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The Union Cabinet has approved a draft amendment Bill aimed at operationalising the Women’s Reservation Act in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proposed amendment seeks to revise the implementation framework of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, formally known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, which was passed in 2023.

Expansion of Lok Sabha Strength

A key provision in the proposal is the expansion of the Lok Sabha from its current strength of 543 seats to 816 seats. This increase will follow a fresh delimitation exercise aimed at redrawing constituency boundaries.

One-Third Reservation for Women

Out of the expanded House, approximately one-third of the seats 273 in total are proposed to be reserved for women. The reservation will also apply within Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories, ensuring representation across different social groups.

Delimitation Based on 2011 Census

In a departure from earlier provisions, the government plans to conduct delimitation based on the 2011 Census data, instead of waiting for updated population figures from a future Census.

This move is intended to expedite the implementation of women’s reservation, which under the existing framework was linked to the completion of a new Census and subsequent delimitation exercise.

Next Steps in Parliament

The amendment Bill is expected to be introduced and taken up for discussion during the extended sittings of the Budget Session scheduled from April 16 to April 18.

The proposed changes mark a significant step toward operationalising women’s reservation in Parliament, with implementation targeted ahead of the next general elections in 2029.

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Lok Sabha

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned on Thursday, with the ongoing Budget Session set to reconvene on April 16 after a scheduled recess.

Key Legislation Passed in Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha passed the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, by voice vote. The legislation had earlier been approved by the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill outlines provisions related to deputation in senior ranks within Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). It mandates that 50% of posts at the rank of Inspector General be filled through deputation, while at least 67% of Additional Director General posts are to be filled in a similar manner. Positions at the ranks of Special Director General and Director General are to be filled entirely through deputation.

Rajya Sabha Clears Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill

The Rajya Sabha passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill by voice vote. The legislation proposes wide-ranging changes across multiple laws.

It aims to amend 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts administered by 23 ministries. Of these, 717 provisions are set to be decriminalised, while 67 provisions are to be modified, with the objective of improving regulatory compliance and facilitating ease of living.

Amaravati Recognised as Andhra Pradesh Capital

Parliament also passed a Bill recognising Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Rajya Sabha approved the legislation by voice vote, with support from most political parties, while the YSR Congress Party opposed the measure.

Session to Reconvene for Constitutional Amendments

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that the Budget Session would not be adjourned sine die but placed in recess.

He stated that Parliament would reconvene for a specific period to consider amendments related to the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, commonly referred to as the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023.

Legislative Activity Continues

The session saw the passage of several key bills across both Houses, reflecting ongoing legislative activity on administrative reforms, governance frameworks, and policy implementation.

The reconvening of Parliament later in April is expected to focus on constitutional and legislative priorities currently under consideration.

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Finance Bill 2026 Passed in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill, 2026, marking a key legislative step required to implement proposals outlined in the Union Budget for 2026–27.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the House during the discussion on the Bill, which was later approved through a voice vote. The legislation provides legal backing for changes in income tax rates, as well as revisions in customs and excise duties.

Opposition Raises Concerns

Several Opposition members opposed the introduction of the Bill, raising concerns over specific provisions. Among those who spoke against it were Manish Tewari, Sougata Ray, and T Sumathy.

They argued that certain provisions in the proposed legislation could weaken aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) regulations. The government, however, proceeded with the passage of the Bill.

Protest Over LPG Supply Concerns

Outside Parliament, Opposition leaders staged a protest within the Parliament House complex over concerns related to a reported LPG supply crunch linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Supriya Sule, Dharmendra Yadav, Sudama Prasad, T Sumathy, and Mahua Maji were among those present near the Makar Dwar during the demonstration.

All-Party Meeting on West Asia Crisis

Amid rising concerns over the geopolitical situation in West Asia, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to chair an all-party meeting later in the day.

The meeting aims to brief political leaders on the evolving situation and its potential economic and security implications for India. The initiative follows remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in both Houses of Parliament, where he described the situation as an unprecedented crisis with possible long-term effects.

The government’s outreach to political parties comes as global developments continue to influence energy markets and domestic supply concerns.

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Lok Sabha Passes Appropriation Bill 2026

The Lok Sabha passed the Appropriation Bill 2026 following several adjournments triggered by protests from Opposition members. The Bill authorises the government to withdraw additional funds from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet expenditure for the financial year 2025–26.

