age below eighteen years and includes a still born child; (c) “employer” means,— (i) in relation to an establishment which is under the control of an appropriate Government, the person or authority appointed by the appropriate government for the supervision and control of the employees or where no person or authority is so appointed, the head of the establishment.; (ii) in relation to an establishment under any local self-government or authority, the person appointed by such authority or local self-government for the supervision and control of the employees or where no person is so appointed, the Chief Executive Officer by whatever name called by the local self-government or the authority, as the case may be; (iii) in other cases, the person who or the authority which has the ultimate control over the affairs of the establishment; (d) “establishment” include an office of the appropriate Government, quasi government or department including telegraph office, post office, telephone exchange, a mine, a plantation, an agricultural field, a hospital or nursing home, a shop or any business establishment, a brick kiln, construction site, any banking establishment, any private office or house, any school, college, university or like institution, establishment for the exhibition of equestrian, acrobatic and other performances and any other such place where a woman is employed for any work whatsoever; (e) “factory” means a factory as defined in the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020; 37 of 2020 (f) “industry” means an industry as defined in the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; 35 of 2020 (g) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; and (h) “working woman” means a woman who is employed whether directly or indirectly through any agency or contractor, as the case may be, for wages in any establishment, factory or industry. 3. It shall be the duty of the appropriate Government to ensure that no discrimination is done by any employer on gender basis against women employees particularly in the matter of payment of wages and other remuneration which are paid to her male counterpart in such establishment. Appropriate Government to ensure non discrimination and equal wages for working women. 4. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, every employer shall provide basic child care facilities such as milk, tiffin, clothes, toys, trained ayahs and other essential facilities for the children of women working in the establishment. Employer to have childcare facilities for working women. (2) The appropriate Government shall ensure that every employer of an agricultural field provide mobile childcare facilities for the working women in his establishment: Provided that two or more such employers may provide common childcare facilities for their establishments. (3) The appropriate Government shall open such number of creches at such places as it may deem necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Recreational facilities. 5. The appropriate Government shall ensure that every employer provides retiring rooms with facilities like bathroom, latrine, drinking water at the workplace or worksite of the working women and recreational facilities like radio and television for working women and their children. 6. The appropriate Government alongwith the employer shall provide adequate and proper security measures for the safety of working women in the establishment, factory or industry, as the case may be, as well as to and from their places of residence. Security Arrangements. 7. It shall be the duty of the appropriate Government to ensure reservation of beds and proper and adequate maternity facilities for the working women in the hospitals and dispensaries having indoor patient facilities therein. Maternity Facilities. 8. The appropriate Government as well as an employer shall provide hostel and residential facilities both for married and unmarried working women nearest to their place of work and cheap, safe and quick transport facilities for such working women. Hostel and transport facilities. 9. The appropriate Government shall ensure protection from health hazards particularly for the women working in factories or industries like beedi, tobacco, stone mines, cashew, fish processing, salt, silk construction projects and such other establishments as may be prescribed. Protection from health hazards. 10. (1) The appropriate Government shall maintain a register of working women in such manner and at such place as may be prescribed. Register of women working. (2) The appropriate Government may require an employer to furnish for the purposes of this Act, such statistical and other information, in such form and within such period as may be prescribed. 11. The provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force, but save as aforesaid the provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other law for the time being applicable to the working women. Overriding effect of the Act. 12. (1) The appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Power to make rules. (2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament or the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, as the case maybe, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both the Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule. (3) Every rule made by the State Government under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before the State Legislature. