Winter Session Wraps Up With Eight Bills Passed and Productivity Crossing 120%

The Winter Session of Parliament, which ran from December 1 to December 19, 2025, with 15 sittings, concluded on Friday after passing eight key bills amid sharp debates between the government and opposition. The session achieved high productivity, with the Lok Sabha recording 110 per cent and the Rajya Sabha 121 per cent, despite disruptions over certain legislations. Discussions on electoral reforms and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram proceeded smoothly following an understanding between the two sides.

Among the major bills passed was the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This legislation increases guaranteed wage employment to 125 days per rural household, introduces seasonal pauses, and shifts focus to durable infrastructure but faced strong opposition protests, including paper-tearing in the Lok Sabha and demands for referral to a standing committee. The opposition criticised the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name and potential dilution of rural guarantees.

The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, opened the civil nuclear sector to private participation for the first time, repealing outdated laws and establishing a modern liability and regulatory framework. It aims to boost nuclear capacity to support clean energy goals, though opposition members raised concerns over safety and privatisation in a sensitive area. The bill passed despite heated debates.

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The Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, raised the foreign direct investment limit in insurance companies from 74 per cent to 100 per cent to attract capital, improve penetration, and enhance social security. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted its role in expanding the ecosystem and generating employment. Other financial bills passed included the Appropriation (No. 4) Bill, 2025; the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025, which scrapped obsolete laws.

The session saw 10 bills introduced, with two referred to committees, and a planned discussion on air pollution cancelled due to disruptions during the VB-G RAM G Bill passage. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described the session as productive, emphasising its contributions to Viksit Bharat objectives.

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