New Delhi, India – In a session marked by opposition protests, the Indian Parliament managed to pass three bills: the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and the Mediation Bill, 2021. Despite the opposition’s resistance, all these bills were approved through voice votes.
The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023, which was passed by the Lok Sabha earlier, has now received approval from the Rajya Sabha. This amendment empowers the Central Government to establish rules pertaining to the conservation, systematic development, and environmental protection related to offshore mining.
The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023, which was initially passed by the Lok Sabha, was presented for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha. This bill aims to reform the electoral process, enhance governance and transparency, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and improve the composition of the boards of Multi-State Cooperative Societies. It will also enable state cooperative societies to merge with existing multi-state cooperative societies.
To facilitate and promote mediation for dispute resolution, especially commercial disputes, the Mediation Bill, 2021, was passed in the Rajya Sabha. This bill seeks to enforce mediated settlement agreements, provide for the registration of mediators, encourage community mediation, and establish online mediation as an acceptable and cost-effective process.
In the midst of these legislative developments, opposition leaders have persistently called for attention to the issue of Manipur. They have demanded a statement from Prime Minister Modi addressing this matter within the Parliament.
These bills’ passage reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen environmental conservation, improve cooperative societies’ governance, and establish alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The adoption of these bills, despite opposition protests, demonstrates the government’s commitment to pushing forward with its legislative agenda.
The Parliament’s focus on these bills, along with ongoing discussions surrounding the issue of Manipur, highlights the diverse range of topics and challenges being addressed within India’s legislative body. As the bills move forward, it is essential to maintain a balanced and informed perspective, considering the different viewpoints and opinions that emerge during these discussions.
Overall, the passage of these important bills amid opposition protests showcases the Indian Parliament’s determination to address key issues and enhance various sectors, ranging from biodiversity conservation to cooperative societies and dispute resolution mechanisms. The government’s persistence in pursuing these reforms ensures the continued progress and development of India.