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS Despite the continuing female foeticides the declining girl-child ratio and the prevailing conservative mindset of the society towards women, more and more women are venturing out of their houses to work to support their families. As a result, the number of working women in Government services, factories, industries, commercial establishments, agriculture, mines, fish processing sector, silk industry and so on so forth is increasing day by day, but their conditions of employment need amelioration. Various basic and essential facilities which are supposed to be made available to the working women by the Government and private employers are either absent or not adequate and satisfactory. Unfortunately, in most of the private sector including agricultural sector, the facilities are rather minimal or negligible and the working women are an exploited lot there. The existing labour laws also do not provide for proper medical, educational, recreational and other facilities for the working women and their children. As regards, other social security measures like security, transport, accommodation have also not been made so far. In many establishments they are not given equal pay for work. This discrimination has to be stopped by enacting a proper legislation. Hence it has become necessary to enact a legislation to protect working women against discrimination and provide adequate welfare measures for the working women. Hence this Bill. New Delhi; SMITA UDAY WAGH July 6, 2025 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 4 of the Bill provides for the establishment of childcare facilities for working women. Clause 5 provides for recreational facilities for working women and their children. Clause 6 provides that the appropriate Government to provide adequate and proper security measures for the safety of working women. Clause 7 provides for maternity facilities. Clause 8 provides for hostel and transport facilities for the working women. Clause 9 provides for appropriate Government shall ensure protection from health hazards of the working women. Clause 10 stipulates that the appropriate Government shall maintain a register of working women. The expenditure relating to States shall be borne out of the Consolidated Fund of the State Government concerned. However, the expenditure in relation to Union Territories shall be borne out of the Consolidated Fund of India. The Bill, if enacted, will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a sum of rupees two thousand crore may involve as recurring expenditure per annum. A non-recurring expenditure of rupees five thousand crore is also likely to involve. MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 12 of the Bill empowers the appropriate Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. As the rules will relate to matters of details only, the delegation of legislative power is of a normal character. Bill No. 82 of 2025 A Bill to regulate the employment of persons in certain establishments for certain periods before and after becoming a parent and to provide for paternity and parental benefit and certain other benefits. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows: - 1. (1) This Act may be called the Paternity and Parental Benefits Act, 2025. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force such date, as the Central Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint. therewith. 2. (1) It applies, in the first instance,— Application of Act. (a) to every establishment being a factory, mine or plantation including any such establishment belonging to Government and to every establishment wherein persons are employed for the exhibition of equestrian, acrobatic and other performances; (b) to every shop or establishment within the meaning of any law for the time being in force in relation to shops and establishments in a State, in which ten or more persons are employed, or were employed, on any day of the preceding twelve months: Provided that the State Government may, with the approval of the Central Government, after giving not less than two months’ notice of its intention of so doing, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare that all or any of the provisions of this Act shall apply also to any other establishment or class of establishments, industrial, commercial, agricultural or otherwise. (2) Save as otherwise provided in sections 5A and 5B, nothing contained in this Act shall apply to any factory or other establishment to which the provisions of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (34 of 1948), apply for the time being. 3. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— Definitions. (a) “appropriate Government” means, in relation to an establishment being a mine, [or an establishment wherein persons are employed for the exhibition of equestrian, acrobatic and other performances,] the Central Government and in relation to any other establishment, the State Government; 7 (b) “child” includes a still-born child; (c) “commissioning mother” means a biological mother who uses her egg to create an embryo implanted in any other woman or a woman married to a commissioning father; (d) “commissioning father” means a biological father who uses his sperm to create an embryo implanted in the surrogate mother or a man married to a commissioning mother; (e) “delivery” means the birth of a child; (f) “employer” means— (i) in relation to an establishment which is under the control of the Government, a person or authority appointed by the Government for the supervision and control of employees or where no person or authority is so appointed, the head of the department; (ii) in relation to an establishment under any local authority, the person appointed by such authority for the supervision and control of employees or where no person is so appointed, the chief executive officer of the local authority; (iii) in any other case, the person who, or the authority which, has the ultimate control over the affairs of the establishment and where the said affairs are entrusted to any other person whether called a manager, managing director, managing agent, or by any other name, such person; (g) “establishment” means— (i) a factory; (ii) a mine; (iii) a plantation; (iv) an establishment wherein persons are employed for the exhibition of equestrian, acrobatic and other performances; (iva) a shop or establishment; or (v) an establishment to which the provisions of this Act have been declared under sub-section (1) of section 2 to be applicable; (h) “factory” means a factory as defined in clause(m) of section 2 of the Factories Act, 1948 ; 63 of 1948. (i) “Inspector” means an Inspector appointed under section 14; (j) “maternity benefit” means the payment referred to in sub section (1) of section 5; (k) “medical termination of pregnancy” means the termination of pregnancy permissible under the provisions of Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 ; 34 of 1971. (l) “man” means a person employed, whether directly or through any agency, for wages in any establishment (m) “mine” means a mine as defined in clause (j) of section 2 of the Mines Act, 1952 ; 35 of 1952. (n) “miscarriage” means expulsion of the contents of a pregnant uterus at any period prior to or during the twenty-sixth week of pregnancy but does not include any miscarriage, the causing of which is punishable under the Indian Penal Code ; 45 of 1860. (o) “plantation” means a plantation as defined in clause (f) of section 2 of the Plantations Labour Act, 1951 ; 69 of 1951. (p) “person” means a person employed, whether directly or through any agency, for wages in any establishment (q) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (r) “State Government”, in relation to a Union territory, means the Administrator thereof; (s) “wages” means all remuneration paid or payable in cash to a woman, if the terms of the contract of employment, express or implied, were fulfilled and includes such cash allowances (including dearness allowance and house rent allowance) as a person is for the time being entitled to incentive bonus; and the money value of the concessional supply of food grains and other articles, but does not include— (i) any bonus other than incentive bonus; (ii) over-time earnings and any deduction or payment made on account of fines; (iii) any contribution paid or payable by the employer to any pension fund or provident fund or for the benefit of the person under any law for the time being in force; and (iv) any gratuity payable on the termination of service; (t) “woman” means a woman employed, whether directly or through any agency, for wages in any establishment. 4. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, every man shall be entitled to, and his employer shall be liable for, the payment of paternity benefit at the rate of the average daily wage for the period of his actual absence, that is to say, the period immediately preceding the day of delivery of a child of his legally wedded wife, the actual day of the delivery and any period immediately following that day. Right to payment of paternity benefit. Explanation.—For the purpose of this sub-section, the average daily wage means the average of the man’s wages payable to him for the days on which he has worked during the period of three calendar months immediately preceding the date from which he absents himself on account of paternity or the minimum rate of wage fixed or revised under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (11 of 1948), whichever is the highest. (2) No man shall be entitled to paternity benefit unless he has actually worked in an establishment of the employer from whom he claims paternity benefit, for a period of not less than eighty days in the twelve months immediately preceding the expected date of delivery of a child to his legally wedded wife. (3) The maximum period for which any man shall be entitled to paternity benefit shall be eight weeks of which not more than one week shall precede the date of his legally wedded wife’s expected delivery: Provided that the maximum period entitled to paternity benefit by a man having two or more than two surviving children shall be five weeks of which not more than one week shall precede the date of his legally wedded wife’s expected delivery: Provided further that where a man dies during this period, the paternity benefit shall be payable only for the days up to and including the day of his death: Provided also that where a man dies during the period for which he is entitled for the paternity benefit, leaving behind the child, the employer shall be liable for the paternity benefit for that entire period but if the child also dies during the said period, then, for the days up to and including the date of the death of the child. Provided also that where a man who legally adopts a child below the age of three months or a commissioning father shall be entitled to paternity benefit for a period of eight weeks from the date the child is handed over to the adopting father or the commissioning father, as the case may be. (4). In case where the nature of work assigned to a man is of such nature that he may work from home, the employer may allow him to do so after availing of the paternity benefit for such period and on such conditions as the employer and the man may mutually agree. 5. (1) Any man employed in an establishment and entitled to paternity benefit under the provisions of this Act may give notice in writing in such form as may be prescribed, to his employer, stating that his paternity benefit and any other amount to which he may be entitled under this Act may be paid to him or to such person as he may nominate in the notice and that he will not work in any establishment during the period for which he receives paternity benefit. Notice of claim for paternity benefit and payment thereof. (2) In the case of a man whose legally wedded wife is pregnant, such notice shall state the date from which he may be absent from work, not being a date earlier than one week from the date of her expected delivery. (3) Any man who has not given the notice when his legally wedded wife was pregnant may give such notice as soon as possible after the delivery. (4) On receipt of the notice, the employer shall permit such man to absent himself from the establishment during the period for which he receives the paternity benefit. (5) The amount of paternity benefit for the period preceding the date of his legally wedded wife’s expected delivery shall be paid in advance by the employer to the man on production of such proof as may be prescribed that his wife is pregnant, and the amount due for the subsequent period shall be paid by the employer to the man within forty-eight hours of production of such proof as may be prescribed that his wife delivered a child. (6) The failure to give notice under this section shall not disentitle a man to paternity benefit or any other amount under this Act if he is otherwise entitled to such benefit or amount and in any such case an Inspector may either of his own motion or on an application made to him by the man, order the payment of such benefit or amount within such period as may be specified in the order. 