The passage of the Bill came after the House approved the Supplementary Demands for Grants through a voice vote. These demands allow the government to seek additional financial allocations beyond the budget estimates for the ongoing financial year.

During the discussion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the creation of an Economic Stabilisation Fund worth ₹1 lakh crore. The fund is intended to provide fiscal flexibility and enable the government to respond to global economic challenges that may affect the Indian economy.

According to the Finance Minister, the proposed fund will create fiscal space that can be used if global developments place pressure on economic stability. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the government’s capacity to manage economic risks arising from international developments.

Meanwhile, members of the Opposition coalition submitted a notice in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The notice marks the first time such a proposal has been submitted in Parliament against a sitting Chief Election Commissioner.

The notice was signed by 130 Members of Parliament from the Lok Sabha and 63 members from the Rajya Sabha. It lists several allegations related to the conduct of the Chief Election Commissioner during his tenure.

The charges mentioned in the notice include claims of partisan conduct, discriminatory actions in office, obstruction of investigations related to electoral irregularities, and allegations of disenfranchisement of voters. The proposal seeks parliamentary consideration of these claims under the constitutional process governing the removal of an Election Commissioner.

Separately, the Lok Sabha also witnessed a heated exchange during the discussion on the supplementary demands for grants. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi raised allegations concerning Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri during his speech in the House.

The remarks led to a confrontation between Mr. Gandhi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, resulting in disruptions during the proceedings. The exchange contributed to repeated interruptions in the House before legislative business resumed.

Despite the disruptions, the government was able to complete the passage of the Appropriation Bill, allowing the authorised funds to be withdrawn for government expenditure for the financial year 2025–26.

The developments reflect continuing political disagreements between the government and Opposition parties during the current parliamentary session, with debates focusing on financial legislation as well as institutional issues raised by Opposition members.

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Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026

New Delhi, February 12, 2026: The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at ensuring legal clarity regarding the repeal of certain labour laws replaced by the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

The amendment introduces savings provisions to avoid what the government described as any “future unwarranted complication” over the continuity of laws subsumed under the 2020 Code.

The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 consolidated and replaced three major labour legislations: the Trade Unions Act, 1926; the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. These laws governed trade unions, industrial employment conditions, and industrial dispute resolution.

Clarifying the Repeal Provision

According to the statement of objects and reasons of the amendment Bill, Section 104 of the Industrial Relations Code already provides for the repeal of the earlier enactments. However, the government said there was a possibility of confusion arising from a “misconceived ground” that the Code delegated the power to repeal those laws to the executive.

The statement clarified that the repeal had occurred by operation of Section 104 itself, and that a notification issued in February 2026 reaffirmed this position. The amendment, it said, is intended to prevent any future legal uncertainty.

“It is considered desirable to introduce the proposed amendment to avoid any future unwarranted complication,” the statement said.

Savings provisions are typically included in legislation to preserve actions, rights, obligations, and proceedings initiated under repealed laws, thereby ensuring continuity and legal certainty.

Government’s Position

Replying to the discussion before the passage of the Bill, Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the four Labour Codes implemented nearly three months ago ensure key protections for workers.

He stated that the Codes guarantee minimum wages, mandate the issuance of appointment letters, and provide for uniform wages for the same work irrespective of gender.

The four Labour Codes covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety were enacted to consolidate multiple central labour laws into a simplified framework. The government has maintained that the reform improves compliance and strengthens worker protections while promoting ease of doing business.

Opposition Criticism

During the debate, members of the Opposition criticised the government’s approach to labour reforms.

Congress MP K. Suresh said that instead of dialogue, the government “has chosen to dominate labourers.” He referred to a strike call given by workers on Thursday, describing it as a “warning signal” and reflecting what he termed policy shortcomings in addressing labour concerns.

Mr. Suresh also contrasted the current government’s approach with that of the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, citing the introduction of schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the National Food Security Act as examples of pro-labour policies.

The debate highlighted differing political perspectives on labour reforms and their implementation. While the government emphasised legal clarity and structural reform, Opposition members raised concerns about consultation and worker safeguards.

With the Lok Sabha’s approval, the amendment Bill moves forward in the legislative process.

