Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has been assigned the task of efficiently handling diverse Parliamentary work on behalf of the Government in the Parliament. As such, the Ministry serves as an important link between the two Houses of Parliament and the Government with some additional responsibilities and functions assigned from time to time. The major initiatives/events/achievements of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs during the year 2024 were as follows:

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS IN PARLIAMENT DURING THE YEAR 2024

* Details of Bills passed by both Houses are Annexed.

INTERIM BUDGET SESSION 2024:

Interim Budget Session 2024 (15^th and the last Session of 17^th Lok Sabha) and 263^rd Session of Rajya Sabha commenced on 31^st January, 2024 and adjourned sine-die on 10^th February, 2024. Interim Budget was presented in Lok Sabha on 1^st February, 2024.

FIRST SESSION OF EIGHTEENTH LOK SABHA:

• After general elections for the 18^th Lok Sabha, the First Session of Lok Sabha and 264^th Session of Rajya Sabha were held from 24^th and 27^th June, 2024. Lok Sabha was adjourned sine-die on 2^nd July, 2024 while Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine-die on 3^rd July, 2024.
• First two days in Lok Sabha were devoted exclusively for the purpose of Oath/Affirmation of newly elected Members of 18^th Lok Sabha.

• For facilitation of Oath/Affirmation, President of India appointed Shri Bhartruhari Mehtab as Speaker Pro-tem under Article 95(1) of the Constitution and Shri Kodikunnil Suresh, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Shri T. R. Baalu and Shri Sudip Bandyopadhyay, as persons before whom Members may make and subscribe Oath/Affirmation under Article 99 of the Constitution.

• On 26^th June, 2024, election of Speaker, Lok Sabha was held and Shri Om Birla, Member of Lok Sabha was elected as the Speaker through voice vote.

SECOND SESSION OF EIGHTEENTH LOK SABHA:

The Union Budget for the year 2024-25 was presented on 23^rd of July, 2024. Appropriation Bills relating to Demands for Grants for the year 2024-25 in respect of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and in respect of Budget (General) were passed by Lok Sabha on 30^th July and 05^th August respectively, which were returned by the Rajya Sabha on 8^th of August, 2024. Further, the Finance (No.2) Bill, 2024 was passed by Lok Sabha on 7^th August, 2024 and was returned by Rajya Sabha on 8^th of August, 2024.

WINTER SESSION OF PARLIAMENT:

A special function was organized in the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan on the “Constitution Day” which was presided over by the President of India to commemorate the 75^th Anniversary of the adoption of Constitution of India.

As a part of yearlong celebration of 75th Anniversary of adoption of the Constitution, a special discussion on the “Glorious journey of 75 years of the Constitution of India” was held in the Lok Sabha on 13^th and 14^th December and in Rajya Sabha on 16^th and 17^th December, 2024.

DETAILS OF IMPORTANT LEGISLATIONS ENACTED DURING 2024

During this period, 16 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament and assented to by the President. Objectives and purposes of some of the important enactments are as follows: -

1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 to amend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 in order to decriminalise various provisions in the Act for minor violation and to support Ease of Doing Business.
2. The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 to bring greater transparency, fairness and credibility to the public examination systems and to reassure the youth that their sincere and genuine efforts will be fairly rewarded and their future is safe.
3. The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024 to make appropriate amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000 and the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 to provide reservations to the Other Backward Classes and also align certain provisions of these Acts with the Constitution of India.
4. The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Act, 2024 to include Valmiki community as a synonym of Chura, Bhangi, Balmiki, Mehtar at Sl. No. 5 in the list of Scheduled Castes of Jammu and Kashmir.
5. The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Act, 2024 for revision of list of Scheduled Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir.
6. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024 to re-enact the Aircraft Act to address the ambiguity owing to insertions/omissions/deletions effected by amendments to the Aircraft Act, 1934 from time to time.

• Apart from these important legislations, following landmark Bills were also introduced and referred to JPC:
  • The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995 was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 09.08.2024.
  • (i) The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 which seeks to amend the Constitution of India; and (ii) The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which seeks to amend the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 were referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 20.12.2024.  These Bills were introduced to give effect to the Prime Minister’s vision of “One Nation One Election”.

