Highlights of this Issue
Monsoon session 2020 of Parliament held; 25 Bills passed
Bills passed in the session include three Bills related to agriculture trade and contract farming, three labour Codes that consolidate and replace 25 Acts, and an amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010.
20 Bills introduced in Parliament during Monsoon session
These include the Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020, the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020, and the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020.
First supplementary Demands for Grants for 2020-21 passed by Parliament
The first Supplementary Demands propose an incremental cash outgo of Rs 1,66,984 crore, an increase of 5.5% in expenditure over the Rs 30,42,230 crore approved in the 2020-21 budget.
National lockdown extended till October 31 with several relaxations
Only essential activities will be permitted in containment zones. Restrictions on opening of schools, theatres, and large-scale congregations to be eased from October 15, subject to certain conditions.
Draft regulatory guidelines for development of vaccines released
These guidelines aim to ensure consistent and safe manufacturing of vaccines with a focus on COVID-19 vaccine. It specifies procedures and minimum requirements for trial, safety assessment, manufacturing, testing, and delivery.
Current account surplus at 3.9% of GDP during the first quarter of 2020-21
Current account balance in the first quarter of 2020-21 recorded a surplus of USD 19.8 billion (3.9% of GDP) as compared to a current account deficit of USD 15 billion (2.1% of GDP) in the first quarter of 2019-20.
FDI policy in defence amended to permit FDI up to 74% under automatic route
The policy allows 100% FDI in defence with up to 74% allowed under the automatic route for investment in companies seeking new licenses. FDI beyond 74% requires government approval. Earlier, this limit was 49%.
Defence Acquisition Procedure, 2020 released
The Defence Acquisition Procedure revises the Defence Procurement Procedure, 2016. It adds a new category for acquisition, and increases the indigenous content requirement for various categories of acquisition.
Standing Committee submits report on virtual courts
Recommendations include: (i) continuing the virtual court system on an experimental basis with consent of parties, and (ii) ultimately implementing a full-fledged virtual court system on a pilot basis through a consultative process.
Standing Committee on Finance submits report on financing for startups
The Committee recommended ways to expand financing for startups such as abolition of long-term capital gains tax on investment in startups and allowing insurance companies and banks to channelise investment in startups.
Guidelines to regulate and control groundwater extraction notified
The guidelines exempt domestic consumers, rural drinking water schemes, armed forces, farmers, and micro and small enterprises drawing water up to certain a limit from the requirement of a no objection certificate.
TRAI releases guidelines on OTT communication and cloud computing services
TRAI recommended that there should be no regulatory intervention on over-the-top (OTT) communication services at the moment. It also provided its recommendations on the industry body of cloud computing service providers.
Parliament
Prachi Kaur (prachi@prsindia.org)
Monsoon Session 2020 of Parliament held
The Monsoon session of Parliament was held from September 14, 2020 to September 23, 2020.[1] Arrangements were made in both the Houses to ensure physical distancing protocols owing to the Coronavirus pandemic. During the session, Parliament functioned in two parts with one House sitting in the morning and the other sitting in the afternoon.1 The session was curtailed by eight days because of the public health emergency and several MPs getting infected with COVID-19.1
During this session, 20 Bills were introduced (excluding the Appropriation Bills).[2] Of these, 11 were to replace Ordinances.
25 Bills were passed by Parliament (excluding the Appropriation Bills).2 These include three Bills related to agriculture trade and contract farming, the three labour Codes on Social Security, Industrial Relations, and Occupational Safety, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020, the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020, and the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2019.2 Of the 20 Bills introduced, 17 Bills (85%) were passed within this session.2
For more details on legislative business taken up during the Monsoon Session 2020, please see here. For details on the functioning of Parliament during the session, please see here.
COVID-19
As of September 30, 2020, there were 62,25,763 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India.[3] Of these, 51,87,825 had been cured/discharged and 97,497 persons had died.3 For details on the number of daily cases in the country and across states, please see here.
With the spread of COVID-19, the central government has announced several policy decisions to contain the spread, and financial measures to support citizens and businesses who would get affected. For details on the major notifications released by centre and the states, please see here. Key announcements made in this regard in September 2020 are as follows.
Lockdown extended till October 31 with additional relaxations
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
To contain the spread of COVID-19, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had imposed a 21-day national lockdown in March.[4] Since then, the lockdown has been extended eight times, with the latest extension till October 31, 2020.[5] The lockdown will continue to remain in force in containment zones, demarcated on the basis of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). In such zones, movement will only be permitted for medical emergencies and for supply of essential goods and services.
States are not permitted to impose local lockdown outside the containment zones without prior consultation with the central government. In areas outside containment zones, only certain activities will remain prohibited, with provisions for their phased resumption.
First, states may decide to re-open educational institutions and coaching institutions after October 15, 2020 in a graded manner, and in consultation with school/institution management. This will be subject to certain conditions such as: (i) online/distance learning must continue to be the preferred mode of learning, and (ii) students may attend schools/institutions with written consent of parents. Further, research scholars and postgraduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory or experimental works may access their institutes from October 15, 2020 based on satisfaction of the Head of Institution (for centrally funded institutions) and based on state government decision for all other institutions.
Second, the following activities will be allowed to re-open from October 15, 2020: (i) swimming pools used for training of sportspersons, based on standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, (ii) cinemas, theatres and multiplexes up to 50% capacity in areas outside containment zones based on SOPs issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and (iii) entertainment parks and similar places based on SOPs issued by MoHFW.
Third, social, academic, political and other large-scale congregations beyond 100 persons will be permitted from October 15, 2020 in areas outside containment zones subject to: (i) maximum 50% capacity with a ceiling of 200 persons in closed spaces, and (ii) assessment of the size of the ground/space and other social distancing measures in open spaces. State governments will issue detailed SOPs in this regard.
Fourth, international travel will be prohibited, unless permitted by Ministry of Home Affairs. Travel by trains, domestic air travel, and international movement will continue to be regulated by SOPs issued in this regard. Further, no restriction may be imposed on intra-state and inter-state movement of persons and goods including those for land-border trade with neighbouring countries (based on treaties).
The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[6] It amends the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. The Act provides for the prevention of the spread of dangerous epidemic diseases. The Bill replaces an Ordinance which amends the Act to provide for protection for healthcare personnel from acts of violence. It also penalises any action that causes damage to property, in which a healthcare service personnel has direct interest, in relation to the epidemic.[7],[8]
For a PRS Bill Summary, see here.
Parliament passed the Bill to amend taxation laws and relax certain provisions
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[9] It replaces the Ordinance promulgated in March 2020.[10] The Bill provides certain compliance-related relaxations under tax laws such as the Income Tax Act, 1961 (IT Act). These relaxations have been provided in view of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bill extends various deadlines including those for filing returns and claiming deductions under the IT Act. It also allows the central government to extend the deadlines for various GST-related compliances and actions under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.
For more details on the Bill, please see here.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
Saket Surya (saket@prsindia.org)
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[11] It replaces the Ordinance promulgated on June 5, 2020 to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.[12] The Code provides a time-bound process for resolving insolvency in companies and among individuals. Insolvency is a situation where individuals or companies are unable to repay their outstanding debt. The Bill seeks to temporarily suspend initiation of the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) for defaults that occur for a period of six months from March 25, 2020. It allows the central government to extend this period by six months.
For an analysis of the Bill, see here.
Suspension period extended by three months
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified an extension in the suspension of CIRP under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Second Amendment) Act, 2020 for a further period of three months from September 25, 2020.[13]
Bills to reduce salaries and entitlements of MPs and Ministers passed by Parliament
Prachi Kaur (prachi@prsindia.org)
Parliament passed two Bills to amend Acts which provide for the salaries and emoluments of MPs and Ministers.[14],[15] These Bills replace Ordinances which were promulgated in April 2020. They reduce the salary (one lakh rupees per month) of MPs by 30% for one year. There is also a reduction of 30% in the sumptuary allowance of Ministers (meant for official entertainment of visitors, which was Rs 3,000 per month for the Prime Minister, Rs 2,000 per month for cabinet ministers, and Rs 1,000 per month for ministers of state).14,15
For an analysis of the Bills, please see here.
Draft regulatory guidelines for development of vaccines released
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) released draft regulatory guidelines on development of vaccines, with a special focus on COVID-19 vaccines.[16] The guidelines seek to ensure: (i) that vaccines are well-characterised and manufactured consistently, (ii) the stability of vaccines in storage and throughout its shelf-life, (iii) data generation to measure immune response, (iv) conducting clinical trials to establish safety, and (v) assessment of adverse effects following immunisation and vaccination. Key features of the guidelines include:
Comments on the draft guidelines are invited by October 12, 2020.[17]
Insurance for health workers under PMGKP extended by six months
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The government has extended the insurance scheme for health workers under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP). The Scheme was announced in March 2020 for a period of 90 days.[18] The government has now extended the scheme by six months, till December 2020.[19]
Under the Scheme, insurance cover of up to Rs 50 lakh is provided to 22 lakh healthcare providers, including private hospital staff engaged in responsibilities related to the COVID-19 pandemic.[20] The insurance provided is over and above any other insurance cover being availed by the beneficiary and does not require any additional registration. The premium for the Scheme is borne by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Advisory guidelines for migrant workers returning to destination states issued
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Labour and Employment issued advisory guidelines to state governments for welfare of migrant workers returning to destination states during COVID-19.[21] These guidelines include:
Limits for spending under State Disaster Response Fund specified
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Disaster Management Act, 2005, mandates the creation of State Disaster Response Funds to manage disasters. The Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed states to spend up to 50% of the funds lying in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to contain COVID-19.[22] This limit was previously set at 35%.[23]
The permission applies towards expenditure on: (i) quarantine, sample collection and screening facilities, and (ii) procurement of essential equipment/labs for COVID-19.
Report of the Expert Committee on Resolution Framework for COVID-related Stress released
Madhunika Iyer (madhunika@prsindia.org)
An Expert Committee (Chair: K. V. Kamath), constituted to make recommendations related to the Resolution Framework for COVID-related Stress, submitted its Report to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).[24] The Resolution Framework was released by RBI in August 2020.[25]
The Framework provides a special window for resolution of borrower stress caused by COVID-19. Borrower accounts that were standard (not overdue or overdue for less than 30 days) on March 1, 2020 are eligible to restructure their loan (by implementing a resolution plan) without triggering a downgrade in asset classification. The Framework must be invoked by December 31, 2020. Separate frameworks have been provided for personal and non-personal loans.
The Committee was constituted to identify sector-wise financial parameters to be used in assessment of a resolution plan for non-personal borrowers. The Committee was also asked to evaluate resolution plans involving borrowers with total exposure of Rs 1,500 crore and above.
The Committee identified five financial ratios related to solvency, liquidity, and coverage for assessment of resolution plans. Solvency ratios (such as total debt to earnings before interest, depreciation and tax ratio) denote the ability of a company to meet long-term financial obligations. Liquidity ratio or current ratio denotes the ability to meet short-term obligations. Coverage ratio (such as debt service coverage ratio) denotes the extent to which cash flow can cover debt payments (in a given time period).
The Committee selected 26 sectors, including power, construction, and real estate, and recommended sector-specific values for the financial ratios to be used to assess whether resolution plans may be undertaken for certain borrowers. For example, in the construction sector, resolution plans may be considered for those borrowers whose financial performance is projected to be such that the total debt/EBIDTA ratio will be four or less by 2021-22 and debt service coverage ratio will be one or more by 2022-23 (among other parameter thresholds).
For sectors where thresholds have not been specified: (i) lenders can make their own assessment regarding the solvency ratios, (ii) the current ratio and debt service coverage ratio should be one or more, and (iii) average debt service coverage ratio should be 1.2 or above.
Extension of time for companies to hold the Annual General Meeting for 2019-20
Madhunika Iyer (madhunika@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) extended the deadline for companies to hold the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2019-20 from September 30 to December 31, 2020.[26] This is applicable for companies whose financial year ended on March 31, 2020.
In April, MCA had allowed companies whose financial year ended on December 31, 2019 to hold the AGM by September 30, 2020, an extension of three months.[27]
UGC issues revised academic calendar for universities in view of COVID-19
Anurag Vaishnav (anurag@prsindia.org)
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a revised academic calendar for first year students for the academic year 2020-21 in view of the prevailing situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[28] In view of the pandemic, UGC had initially issued guidelines in April 2020 proposing commencement of classes for first year students from September 1, 2020. According to the revised calendar, classes for first year students may commence from November 1, 2020. The following calendar is suggested for first year students for the academic session 2020-21.
Table 1: Academic calendar for 2020-21
Particular |
Date |
Admission process to be completed |
October 31, 2020 |
Commencement of classes |
November 1, 2020 |
Conduct of examinations |
March 8-March 26 2021 |
Semester break |
March 27 – April 4 2021 |
Commencement of classes for even semester |
May 5, 2021 |
Conduct of examinations |
August 9 – August 21, 2021 |
Next academic session begins |
August 30, 2021 |
Students cancelling their admission till November 30, 2020 should get full refund on the deposited fees. Post this period, a processing fee of up to Rs 1,000 may be charged for cancellations up to December 31, 2020.
To expedite the admission process, universities may give provisional admission and the relevant documents for qualifying examinations can be collected later (till December 31, 2020). Further, they may follow a six-day week pattern in the academic sessions 2020-21 and 2021-22, and reduce session breaks to compensate for the loss of time. Note that the universities may alter these guidelines to deal with particular situations as they see fit.
