The Central Government may, for the purposes of providing expert opinion on electronic form evidence before any court or other authority specify, by notification in the Official Gazette, any Department, body or agency of the Central Government or ..

The Central Government may, for the purposes of providing expert opinion on electronic form evidence before any court or other authority specify, by notification in the Official Gazette, any Department, body or agency of the Central Government or a State Government as an Examiner of Electronic Evidence. Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “electronic form evidence” means any information of probative value that is either stored or transmitted in electronic form and includes computer evidence, digital audio, digital video, cell phones, digital fax machines.'. 41. In section 80 of the principal act, in sub-section (l), for the words “Deputy Superintendent of Police”, the word “Inspector” shall be substituted. 42. In section 81 of the principal Act, the following proviso shall be inserted at the end, namely:— “Provided that nothing contained in this Act shall restrict any person from exercising any right conferred under the Copyright Act, 1957 or the Patents Act, 1970.”. 43. In section 82 of the principal Act,— (a) for the marginal heading, the following marginal heading shall be substituted, namely:— “Chairperson, Members, officers and employees to be public servants.”; (b) for the words “Presiding Officer”, the words “Chairperson, Members” shall be substituted. 44. In section 84 of the principal Act, for the words “Presiding Officer”, the words “Chairperson, Members” shall be substituted.

Information Technology Act, 2000

Information Technology (Amendment) Bill, (As Introduced)

Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008

Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 was enacted consolidating and amending the provisions for the control and regulation of operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under the Opium Act, 1857, Opium Act..

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 was enacted consolidating and amending the provisions for the control and regulation of operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under the Opium Act, 1857, Opium Act, 1878 and the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930. This Act was amended once in 1989 and subsequently in 2001. During the implementation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Act, 2001 certain anomalies have been noticed. It is proposed to rectify those anomalies and make certain further changes to strengthen the provisions of the Act. The amending Act of 2001 rationalized the sentence structure so as to ensure that while drug traffickers who traffic in significant quantities of drugs are punished with deterrent sentences, the addicts and those who commit less serious offences are sentenced to less severe punishment. Such provisions have sometimes been misinterpreted to imply that in determining quantities, only the pure drug content in the quantum of drug seized should be reckoned. Since the Act duly provides for punishment for preparations of drugs also, this amendment seeks to clarify the legislative intent to take the entire quantity of drug seized in a case for determining the quantum of punishment and not the pure drug content.  Provisions for tracing and seizing of illegally acquired properties pursuant to drug trafficking activity were introduced in the Principal Act by way of amendment in 1989 and were further strengthened in the amending Act of 2001. The need for further expanding the scope of such provisions and to broad base the definition of illegally acquired property so that it becomes more difficult for drug traffickers to enjoy the fruits of drug trafficking activity, has been experienced. It is proposed to do so by way of certain amendments.  The amendments also seek to put in place the enabling provisions for the introduction of an alternate method of obtaining alkaloids of opium through production of Concentrate of Poppy Straw instead of production and processing of opium, in the country. Besides, some other amendments seeking to address the anomalies arising out of the amendments made in 2001 are sought to be introduced along with measures to further strengthen the provisions of the Act.  The Bill seeks to achieve the above objects

Standing Committee Report Summary

Bill Summary

Narcotic Drugs And Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Act, 2014

Sexual harassment at a workplace is considered violation of women's right to equality, life and liberty. It creates an insecure and hostile work environment, which discourages women's participation in work, thereby adversely affecting thei..

Sexual harassment at a workplace is considered violation of women's right to equality, life and liberty. It creates an insecure and hostile work environment, which discourages women's participation in work, thereby adversely affecting their social and economic empowerment and the goal of inclusive growth. The Constitution of India embodies the concept of equality under articles 14 and 15 and prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth or any of them. Article 19(1)(g) gives the fundamental right to all citizens to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business. This right pre-supposes the availability of an enabling environment for women, which is equitous, safe and secure in every aspect. Article 21, which relates to the right to life and personal liberty, includes the right to live with dignity, and in the case of women, it means that they must be treated with due respect, decency and dignity at the workplace. Article 11 of the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination (CEDAW), to which India is a party, requires State parties to take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in the field of employment. In its General Recommendation No. 19 (1992), the United Nations Committee on CEDAW further clarified that equality in employment can be seriously impaired when women are subjected to gender-specific violence, such as sexual harassment at the workplace. India's commitment to protection and promotion of women's constitutional rights as well as respect for its obligations under various international treaties is unequivocal. With more and more women joining the workforce, both in organized and unorganized sectors, ensuring an enabling working environment for women through legislation is felt imperative by the Government. The proposed legislation contains provisions to protect every woman from any act of sexual harassment irrespective of whether such woman is employed or not. The Supreme Court of India in the case of Vishaka & Ors. v. State of Rajasthan & Ors. [1997 (7) SCC 323], also reaffirmed that sexual harassment at workplace is a form of discrimination against women and recognized that it violates the constitutional right to equality and provided guidelines to address this issue pending the enactment of a suitable legislation. It is, thus, proposed to enact a comprehensive legislation to provide for safe, secure and enabling environment to every woman, irrespective of her age or employment status (other than domestic worker working at home), free from all forms of sexual harassment by fixing the responsibility on the employer as well as the District Magistrate or Additional District Magistrate or the Collector or Deputy Collector of every District in the State as a District Officer and laying down a statutory redressal mechanism. 