MATTERS RAISED UNDER RULE 377 IN LOK SABHA AND BY WAY OF SPECIAL MENTION IN RAJYA SABHA

Members of the Lok Sabha who wish to bring to the notice of the House any matter which is not a point of order are permitted by the Speaker to raise the matter under Rule 377 of the Rule of Procedures and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. In the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman permits the Members to mention matters of urgent public importance, generally known as Special Mentions, under Rule 180-E of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha. These matters are generally raised after the disposal of questions and calling attention.

Ministry took follow-up action by requesting Ministries/ Departments for timely disposal of these issues.

MATTERS RAISED UNDER ZERO HOUR

During ‘Zero Hour’ Members in both Houses with the permission of the Chair, could raise the matters of urgent public importance. During current year, 729 matters in Lok Sabha and 317 matters in Rajya Sabha were raised up to the end of Winter Session 2024. These matters were forwarded to the concerned Ministries/ Departments for appropriate action.

RTI & PUBLIC GRIEVANCES: Details of RTIs and PGs disposed off during 2024 are as under: -

No RTI or Grievance is pending in the Ministry.

STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF ASSURANCES IN BOTH THE HOUSES

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs launched the Online Assurance Monitoring System (OAMS) on 9^th October 2018, as part of its efforts to streamline the management of Parliamentary Assurances. The system has significantly improved the submission and tracking of implementation reports.  During 2024 up to Winter Session, a total of 433 Implementation Reports were laid in the Lok Sabha and 335 Implementation Reports were laid in the Rajya Sabha.

LAUNCH OF NEW INITIATIVES: AS PART OF 100 DAYS AGENDA OF GOVT

As part of 100 Days Achievements of the government, in a function held on 11^th September 2024 in Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi, Sh. Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs launched the following six initiatives: -

• National eVidhan Application (NeVA)2.0
• NeVA 2.0 Mobile App
• National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS)2.0
• National Youth Parliament Competition for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs)
• Committee on Subordinate Legislation Management System (CSLMS)
• Consultative Committees Management System (CCMS)

CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES

The Ministry constitutes Consultative Committees of Members of Parliament and makes arrangements for holding their meetings during session and inter-session periods.  After the constitution of 18^th Lok Sabha, 41 Consultative Committees were constituted for various Ministries/Departments. The following activities were undertaken during the year till date: -

• Total 697 Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) were nominated on these 41 Consultative Committees.
• 21 Meetings of the Consultative Committees of various Ministries were held during 18^th Lok Sabha till 29^th December, 2024.
• 74 Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) were nominated on Hindi Salahkar Samitis of various Ministries/Departments.
• 14 Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) were nominated on various Boards/Councils/Commissions set up under Govt of India.
• 28 Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) were nominated on various Regional Direct Taxes Advisory Committees.
• As part of capacity building for operating the web-portals on Consultative Committee Management System, Committee on Subordinate Legislation Management System, a workshop was organised for officers of Cabinet Secretariat and all the Ministries/Departments, on 16^th October, 2024 in Main Lecture Hall, Parliament Library Building, New Delhi.

NATIONAL e-VIDHAN APPLICATION (NeVA):  e-Vidhan is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) under the Digital India Programme (DIP) of Government of India. To implement e-Vidhan, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs developed ‘National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)’ a digital platform based on the principle of 'One Nation-One Application'. Its core aim is for end-to-end digitalisation of all the functions of State Legislatures by transforming them into "Digital Houses”. It also empowers more effective engagement of Members in legislative debates by leveraging the latest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools.

MAJOR EVENTS ON THE FRONT OF NEVA DURING THE YEAR 2024

Inauguration of NeVA 2.0: As a part of 100 Days Achievements of the government, in a special function, Sh. Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs launched NeVA 2.0 and NeVA Mobile App 2.0 among various other initiatives on 11^th September 2024 in the Main Committee Room, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. The inauguration was attended by various dignitaries and officials from Government of India, State Legislatures as well as media persons.

Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister inaugurated NeVA2.0 and other initiatives

During the inauguration Shri Umang Narula, Secretary, MoPA while welcoming the Minister, apprised the participants about various initiatives as part of 100 days achievements emphasising their importance in fulfilling the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Apart from other initiatives, Dr. Satya Prakash, Additional Secretary, MoPA briefed the audience about NeVA2.0 & NeVA Mobile App2.0 which introduces various features including a more user-friendly interface and enhanced integration with the legislative processes of the State Legislatures promoting real-time governance. Shri Kiren Rijiju while inaugurating the initiatives urged the remaining States to adopt NeVA soon to realise the vision of ‘One Nation One Application’.