Guidelines to resume metro operations in graded manner released
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for metro rail operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.[29] This is following the order to allow metro rails to operate from September 7, 2020 in a graded manner.[30] Metro rail operations were halted in March when a national lockdown was imposed under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.[31] Key features of the SOP include:
Based on this, the Delhi, Noida, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Gujarat and Lucknow metro rail corporations have also prepared their SOPs.29 Of these metro operations have resumed in all cities, except for Gujarat and Kolkata.[32],[33],[34],[35],[36] The government of Maharashtra has decided not to resume metro operations before October, 2020.29
Indian Railways announces additional special trains
Saket Surya (saket@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Railways announced to run additional special trains including: (i) 40 pairs of special trains from September 12, and (ii) 20 pairs of special trains from September 21.[37].[38] These will be fully reserved trains. These are in addition to the 30 special Rajdhani type trains and 200 special mail express trains being run from May 12 and June 1, respectively.37 All regular passenger train services continue to remain suspended.
Guidelines for RT-PCR test at entry airports for international arriving passengers issued
Aditya Kumar (aditya@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued guidelines for facilitating real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test at airports for international passenger arrivals.[39] The facility will be provided on a pilot basis. At present, the passengers are required to take this test within 96 hours before starting their journey from abroad.[40] Passengers with a negative RT-PCR test result may be exempted from institutional quarantine.40
As per the guidelines, airport operators will have to create a sample collection-cum-waiting lounge for facilitating the RT-PCR tests. The airports will have to provide for online booking of the RT-PCR test.39 The sample collection and tests will have to be conducted as per the applicable protocols. The test results will be available within 1.5 hours to seven hours. During this time, the passport of passengers awaiting the test results will be retained by the authorised representative of the state authority. Airports will have to provide the passengers with option to wait in the lounge or to isolate themselves in designated hotels till they receive test results.39
Passengers with negative test report will be allowed to board the connecting flight. They will be stamped on hand as ‘RT-PCR negative’ and with applicable date of state quarantine.
Capacity limit of domestic flights increased to 60%
Aditya Kumar (aditya@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued an order to increase the capacity limit of domestic flights from 45% to 60% with effect from September 2, 2020.[41] The domestic flight operations had resumed partially in May 2020.[42]
Price of liquid medical oxygen and medical oxygen cylinders capped
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) capped the factory price of domestically produced liquid medical oxygen and medical oxygen cylinders for six months to ensure its continued availability throughout the country.[43] Previously, there was no price cap for liquid medical oxygen. The NPPA directive caps its price at Rs 15 per cubic metre. The price cap for medical oxygen cylinder has been revised from Rs 17 per cubic metre to Rs 26 per cubic metre (exclusive of GST), subject to transport costs at the state level. The existing rate for contracts with state governments for the purchase of oxygen will continue to apply.43
Macroeconomic Development
Madhunika Iyer (madhunika@prsindia.org)
Current account surplus at 3.9% of GDP during the first quarter of 2020-21
India’s current account balance in the first quarter (April-June) of 2020-21 recorded a surplus of USD 19.8 billion (3.9% of GDP) as compared to a deficit of USD 15 billion (2.1% of GDP) in the first quarter of 2019-20.[44] This was primarily driven by a steeper decline in imports relative to exports on a year-on-year basis.
The capital account captures transactions that change the asset/liability position of entities in India. Net inflow (inflow minus outflow) in the capital account fell from USD 29 billion (in Q1 2019-20) to USD 0.5 billion. This was primarily due to a fall in net inflow of foreign investment from USD 18.8 billion in Q1 of 2019-20 to USD 0.3 billion in Q1 of 2020-21.
Foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 19.8 billion in the first quarter of 2020-21 as compared to an increase of USD 14 billion in the first quarter of 2019-20.
Table 2: Balance of Payments, Q1 2020-21 (USD billion)
|
Q1 |
Q4 |
Q1 |
2019-20 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
|
Current Account |
-15.0 |
0.6 |
19.8 |
Capital Account |
28.6 |
17.4 |
0.5 |
Errors and Omissions |
0.4 |
0.9 |
-0.5 |
Change in reserves |
14.0 |
18.8 |
19.8 |
Sources: Reserve Bank of India; PRS.
Finance
First Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2020-21 passed by Parliament
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
The first Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2020-21 was passed by Parliament.[45] The first Supplementary Demands propose an incremental cash outgo of Rs 1,66,984 crore, an increase of 5.5% in expenditure over the Rs 30,42,230 crore approved in the 2020-21 budget. This additional amount will be spent on various areas, including:
In addition to the incremental cash outgo of Rs 1,66,984 crore, Parliament also approved a gross expenditure of Rs 68,869 crore under the first Supplementary Demands for Grants. This gross expenditure does not require any additional cash outgo from the Consolidated Fund and will be met through savings, or increased revenue and recoveries. The gross expenditure items include: (i) Rs 20,000 crore for recapitalisation of public sector banks, and (ii) Rs 13,000 crore for providing free gas cylinders to poor households for three months under the PM Ujjwala Yojana.
The Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
Madhunika Iyer (madhunika@prsindia.org)
The Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[46] It provides a legal framework for enforcement of netting of qualified financial contracts (derivatives contracts) and close-out netting arrangements. Key features of the Bill include:
For a PRS summary of the Bill, see here.
The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
Madhunika Iyer (madhunika@prsindia.org)
The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[47] It amends the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The Act regulates the functioning of banks on aspects such as licensing, management, and liquidation. The Bill replaces an Ordinance promulgated on June 26, 2020.[48] Key features of the Bill are:
For a PRS summary of the Bill, see here. For a PRS analysis of the Bill, please see here.
The Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill introduced in Lok Sabha
Anurag Vaishnav (anurag@prsindia.org)
The Factoring Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was introduced in Lok Sabha.[49] The Bill seeks to amend the Factoring Regulation Act, 2011 to widen the scope of entities which can engage in factoring business. Under the Factoring Regulation Act, 2011, factoring business is a business where an entity (referred as factor) acquires the receivables of another entity (referred as assignor) for an amount. Receivables is the total amount that is owed or yet to be paid by the customers (referred as the debtors) to the assignor for the use of any goods, services or facility. Factor can be a bank, a registered non-banking financial company or any company registered under the Companies Act. Key provisions of the Bill include:
The Bill has been referred to the Standing Committee on Finance, and the Committee is expected to submit its report by December 2020.[50] For a PRS summary of the Bill, see here.
Standing Committee on Finance submits report on financing the startup ecosystem
Madhunika Iyer (madhunika@prsindia.org)
The Standing Committee on Finance (Chair: Mr. Jayant Sinha) submitted its report on Financing the Startup Ecosystem.[51] The Committee recommended changes in taxation and other regulation to broaden avenues for investment in startups and improve domestic investor participation. Key recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS summary of the report, see here.
Working Group Report on formation of a pandemic risk pool released
Madhunika Iyer (madhunika@prsindia.org)
The Working Group on formation of an Indian Pandemic Risk Pool (Chair: Mr. Suresh Mathur) submitted its report to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).[54] The Working Group was constituted by IRDAI in July 2020 to study the need for a pandemic risk pool and to recommend the structure of such risk pool.[55] Risk pool is a form of risk management for insurers where participating entities pool their resources and claims against insurers are paid out of the pool. Key recommendations of the Group include:
Labour
Occupational safety, Health and Working Conditions Code passed by Parliament
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[56] The Code consolidates 13 existing Acts regulating health, safety, and working conditions. These include the Factories Act, 1948, the Mines Act, 1952, and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. Key features of the Code include:
For a summary of the Bill, see here. For PRS analysis of the three labour Codes, see here.