Bill As Introduced in Lok Sabha          Passed by Lok Sabha (attached)

Sexual Harrassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

Notification

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Rules 2013

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on August 9, 2010 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha August 17, 2010 (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha August 28, 2010 (iv) Notified in Gazette Sep. 08, 2010

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As Introduced                As Passed by Lok Sabha          Errata       Both Houses (Attached)     Act

The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 seeks to provide, in the interests of the general public, for the control of the production, supply and distribution of, and trade and commerce in, certain commodities. Sugar and sugarcane are foodstuffs and thus essential commodities under the said ActUnder the system of partial control on sugar, a part of the sugar produced by sugar mills is requisitioned as levy sugar and the balance is allowed to be sold as non levy (free sale) sugar in the open market. While the price of non-levy sugar is determined by the market t forces, the price of levy sugar is fixed by the Central Government under the provisions of sub-section (3C) of section 3 of the aforesaid Act, having regard to— (a) the fair and remunerative price, if any, fixed for sugarcane by the Central Government; (b) the manufacturing cost of sugar; (c) the duty or tax, if any, paid or payable thereon; and (d) the securing of a reasonable return on the capital employed in the business of manufacturing of sugar Sub-section (3C) of section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 was last amended by clause (a) of section 2 of the Essential Commodities (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2009, inter alia, inserting therein the following Explanation II with effect from the 1st day of October, 1974 to clarify beyond doubt that the cost components of levy sugar mentioned in the said sub-section (3C) do not include the additional price of sugarcane paid or payable under the erstwhile clause 5A of the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 and the price paid or payable under any order or enactment of any State Government and any price agreed to between the producer and the grower of sugarcane or a sugarcane growers' co-operative society:'Explanation II.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the expressions “minimum price” referred to in clause (a), “manufacturing cost of sugar” referred to in clause (b) and “reasonable return on the capital employed” referred to in clause (d) exclude the additional price of sugarcane paid or payable under clause 5A of the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 and any price paid or payable under any order or enactment of any State Government and any price agreed to between the producer and the grower of sugarcane or a sugarcane growers' co-operative society.’. 3. The said Explanation II, however, remained effective till the 30th September, 2009 only as the said sub-section (3C) of section 3, was substituted by a new sub-section (3C) on and from the 1st day of October, 2009 vide clause (b) of section 2 of the aforesaid Amendment Act of 2009. Since the newly substituted sub-section (3C) does not contain any Explanation on the lines of the said Explanation II, it is likely that it may lead to a possible interpretation that the e intention of the legislature has been not to exclude, with effect from the 1st day of October, 2009, the consideration of any price paid or payable by the producer of sugar under any order or enactment of any State Government and any price agreed to between the producer and the grower of sugarcane or a sugarcane growers' co-operative society. Such an interpretation is again likely to lead to ambiguity and further litigation, which in fact, the Essential Commodities (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2009 was intended to remove. The objective of the amendment is to extend the application of Explanation II [inserted under sub-section (3C) by clause (a) of section 2 of the Amendment Act 36 of 2009] beyond the 30th September, 2009 as well.

(i) Intoduced in Rajya Sabha on Nov. 25, 2009 (ii) Passed in Rajya Sabha Augist 09, 2010 (iii) Notified in Gazette August 19, 2010

                         <..

(i) Intoduced in Rajya Sabha on Nov. 25, 2009 (ii) Passed in Rajya Sabha Augist 09, 2010 (iii) Notified in Gazette August 19, 2010

                         As Introduced   As Passed by Rajya Sabha  Passed by Both Houses (attached)

The Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 was enacted to provide for the development and regulation of foreign trade by facilitating imports into and augmenting exports from India and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 2. Since the enactment of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, certain requirements have arisen necessitating amendments to the said Act. These include providing a statutory provision for safeguard measures enabling imposition of Quantitative Restrictions (QRs); bringing in tighter export or trade control in the case of dual-use goods and related technologies and providing enabling provisions for establishing controls as inthe Weapon of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005; bringing “technology” and “services”, including financial services, within the ambit of the Act for the purpose of administering incentive schemes and other provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy; dispensing with the requirement of obtaining any licence or permit for import or export except as may be provided under the Act; enabling swift and exemplary action in trade dispute matters; further rationalisation as well as improvement of the system of levying and realising fiscal penalties; empowering Customs and Central Excise Settlement Commission for settlement of customs and excise duty and interest dues; broadening the scope of word “licence” defined in the Act; providing a provision for review of all decisions of subordinate officers by Director General of Foreign Trade. The proposed amendments would enable the Government to impose quantitative restrictions as a safeguard measure to provide the domestic industry a level playing field, in case a surge in imports leads to, or threatens to seriously injure domestic industry; rationalize the system of penalty leviable under the Act making it more equitable; enable stricter regulation of export in technology, especially relating to dual-use items, which is necessary to instill a sense of confidence among the technology providers and to ensure that trade in sensitive technologies including dual-use technologies is appropriately regulated; ensure conformity with the provisions of the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005. The provision of notifying all restrictions on imports and exports through the Foreign Trade Policy would ensure that all such information is available at one place therefore ensuring conformity with India’s commitments to WTO. The power of review would ensure transparency and public accountability in the system. The amendments would also ensure that trade in sensitive technologies is regulated, additional modes for recovery of penalty are available and India’sgrowing trade in services is facilitated. The Bill seeks to achieve these objectives

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on March 3, 2008 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha on March 11, 2008 (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha March 18, 2008 (iv) Assented in March 28, 2008 

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   As Introduced          As Passed by Lok Sabha     Errata       Passed by Both Houses (attached)

Parliament enacted the Delimitation Act, 2002 and under its provisions, a Delimitation Commission was set-up to readjust the division of each State and Union territory into territorial constituencies for the purpose of elections to the House of the People and to the State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of 2001 Census. The Delimitation Commission has since completed the delimitation exercise in 25 States/Union territories. As the work of the Delimitation Commission progressed, new issues started coming to the fore and several concerns have been expressed regarding the on going delimitation exercise. The concerns expressed in regard to delimitation are varying in nature. They includeissues, such as, shifting of constituencies, making reserved constituencies unreserved or service versa, migration of people from tribal States to non-tribal States, migration of people in a State from rural areas to urban areas, etc. In the North-East States, even the census figures had been questioned in courts as incomplete and defective. The issues in regard to delimitation of constituencies are serious and very sensitive in nature and they may have impact even on the law and order situation in some parts of the country. In this background, the Government considered the amendments in the Delimitation Act, 2002 with a view to reducing the adverse impact of the delimitation exercise and it was decided that : (i) new section 10A may be added which should inter alia enable the Presidentto defer delimitation exercise in a State in order to preserve and protect the national unity and integrity or where there is a serious threat to the peace and public order; (ii) Delimitation Commission's order made with respect to the State of Jharkhand may be nullified and to continue the existing delimitation orders until the year 2026 in respect of that State.  In view of the exigencies explained in the preceding paragraphs, it became necessary to promulgate an Ordinance to insert a suitable provision (section 10A) in the Delimitation Act, 2002 for the deferment of the delimitation exercise in the North-East States; and to take care of the situation obtaining in the State of Jharkhand to insert a new section 10B and aproviso to sub-section (4) of section 10 of the Act so as to reduce the adverse impacts of the delimitation. As Parliament was not in session and the President was satisfied with the circumstances which rendered it necessary for her to take immediate action to take care of the situation in the North-East States and the Jharkhand by promulgation of the Delimitation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2008 on the 14th January, 2008. The Delimitation (Amendment) Bill, 2008 seeks to replace the Delimitation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2008.

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on March 3, 2008 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha on March 11, 2008 (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha March 18, 2008 (iv) Assented March 28, 2008 

                    &..

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on March 3, 2008 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha on March 11, 2008 (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha March 18, 2008 (iv) Assented March 28, 2008 

                                       As Introduced               As Passed in Lok Sabha                 Errata

Under the provisions of articles 82 and 170(3) of the Constitution, as amended by the Constitution (Eighty-fourth Amendment) Act, 2001, Parliament enacted the Delimitation Act, 2002. In terms of the provisions contained in the Delimitation Act, the Delimitation Commission was set up to readjust the division of each State and Union territory into territorial constituencies for the purpose of elections to the House of the People and to the State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of 2001 Census. The Delimitation Commission has since completed the delimitation work in respect of 25 States/Union territories and accordingly issued final orders under sections 8 and 9 of the Delimitation Act. Recently, the Delimitation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2008 (Ordinance 1 of 2008) was promulgated on 14th January, 2008 to insert new sections 10A and 10B in the Delimitation Act. Section 10A of the Delimitation Act empowers the President to defer delimitation exercise in a State in certain cases. In view of the prevailing conditions in North delimitation exercise in these States have been issued by the President on 8th February, 2008. Section 10B of the Delimitation Act has nullified the Delimitation Commission's orders issued with respect to the States of Jharkhand East States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, four orders to defer the delimitation exercise in these States have been issued by the President on 8th February, 2008. Section 10B of the Delimitation Act has nullified the Delimitation Commission's orders issued with respect to the States of Jharkhand. In view of above, in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Jharkhand, the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 1976 will continue to apply. The final orders in respect of the remaining 24 States/Union territories (except the State of Jharkhand) were required to be brought into force as provided in the second proviso to article 82 and the second proviso to clause (3) of article 170 of the Constitution by specifying the date by the President, as to when the re-adjustments shall take effect. In pursuance of the above provisions, the Presidential Order has been issued on 19th February, 2008 making delimitation orders issued by the Delimitation Commission under the Delimitation Act, effective from immediate effect in all the 22 States/Union territories except in the States of Tripura and Meghalaya in which case, the delimitation order shall take effect from 20th March, 2008 after the elections to the Legislative Assemblies in these States are over on 19th March, 2008.

(i) Introduced in Rajya Sabha on April 28, 2010 (ii) Passed in Rajya Sabha on Dec. 12, 2011 (iii) Passed in Lok Sabha on Dec. 19, 2011 (iv) Date of Assent Jan 1, 2012

                &nbs..

