PRS Legislative News Alert

August 16 - 31, 2008

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Latest from PRS
Vital Stats: Women in Parliament and State Legislatures
Data on women MPs and MLAs.

Legislative Brief: The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2008
The Bill creates a fund and an authority to manage the money collected as compensation for diverted forest land.







Previous Alerts

April 1 - 15, 2008
April 16 - 30, 2008
May 1 - 15, 2008
May 16 - 31, 2008
June 1 - 15, 2008
June 16 - 30, 2008
July 1 - 15, 2008
July 16 - 31, 2008
Aug 1 - 15, 2008

Important Legislative News

Trade laws to spell out N-controls, end licences
Financial Express, Aug 18


As part of the government’s commitments in the draft Nuclear Supplier Group agreement, the Ministry of Commerce has finalised changes to the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 by tightening norms on trade in items meant for dual use (military and civilian).  

Unorganised Sector Workers’ Bill
PIB, Aug 21


The Cabinet gave its approval for implementation of the Unorganized Sector Workers’ Social Security Bill, 2008 by making amendments to the 2007 Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha.

Legislation on royalty for scientists to get legal teeth
Hindu, Aug 24


The Law Ministry suggested addition of penal clauses to the Public Funded R&D (Protection, Utilisation and Regulation of Intellectual Property) Bill, 2007 which aims to empower state-funded institutions to commercialise their research. 

Centre plans body to promote research
Indian Express, Aug 25


The government plans to introduce legislation that would accord autonomous status to the National Science and Engineering Research Board, which will help fund quality research facilities across universities and institutes in the country.

Govt to strengthen benami transactions prohibition act
Economic Times, Aug 25


The government is considering amending the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988.  The proposed amendments seek to redefine a benami property as one belonging to a non-existent person without known sources of income.

LS session from Oct 17
Indian Express, Aug 27

The government decided to hold the next session of Parliament from October 17 to November 21. The next Lok Sabha election now looks set to be held in February or April next year. 

Govt approves amendment to Indian Plantation Labour Act
Business Standard, Aug 29

The Cabinet approved amendments to the Plantation Labour Act, 1951.  The amendment proposes a variety of measures to provide mechanisms for safety, health and wealth for plantation workers in the country.   

Companies Bill looks to unlock corporate India with its magic keys
Indian Express, Aug 30

The Companies Bill is likely to be introduced in the forthcoming session of Parliament.  The Bill envisages a new entity in the form of one-person company, while empowering the government to provide a simpler compliance regime for small companies. 

Govt approves changes to airport tariff regulator Bill
Business Standard, Aug 30

The government approved amendments to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Bill, 2007, which was introduced in Parliament last year and referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture.