PRS Legislative News Alert

February 1 - 15, 2009

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Latest from PRS


Parliament Session Alert: Budget 2009
Likely agenda during Budget session.

Legislative Brief:  The Right of Children To Free and Compulsory Education Bill, 2008
The Bill ensures  the right to free and compulsory elementary education  in a neighbourhood school.

Vital Stats: Vote on Account
A background on Vote on Account in Parliament.


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
Aug 16 - 31, 2008
Sep 1 - 15, 2008
Sep 16 - 30, 2008
Oct 1 - 15, 2008
Oct 16 - 31, 2008
Nov 1 - 15, 2008
Nov 16 - 30, 2008
Dec 1 - 15, 2008
Dec 16 - 31, 2008
Jan 1 - 15, 2009
Jan 16 - 31, 2009







Important Legislative News

IT Amendment Bill soft on cyber criminals: Assocham
Business Standard, Feb 4

The Information Technology Amendment Bill, 2008 was passed by Parliament.  The Assocham believes that the Bill has several issues that were not addressed before it was passed.  For example, it states that the Bill does address spam issues and is lenient towards cyber criminals.

Foreign Varsities won’t make it any time soon
Indian Express, Feb 7

The Foreign Education Providers (Regulation for Entry and Operation) Bill has been shelved by the UPA Government.  The Bill would have permitted Ivy League institutions to set up educational centres in India.

Govt wants to push through EOC Bill before polls
Indian Express, Feb 8


The UPA Government intends to bring the Equal Opportunities Commission Bill in the upcoming session of Parliament.  The Bill is based on some recommendations of the Sachar Committee.

New Companies Bill likely to see strong auditing regulations
Business Standard, Feb 10

The Companies Bill, 2008 allows the centre to prepare the auditing standards for companies.  Currently, there is no provision for auditing standards and it is the responsibility of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India to decide both the auditing and accounting standards.  

Cabinet: Nod for changes in Industrial Disputes Act
Live Mint, Feb 11

The Union cabinet approved amendment to the Industrial Dispute Act, which will make it mandatory for industrial establishments to set up grievance redressal cells. 

Budget Session of Parliament begins
Indian Express, Feb 12

During the Budget session, the Interim Railway Budget will be presented in the Lok Sabha on Feb 13.  The Interim General Budget will be presented on Feb 16. The session will provide 10 sittings spread over a period of 15 days.

Cabinet clears changes to money laundering Act
Indian Express, Feb 12

Home Minister P Chidambaram said the Cabinet cleared some amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.  This would facilitate India’s entry into the Financial Action Task Force, an inter-governmental body to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

Budget session may not feature reform Bills
Live Mint, Feb 12

The United Progressive Alliance government indicated it will keep the proposed reform legislations, including the insurance and banking regulation Bills, off its agenda in the budget session of 2009.

What’s listed this Parliamentary session
Indian Express, Feb 13

In the last session of the 14th Lok Sabha, 78 Bills are pending.  The Bills likely to be passed this session include the SC and ST (Reservation in Posts and Services) Bill, the CISF Amendment Bill, The Prevention of Corruption Amendment Bill and the Seeds Bill.