(i) Introduced in Rajya Sabha on April 28, 2010 (ii) Passed in Rajya Sabha on Dec. 12, 2011 (iii) Passed in Lok Sabha on Dec. 19, 2011 (iv) Date of Assent Jan 1, 2012

                                          As Introduced                   As Passed by Rajya Sabha 

The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 has been enacted to make provision for the regulation of the profession of the chartered accountants. The said Act was amended in 2006 by the Chartered Accountants (Amendment) Act, 2006, inter alia, to enable the members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India to form multi-disciplinary firms and offer multi-professional services in a competitive and commercial manner. Subsequently, the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 has been enacted to make provisions for the formation and regulation of limited liability partnerships and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The limited liability partnership will be a separate legal entity, liable to the full extent of its assets, with the liability of the partners being limited to their agreed contribution in the limited liability partnership which may be of tangible or intangible nature or both tangible and intangible in nature. It is proposed to extend the benefits of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 to the firms of chartered accountants under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and to amend the provisions of that Act. The Chartered Accountants (Amendment) Bill, 2010, inter alia, proposes to amend the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 to,—(i) apply certain provisions of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 to the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 in order to allow the members of the professional institute governed by the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 to form the limited liabilitypartnership and insert new definitions of "firm", "partner", "partnership" and "sole proprietorship" for the said purpose; (ii) amend the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 on lines similar with the provisions of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 so as to allow the professionals of the Institute of Chartered Accounts of India to form partnership with members of such other recognised professions.  The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives.  

(i) Introduced in Rajya Sabha on April 28, 2010    (ii) Passed in Rajya Sabha on 19 Dec. 2011 (iii) Passed in Lok Sabha Dec 12, 2011 (iv) Date of Gazette Notofication 8 January 2012    

       ..

(i) Introduced in Rajya Sabha on April 28, 2010    (ii) Passed in Rajya Sabha on 19 Dec. 2011 (iii) Passed in Lok Sabha Dec 12, 2011 (iv) Date of Gazette Notofication 8 January 2012    

                               As Introduced         As Passed by Rajya Sabha             Act 4 of 2012

The Company Secretaries Act, 1980 has been enacted to make provision for the regulation of the profession of the company secretaries. The said Act was amended in 2006 by the Company Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 2006 , inter alia, to enable the members of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India to form multi-disciplinary firms and offer multi professional  services in a competitive and commercial manner. Subsequently, the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 has been enacted to makeprovisions for the formation and regulation of limited liability partnerships and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The limited liability partnership will be a separate legal entity, liable to the full extent of its assets, with the liability of the partners being limited to their agreed contribution in the limited liability partnership which may be of tangible or intangible nature or both tangible and intangible in nature. It is proposed to extend the benefits of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 to the firms of company secretaries under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 and to amend the provisions of the said Act. Section 2 of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 inter alia, provides that a member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India shall be deemed to be in practice when individually or in partnership with one or more members of the Institute in practice or in partnership with members of such other recognised professions as may be prescribed. The Company Secretaries (Amendment) Bill, 2010 proposes to amend the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 to apply certain provisions of the Limited Liabibity Partnership Act, 2008 to the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 in order to allow the members of the professional institute governed by the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 to form the limited liability partnership and insert new definitions of “firm”, “partner”, “partnership” and “sole proprietorship” for the said purpose. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives

(i) Introduced in Rajya Sabha on November 16, 2010 (ii) Passed in Rajya Sabha on Auhust 19, 2011 (iii) Passed in Lok Sabha on August 29, 20111 (iv) Date of assent/Gazette Notification Sep. 07, 2011

      &nb..

(i) Introduced in Rajya Sabha on November 16, 2010 (ii) Passed in Rajya Sabha on Auhust 19, 2011 (iii) Passed in Lok Sabha on August 29, 20111 (iv) Date of assent/Gazette Notification Sep. 07, 2011

                                             As Introduced               As Passed in Rajya Sabha 

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 was enacted to provide a juvenile justice system for juveniles in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection, by providing for proper care, protection and treatment by catering to their development needs, and by adopting a child-friendly approach in the adjudication and disposition of matters in the best interest of children and for their ultimate rehabilitation and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 2. Section 48 of the said Act provides for committal to approved place of juvenile or child suffering from dangerous diseases and his future disposal. Sub-section (2) of this section provides that where a juvenile or the child is found to be suffering from leprosy, sexually transmitted disease, Hepatitis B, open cases of Tuberculosis and such other diseases or is of unsound mind, he shall be dealt with separately through various specialized referral services or under the relevant laws as such. Section 58 of the Act, inter alia, provides for the transfer of juvenile or child of unsound mind or child suffering from leprosy or addicted to drugs from special home or children's home or shelter home or an institution to a mental hospital or a leper asylum or treatment centre for drug addicts or to a place of safety for being kept there for a period as may be required. The provisions referred to in the preceding paragraphs 2 and 3 provide for segregation of such children from other children in the special home or children home or shelter home or an institution which appear discriminatory in nature. In the opinion of experts also, segregationis no more necessary for the treatment of such children. The Union Ministry of Health has also recommended for amendment of the aforesaid Act for removing the discriminatory provisions. Hon'ble High Court of Delhi vide an interim order dated 4th February, 2009 in a Public Interest Litigation filed by Kusth Asha Deep Foundation, [Writ Petition (Civil) No. 8112/2007 against Union of India and Others] held that there is urgency and need for immediate steps to be taken both to remove/amend discriminatory legislations and to ensure that the patients/ persons suffering from leprosy enjoy equal status as other citizens. Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions for Integration and Empowerment of Leprosy Affected Persons, in its 131st Report presented on 24th October, 2008 has also recommended that there is a need to amend the relevant provision of the Act so that the juvenile or child is not subjected to segregation or discrimination.

With a gradual decline in the size of farm holdings, small and marginal farmer families are in need of multiple sources of income to come out of the poverty trap. Rural men belonging to resource poor families increasingly tend to go to towns and c..

