Winter Session Begins: Govt to Table 13 Bills Including Major Finance Reforms
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Parliament’s Winter Session begins on Monday and will continue until 19 December. During the 19-day schedule, a total of 15 sittings are planned.
The government is set to introduce 13 bills, including several major economic and national security-related legislations. Meanwhile, the opposition is preparing to mount pressure on the government over the SIR issue, national security concerns, and other matters. Among the key bills to be introduced are the Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025 and the Health Security National Security Cess Bill 2025.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present both bills in the Lok Sabha. These legislations aim to replace the existing GST Compensation Cess on “sin goods” such as tobacco and pan masala with a revised excise levy. According to sources, the objective is to maintain high taxation on such products while creating a more stable revenue source for national security and public health expenditure.
The Health Security National Security Cess Bill 2025 specifically proposes a cess on machinery and processes used in producing certain goods. The goal is to generate additional resources for national security and public health—marking a significant shift in how these sectors may be funded going forward.
The government has also listed several other important bills for discussion, including the National Highways (Amendment) Bill, Atomic Energy Bill, Corporate Law (Amendment) Bill, Insurance Law (Amendment) Bill, and the Higher Education Commission of India Bill 2025. The Atomic Energy Bill is expected to draw particular attention as it could enable private companies to set up nuclear power plants. Parliament will also take up discussion and voting on the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025–26.
On the opposition side, parties have made it clear they will demand a debate on the SIR issue. They have warned that disruptions are likely if the government refuses discussion. The opposition also plans to raise various national security-related matters. While the government aims to prioritise its legislative agenda, it has also expressed interest in commemorating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. However, it remains to be seen how smoothly the session progresses amid the opposition’s firm stance.