What are Private Member’s Bills (PMBs)?
PMBs are bills introduced by Members of Parliament who are not ministers.
Any MP, whether from the ruling party or the Opposition, can bring a PMB.
Most laws are brought by the government, but PMBs give MPs a chance to raise independent ideas.
Fridays in Parliament sessions are usually set aside to discuss PMBs.
PMBs allow MPs to reflect the needs of their constituency or personal beliefs.
Why Are PMBs Declining?
Disruptions in Parliament and early adjournments have reduced time for PMBs.
Government business often takes over Fridays, leaving little or no time for PMBs.
In the 17th Lok Sabha, hundreds of PMBs were introduced, but very few were discussed.
In 2024 sessions, most PMBs were listed but not taken up for debate.
The practice of discussing PMBs has become more symbolic than serious.
Examples of Impactful PMBs
Supriya Sule introduced a bill in 2019 to give workers the right to disconnect from work after hours.
This bill was not passed but sparked a national conversation on work-life balance.
Tiruchi Siva’s 2014 bill on transgender rights was passed in the Rajya Sabha.
Although it didn’t become law, it influenced the government’s 2019 transgender rights act.
BJP MP Gopal Shetty proposed a bill for free healthcare for senior citizens, showing ruling party MPs also use PMBs.
Need for Reforms
Time for PMBs on Fridays should be protected and not used for other debates.
A committee can be set up to review and shortlist important PMBs for discussion.
Parliament sessions could be extended to make time for both government and private member business.
A method like the UK’s Ten-Minute Rule could allow quick presentations of PMBs.
These changes would help bring more independent ideas into law-making.
The Vice President has called PMBs a “gold mine” for India's democracy.
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