With a gradual decline in the size of farm holdings, small and marginal farmer families are in need of multiple sources of income to come out of the poverty trap. Rural men belonging to resource poor families increasingly tend to go to towns and cities seeking work and income earning opportunities. Consequently, there is an increasing feminization of agriculture. While women farmers are extremely hard working and are also conversant with sustainable agriculture practices, they suffer from several handicaps such as title to land, and access to credit, inputs, insurance, technology and market. As early as 1995, the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing urged developing countries to pay attention to the gender specific needs of women farmers. India is on the threshold of enacting a landmark Food Security Bill. Legal entitlements to food can be implemented only by improving the productivity, profitability and sustainability of small farm holdings, since small and marginal farmers produce nearly fifty percent of the foodgrains in the country, as well as milk and a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. The need for paying special attention to the needs of women farmers has been recognized by initiating a "Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana" in the Union Budget of 2010-11.In order to safeguard national food security, and to strengthen the livelihood security of rural women, a majority of whom are engaged in crop and animal husbandry, fisheries, agro-forestry and agro-processing, the Bill is being proposed. It is necessary to implement the aforesaid decisions under article 253 of the Constitution of India in so far as they relate to the women farmers' entitlements 

Sugarcane is a cash crop. It is cultivated in various States in the country. It is a crop of the whole year and it is one of the major materials to produce sugar. The Sugarcane growers are facing problems, as they are not getting remunerative pric..

Sugarcane is a cash crop. It is cultivated in various States in the country. It is a crop of the whole year and it is one of the major materials to produce sugar. The Sugarcane growers are facing problems, as they are not getting remunerative price for their produce. Sugarcane growing has become a non-profitable agricultural activity due to increase in the prices of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides and other inputs and the prices of sugarcane produce have not increased in the same proportion. There is demandthe price of the Sugarcane be fixed on the basis of cost of production and price of sugar. To meet the demand that sufficient production of sugarcane is necessary. It is possible, if, the growers get remunerative price for sugarcane. Sugarcane growers have to go for loans as the investment in the cultivation has gone up. They are also not getting payment of their produce on time. This has led to their indebtedness and when they are unable to repay loans, they take the extreme step of committing suicide or self immolations. Further, due to unremunerative price for sugarcane, the aggrievedsugarcane growers are forced to abandon sugarcane farming in favour of other crops resulting in decline in the growth of sugarcane production. The Government is required to provide remunerative price and also immediate relief to sugarcane growers in the event of natural calamities like storm, heavy rains,drought, hailstorm and flood so that sugarcane growers can feel respite. There is an urgent need to enact a law, which can ensure governmental assistance to sugarcane growers in the event of fall in prices or damage to their crops. Therefore, setting up of a fund for sugarcane growers and provision of insurance scheme for them will prove to be beneficial. An agency is also required to be set up by the Central Government to procure the sugarcane produce. The Bill, if enancted, will protect the interests and promote the welfare of the sugarcane growers in the country and will help growth of the sugarcane production inthe country in a big way. Hence this Bill.

Object and Reasons: Crops are affected by natural calamities very often. Every year, the standing crops are destroyed due to either drought or heavy floods and farmers suffer in silence. Presently, there is drought like situation in several parts ..

Object and Reasons: Crops are affected by natural calamities very often. Every year, the standing crops are destroyed due to either drought or heavy floods and farmers suffer in silence. Presently, there is drought like situation in several parts of the country. It is true that we have crop insurance scheme for farmers but it does not cover all types of crops against all natural calamities. The insurance coverage is not comprehensive as it is based on premium amount and many factors are not taken into account while determining the loss suffered by farmers. Moreover, the crop insurance is not a statutory mechanism. In view of the above, it is proposed to put in a place a permanent statutory mechanism to ensure that the farmers get their due compensation in the event of natural calamities. Hence this Bill.

                                    Introduced in Lok Sabha Dec. 7, 2012 

Object and Reasons: About seventy per cent. of the population o..

                                    Introduced in Lok Sabha Dec. 7, 2012 

Object and Reasons: About seventy per cent. of the population of the country lives in villages out of which approximately ninety per cent. people are engaged in agricultural activities. The economic condition of farmers have remained more or less unchanged so, far. They are always trapped in the vicious cycle of debt and the debt burden passes on to their next generation. The farmers always live in penury and remain apprehensive of their future. Therefore, the Government should take the responsibility of providing them their minimum requirements so as to enable them to perform their agricultural activities. The farmers work not only for earning their livelihood but they also provide succour to the entire nation. Of late, the incidents of committing suicides by the debt ridden farmers have increased manifold. Such cases of suicides can be avoided by providing certain facilities to farmers. If the farmers are provided with agricultural inputs at reasonable rates, the agricultural production will increase manifold which will ultimately benefit not only the farmers but the whole nation. Besides, certain other welfare measures like insurance, health service and financial assistance to farmers will go a long way to alleviate their sufferings. Therefore, the Bill seeks to provide certain basic facilities like compensation, insurance cover, health services to farmers and their family members. It also provides for supply of good quality seeds, pesticides, manure and fertilizers and uninterrupted power and water supply, etc. to farmers for agricultural activities at reasonable cost so that they may carry out agricultural activities in an efficient manner without any hurdle. Hence this Bill.

(i) Introduced in Rajya Sabha on May 7, 2012 (ii) Passed in Rajya Sabha on August 13, 2013 

                                        ..