Industrial Relations Code, 2020 passed by Parliament
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[57] It replaces three labour laws: (i) the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, (ii) the Trade Unions Act, 1926, and (iii) the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946. Key features of the Code include:
For a summary of the Bill, see here. For PRS analysis of the three labour Codes, see here.
Code on Social Security, 2020 passed by Parliament
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Code on Social Security, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[58] It replaces nine laws related to social security, including the Employees’ Provident Fund Act, 1952 and the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Key features include:
For a summary of the Bill, see here. For PRS analysis of the three labour Codes, see here.
Agriculture
Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[59] The Bill replaces the Ordinance promulgated in June 2020.[60] It seeks to allow trade of farmers’ produce outside the physical premises of the markets notified under the various state Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) laws. It will prevail over the APMC Acts in the area outside such markets.
To trade in scheduled farmers’ produce, an entity must be either: a farmer, a farmer producer organisation, an agricultural cooperative society, or a trader with a PAN card. The Bill prohibits state governments and APMCs from levying any market fee, cess, or other charge on such trade.
For a summary of the Bill, see here. For PRS analysis of the three agriculture Bills, see here.
Bill providing a framework for engaging in contract farming passed by Parliament
Aditya Kumar (aditya@prsindia.org)
The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[61] It replaces the Ordinance promulgated in June 2020. The Bill provides a framework for farmers to engage in contract farming, i.e. farming as per an agreement with the buyer before sowing, under which farmer sells produce to the buyer at a pre-determined price.
For more details on the Bill, see here. For PRS analysis of the three agriculture Bills, see here.
The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
Saket Surya (saket@prsindia.org)
The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[62] The Bill replaces the Ordinance promulgated on June 5, 2020 to amend the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.[63] The Act empowers the central government to control the production, supply, distribution, storage, and trade of essential commodities.
The Bill provides that the central government can regulate the supply of certain food items (as may be notified), including cereals, pulses, potato, onions, edible oilseeds, and oils, only under extraordinary circumstances such as war, famine, extraordinary price rise, and natural calamity of grave nature.
A stock limit may be imposed on agricultural produce only if there is: (i) a 100% increase in the retail price in case of horticultural produce, or (ii) a 50% increase in the retail price in case of non-perishable agricultural food items. Such stock limit will not apply to a processor or value chain participant if the stock held by such person is less than: (i) the overall ceiling of installed processing capacity, or (ii) demand for export in case of an exporter.
For more details on the Bill, see here. For PRS analysis of the three agriculture Bills, see here.
First advance estimates of production of crops released for Kharif season 2020-21
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare released the first advance estimates of production of foodgrains and commercial crops for the Kharif season 2020-21.[64] Table 3 gives a comparison of the first advance estimates for Kharif 2020-21 with the estimates for Kharif 2019-20. Following are some of the highlights:
Table 3: First advance estimates (AE) of production in Kharif 2020-21 (million tonnes)
Crop |
4th AE Kharif 2019-20 |
1st AE Kharif 2020-21 |
Change over 2019-20 |
Foodgrains (A+B) |
143.4 |
144.5 |
0.8% |
A. Cereals |
135.7 |
135.2 |
-0.3% |
Rice |
102.0 |
102.4 |
0.4% |
Coarse Cereals |
33.7 |
32.8 |
-2.5% |
B. Pulses |
7.7 |
9.3 |
20.6% |
Tur |
3.8 |
4.0 |
5.5% |
Urad |
1.3 |
2.2 |
65.4% |
Moong |
1.8 |
2.1 |
16.8% |
Oilseeds |
22.3 |
25.7 |
15.3% |
Soyabean |
11.2 |
13.6 |
21.1% |
Groundnut |
8.4 |
9.5 |
14.0% |
Cotton* |
35.5 |
37.1 |
4.6% |
Sugarcane |
355.7 |
399.8 |
12.4% |
*million bales of 170 kg each.
Sources: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; PRS.
Cabinet approves the Minimum Support Prices for Rabi crops for 2020-21
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
The Union Cabinet approved the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Rabi crops, that will be sown in 2020-21.[65] Table 4 shows the change in MSPs for the Rabi crops sown in 2020-21 as compared to 2019-20. The MSP for wheat has increased by 2.6% to Rs 1,975 per quintal. In comparison, most of the other Rabi crops see a higher increase in their MSP, as the government is aiming to encourage crop diversification.
Table 4: Change in the MSPs for Rabi crops (figures in Rs per quintal)
Crop |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
Change |
Wheat |
1,925 |
1,975 |
2.6% |
Barley |
1,525 |
1,600 |
4.9% |
Gram |
4,875 |
5,100 |
4.6% |
Lentil |
4,800 |
5,100 |
6.2% |
Rapeseed and Mustard |
4,425 |
4,650 |
5.1% |
Safflower |
5,215 |
5,327 |
2.2% |
Sources: Press Information Bureau; PRS.
Health and Family Welfare
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 introduced
Saket Surya (saket@prsindia.org)
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 was introduced in Lok Sabha.[66] It seeks to provide for the regulation of Assisted Reproductive Technology services. Key features of the Bill include:
For a PRS summary of the Bill, see here.
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 passed
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament.[67] The Bill seeks to repeal the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970. Indian System of Medicine includes Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa systems of medicines. The Bill creates a framework for regulation of education and practice of these systems of medicine.
Key features of the Bill include:
For a PRS Bill Summary, see here.
The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[68] It amends the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 and replaces the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020.[69],[70] It provides that the Central Council will stand superseded from April 24, 2020 (date of promulgation of the Ordinance) for a maximum period of one year. In the interim period, the central government will constitute a Board of Governors, which will exercise the powers of the Central Council.
For a PRS Bill Summary, see here.
The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 passed
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. The Bill seeks to repeal the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973.[71] The Bill creates a framework for regulating education and practice of Homoeopathy. Its key features include:
For a PRS Bill Summary, see here.
The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[72] The Bill amends the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 and replaces the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020.[73], [74] The Act sets up the Central Council of Homoeopathy which regulates homoeopathic education and practice. The Bill amends the Act to increase the time period for the supersession of the Homoeopathy Central Council from two years to three years.
The provision for supersession was inserted through an amendment in 2018, in which the Council was superseded for one year.[75] This was further increased from one year to two years through an amendment in 2019.[76]
For a PRS Bill Summary, see here.
The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament.[77] Key features include:
For a PRS Bill Summary, see here.
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020 introduced in Parliament
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020 was introduced in Rajya Sabha.[78] The Bill seeks to regulate and standardise the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals. Key features of the Bill include:
For a PRS Bill Summary, see here.
Rules on food safety and standards for children in school notified
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the Food Safety and Standards (Safe food and balanced diets for children in school) Regulations, 2020.[79] The regulations provide for standards of safety of food served in schools.
