India's Parliament Winter Session Commences Amidst Legislative Push and Opposition Demands

Parliamentary Proceedings Underway

The Winter Session of India's Parliament officially commenced on December 1, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on December 19, 2025. The session will comprise 15 sittings over 19 days, a duration that has drawn criticism from opposition parties for being shorter than usual. President Droupadi Murmu approved the government's proposal to convene the session, an announcement made by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on November 8, 2025.

Government's Legislative Agenda

The government has outlined an extensive legislative agenda, with 13 bills slated for introduction and discussion. Key legislative proposals include:

• The Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, aimed at opening the civil nuclear sector to private participation.
• The Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025, which seeks to establish a new regulatory body for higher education, replacing existing institutions like the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025, introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which propose changes to taxation on tobacco products and pan masala, respectively, to fund national security and public health.
• The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, designed to increase the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%.
• The Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025, intended to consolidate three separate laws governing India's capital markets into a single, unified code.
• The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, which aims to decriminalize minor offenses to enhance ease of living and business.

Additionally, the session will address the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025-26. A discussion on the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' is also on the government's agenda.

Opposition's Points of Contention

Opposition parties are prepared to challenge the government on several critical issues. A primary concern is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories, with opposition leaders demanding a debate and threatening disruptions if their request is denied. National security, particularly in the wake of a recent Red Fort blast, and the persistent issue of Delhi's air pollution are also high on the opposition's agenda. Other topics expected to be raised include price rise, unemployment, federalism concerns regarding governors withholding bills, new labor laws, foreign policy, and investments by LIC in the Adani Group.

Statements from Leaders

Ahead of the session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media, emphasizing that Parliament is a place for 'delivery' rather than 'drama', urging cooperation from all parties. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired an all-party meeting on November 30, 2025, attended by 50 leaders from 36 political parties, to discuss the session's agenda and ensure smooth functioning. C.P. Radhakrishnan is presiding over the Rajya Sabha as its new Chairman.