As the Monsoon Session of Parliament enters its fourth day, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to deliberate on two significant legislations on Thursday — the Scheduled Tribes Reservation Bill for Goa and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will introduce The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024 for consideration and passage. The bill seeks to provide for the reservation of seats in the Goa Legislative Assembly in accordance with Article 332 of the Constitution. It aims to facilitate democratic representation of newly included Scheduled Tribes in the state and adjust constituency seats accordingly.
According to the business list issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the bill addresses the inclusion of certain communities in the ST list of Goa and proposes the necessary readjustment in legislative representation to reflect this change.
Additionally, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will move The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 for discussion and passage. This legislation aims to consolidate and modernise India’s maritime laws to align with international treaties and boost the development of Indian merchant shipping. The bill is designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of India’s mercantile marine while safeguarding national interests.
The session will also witness the tabling of reports by the standing committees on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, as well as Communications and Information Technology. These reports pertain to the government’s response to previous recommendations made by the committees.
On Wednesday, proceedings in both Houses of Parliament were disrupted due to Opposition protests over the Bihar Special Intensive Revision, leading to adjournments. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are set to reconvene at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to continue until August 21.