Worked longer, scrutinised less

Key bills introduced in final week of Parliament’s winter session, leaving little time for debate

- VISMAY BASU @New Delhi

PARLIAMENT’S winter session saw seven of nine bills passed within a week of introduction, even as both Houses sat beyond scheduled hours and spent more time debating than legislating.

The session, held from December 1 to 19, ended with the Lok Sabha functioning for 103% and the Rajya Sabha for 104% of their scheduled time, according PRS Legislative Research.

Despite the extended sittings, legislative business accounted for 36% of Lok Sabha time and 30% of Rajya Sabha time, continuing a pattern seen across recent winter sessions. More than 40% of the time in both Houses was spent on debates, driven mainly by special discussions on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and electoral reforms. Financial business occupied a limited share.