As per the regulations, any school authority catering or serving meals itself must be registered as a Food Business Operator (FBO) with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or state food authorities. If it is in contract with any other FBO, it must also ensure that the other FBO is duly registered and licensed. School authorities must ensure that food products high in saturated fat, trans-fat, or added sugar or sodium are not sold on campus. They must advertise this restriction through a board at the entrance gate of the school.
Establishment of new AIIMS in Bihar approved by Cabinet
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The Cabinet approved the establishment of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Darbhanga, Bihar.[80] The total cost of establishment is estimated to be Rs 1,264 crore. Construction is estimated to be finished within 48 months from date of approval.
The new AIIMS will have the following facilities: (i) 100 MBBS and 60 Nursing seats, (ii) 15-20 super specialty departments, (iii) 750 hospital beds, and (iv) check-up facility to cater to 2,000 OPD patients (where patient is not admitted) and 1,000 IPD patients (where patient is admitted) per day.80
Home Affairs
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill passed by Parliament
Anurag Vaishnav (anurag@prsindia.org)
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[81] The Bill amends the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. The Act regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contribution by individuals, associations, and companies. Foreign contribution is the donation or transfer of any currency, security or article (of beyond a specified value) by a foreign source. Key provisions of the Bill include:
For a PRS summary of the Bill, see here.
National Forensic Sciences University Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The National Forensic Sciences University Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[82] Key features of the Bill include:
For a PRS summary of the Bill, see here.
Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[83] Key features include:
For a PRS summary of the Bill, see here.
Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[84] It seeks to declare certain languages as official languages of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
For a PRS summary of the Bill, see here.
Corporate Affairs
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[85] The Bill amends the Companies Act, 2013. Key features include:
For a PRS summary of the Bill, see here.
Education
Anurag Vaishnav (anurag@prsindia.org)
The Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
The Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[86] The Bill amends Indian Institutes of Information Technology Act, 2014 and the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Act, 2017. The 2017 Act declares certain Indian Institutes of Information Technology established under public-private partnership mode as institutions of national importance. Under the Act, 15 institutes are currently incorporated as institutions of national importance.
The Bill seeks to declare five Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) set up under the public-private partnership mode in Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala, and Raichur as institutions of national importance. Currently, these institutes are registered as Societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and do not have the power to grant degrees or diplomas. On being declared as institutions of national importance, the five institutes will be granted the power to grant degrees.
For a PRS Summary on the Bill, please see here.
UGC notifies regulations for open and distance learning, online programmes
The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.[87] The regulations lay down the minimum standards for grant of degrees or diploma through open and distance learning mode and online mode. Institutions may offer only those open and distance learning or online programmes which are being offered under the conventional mode of classroom teaching. The regulations provide:
Applications from higher education institutions for offering ODL and online courses are invited by October 15, 2020.[88]
Civil Aviation
Aditya Kumar (aditya@prsindia.org)
The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by Parliament.[89] It amends the Aircraft Act, 1934. The Act regulates the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of civil aircrafts, and licensing of aerodromes. Key provisions of the Bill include:
For a PRS summary of the Bill, see here.
Open sky policy for non-scheduled cargo flights updated
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) notified modifications in the open sky policy for non-scheduled cargo flights to and from India.[90] The policy is aimed at regulating operations of cargo flights. Key features of the policy include:
Law and Justice
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
Standing Committee submits report on virtual courts
The Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice (Chair: Mr. Bhupender Yadav) submitted its report on the functioning of virtual courts.[92] The Committee emphasised that there is a need to integrate virtual courts into the country's legal ecosystem. Key recommendations include:
For a PRS summary of the report, see here.
Social Justice and Empowerment
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 notified
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 were notified.[93] The Rules were notified under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. The Act provides for the welfare and protection of transgender persons. Key features of the Rules include the following:
Commerce and Industry
Madhunika Iyer (madhunika@prsindia.org)
FDI policy in defence amended to permit FDI up to 74% under automatic route
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified changes to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy for the defence sector.[94] The policy is applicable to companies in the sector that are subject to licensing under the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951 and the Arms Act, 1959. The policy permits 100% FDI in defence, with limits beyond which government approval is required. Key changes in the policy are:
The Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017 amended
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry amended the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017.[95] The amendment enhances preference for local suppliers in government procurement contracts. The 2017 Order classifies suppliers based on the amount of local content into: (i) Class-I local suppliers (50% or more), (ii) Class-II local suppliers (20%-50%), and (iii) non-local suppliers (less than 20%).[96] Local content is the amount of value added in India which is typically calculated as the difference between the total value of an item less the value of imported content (expressed as a percentage of total value). Key provisions of the amendment are:
Defence
Anurag Vaishnav (anurag@prsindia.org)
Defence Acquisition Procedure, 2020 released
The Ministry of Defence has released the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), 2020.[97],[98] The DAP governs the acquisition of weapons and equipment for India’s defence forces. The Ministry had released the draft DAP for public comments in July 2020.[99] The DAP 2020 supersedes the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016. It will come into effect from October 1, 2020 and be in force till September 30, 2025 or till reviewed. Its features include:
Table 5: Indigenous content requirement for different categories of acquisition
Category |
DPP-2016 |
DAP-2020 |
Buy (Indian-IDDM) |
40% or more |
50% or more |
Buy (Indian) |
40% or more |
50% or more (for indigenous design) |
Buy and Make (Indian) |
50% or more of ‘Make’ part |
50% or more of ‘Make’ part |
Buy and Make |
Not specified |
Category not present |
Buy (Global-Manufacture in India) |
Category not present |
50% or more |
Buy (Global) |
Not specified |
30% or more (for Indian vendor) |
Note: IC is the percent of cost of indigenous content (in design, development or manufacturing) of contract value. ‘Make’ part refers to manufacturing portion of the contract.
Categories: (i) Buy (Indian-IDDM) refers to the procurement of products from an Indian vendor that have been indigenously designed, developed and manufactured; (ii) Buy (Indian) refers to the procurement of products from an Indian vendor; (iii) Buy and Make (Indian) refers to an initial procurement of equipment from an Indian vendor in a tie-up with a foreign vendor, followed by transfer of technology; (iv) Buy and Make refers to an initial procurement of equipment from a foreign vendor, followed by transfer of technology; (v) Buy (Global-Manufacture in India) refers to a purchase from a foreign vendor where the 50% IC value can be achieved in ‘Make’ through a subsidiary of the vendor; and (vi) Buy (Global) refers to outright purchase of equipment from foreign or Indian vendors.
Personnel
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
Mission Karamyogi launched for civil services capacity building
The Union Cabinet approved the launch of a capacity-building scheme for members of the civil services called the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building.[102] The Programme will be delivered through a digital platform called iGOTKarmayogiPlatform.
The core guiding principles of the Programme include: (i) aligning work allocation of civil servants by matching their competencies to the requirements of the post, (ii) emphasising on 'on-site learning' to complement ‘off-site’ learning, and (iii) calibrating all Civil Service positions to a Framework of Roles, Activities and Competencies (FRACs) approach and to create and deliver learning content relevant to the identified FRACs in every government entity.
