Context:
The Winter Session of Parliament is scheduled to be held from December 1 to December 19, during which the Union Government has listed 10 Bills for introduction. The proposed legislations span polity, governance, economy, infrastructure, education, and the nuclear energy sector, indicating significant policy and structural reforms.
Key Highlights:
Winter Session Overview
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Session duration: December 1 – December 19
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10 Bills proposed for introduction by the Union Government.
Major Constitutional & Governance Reforms
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Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025
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Seeks to include Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution.
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Empowers the President to make regulations for Chandigarh.
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Proposes replacing the Governor of Punjab as administrator with a Lieutenant Governor.
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Nuclear Sector Reforms
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Atomic Energy Bill, 2025
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Proposes to open the nuclear sector to private players.
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Aims to regulate the development, control, and use of atomic energy.
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Marks a shift from the traditionally state-dominated nuclear framework.
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Education Sector Reform
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Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill
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Proposes establishment of a single regulatory body.
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Focus on:
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Institutional autonomy
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Quality assurance
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Accreditation reforms
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Infrastructure & Economic Reforms
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National Highways (Amendment) Bill
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Seeks faster and transparent land acquisition.
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Aims to reduce project delays in national highway development.
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Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025
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Amends:
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Companies Act, 2013
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LLP Act, 2008
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Intended to improve ease of doing business and corporate compliance.
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Article 240 of the Constitution:
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Allows the President to make regulations for certain Union Territories.
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Union Territory (UT):
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Administrative division governed directly by the Union Government.
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Atomic Energy Sector:
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Traditionally under exclusive government control.
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Accreditation:
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Formal recognition of institutions meeting prescribed quality standards.
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Benefits:
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Strengthens central governance mechanisms.
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Encourages private investment in strategic sectors.
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Enhances institutional efficiency and transparency.
Challenges:
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Constitutional concerns over centralisation
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Safety and security concerns in private nuclear participation
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Federal sensitivities, especially concerning Chandigarh governance
Impact:
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Long-term implications for Centre–State relations
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Boost to infrastructure development and investment climate
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Restructuring of higher education governance
Relevant Mains Points:
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Facts & Provisions:
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Article 240, Companies Act, Atomic Energy regulatory framework
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Keywords & Static Linkages:
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Federalism, Ease of Doing Business, Strategic Sectors
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Public–Private Partnership (PPP)
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Governance Implications:
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Increased executive authority of the President
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Streamlined regulatory architecture
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Way Forward:
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Ensure parliamentary oversight in delegated legislation
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Maintain safety and accountability in nuclear sector reforms
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Balance autonomy with regulation in higher education
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2: Polity, Governance, Constitutional Amendments
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GS 3: Economy, Infrastructure, Strategic Sectors
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Prelims: Article 240, Union Territories, Corporate Laws