(i) Introduced in Rajya Sabha on May 7, 2012 (ii) Passed in Rajya Sabha on August 13, 2013 

                                                             As Introduced    

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2012 seeks to amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (18 of 1969) so as to provide for registration of marriages irrespective of religion professed and practiced by the parties to the marriage. At present the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 provides only for the regulation of registration of births and deaths and for matters connected therewith. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in Seema Vs. Ashwani Kumar (AIR 2006 SC 1158) in its judgment dated 14-02-2006 has directed the Government that marriages of all persons who are citizens of India belonging to various religious denominations should be made compulsorily registrable in their respective States where such marriages are solemnised and, inter alia, directed that as and when the Central Government enacts a comprehensive statute, the same shall be placed before that Court for scrutiny. The Committee on Empowerment of Women (2006-2007) in its Twelfth Report (Fourteenth Lok Sabha) on Plight of Indian Women Deserted by Non Resident Indian (NRI) Husbands presented to Lok Sabha on the 13th August, 2007, has, inter alia, expressed the view that all marriages, irrespective of religion should be compulsorily registered and desired that the Government to make registration of all marriages mandatory, making the procedure simpler, affordable and accessible. The 18th Law Commission of India in its 205th Report titled “Proposal to Amend the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and other Allied Laws”, inter alia, recommended that “registration of marriages within a stipulated period, of all the communities, viz. Hindu, Muslim, Christian, etc., should be made mandatory by the Government”. Further, the 18th Law Commission in its 211th Report titled “Laws on Registration of Marriage and Divorce. A proposal for Consolidation and Reform”, has recommended for Parliamentary legislation on compulsory registration of marriages which will bring country-wide uniformity in thesubstantive law relating to registration and will be helpful in achieving the desired goal. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, inter alia, provides for Registration establishments consisting of Registrar-General, Chief Registrar and registration division, District Registrars and Registrars. It also provides procedures for registration of births and deaths and for maintenance of records and statistics. Further, by virtue of the powers conferred under section 30 of the aforesaid Act, rules for compulsory registration of births and deaths have been framed by the State Governments and Union territory Administrations. Therefore, it is proposed to amend the aforesaid Act suitably to include registration of marriages as well within its scope so that the existing administrative machinery would also be able to carry out registration of marriages in accordance with the specified procedures andbe able to maintain necessary records and statistics for registration of marriages also. 

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on Sep. 3, 2012 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha Sep. 6, 2012 (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha Sep. 7, 2012 (iv) Notified in Gazette on Sep. 18, 2013 

                  &nb..

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on Sep. 3, 2012 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha Sep. 6, 2012 (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha Sep. 7, 2012 (iv) Notified in Gazette on Sep. 18, 2013 

                                                      As Introduced                   Errata

Bill to provide for the prohibition of employment as manual scavengers, rehabilitation of manual scavengers and their families, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. WHEREAS promoting among the citizens fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual is enshrined as one of the goals in the Preamble to the Constitution; AND WHEREAS the right to live with dignity is also implicit in the Fundamental Rights guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution; AND WHEREAS article 46 of the Constitution, inter alia, provides that the State shall protect the weaker sections, and, particularly, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes from social injustice and all forms of exploitation; AND WHEREAS the dehumanising practice of manual scavenging, arising from thecontinuing existence of insanitary latrines and a highly iniquitous caste system, still persists in various parts of the country, and the existing laws have not proved adequate in eliminating the twin evils of insanitary latrines and  manual scavenging;

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on Sep. 6, 2012 (ii) Databed and Passed in Lok Sabha on Sep. 5 & 6, 2013  (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha Feb. 19, 2014 (iv) Gazette Notification March 4, 2014 

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(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on Sep. 6, 2012 (ii) Databed and Passed in Lok Sabha on Sep. 5 & 6, 2013  (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha Feb. 19, 2014 (iv) Gazette Notification March 4, 2014 

                   As Introduced     As Passed by Lok Sabha         Errata             Act 7 of 2014

Street vendors constitute an important segment of the urban population. Street vendors are those who are unable to get regular jobs in the remunerative formal sector on account of their low level of education and skills. They earn their livelihood through their own meagre financial resources and sweat equity. Street vending provides a source of self-employment, and thus acts as a measure of urban poverty alleviation without major Government intervention. Street vending also acts as an instrument to provide affordable as well as convenient services to a majority of urban population and has a prominent place in the urban supply chain and are an integral part of the economic growth process within urban areas. Given the pace of urbanisation and the opportunities presented through the development of urban areas, the growth of street vendors is likely to have an upward trend. It is vital that these vendors are enabled to pursue their livelihoods in a congenial and harassment free atmosphere. Considering the significant contribution made by street vendors to the urban society as a whole, more specifically to the comparatively poorer sections, and to enable them to earn a livelihood through creation of good working conditions, without causing obstruction to the public, the Government of India brought out revised National Policy on Urban Street Vendors, 2009 which aims at securing right of the citizens to have adequate means of livelihood as enshrined in articles 14, 19(1)(g), 38(2), 39(a), 39(b) and 41 of theConstitution and fostering a congenial 

Introduced on August 18, 2013

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was ratified by the Government of India in October, 2007, made it obligatory on the Government to align the policies and laws o..