The Programme will be governed by: (i) the Prime Minister’s Human Resource (HR) Council, (ii) a Capacity Building Commission, (iii) a special purpose vehicle for owning and operating the digital assets and platform for online training, and (iv) a coordination unit headed by the Cabinet Secretary. The functions of the Capacity Building Commission include: (i) assisting the PM HR Council in approving annual capacity building plans, (ii) supervising central training institutions dealing with civil services capacity building, and (iii) setting norms for common mid-career training programmes across all civil services.
Besides capacity building, service matters like confirmation after probation period, deployment, work assignment and notification of vacancies are also proposed to be integrated with the competency framework.
Electronics and Information Technology
Saket Surya (saket@prsindia.org)
118 mobile apps banned on the grounds of national security and public order
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology banned 118 apps on the grounds that these pose a threat to the sovereignty, integrity, defence and security of the state, and public order.[103] These apps include PUBG Mobile Lite, Alipay, and Baidu. Use of these apps has been disallowed in both mobile and non-mobile internet-enabled devices. In June 2020, the Ministry had banned 59 mobile apps including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser, and Cam Scanner, on similar grounds.[104]
Communications
Saket Surya (saket@prsindia.org)
Recommendations on regulatory framework for OTT communication services released
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations on the regulatory framework for over-the-top (OTT) communication services.[105] OTT communication services include voice calling, video calling, and messaging over the internet. These services bypass the need for accessing corresponding services provided over the telecom network. Examples of such service providers include Skype, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. TRAI recommended that:
In 2015, TRAI had noted that OTT services are such that revenue realisation for Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) are solely from the increase of data usage of the internet-connected customers.[106] Carriage is separated from content in internet networks, enabling OTT content and application service providers to deal directly with end-users. OTT providers make use of the TSPs’ infrastructure to reach their customers and offer products and services that not only make money for them, but also compete with the traditional services offered by TSPs.105
In 2018, TRAI had invited comments on following key issues related to the regulation of OTT communication services: (i) whether OTT providers should be regarded similar to TSPs, (ii) whether there is a non-level playing field between OTT providers and TSPs, and (iii) regulatory norms for OTT providers including norms for privacy and security.105
Recommendations on the industry body of cloud computing service providers released
TRAI released its recommendations on the industry body of cloud computing service providers (CSPs).[107] Cloud computing refers to the delivery of on-demand computing resources such as data storage, computing power, system software, and application software. Rather than owning such resources, users rent or subscribe to these resources from a CSP.
As per TRAI’s earlier recommendations on the regulation of CSPs, all CSPs above a certain threshold must become a member of any registered industry body for cloud services and adhere to the code of conduct prescribed by such a body.107 This will enable self-regulation by the industry. In September 2019, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had sent a reference to TRAI seeking recommendations on the framework for the industry body of CSPs. DoT had sought recommendations on matters such as terms and conditions of registration, eligibility, entry fee, and governance structure. Key recommendations of TRAI include:
Power
Aditya Kumar (aditya@prsindia.org)
Draft Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 released
The Ministry of Power released the Draft Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020.[108] These have been issued under the Electricity Act, 2003. Key features of the Draft Rules include:
New and Renewable Energy
Aditya Kumar (aditya@prsindia.org)
Green Term Ahead Market launched
The Minister for New and Renewable Energy launched the Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) on September 1, 2020.[109] Term ahead market refers to the market platform where electricity can be traded on a term basis for a duration of up to 11 days in advance. GTAM will facilitate competitive prices and ensure transparency in the short-term procurement of renewable energy. Some of the features of the Market are:
Water Resources
Prachi Kaur (prachi@prsindia.org)
Guidelines to regulate and control groundwater extraction notified
The Ministry of Jal Shakti notified guidelines to regulate and control ground water extraction in the country.[110] These guidelines replace the 2018 guidelines which were struck down by the National Green Tribunal in 2019.110 The National Green Tribunal noted that the 2018 guidelines were unsustainable and would result in fast depletion of groundwater and damage to water bodies, if implemented.110 Key features of the new guidelines include:
Road Transport
Shruti Gupta (shruti@prsindia.org)
Central Motor Vehicles Rules amended to facilitate enforcement and maintenance of documents electronically
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Eleventh Amendment) Rules, 2020.[111] The Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 regulate the grant of licenses and permits, standards for motor vehicles, and prescribe penalties for violation of these provisions. Key features include:
The rules will come into force with effect from October 1, 2020.
Mandatory use of FASTag
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has provided a draft notification which proposes that FASTag be made mandatory for vehicles sold before 2017.[112] It also proposes that having a valid FASTag be made mandatory to get a third-party insurance through amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The draft notification will come to force on October 1, 2020, i.e. 30 days after its publication.
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system operated by the National Highway Authority of India. It was made mandatory for registration of new four-wheeler vehicles in 2017.[113]
[1] Vital Stats, Parliament functioning in Monsoon Session 2020, September 23, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/PRS_17LS_Monsoon_2020_Vital_Stats.pdf.
[2] Parliament Session Wrap, Monsoon Session – September 14, 2020 to September 23, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/Session%20wrap%20Monsoon%20Session%202020%2017th%20LS.pdf.
[3] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website, last accessed on March 31, 2020, https://www.mohfw.gov.in/index.html.
[4] Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A), Ministry of Home Affairs, March 24, 2020, https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAorder%20copy.pdf
[5] Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A), Ministry of Home Affairs, September 30, 2020, https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAOrderDt_30092020.pdf.
[6] The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, September 14, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/RSBillTexts/Asintroduced/Epidemic-As%20intro-E-14920.pdf.
[7] The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1897-03.pdf.
[8] The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, April 22, 2020, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/219108.pdf.
[9] The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020, as passed by Lok Sabha, September 19, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/PassedLoksabha/116-C_2020_LS_Eng.pdf.
[10] The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation of Certain Provisions) Ordinance, 2020, Gazette of India, Ministry of Law and Justice, March 31, 2020, http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/218979.pdf.
[11] The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/insolvency-and-bankruptcy-code-second-amendment-bill-2020.
[12] The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/IBC.pdf
[13] S.O. 3265 (E), Ministry of Corporate Affairs, September 24, 2020, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/221936.pdf.
[14] The Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/salary-allowances-and-pension-members-parliament-amendment-bill-2020.
[15] The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/salaries-and-allowances-ministers-amendment-bill-2020.
[16] Draft Regulatory Guidelines for Development of Vaccines With Special Consideration For Covid-19 Vaccine, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, September 21, 2020, https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/opencms/system/modules/CDSCO.WEB/elements/download_file_division.jsp?num_id=NjUwMA==.
[17] Notice on Information on draft regulatory guidelines for development of vaccines with special consideration for COVID-19 vaccines, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, September 21, 2020, https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/opencms/system/modules/CDSCO.WEB/elements/download_file_division.jsp?num_id=NjQ5OQ==.
[18] “Finance Minister announces Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against Corona Virus”, Ministry of Finance, March 26, 2020.
[19] “‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19’ extended for another 6 months”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, September 15, 2020.
[20] “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, March 29, 2020.
