Pension Bill likely in winter session

While the government is busy with devising a strategy to divert Opposition fire over the Volcker report and other issues, parliamentary affairs ministry sources confirm that the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill (PFRDA) will be taken up during the month-long winter session of Parliament, starting on November 23.

Sources confirmed that the National Tax Tribunal Bill would be prominent among those Bills to be taken up during the winter session.

The two Bills have been given priority during the session that may see either introduction or consideration of around 50 legislative proposals.

Other important legislation likely during this session include the Factories Amendment Bill, which is being awaited by the BPO sector since it will make it legal for women to do a night shift, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Bill and the Punjab General Sales Tax (Repeal) Bill.

Those listed for consideration include the Contempt of Courts (amendment) Bill, the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Bill, the Government Securities Bill, the Actuaries Bill, the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Bill and the Small and Medium enterprises Development Bill.

The other Bills, over which standing committees have presented their reports, that may come up during the session for consideration include the Criminal Law Amendment Bill, the Chartered Accountants Bill, the Cost and Work Accountants Bill and the Company Secretaries Amendment Bill (all three for withdrawal) and the Disaster Management Bill.

The winter session is expected to be stormy with the opposition having already warned the government that the House will "rock" over the Volcker committee report probing the oil-for- food scam in Iraq, involving the UN and also former Foreign Minister K Natwar Singh and the Congress.

"We are wondering whether any real work will get done in this session, since the Opposition has sent nearly 40 notices on various issues, including two which are under Section 184 of the parliamentary procedure, involving a vote on the motion," said an official.