Introduced on August 18, 2013

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was ratified by the Government of India in October, 2007, made it obligatory on the Government to align the policies and laws of the country with the Convention. The need for amendments to the Mental Health Act, 1987 was felt by the fact that the related law, i.e., the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 was also in the process of amendment. The Mental Health Act, 1987 could not protect the rights of persons with mental illness and promote their access to mental health care in the country. 2. In light of above, it is proposed to bring in a new legislation by repealing the Mental Health Act, 1987, and (a) Recognising that: (i) Persons with mental illness constitute a vulnerable section of society and are subject to discrimination in our society; (ii) Families bear financial hardship, emotional and social burden of providing treatment and care for their relatives with mental illness; (iii) Persons with mental illness should be treated like other persons with health problems and the environment around them should be made conducive to facilitate recovery, rehabilitation and full participation in society; (iv) The Mental Health Act, 1987 was insufficient to protect the rights of personswith mental illness and promote their access to mental health care in the country; (b) And in order to: (i) Protect and promote the rights of persons with mental illness during the delivery of health care in institutions and in the community; (ii) Ensure health care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness, is provided in the least restrictive environment possible, and in a manner that does not intrude on their rights and dignity. Community-based solutions, in the vicinity of theperson’s usual place of residence, are preferred to institutional solutions; (iii) Provide treatment, care and rehabilitation to improve the capacity of the person to develop his or her full potential and to facilitate his or her integration into community life; (iv) Fulfil the obligations under the Constitution and the obligations under various International Conventions ratified by India; (v) Regulate the public and private mental health sectors within a rights framework to achieve the greatest public health good; (vi) Improve accessibility to mental health care by mandating sufficient provision of quality public mental health services and non-discrimination in health insurance; (vii) Establish a mental health system integrated into all levels of general health care; and (viii) Promote principles of equity, efficiency and active participation of all stakeholders in decision making. 3. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

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                                                As introduced

The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, as amended from time to time, provides for matters relating to merchant shipping in India. The objective of the said Act is to ensure the development and efficient maintenance of the Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interests. India is a member of International Labour Organisation (ILO), Geneva. India has acceded to various ILO Conventions. Now, India intends to accede to the International Labour Organisation's instrument C-186, known as the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (herein referred to as the MLC). This Convention is considered as the 'Bill of Rights' for the seafarers across the world, given that shipping, as an industry, is, intrinsically, global in nature. The MLC provides for international standards for the living and workingconditions, of seafarers, including their food, accommodation, medical care, repatriation, social security, and recruitment. The main purposes of the said Convention are: (i) to bring the system of seamen's protection contained in the existing labour standards closer to the workers concerned, in a form consistent with the rapidly developing and globalised sector; and (ii) to improve the applicability of the system so that ship owners and governments interested in providing decent conditions of work to their respective national seafarers do not have to bear an unequal burden in ensuring their protection. Paragraph 4 of Article II of the said Convention provides that except as expressly provided for otherwise, the provisions of the said Convention applies to all ships, whether publicly or privately owned, ordinarily engaged in commercial activities, other than ships engaged in fishing or in similar pursuits and  traditionally built dhows and junks, but does not apply to warships or naval auxiliaries. On ratification of the MLC, India will ensure an improvement in the working and living conditions, and employment rights of Indian national seafarers, and provide, inter alia, the following benefits to them: (a) safe and secure workplace on a ship; (b) fair terms of employment; (c) decent working and living conditions on a ship; and (d) right to health protection, medical care and other social protection. The Central Government has approved the ratification of the MLC. Therefore, it is proposed to amend the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, to make enabling provisions for implementation and enforcement of the MLC; and thereby making it mandatory for Indian flag vessels to comply with the provisions of the said Convention and to obtain a Maritime Labour Certificate to that effect for the Indian flag vessels. Under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Second Amendment) Bill, 2013, every Indian flag vessel of 500 gross tonnage or more and engaged in international voyage(s), would be issued with a Maritime Labour Certificate after an inspection of the ship concerned. This will enable them to get preferential treatment and exemption from their inspection for this purpose at foreign ports thereby reducing operational time and transaction costs for them. Further, India will be to ensure that all foreign flag vessels entering the territorial waters of India, or any marine areas adjacent thereto, over which India has, or may hereafter have an exclusive jurisdiction, are subject to an inspection under the MLC, by which the rights of all seafarers regardless of their nationality are protected. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives. 

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha 03/09/2012 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha 06/09/2013   (iii) Passed by Rajya Sabha 07/09/2013 (iv) Notified in Gazette..

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha 03/09/2012 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha 06/09/2013   (iii) Passed by Rajya Sabha 07/09/2013 (iv) Notified in Gazette 18/09/2013    

                      As Introduced in Lok Sabha               Errata             Act 25 of 2013

Elimination of dry latrines and manual scavenging and the rehabilitation of manual scavengers in alternate occupations has been an area of high priority for the Government. Despite the concerted efforts made in the past to eliminate the dehumanising practice of manual scavenging, the practice still persists in various parts of the country. Existing laws have not proved adequate in eliminating the twin evils of insanitary latrines and manual scavenging. These evils are inconsistent with the right to live with dignity which is an essence of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution. Further, there is a related problem of serious health hazard and safety of the workers employed in themanual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. It is also felt that the existing laws are not stringent enough to eliminate these evil practices. In view of the above, there is a need to make comprehensive and stringent provisions for the prohibition of insanitary latrines and employment of persons as manual scavengers, rehabilitation of manual scavengers and their families and to discontinue the hazardousmanual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks by the use of technology and for matters connected therewtih. With a view to eliminate manual scavenging and insanitary latrines and to provide for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers, a multi-pronged strategy has been worked out inthe provisions of the Bill, which consists of legislative as well as programmatic interventions. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives. 