[21] “Advisory Guidelines to state governments for the welfare of migrant workers returning to destination states in the backdrop of COVID-19”, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
[22] “Items and norms of assistance under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for containment measures of COVID-19”, Ministry of Home Affairs, September 23, 2020, https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHALetterdt23092020.pdf.
[23] “Items and norms of assistance under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in the wake of COVID-19 Virus Outbreak”, Ministry of Home Affairs, July 14, 2020, https://www.ndmindia.nic.in/images/gallery/Items%20and%20%20norms%20(14.07.2020).PDF.
[24] Report of the Expert Committee on Resolution Framework for COVID-related Stress, Reserve Bank of India, September 4, 2020, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PublicationReport/Pdfs/EXPERTCOMMITTEED58A96778C5E4799AE0E3FCC13DC67F2.PDF.
[25] Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies, Reserve Bank of India, August 6, 2020, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR150332B938A0C7E4C64AE20D15EA85F8DB1.PDF.
[26] “General order for extension of time to hold AGM for FY 2019-20”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, September 8, 2020, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1652485.
[27] General Circular No. 18/2020, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, April 21, 2020, http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/Circular18_21042020.pdf.
[28] “UGC Guidelines on Academic Calendar for the First Year of Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Students of the Universities for the Session 2020-21 in View of COVID-19 Pandemic”, University Grants Commission, September 22, 2020, https://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/1019576_Guideline.pdf.
[29] “Metro Operations to Resume in a Graded Manner from 7th September 2020”, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Press Information Bureau, September 2, 2020.
[30] Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A), Ministry of Home Affairs, August 29, 2020, https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAOrder_Unloc k4_29082020.pdf.
[31] Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A), Ministry of Home Affairs, March 24, 2020, https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAorder%20copy.pdf
[32] “Graded Resumption of Delhi Metro Services From 7th September 2020 Onwards”, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, September 2, 2020, http://www.delhimetrorail.com/PressReleaseDocuments/PRESS-RELEASE-02092020.pdf.
[33] “NMRC to resume operations with 15 minutes frequency and reduced timings, passengers to follow social distancing”, NOIDA Metro Rail Corporation, September 2, 2020, http://nmrcnoida.com/Media/PressRelease02092020#:~:text=Metro%20services....
[34] Resumption of Chennai Metro Rail Services From 7th September 2020, Chennai Metro Rail Limited, September 3, 2020, https://chennaimetrorail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Press-Release-03-09-2020.pdf.
[35] BMRLC- Standard Operating Procedure, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited, September 3, 2020, https://english.bmrc.co.in/FileUploads/132df4_CareerFiles.pdf.
[36] “Metro Operations to resume from September 3, 2020, Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation Limited, http://transport.rajasthan.gov.in/content/dam/transport/metro/News/past%20news/Past%20News%202020/September%202020/Press%20release%20regarding%20metro%20operation%20%2003.09.2020.pdf.
[37] “Indian Railways to run additional 40 pairs of more special trains w.e.f. 12th September 2020”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways, September 5, 2020, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1651686.
[38] “Ministry of Railways announces 20 pairs of Clone Special trains from 21.09.2020”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways, September 15, 2020, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1654706.
[39] Office Memorandum – RT-PCR Testing at entry airports for the arriving international transfer passengers, Ministry of Civil Aviation, September 2, 2020, https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/OM_dated_02_09_2020_on_RT_PCR_testing_at_entry_airports.pdf.
[40] Guidelines for international arrivals, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, August 2, 2020, https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/RevisedguidelinesforInternationalArrivals02082020.pdf.pdf.
[41] Order No. 06/2020, Ministry of Civil Aviation, September 2, 2020, https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/DOC090220-09022020132609.pdf.
[42] Order No. 01/2020, Ministry of Civil Aviation, May 21, 2020, https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/DOC052220-05222020133918.pdf.
[43] “NPPA steps in to cap price of Liquid Medical Oxygen and Medical Oxygen cylinders”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, September 26, 2020.
[44] “Developments in India’s Balance of Payments during the First Quarter (April-June) of 2020-21”, Reserve Bank of India, September 30, 2020,
https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR410EF34F39D342E4AE2A1B1127CDA5BD744.PDF.
[45] First Supplementary Demands for Grants, 2020-21, Ministry of Finance, September 2020, https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/1st%20Batch%20of%20Syupl%20Demand%202020-2021_1.pdf.
[46] The Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020, Ministry of Finance, September 14, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Bilateral%20netting%20of%20qualified%20financial%20contracts%20bill%2C%202020.pdf.
[47] The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020, Ministry of Finance, September 16, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Banking%20Regulation%20Bill%2C%202020%20as%20passed%20by%20LS.pdf,
[48] The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, June 26, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Banking%20Regulation%20%28A%29%20Ordinance%2C%202020.pdf.
[49] The Factoring Regulation (Amendment Bill), 2020, Ministry of Finance, https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/factoring-regulation-amendment-bill-2020.
[50] No. 1719, Bulletin Part-II, Lok Sabha, September 25, 2020, http://164.100.47.193/bull2/2020/25.09.2020.pdf.
[51] The Standing Committee on Finance, 2019-20, 12th Report, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Finance/17_Finance_12.pdf.
[52] Circular No. PFRDA/2017/18/PF/2, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, May 4, 2017, https://www.pfrda.org.in/writereaddata/links/xyz123305fe622-0679-4127-a47a-483063aa70e2.pdf.
[53] Investments- Master Circular, IRDAI (Investment) Regulations, 2016, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, May 2, 2017, https://www.irdai.gov.in/ADMINCMS/cms/Circulars_Layout.aspx?page=PageNo3146&flag=1.
[54] The Report of the Working Group on formation of an Indian Pandemic Risk Pool, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, https://www.irdai.gov.in/ADMINCMS/cms/whatsNew_Layout.aspx?page=PageNo4242&flag=1.
[55] IRDAI/RI/ORD/MISC/182/07/2020, IRDAI, July 08, 2020, https://www.irdai.gov.in/ADMINCMS/cms/whatsNew_Layout.aspx?page=PageNo4181&flag=1.
[56] The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, as passed by Lok Sabha, September 22, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/PassedLoksabha/122-C_2020_LS_Eng.pdf.
[57] The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Industrial%20Relations%20Code%2C%202020.pdf.
[58] The Code on Social Security, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Code%20On%20Social%20Security%2C%202020.pdf.
[59] The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, as passed by Lok Sabha, September 17, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/PassedLoksabha/113_2020_LS_Eng.pdf.
[60] The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020, Gazette of India, Ministry of Law and Justice, June 5, 2020, http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/219745.pdf.
[61] The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, as passed by Lok Sabha, September 17, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/PassedLoksabha/Bill%20Farmers%20%20Empowermente%20(As%20passed_Eng).pdf.
[62] The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/essential-commodities-amendment-bill-2020.
[63] The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/ECA.pdf.
[64] First Advance Estimates of Production of Foodgrains and Commercial Crops for 2020-21, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, September 22, 2020, https://eands.dacnet.nic.in/Advance_Estimate/1st%20Adv.%20Estimates2020-21%20English.pdf.