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Lok Sabha

New Delhi, February 11, 2026: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticised the interim trade agreement between India and the United States, describing it as “one-sided” and alleging that the government had compromised national interests. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he said the agreement amounted to a “wholesale surrender” and claimed it affected India’s energy security and farmers’ interests.

During his address, Mr. Gandhi alleged that the government had “sold Bharat Mata” through the agreement. He argued that the deal had placed India in a disadvantageous position in negotiations with the United States. He further stated that if an INDIA Bloc government had negotiated the agreement, it would have insisted that India be treated as an equal partner.

Referring to U.S. President Donald Trump, Mr. Gandhi said an alternative government would have clearly conveyed that India must be respected as an equal in bilateral trade discussions. He emphasised that trade negotiations should protect domestic economic priorities and strategic autonomy.

The interim trade agreement between India and the United States has been positioned by the government as a step toward strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. While specific details of the agreement were not elaborated upon during the debate, it is understood to involve trade facilitation measures and sector-specific adjustments aimed at boosting bilateral commerce.

India and the United States are major trading partners, with cooperation spanning goods, services, technology, defence, and energy. In recent years, both sides have sought to resolve tariff disputes and expand market access in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. Interim agreements are typically seen as transitional arrangements while broader negotiations continue.

Opposition members raised concerns in the House about the potential impact of the agreement on farmers and domestic industries. Mr. Gandhi stated that India’s energy security had been “handed over to America,” though he did not provide detailed data during his speech to substantiate the claim. He maintained that any trade arrangement must safeguard critical sectors and ensure that Indian producers are not placed at a disadvantage.

The government has not yet issued a detailed response to Mr. Gandhi’s remarks in Parliament. However, officials have previously stated that trade discussions with the United States are guided by national interest and aim to create opportunities for Indian businesses while maintaining strategic balance.

Trade agreements often involve complex negotiations over tariffs, quotas, regulatory standards, and market access. Such agreements can influence multiple sectors, including agriculture, energy imports, manufacturing exports, and digital services. Analysts note that interim deals are sometimes used to build confidence between negotiating partners before finalising comprehensive frameworks.

The debate in the Lok Sabha reflects broader political differences over economic diplomacy and trade policy. While the ruling coalition has emphasised deeper economic integration with key global partners, the Opposition has called for greater transparency and stronger protections for domestic sectors.

Further details regarding the implementation timeline and sectoral impact of the interim trade agreement are expected to emerge as discussions continue.

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Amid continued disruptions in the Budget Session, Opposition parties led by the Congress on Tuesday submitted a no-confidence motion seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

The notice was submitted during repeated adjournments and ruckus in the Lower House, which was adjourned till 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday (February 10, 2026). Chief Whip of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Kodikunnil Suresh and party Whip Mohammed Jawed Ahmed handed over the notice to Lok Sabha Secretary-General Utpal Kumar Singh, sources said.

Constitutional provision and submission

According to Article 94(c) of the Constitution, a Lok Sabha member may give written notice of intention to move a resolution for the removal of the Speaker to the Secretary-General, with a minimum notice period of 14 days.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the motion was submitted at 1:14 p.m. on Tuesday. He stated that the primary concern of the Opposition was that the Leader of Opposition had not been allowed to speak on several occasions. He added that many Opposition parties shared this concern.

“At 1:14 p.m. today we submitted a motion expressing no-confidence and asking for removal of Speaker Om Birla as per Rule 94(c),” Mr. Gogoi said in a statement.

Signatories and parties involved

The notice seeking the removal of Mr. Birla bears 119 signatures. Among the signatories are DMK MP T.R. Baalu and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav. Members of the Trinamool Congress did not sign the notice.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has also not signed the motion, as one of the charges in the notice relates to him allegedly not being allowed to speak in the House.

Opposition parties that have signed the notice include the Congress, RJD, Samajwadi Party, DMK, and Left parties.

Allegations against the Speaker

The Congress has accused the Speaker of acting in a partisan manner and denying Rahul Gandhi the opportunity to speak during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address.

The notice also refers to the recent suspension of eight Opposition MPs by the Speaker for what was described as unruly behaviour, seven of whom belong to the Congress.

Additionally, the notice alleges differential treatment by the Chair, stating that a BJP member was allowed to make personalised attacks on two former Prime Ministers, while no action was taken despite objections raised by the Opposition.

