New Delhi: Several important bills are expected to be considered for passing nad many more would be tabled during the winter session of Parliament from Nov 22 to Dec 21.
Among the bills to be taken up for consideration and passing include the all-important Lokpal Bill, 2011 that aims to set up an anti-graft ombudsman to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries.
Anna Hazare, who has gone on fast twice this year for a strong Lokpal bill, has threatened to resume his protest if the bill is not passed in the winter session.
Another bill, the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010 aims to lay down judicial standards and establish a mechanism for dealing with complaints of misbehaviour or incapacity of a judge of the Supreme Court or a high court. It also aims to make provisions for declaration of assets and liabilities by the judges.
Besides, the Seeds Bill, 2004 aims to provide for regulating the quality of seeds for sale, import and export and to facilitate production and supply of seeds of quality.
Also, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011 would also be considered. The bill aims to establish a statutory Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to promote old age income security by establishing, developing and regulating pension funds and to protect the interests of subscribers to schemes of pension funds.
Another bill, the One Hundred and Eighth Amendment Bill, 2010, which has been passed by the Rajya Sabha will be taken up. The bill, seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in parliament and state legislative bodies, was passed in the Rajya Sabha last year amid high drama that saw suspension of seven members who violently disrupted house proceedings. However, it was not passed by the Lok Sabha due to strong opposition from the Yadav trio — Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad (Yadav) and Janata Dal-United president Sharad Yadav, who seek reservation for Dalit, backward caste and minority community women within it.
Meanwhile, there are several important bills that would be introduced in Parliament. They include the National Food Security Bill, 2011. The big ticket legislation of UPA-II seeks to cover up to 75 per cent of the rural population and 50 per cent of urban households, proposing a right to seven kilograms of foodgrain per person, at Rs 3 per kg for rice, Rs 2 per kg for wheat and Re 1 per kg for coarse grain to priority beneficiaries. It also aims at revamping the public distribution system, which provides subsidised rations to the beneficiaries.
Another bill, Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, 2011 suggests changes in procedures relating to attachment and confiscation of property. It may also bring in more entities and a new category of offences having cross-border implications. (IANS)