[65] “Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi Crops for marketing season 2021-22”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, September 21, 2020.
[66] The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/assisted-reproductive-technology-regulation-bill-2020.
[67] The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, January 1, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/RSBillTexts/PassedRajyaSabha/NCIS-RSP-18320-E.pdf.
[68] The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, September 14, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/RSBillTexts/Asintroduced/Ind%20med%20cen%20council-As%20RS-E-14920.pdf.
[69] The Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970, http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1970-48_0.pdf.
[70] The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, April 24, 2020, http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/legislative_references/ORDINANCES%202020%20%2808.07.2020%29.pdf.
[71] The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2020, March 18, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/RSBillTexts/PassedRajyaSabha/National%20Com%20for%20Homoeopathy-18320-RS%20P-E.pdf.
[72] The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, September 14, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/RSBillTexts/Asintroduced/Hompathy%20council-As%20RS-E-14920.pdf.
[73] The Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973, http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1973-59.pdf.
[74] The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, April 24, 2020, http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/legislative_references/ORDINANCES%202020%20%2808.07.2020%29.pdf.
[75] The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018, July 23, 2018, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Homoeopathy%20Central%20Council%20%28Amendment%29%20Bill%2C%202018%20Bill%20Text.pdf.
[76] The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2019, June 21, 2019, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Homoeopathy%20Central%20Council%20%28Amendment%29%20Bill%2C%202019.pdf.
[77] The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, February 10, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/PassedLoksabha/33C_2020_LS_E.PDF.
[78] The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, September 15, 2020, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/RSBillTexts/Asintroduced/National%20com%20Allied-As%20RS-E-15920.pdf.
[79] Notification No 15(1)2016/School Children Regulation/Enf/FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, September 4, 2020, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/221559.pdf.
[80] “Cabinet approves establishment of new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Darbhanga, Bihar”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet, September 15, 2020.
[81] The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020, Ministry of Home Affairs, https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/foreign-contribution-regulation-amendment-bill-2020.
[82] The National Forensic Sciences University Bill, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/The%20National%20Forensic%20Sciences%20University%20Bill%2C%202020.pdf.
[83] The Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/The%20Rashtriya%20Raksha%20University%20Bill%2C%202020.pdf.
[84] The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/J%26K%20Language%20Bill.pdf.
[85] The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020, https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Companies%20%28Amendment%29%20Bill%2C%202020.pdf.
[86] The Indian Institute of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020, Ministry of Human Resource Development, https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/indian-institutes-information-technology-laws-amendment-bill-2020.
[87] Order No. F. 1-1/2020(DEB-I), Notification, University Grants Commission, September 4, 2020, https://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/221580.pdf.
[88] Invitation of Proposals from HEIs for recognition of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes from 2020-21 and onwards, Public Notice, University Grants Commission, September 23, 2020, https://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/7556893_1.pdf.
[89] The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020, as passed by the houses of Parliament, http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/PassedBothHouses/Aircraft-BH-15920.pdf.
[90] AIC 33/2020 - Open sky policy for non-scheduled cargo flights to/from India, Director General of Civil Aviation, September 17, 2020, https://dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/Upload?flag=iframeAttachView&attachId...
[91] AIC 18/1992 – Open sky policy for cargo flights from India, Director General of Civil Aviation, May 11, 1992, http://164.100.60.133/aic/aic18_92.pdf.
[92] “Report No. 103: Functioning of Virtual Courts/Court Proceedings through Video Conferencing”, Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, Rajya Sabha, September 11, 2020, https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/Committee_site/Committee_File/ReportFile/18/125/103_2020_9_16.pdf.
[93] The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, September 29, 2020, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/222096.pdf.
[94] Press Note No. 4 (2020 Series), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, https://dipp.gov.in/sites/default/files/pn4-2020_0.PDF.
[95] Order No. P-45021/2/2017-PP (BE-II), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, September 16, 2020, https://dipp.gov.in/sites/default/files/PPP%20MII%20Order%20dated%2016%2009%202020.pdf.
[96] Order No. P-45021/2/2017-PP (BE-II), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, June 4, 2020, https://dipp.gov.in/sites/default/files/PPP%20MII%20Order%20dated%204th%20June%202020.pdf.
[97] “Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh unveils Defence Acquisition Procedure – 2020”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence, September 28, 2020.
[98] Defence Acquisition Procedure, 2020, Ministry of Defence, September 30, 2020, https://www.mod.gov.in/dod/sites/default/files/DAP2030new_0.pdf.
[99] Draft Defence Acquisition Policy, 2020, Ministry of Defence, July 27, 2020, https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/Amend270720.pdf.
[100] Defence Procurement Procedure, 2016, Ministry of Defence, April 2016, https://www.mod.gov.in/dod/sites/default/files/UVDPP201611119.pdf.
[101] “MoD's big push to Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative; Import embargo on 101 items beyond given timelines to boost indigenisation of defence production”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence, August 9, 2020.
[102] “Cabinet approves “Mission Karmayogi” – National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)”, September 2, 2020, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension.
[103] “Government Blocks 118 mobile apps which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, September 2, 2020, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1650669.
[104] “Government Bans 59 mobile apps which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, June 29, 2020, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1635206.
[105] “Regulatory Framework for Over-the-top (OTT) services Recommendations on Regulatory Framework for Over-The-Top (OTT) Communication Services”, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, September 14, 2020, https://trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Recommendation_14092020_0.pdf.
[106] “Consultation Paper on Regulatory Framework for Over-the-top (OTT) services”, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, March 27, 2015, https://trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/OTT-CP-27032015.pdf.
[107] “Recommendations on Cloud Services”, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, September 14, 2020, https://trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Recommendations_CS_14092020_0.pdf.
[108] ‘Draft Electricity (Right of Consumers) Rules, 2020, Ministry of Power, September 9, 2020, https://powermin.nic.in/sites/default/files/webform/notices/Draft_Electricity_Rights_of_Consumers_Rules_2020.pdf.
[109] “Union Power Minister launches Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) in electricity through video conferencing”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, September 1, 2020.
[110] S.O. 3289(E), Guidelines to regulate and control ground water extraction in India, Ministry of Jal Shakti, September 24, 2020, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/221952.pdf.
[111] The Central Motor Vehicles (Eleventh Amendment) Rules, 2020, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, September 25, 2020, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/222018.pdf.
[112] “Promotion of Digital and IT based payment of fees through FASTag”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, September 3, 2020.
[113] Notification No GSR 541 (E), Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, September 1, 2020, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/221521.pdf.
DISCLAIMER: This document is being furnished to you for your information. You may choose to reproduce or redistribute this report for non-commercial purposes in part or in full to any other person with due acknowledgement of PRS Legislative Research (“PRS”). The opinions expressed herein are entirely those of the author(s). PRS makes every effort to use reliable and comprehensive information, but PRS does not represent that the contents of the report are accurate or complete. PRS is an independent, not-for-profit group. This document has been prepared without regard to the objectives or opinions of those who may receive it.