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The upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament promises to be a busy and significant period, with the government lining up a substantial legislative agenda. This includes both the introduction of new bills and the deliberation on pending ones, covering a wide spectrum of sectors from finance and commerce to sports and education. The session, scheduled to commence after a break of over three and a half months, is expected to be marked by intense debates and scrutiny, particularly concerning key economic and social reforms. The centerpiece of the session is likely to be the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which seeks to simplify the existing Income Tax Act of 1961. While the proposed bill aims to modernize the language and remove redundant provisions, it notably retains most of the original provisions, including tax rates and offenses. This suggests a focus on streamlining the administrative aspects of income tax collection rather than implementing fundamental changes to the tax structure itself. The bill was initially presented during the Budget session in February and subsequently referred to a select committee chaired by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, indicating a thorough review process before its potential enactment. The Select Committee’s report on the Income Tax Bill, 2025, is expected to be presented during this Monsoon session, paving the way for further discussions and amendments before a final vote. Beyond the Income Tax Bill, the legislative agenda includes a range of other important bills. The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to align the state GST law with the central legislation, reflecting the ongoing efforts to harmonize tax policies across different states. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, seeks to improve ease of doing business by reducing compliance burdens, potentially fostering a more conducive environment for investment and economic growth. In the education sector, the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes to add IIM Guwahati to the schedule of the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017, expanding the scope and reach of these prestigious institutions. The Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2025, underscores the importance of preserving sites of geological significance for research, education, and tourism, reflecting a growing awareness of the need to protect our natural heritage. In the realm of mines and minerals, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, focuses on recovery of critical minerals, expanded mining leases, and strengthening the National Mineral Exploration Trust. These amendments are aimed at bolstering the mining sector and ensuring the sustainable exploitation of mineral resources. The sports sector will also be in focus, with the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, seeking to promote sports, sportspersons’ welfare, and ethical practices in sports. The bill aims to establish standards for the governance of sports federations and institute measures for the resolution of sports grievances and disputes, potentially enhancing the integrity and transparency of sports administration. The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is another important piece of legislation in the sports sector. It aims to bring the 2022 Anti-Doping Act in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and global standards, ensuring that the National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel works independently. This underscores the commitment to maintaining a level playing field and combating doping in sports. Several pending bills are also slated for discussion during the Monsoon session. The Scheduled Tribes Representation in Goa Bill, 2024, proposes to reserve seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Goa Legislative Assembly by readjusting assembly constituencies. The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, seeks to replace the Indian Ports Act of 1908, establishing new regulatory bodies including a Maritime State Development Council and State Maritime Boards. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, updates rules around ship registration, maritime training, and seafarer welfare. The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, regulates domestic coastal shipping, while the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, modernizes the 1925 Act dealing with sea transport of goods. The Bills of Lading Bill, 2024, seeks to replace the outdated Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, with an updated legal framework for issuing shipping documents. The introduction of a new digital attendance system for Members of Parliament marks a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability. Under this system, MPs will be required to register their presence using a digital device at their designated seats, a move aimed at curbing misuse of allowances. The session is also notable as it is the first Parliament session since Operation Sindoor, launched in May in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The opposition is expected to question the government on Operation Sindoor and US President Donald Trump's claim that "he helped prevent a nuclear conflict" between India and Pakistan, potentially leading to heated debates and political confrontations. According to PRS Legislative Research, the government is aiming to push key reforms and policies this session, with eight new bills and seven pending ones lined up for consideration. The Monsoon Session of Parliament will continue until August 21, with a total of 21 sittings. A break is scheduled from August 12 to 18 for Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day celebrations. The session is likely to see heated debates between the ruling BJP and the opposition, including the Congress-led INDIA bloc. This comprehensive legislative agenda, coupled with the introduction of new technologies and the backdrop of significant political events, sets the stage for a dynamic and consequential Monsoon session of Parliament. The outcomes of these deliberations will likely have a profound impact on various sectors of the Indian economy and society, shaping the future trajectory of the nation. The Parliament session will serve as a crucial platform for addressing pressing issues, fostering consensus, and enacting legislation that promotes the welfare of the citizens and the progress of the country. The debates and discussions surrounding these bills will also provide valuable insights into the diverse perspectives and priorities of different political parties and stakeholders, contributing to a more informed and engaged public discourse. The Monsoon Session of Parliament is poised to be a critical juncture in the legislative calendar, with the potential to shape the direction of key policy initiatives and reforms. The outcomes of these deliberations will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the nation's economic, social, and political landscape, underscoring the importance of informed participation and engagement in the democratic process.
The Income Tax Bill 2025 represents a key focus of this parliamentary session. The intent behind replacing the Income Tax Act of 1961 is rooted in the need for simplification and modernization of the country's tax laws. The original act, while serving its purpose for decades, has accumulated layers of amendments and complexities that can make it challenging for taxpayers to navigate. The new bill aims to address these issues by streamlining the language, removing redundant provisions, and making the tax code more accessible and understandable for the general public. This simplification is expected to reduce compliance costs for businesses and individuals, encourage greater tax compliance, and improve the overall efficiency of the tax administration system. The bill retains most of the original provisions, including tax rates and offenses, indicating a pragmatic approach to reform. This ensures that the fundamental principles of taxation remain intact while focusing on enhancing the operational aspects of the tax system. The bill's referral to a select committee chaired by BJP MP Baijayant Panda highlights the importance of stakeholder consultation and thorough scrutiny in the legislative process. The select committee's report is expected to provide valuable insights and recommendations that will further refine the bill before it is presented for final approval. The Income Tax Bill 2025 is not merely a technical amendment but a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing and optimizing India's tax ecosystem. The bill's success hinges on its ability to balance simplification with the need to maintain revenue stability and fairness. As the bill progresses through the parliamentary process, it will be closely watched by taxpayers, businesses, and policymakers alike, with the expectation that it will usher in a new era of tax administration in India.
Furthermore, the Monsoon session will see significant attention given to the sports sector, with the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, taking center stage. The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to address long-standing issues related to governance, ethics, and welfare in the sports domain. The bill aims to establish standards for the governance of sports federations, ensuring that these organizations operate with transparency, accountability, and integrity. By setting clear guidelines and promoting ethical practices, the bill seeks to safeguard the interests of sportspersons and promote fair play. The bill also includes provisions for the resolution of sports grievances and disputes, providing a mechanism for athletes and other stakeholders to seek redressal for their concerns. This is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and just environment in the sports sector. The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, reflects India's commitment to combating doping in sports and adhering to international standards. The bill aims to align the 2022 Anti-Doping Act with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, ensuring that India's anti-doping regulations are in line with global best practices. The bill also seeks to strengthen the independence of the National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel, ensuring that doping cases are adjudicated fairly and impartially. By strengthening the anti-doping framework, the bill aims to protect the integrity of sports and promote a level playing field for all athletes. The focus on sports governance and anti-doping measures underscores the government's commitment to fostering a healthy and ethical sports culture in India. These legislative initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the development of sports in the country, promoting greater participation, excellence, and fair play.
Source: Monsoon session: Income Tax bill, anti-doping law on agenda; full list of key bills