6. If a man entitled to paternity benefit or any other amount under this Act, dies before receiving such paternity benefit or amount, or where the employee is liable for payment of paternity benefit under the second proviso to sub-section (3) of section 5, the employer shall pay such benefit or amount to the person nominated by the man in the notice given under section 6 and in case there is no such nominee, to his legal representative. Payment of paternity benefit in case of death of a man. 7. (1) Every establishment having fifty or more employees shall have the facility of créche within such distance as may be prescribed, either separately or along with common facilities: Creche facility. Provided that the employer shall allow four visits a day to the creche by the man, which shall also include the interval for rest allowed to him. (2) Every establishment shall intimate in writing and electronically to every man at the time of his initial appointment regarding every benefit available under the Act. 8. In case of miscarriage or medical termination of the pregnancy of his legally wedded wife, a man shall, on production of such proof as may be prescribed, be entitled to leave with wages at the rate of paternity benefit, for a period of five days immediately following the day of the miscarriage or medical termination. Leave for miscarriage. 9. (1) When a man absents himself from work in accordance with the provisions of this Act, it shall be unlawful for his employer to discharge or dismiss him during or on account of such absence or to give notice of discharge or dismissal on such a day that the notice will expire during such absence, or to vary to his disadvantage any of the conditions of his service. Dismissal during absence. (2) (a) The discharge or dismissal of a man at any time during the pregnancy of his legally wedded wife, if the man but for such discharge or dismissal would have been entitled to paternity benefit, shall not have the effect of depriving him of the paternity benefit: Provided that where the dismissal is for any prescribed gross misconduct, the employer may, by order in writing communicated to the deprive him of the paternity benefit. (b) Any man deprived of paternity benefit or discharged or dismissed during or on account of his absence from work in accordance with the provisions of this Act, may, within sixty days from the date on which order of such deprivation or discharge or dismissal is communicated to him, appeal to such authority as may be prescribed, and the decision of that authority on such appeal, whether the man should or should not be deprived of maternity benefit or discharged or dismissed shall be final. (c) Nothing contained in this sub-section shall affect the provisions contained in sub-section (1). 10. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, every legally married couple shall be entitled to, and his or her employer shall be liable for, the payment of parental benefit at the rate of the average daily wage for the period of his or her actual absence, that is to say, within a period of eighteen months of the delivery of a woman’s child or the delivery of the child of a man’s legally wedded wife, as the case may be. Right to payment of parental benefit. Explanation.—For the purpose of this sub-section, the average daily wage means the average of the person’s wages payable to him or her for the days on which he has worked during the period of three calendar months immediately preceding the date from which he absents himself on account of paternity or maternity, the minimum rate of wage fixed or revised under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (11 of 1948), whichever is the highest. (2) No person shall be entitled to parental benefit unless he or she has actually worked in an establishment of the employer from whom he or she claims parental benefit, for a period of not less than eighty days in the twelve months immediately preceding the expected date of [delivery] or [birth] of the child. (3) The maximum period for which any legally married couple shall be entitled to parental benefit shall be a combined period of eight weeks, divided as they may mutually decide: Provided that the parental benefit may be availed, either in a single continuous period of eight weeks or in two installments, each of not less than one week: Provided further that the maximum period entitled to parental benefit by a married couple having two or more than two surviving children shall be a combined period of four weeks, divided as they may mutually decide: Provided also that the parental benefit may be availed by a married couple having two o more than two surviving children either for a single continuous period of four weeks or in two installments, each of not less than one week: Provided also that where a person dies during period of leave for parental benefit, the parental benefit shall be payable only for the days up to and including the day of his or her death: Provided also that where a person dies during the period for which he is entitled for the parental benefit, leaving behind the child, the employer shall be liable for the parental benefit for that entire period but if the child also dies during the said period, then, for the days up to and including the date of the death of the child. Provided also that where a married couple who legally adopts a child below the age of three months or a commissioning couple shall be entitled to parental benefit for a period of eight weeks within eighteen months of the date the child is handed over to the adopting couple or commissioning couple, as the case may be. 11. (1) Any person employed in an establishment and entitled to parental benefit under the provisions of this Act may give notice in writing in such form as may be prescribed, to his or her employer, stating that his or her parental benefit and any other amount to which he may be entitled under this Act may be paid to him or her or to such person as he or she may nominate in the notice and that he or she will not work in any establishment during the period for which he or she receives parental benefit. Notice of claim for parental benefit and payment thereof. (2) The notice under-section (1) shall be given not less than one month from the date from which he or shall be absent and contain the information specified in sub-section (3) and is accompanied by the declarations specified in sub-section (4): (3) The specified