The Budget Session of the Parliament began on January 29 with the President’s address. The first day of the Parliament also saw Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman present the Economic Survey. This was the first parliament session after the Monsoon Session was adjourned in September last year. 

The Monsoon Session of Parliament began on September 14 last year and was adjourned on September 23. According to Times Now, the session was adjourned suddenly due to COVID-19 cases among MPs, Union ministers and Parliament staff. 25 bills were passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha that includes 11 bills to replace the ordinances promulgated in June. 

Here are the major bills that were passed in the 2020 Monsoon session:

Epidemic Diseases Bill

According to Hindustan Times, the Epidemic Diseases Bill ensures protection for healthcare workers.  Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan had said in the Lok Sabha, “The government took advice from various law experts before introducing this act. Under this act those who insult our corona warriors will be asked to pay a fine or may even get jail term.”

 Companies Bill

The Companies (Amendment) Bill 2020, passed by the Rajya Sabha, amends 48 sections of the Companies Act 2013. According to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the amendments are focused on decriminalisation and increasing the ease of living.

Banking Regulation Bill

Amendments to the Banking Regulation Act were passed to bring cooperative banks under the supervision of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). According to Sitharaman, the amendments have been brought to completely protect the interest of depositors. It aims to strengthen cooperative banks by increasing their professionalism, improving governance, enabling access to capital as well as ensuring sound banking through the central bank.

Farm Laws

The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act were passed and further received the President’s assent turning them into laws. According to the government, the reforms will accelerate growth in the sector through private sector investment in building infrastructure and supply chains for farm produce in national and global markets. The Essential Commodities Act sought the removal of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion and potatoes from the list of essential commodities.