The motion further objects to remarks made by the Speaker in the House that he had “concrete information” suggesting that several Congress MPs might move towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s seat and carry out an “unexpected act.” The notice described this statement as an abuse of the constitutional office of the Speaker.

Separate letter by women MPs

Separately, eight women Members of Parliament from the Congress wrote to the Speaker on Monday (February 9), alleging that they were being targeted because they had “consistently fought against PM Modi’s anti-people government and demanded accountability from him.”

The no-confidence motion marks a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the Opposition and the government during the Budget Session.

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Parliament Budget Session

The Budget Session of Parliament on Friday was marked by repeated disruptions and political confrontation, resulting in frequent adjournments in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Opposition protests prevented the scheduled business from being carried out, and both Houses were eventually adjourned for the day. Proceedings are set to resume on Monday at 11 am.

In the Lok Sabha, a general discussion on the Union Budget 2026–27 was initiated. However, continuous sloganeering by Opposition members disrupted the debate, preventing detailed discussion on budgetary proposals. Due to the sustained disruptions, most of the listed agenda items could not be taken up.

The Rajya Sabha also witnessed interruptions during the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Upper House, where he defended the government’s economic and foreign policy approach. Referring to India’s growing engagement with the United States and the European Union, the Prime Minister described these agreements as significant for global economic stability.

The Prime Minister’s remarks drew sharp reactions from Opposition parties, leading to further protests. Several suspended Members of Parliament staged demonstrations both inside and outside the Parliament complex, alleging that the government had entered into unfavourable international trade arrangements. Some Opposition leaders described these arrangements as a “US–India trap deal”.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Prime Minister’s address, alleging that the government was repeating misleading claims and avoiding accountability on key national issues.

The repeated disruptions throughout the day resulted in a substantial loss of parliamentary time. Political confrontation dominated proceedings, overshadowing substantive discussion on the Union Budget.

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Parliament Bugdet Session

The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were adjourned for the day on Tuesday following the suspension of eight Opposition Members of Parliament amid continued uproar in the House.

According to reports, the disruption occurred after papers were allegedly thrown towards the Chair during the proceedings. In response, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju moved a resolution seeking the suspension of certain Opposition MPs for alleged unruly behaviour. The resolution was passed by a voice vote.

Speaker in the Chair Dilip Saikia subsequently announced the suspension of the members for the remainder of the current session.

The MPs suspended include Hibi Eden, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Manickam Tagore, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Kiran Kumar Reddy, Prashant Yadaorao Padole, S Venkatesan, and Dean Kuriakose, as reported by news agency ANI.

Following the announcement, the House continued to witness disruptions, leading to the adjournment of proceedings for the day.

After his suspension, Congress MP Prashant Yadaorao Padole told ANI that the Opposition was attempting to raise issues in the House and alleged that their voices were being suppressed. He stated that the suspension followed protests by Opposition members against what they described as attempts to silence them.

The suspension of MPs for disorderly conduct is permitted under parliamentary rules when members are found to be obstructing proceedings. Such actions, however, often draw sharp political reactions and have been a recurring point of contention between the government and the Opposition during parliamentary sessions.

The Lok Sabha is expected to resume proceedings as per the scheduled business on the next working day.

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Budget Session

New Delhi | Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on January 29, 2026, tabled the Economic Survey 2025–26 in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, presenting the government’s official assessment of the Indian economy ahead of the Union Budget.

The Survey projected real GDP growth for FY27 in the range of 6.8% to 7.2%, driven primarily by resilient domestic demand, steady consumption patterns, and sustained public capital expenditure. It highlighted India’s continued focus on infrastructure development, digitalisation, and investment-led growth as key pillars supporting economic momentum.

The Economic Survey also examined progress on fiscal consolidation, noting efforts to balance growth priorities with macroeconomic stability. Inflation trends were reviewed, alongside risks emerging from global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and volatile commodity prices.

Sectoral performance featured prominently in the Survey, with particular emphasis on infrastructure expansion, manufacturing, services, and the growing role of digital technologies in productivity enhancement and governance reforms.

Following the tabling of the Economic Survey, proceedings in both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day. Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on February 1, 2026, when Finance Minister Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026–27.

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