information required for notice under sub-section (1) shall include,- (a) the name of the person; (b) the name of the person’s legally wedded spouse; (c) the start and end dates of the period for which the person has received maternity or paternity benefit; (d) the start and end dates of the period for which the person shall be absent from work and receive parental benefit; (e) the duration for which the person’s legally wedded spouse intends to absent themselves from work and receive parental benefit. (4) The specified declarations for notice under sub-section (1), shall include,- (a) a declaration signed by the person that the information given by them in the notice is accurate. (b) a declaration signed by the person’s legally wedded spouse— (i) specifying name, address, and Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the person; (ii) that the person is the legally wedded spouse of the employee giving the notice; (iii) that the person consents to the duration and dates of leave which the employee intends to take as set out in the notice; (iv) that the person consents to their spouse’s employer processing the information in their declaration. (5) On receipt of the notice, the employer shall permit such person to absent himself or herself from the establishment during the period for which he or she receives the parental benefit. (6) The employer may request, within fourteen days beginning with the date on which that notice was given, the name and address of the employer of the person’s legally wedded spouse. (7) Where an employer makes a request under subsection (6), the person must, within 14 days beginning on the date on which that request was made, send the employer— (a) the name and address requested, or (b) a declaration that the person’s legally wedded spouse has no employer. (8) The amount of parental benefit for the period preceding the date of his legally wedded wife’s expected delivery shall be paid by the employer to the person not less than two weeks before the date from which he or she shall receive the parental benefit on production of such proof as may be prescribed that she has delivered a child or his legally wedded wife has delivered a child. 12. If a person entitled to parental benefit or any other amount under this Act, dies before receiving such paternity benefit or amount, or where the employer is liable for parental benefit under the second proviso to sub section (3) of section 5, the employer shall pay such benefit or amount to the person nominated by the employee in the notice given under section 6 and in case there is no such nominee, to his or her legal representative. Payment of parental benefit in case of death of a person. 13. No deduction from the normal and usual daily wages of a person entitled to paternity or parental benefit under the provisions of this Act shall be made by reason only of the nature of work assigned to him or her by virtue of the provisions contained in sub-section (3) of section 4. No deduction of wages in certain cases. 14. The appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint such officers as it thinks fit to be Inspectors for the purposes of this Act and may define the local limits of the jurisdiction within which they shall exercise their functions under this Act. Appointment of Inspectors. 15. An Inspector may, subject to such restrictions or conditions as may be prescribed, exercise all or any of the following powers, namely:— (a) enter at all reasonable times with such assistants, if any, being persons in the service of the Government or any local or other public authority, as he thinks fit, any place of work or establishment, for the purposes of examining any registers, records and notices required to be kept or exhibited by or under this Act and required their production for inspection; (b) examine any person whom he finds in any premises or place and who, he has reasonable cause to believe, is employed in the establishment: Provided that no person shall be compelled under this section to answer any question or give any evidence tending to incriminate himself; (c) require the employer to give information regarding the names and addresses of persons employed, payments made to them, and applications or notices received from them under this Act; and (d) take copies of any register and records or notices or any portions thereof. Powers and duties of Inspectors. 16. Every Inspector appointed under this Act shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860). Inspectors to be public servants. 17. (1) Any person claiming that— Power of Inspector to direct payments to be made. (a) paternity benefit or parental benefit to which he or she is entitled under this Act and any person claiming that payment due under section 7 has been improperly withheld; (b) his or her employer has discharged or dismissed him or her during or on account of his or her absence from work in accordance with the provisions of this Act, may make a complaint to the Inspector. (2) The Inspector may, of his own motion or on receipt of a complaint referred to in sub-section (1), make an inquiry or cause an inquiry to be made and if satisfied that— (a) payment has been wrongfully withheld, may direct the payment to be made in accordance with his orders; (b) he or she has been discharged or dismissed during or on account of his or her absence from work in accordance with the provisions of this Act, may pass such orders as are just and proper according to the circumstances of the case. (3) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Inspector under sub section (2) may, within thirty days from the date on which such decision is communicated to such persons, appeal to the prescribed authority. (4) The decision of the prescribed authority where an appeal has been preferred to it under sub-section (3) or of the Inspector where no such appeal has been preferred, shall be final. (5) Any amount payable under this section shall be recoverable by the Collector on a certificate issued for that amount by the Inspector as an arrear of land revenue. 18. If a person works in any establishment after she has been permitted by his or her employer to absent herself under the provisions of section 6 for any period during such authorised absence, he or she shall forfeit her claim to the paternity or parental benefit for that period. Forfeiture of paternity or parental benefit. 