More States signed MoU to implement NeVA: The year 2024 marked a significant achievement on the front of NeVA project as Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Andhra Pradesh Government and the respective State Legislature on 22^nd February, 29^th April, 3^rd June and 25^th November, 2024 respectively bringing the total tally of NeVA aligned Houses to 27. Further, Detailed Project Reports for Assam, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assemblies were approved by the Empowered Committee of NeVA on 10^th May, 5^th June and 26^th July, 2024 respectively.

    Signing of NeVA MoU with Assam Vidhan Sabha on 22^nd February, 2024 in Guwahati

Signing of MoU with Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on 3^rd June, 2024 in New Delhi

Signing of MoU with Andhra Pradesh Legislature on 25^th November, 2024 in New Delhi

NEW STATE LEGISLATURES ON-BOARDED NEVA

Manipur Live on NeVA: Marking a significant event in its history, Manipur Vidhan Sabha became 13^th House to have transformed into paperless Assembly by conducting its Budget Session Live through NeVA from 28^th February, 2024. Earlier, Sh. N. Biren Singh, Chief Minister, Manipur launched NeVA in Vidhan Sabha on 27^th February, 2024.

              Launch of NeVA in Manipur Assembly by CM Sh. N. Biren Singh on 27^th Feb, 2024

Assam Vidhan Sabha Launched NeVA: Assam became 14^th State Legislature on 12^th August, 2024 in the country, when NeVA was launched by Shri Hemant Biswa Sarma, CM in august presence of Shri Biswajit Daimary, Speaker, Vidhan Sabha.

Assam Vidhan Sabha Live on NeVA platform

Himachal Pradesh adopted NeVA: Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha became 15^th State Legislature in the country on 18^th December, 2024, when  Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in august presence of Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Speaker, Shri Jairam Thakur, LoP and all MLAs launched NeVA at Tapovan, Dharamshala premises of State Vidhan Sabha.

Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, CM launching NeVA on 18^th Dec, 2024

            at Tapovan, Dharamshala, HP Vidhan Sabha

STATUS OF NEVA IMPLEMENTATION

The NeVA project has achieved notable milestones in its remarkable journey. Presently, 27 Legislatures have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry. Out of these, 22 Legislatures have received funding and 15 Legislatures have successfully digitized their Houses and are Live on NeVA platform.

PERMISSION/CLEARANCE TO STATE GOVERNMENTS FOR FOREIGN VISITS.

During 2024, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs issued clearance/ no objection to the Governments of Telangana and Gujarat in respect of their Government Sponsored Delegations visiting abroad.

MEETING WITH DELEGATIONS FROM ABROAD

This year, one parliamentary delegation from Norway met the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs on 10.09.2024 and exchanged the views on functioning of Parliament and other matters of mutual interest.

LIAISON WITH LEADERS OF VARIOUS PARTIES/ GROUPS IN PARLIAMENT

One of the vital functions allotted to this Ministry under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 is liaison with Leaders and Whips of various political Parties and Groups represented in Parliament in order to evolve consensus on important national and international issues. During 2024, three such meetings were convened on 30.01.2024, 21.07.2024, and 24.11.2024 before the commencement of Parliament Sessions. One meeting was also convened by union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs on 06.08.2024 for the purpose of briefing of leaders of various political parties by  Minister of External Affairs on ‘Situation in Bangladesh’.

An All-Party Meeting chaired by Shri Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister on 24^th November, 2024

YOUTH PARLIAMENT

Prize Distribution Functions

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs organizes various Youth Parliament Competitions in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Delhi Schools and Universities / Colleges. The Prize Distribution Functions (PDFs) for the winners of 16^th National Youth Parliament Competitions of Universities/Colleges 2019-20, and 56^th Youth Parliament Competition for Recognized Educational Institutions in the NCT of Delhi were organized on 16^th February, 2024 and 6^th September, 2024 respectively.

