First Session of 18th Lok Sabha and 264th Rajya Sabha Session Announced
Desk Report, June 12, 2024: The Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, has announced that the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha will convene from June 24 to July 3, 2024. The primary focus of this session will be the administration of the oath/affirmation to newly elected Members of Parliament, alongside essential parliamentary proceedings.
In his official statement, Minister Rijiju outlined the agenda for the session, which includes pivotal events such as the Election of the Speaker, the President’s Address, and subsequent deliberations on pertinent national matters.
Concurrently, the 264th Session of the Rajya Sabha is scheduled to commence on June 27, running parallel to the Lok Sabha session, and concluding on July 3.
Highlighting a significant ceremonial aspect, President Droupadi Murmu is slated to deliver an address to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on June 27, marking an auspicious moment in the parliamentary calendar.
The preceding session of the 17th Lok Sabha, constituting the Budget session, was held from January 31 to February 10, 2024. During its tenure, the Lok Sabha conducted a total of 274 sittings, introduced 202 Bills, and successfully passed 222 Bills. Similarly, the Rajya Sabha convened for 271 sittings, introducing 31 Bills and passing 220 Bills. The cumulative legislative output resulted in the passage of 221 Bills by both Houses, subsequently enshrined into Acts during the tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha.
Among the significant legislative achievements of the 17th Lok Sabha was the historic abrogation of certain provisions of Article 370, accompanied by Presidential Orders, aimed at fostering equal opportunities for all segments of society within the region of Jammu & Kashmir. This monumental move reinstated the applicability of the Indian Constitution and socio-economic legislations, while also facilitating the reorganization of the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The restructuring was designed to streamline administrative mechanisms and address issues of terrorism effectively.
Additionally, the enactment of three landmark Bills pertaining to the criminal justice system marked notable milestones during the tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha. These include the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, which superseded antiquated legislations such as the Indian Penal Code, 1860; the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973; and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively. These legislative endeavors are aimed at fortifying a victim-centric approach to justice.
The upcoming session of the 18th Lok Sabha is poised to carry forward the legislative momentum and address pressing national issues in alignment with democratic principles and parliamentary traditions.
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