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on March 19, 2013 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha March 19, 2013 (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha March 21March, 2013 (iv) Gazette Notification April2, 2013 

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     As Introduced                                      Errata                                                Act 13 of 2013 

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 4th December, 2012 in order to provide for stringent punishment for crimes against women, as also to provide for more victim friendly procedures in the trials of such cases. After the horrendous incident of gang rape, which occurred on 16th December, 2012 in Delhi, a Committee, headed by Justice J. S. Verma was set up to make recommendations on amending the various laws to provide for speedy justice and enhanced punishment for offenders in cases of sexual assault of extreme nature. The Justice Verme Committee submitted its Report on 23rd January, 2013. 2. It was felt necessary to bring the revised laws into effect as soon as possible, as any crime against women committed during the period when the law is in making will be punishable only under the existing laws. In view of the urgency of the matter, the Criminal Law(Amendment) Ordinance, 2013 was promulgated on 3rd February, 2013. 3. The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs examined the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012 and tabled its Report in Parliament on 1st March, 2013. Keeping in view the recommendations of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, the recommendations of Justice Verma Committee and the views and comments received from various quarters including women groups, the Government have drafted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2013. 4. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2103 seeks to amend the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. These amendments seek to:— (a) make specific provisions for punishment for the offences of causing grievous hurt by acid attack and also for an attempt thereof; (b) define and prescribe punishment for the offences of stalking, voyeurism and sexual harassment; (c) widen the definition of rape; broaden the ambit of aggravated rape; and enhance the punishment thereof; (d) prescribe for punishment extending to the sentence of death, for an offence where in the course of commission of an offence of rape, the offender inflicts any injury which causes the death of the victim or causes the victim to be in a persistentvegetative state; (e) punish the repeat offenders of rape with imprisonment for life (which shall mean the remainder of the person’s natural life), or with death; (f) prescribe that those convicted for the offence of gang rape shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of twenty years extendable to life (whichshall mean the remainder of that person’s natural life) and fine; to be paid to the victim to meet the medical expenses;

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha On Feb. 21, 2014 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha 21 Feb. 21, 2014               (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha on February 21, 2014, (iv) Gazette Notification/ Assented on March 4, 2014

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha On Feb. 21, 2014 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha 21 Feb. 21, 2014               (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha on February 21, 2014, (iv) Gazette Notification/ Assented on March 4, 2014

                                  As Introduced                                          Act 14 of 2014

This Bill is introduced in pursuance of sections 22, 28 and 29 of the Govermet of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 read with Proclamation ssued under article 239 AB of the constitution in respect of the National Capital Territory of Delhi on the 16th Feb 2014 to authorize payment and appropriation of certain sums from and out of the consolidated Fund of the National Capital Territory of Delhi of the moneys required to meet the expenditure charged on the consolidated fund of NCT of Delhi and the grants made by the Legislature for expenditure of National Capital Territory of Delhi for a grant of the financial year 2014-15. 

ASSENTED TO ON 4 MARCH, 2014 ACT NO. 14 OF 2014

Passed By (I) Lok Sabha On 21st February, 2014 (Ii) Rajya Sabha On 21st February, 2014)                                             ..

Passed By (I) Lok Sabha On 21st February, 2014 (Ii) Rajya Sabha On 21st February, 2014)                                                             As Introduced Bill        Act 15 of 2014

This Bill is introduced in pursuance of sections 22, 28 and 29 of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 read with the proclamation issued under article 239AB of the constitution in respect of the National Capital Territory of Delhi on the 16th Feb 2014 to authorize payment and appropriation of certain further sums from and out of the consolidated Fund of the NCT of Delhi of the moneys required to meet the supplementary expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of the NCT of Delhi and grants made by the Legislature for expenditure of the NCT of Delhi for the financial year 2013-14. 

(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on Dec. 14, 2012 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha Dec. 18, 2012 (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha August 8, 2013 (iv) Notified in Gazette August 29, 2013

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(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on Dec. 14, 2012 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha Dec. 18, 2012 (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha August 8, 2013 (iv) Notified in Gazette August 29, 2013

                       As Introduced            As Passed in Lok Sabha         Errata             Act 18 of 2013

The Companies Act, 1956 had been enacted with the object to consolidate and amend the law relating to the companies and certain other associations. The said Act has been in force for about fifty-five years and had been amended several times. In view of changes in the national and international economic environment and expansion and growth of economy of our country, the Central Government after duedeliberations decided to repeal the Companies Act, 1956 and enact a new legislation to provide for new provisions to meet the changed national and international, economic environment and further accelerate the expansion and growth of our economy. And for this purpose a Bill, namely, the Companies Bill, 2009 was introduced on 3rd August, 2009 in the Lok Sabha along with the Statement of Objects and Reasons appended to the said Bill outlining its salient features. The said Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance for examination and report and the Committee gave its Report on the 31st August, 2010. Subsequent to the introduction of the Companies Bill, 2009 in the Lok Sabha, the Central Government received several suggestions for amendments in the said Bill. TheParliamentary Standing Committee on Finance also made numerous recommendations in its Report. The Central Government has accepted in general the recommendations of the Standing Committee and also considered the suggestions received by it from various stakeholders. In view of large amendments to the Companies Bill, 2009 arising out of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance and suggestions of the stakeholders, the Central Government decided to withdraw the Companies Bill, 2009 and introduce a fresh Bill incorporating therein the recommendations of Standing Committee and suggestions of the stakeholders.