HOUSE ARREST

With UPA in a minority in Rajya Sabha, cynical allies and aggressive Opposition are giving the Government a tough time in passing key bills

The Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill The Bill aims to set new standards of probity in the judiciary. Anyone can make a complaint against a judge to an Oversight Committee on grounds of ‘misbehaviour’. Hurdles Oversight Committee has nonjudicial members which might impinge on the independence of the judiciary. BJP may oppose it in the Rajya Sabha over composition of the investigative committee. Status Not yet passed by the Rajya Sabha. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill The Bill seeks to give statutory powers to the interim authority set up in 2003. It also alters the name of the New Pension System to National Pension System. Subscribers will choose fund managers and schemes to manage their pension wealth. The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 24, 2011. Hurdles Investment risk is entirely borne by employees. Though BJP supports the Bill, the Left parties and key ally Trinamool Congress oppose it as anti-workers. Status Not yet passed by the Rajya Sabha. The Education Tribunals Bill The Bill seeks to set up educational tribunals to expedite adjudication of disputes in the education sector. The Bill was piloted by the Human Resource Development Ministry in the Rajya Sabha. Hurdles The Bill faces resistance from the Opposition parties and even within the Congress. Only the chairperson of the state tribunals is a judicial member. This provision creates the possibility of cases being heard without a judicial member. Status The Bill was brought in the Rajya Sabha but deferred after protests. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill The Bill seeks to institute an anti-corruption ombudsman to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption. The Lokpal can recommend disciplinary action and file a case if it finds that an offence has been committed. Hurdles The civil society movement led by Anna Hazare has called the Bill toothless. BJP and other Opposition parties want an independent investigative agency which should have some administrative relationship with the Lokpal. Status The Bill was brought in the Rajya Sabha but deferred after protests. The Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation Bill The Bill amends the Mines Act, 1952, which regulates the operation of mines and provides a mechanism for the supervision and safety of miners. It amends the definition of “owner” of a mine from immediate occupier to a person having “ultimate control” over the affairs of the mine. Hurdles The Bill has been brought in focus after scams in the mining sector. Inter-ministerial disputes are coming in the way. Status Standing Committee to submit report in May. National Food Security Bill The Bill specifies that up to 75 per cent of the rural population and 50 per cent of the urban population shall be entitled to foodgrain. In the case of non-supply of foodgrain or meals to entitled persons, they will get a food security allowance. Hurdles There is a difference of opinion over identifying the people entitled for allowance. The chief ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have opposed it, saying it would disrupt an effective Public Distribution System already in place in those states. Status Standing Committee to submit report.