19. An abstract of the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder in the language or languages of the locality shall be exhibited in a conspicuous place by the employer in every part of the establishment. Abstract of Act and rules thereunder to be exhibited. 20. Every employer shall prepare and maintain such registers, records and muster-rolls and in such manner as may be prescribed. Registers, etc. 21. (1) If any employer fails to pay any amount of paternity or parental benefit to a person entitled under this Act or discharges or dismisses such person during or on account of his or her absence from work in accordance with the provisions of this Act, he shall be punishable with imprisonment which shall not be less than three months but which may extend to one year and with fine which shall not be less than two thousand rupees but which may extend to five thousand rupees: Penalty for contravention of Act by employer. Provided that the court may, for sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a lesser term or fine only in lieu of imprisonment. (2) If any employer contravenes the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder, he shall, if no other penalty is elsewhere provided by or under this Act for such contravention, be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both: Provided that where the contravention is of any provision regarding paternity or parental benefit and such paternity or parental benefit or amount has not already been recovered, the court shall, in addition, recover such paternity or parental benefit or amount as if it were a fine and pay the same to the person entitled thereto. 22. Whoever fails to produce on demand by the Inspector any register or document in his custody kept in pursuance of this Act or the rules made thereunder or conceals or prevents any person from appearing before or being examined by an Inspector shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both. Penalty for obstructing Inspector. 23. (1) Any aggrieved person, an office-bearer of a trade union registered under the Trade Unions Act, 1926 (16 of 1926) of which such person is a member or a voluntary organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (21 of 1860) or an Inspector, may file a complaint regarding the commission of an offence under this Act in any court of competent jurisdiction and no such complaint shall be filed after the expiry of one year from the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed. Cognizance of offences. (2) No court inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Magistrate of the first class shall try any offence under this Act. 24. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or of any rule or order made thereunder. Protection of action taken in good faith. 25. The Central Government may give such directions as it may deem necessary to a State Government regarding the carrying into execution of the provisions of this Act and the State Government shall comply with such directions. Power of Central Government to give directions. 26. If the appropriate Government is satisfied that having regard to an establishment or a class of establishments providing for the grant of benefits which are not less favourable than those provided in this Act, it is necessary so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt, subject to such conditions and restrictions, if any, as may be specified in the notification, the establishment or class of establishments from the operation of all or any of the provisions of this Act or of any rule made thereunder. Power to exempt establishments. 27. (1) The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law or in the terms of any award, agreement or contract of service, whether made before or after the coming into force of this Act: Effect of laws and agreements inconsistent with this Act. Provided that where under any such award, agreement, contract of service or otherwise, a person is entitled to benefits in respect of any matter which are more favourable to him or her than those to which she would be entitled under this Act, the person shall continue to be entitled to the more favourable benefits in respect of that matter, notwithstanding that he or she is entitled to receive benefits in respect of other matters under this Act. (2) Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to preclude a person from entering into an agreement with his or her employer for granting him or her rights or privileges in respect of any matter which are more favourable to her than those to which he or she would be entitled under this Act. 28. (1) The appropriate Government may, subject to the condition of previous publication and by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Power to make rules. (2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for— (a) the preparation and maintenance of registers, records and muster-rolls; (b) the exercise of powers including the inspection of establishments and the performance of duties by Inspectors for the purposes of this Act; (c) the method of payment of maternity benefit and other benefits under this Act in so far as provision has not been made therefor in this Act; (d) the form of notices under section 6; (e) the nature of proof required under the provisions of this Act; (f) acts which may constitute gross misconduct for purposes of section 12; (g) the authority to which an appeal under clause (b) of sub section (2) of section 12 shall lie; the form and manner in which such appeal may be made and the procedure to be followed in disposal thereof; (h) the authority to which an appeal shall lie against the decision of the Inspector under section 17; the form and manner in which such appeal may be made and the procedure to be followed in disposal thereof; (i) the form and manner in which complaints may be made to Inspectors under sub-section (1) of section 17 and the procedure to be followed by them when making inquiries or causing inquiries to be made under sub-section (2) of that section; (j) any other matter which is to be, or may be, prescribed. (3) Every rule made by the Central Government under this section shall be laid as soon as may be