PRS Legislative News Alert

June 1 - 15, 2008

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Important Legislative News



Coal Ministry finalising blueprint for regulator
Indian Express, June 2
 


The government plans to introduce a Bill to constitute a regulator for the coal sector to ensure its fair growth and enable the sector meet future challenges.


Govt planning autonomous body to regulate GM crop development
Financial Express, June 2


The government plans to set up an autonomous body to regulate the development and release of genetically modified crops and other products. A Bill to set up the authority has been drafted by the ministry.

Bill amendment seeks to punish sex workers’ clients
Hindustan Times, June 3


A group of ministers headed by Home Minister Shivraj Patil approved an amendment to the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act, 1956 giving power to police to book clients of victims for sexual exploitation.

Money laundering Act to cover casinos, credit cards
Economic Times, June 6


The Union Cabinet gave its approval for introduction of Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, 2008 in Parliament.  It aims to bring casinos, credit cards and money changers under the ambit of the law.

Congress keen on early passage of Women’s Reservation Bill
Hindu, June 10


The Congress hopes to achieve an all-party consensus on the Women’s Reservation Bill to ensure its passage.  The All India Congress Committee decided to present its views to the Standing Committee examining the Bill.

Manufacturing policy report to be ready by month-end
Financial Express, June 11

The Prime Minister-chaired high-level committee is expected to finalise its report on the manufacturing sector by end of June detailing the blueprint to strengthen the sector.


Ordinance to use ESI for RSBY on the cards
Indian Express, June 12

The government plans to introduce an Ordinance that would enable the beneficiaries of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana to use the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation as service provider.


Nine more entries in hazardous list under Child Labour Act
Indian Express, June 13

The Ministry of Labour plans to amend the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 to include eight other hazardous processes to the list of 72 processes and occupations which are prohibited under the Act.