PDF 16^th National Youth Parliament Competitions of Universities/Colleges, 2019-20 held on 16^th Feb, 2024 in New Delhi

PDF of 56^th Youth Parliament Competition for Delhi Schools, 2023-24 held on 6^th Sep, 2024 in New Delhi

Orientation Courses Organized during 2024:

The Orientation Courses of 57^th Youth Parliament Competition 2024-25 for Delhi Schools, 35^th National Youth Parliament Competition, 2024-25 for Kendriya Vidyalayas and 26^th National Youth Parliament Competition, 2024-25 for JNVs were organized on 5^th July, 2024, 12^th July, 2024 and 19^th July, 2024 respectively in virtual mode. The Orientation Course of 17^th National Youth Parliament Competition, 2024-25 for Universities/Colleges was organized at Munnar, Kerala during 25-26 September, 2024.

Orientation Course of 17^th National Youth Parliament Competition for Universities/Colleges at Munnar

Financial assistance to Sates to organize Youth Parliament sittings

Governments of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Odisha were given financial assistance for organizing Youth Parliament Competitions in the schools during 2024.

NYPS Web Portal (NYPS 2.0)

As part of 100 days achievements of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju launched updated version of NYPS web portal i.e. NYPS 2.0 on 11^th September, 2024 to enhance the outreach to all the citizens of the country. Now, participation on NYPS portal can be done through Institution Participation, Group Participation and Individual Participation.

Launch of NYPC for tribal students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools

A new scheme of National Youth Parliament Competition (NYPS) for tribal students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) was launched as part of 100 days achievements of the Ministry. The aims and objectives of the Scheme is to strengthen the roots of democracy, develop tolerance of divergent views, inculcate healthy habits of discipline and improve knowledge of the working of Parliament and Parliamentary institutions among tribal students through organising National Youth Parliament Competitions annually in the EMRSs.

PROMOTION OF HINDI

Three meetings of the Official Language Implementation Committee of the Ministry were held on 22^nd March, 19^th June and 20^th September, 2024.

Hindi Pakhwada was celebrated in the Ministry from 14^th to 30^th September, 2024. The following competitions were conducted during Hindi Pakhwada:

• Hindi Noting and Drafting Competition;
• Hindi Typing Competition;
• Competition for non-Hindi speaking employees;
• Hindi Dictation Competition for MTS employees;
• Hindi Translation Competition; and
• Hindi Quiz Competition.

The closing ceremony of Hindi fortnight was organised on 30^th September, 2024 in which prizes were given to 27 employees who won various competitions.

CONSTITUTION DAY CELEBRATIONS 2024

On November 26, 2024, India marked a historic milestone by celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. The Constitution, adopted on November 26, 1949, and enforced on January 26, 1950, established India as a sovereign, democratic republic. Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) has been commemorated annually since 2015 to honor this transformative moment in India’s history.

The year-long celebrations, themed “Humara Samvidhan, Humara Swabhimaan” (Our Constitution, Our Pride) are aimed at reiterating the core values enshrined in the Constitution and motivating citizens to uphold its ideals.

Main Event Highlights

The main event was held in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, attended by the President of India along with Vice- President, Prime Minister, Speaker, Ministers, MPs and other dignitaries.

Key moments from the program were:

1. National Anthem and Welcome Address: The event commenced with the National Anthem, followed by a welcome speech by Speaker, Lok Sabha, who highlighted the remarkable vision of the framers of the Constitution, particularly Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
2. Screening of a Short Film: A short film was played, dedicated to the glory of the Indian Constitution. The film showcased the making of the Constitution, the contributions of key figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and its historical journey in shaping India's democratic framework.
3. Address by the Vice-President of India: Vice- President of India, in his Constitution Day address, emphasized the profound significance of the Constitution and its continued relevance in shaping India's democratic identity.
4. Releases by Dignitaries
   • Commemorative coin and stamp dedicated to the 75th anniversary.

• • Books: “Making of the Constitution of India: A Glimpse” and “Making of the Constitution of India & Its Glorious Journey”.
  • A booklet on the Art of the Constitution.
  • Constitution of India in Sanskrit and Maithili.

Release of the Constitution of India in Sanskrit and Maithili on Constitution Day.

5. President’s Address on Constitution Day

The President of India said that our Constitution is a living and progressive document through which India has achieved the goals of social justice and inclusive development. She further stated, “… We have achieved many ambitious goals related to social justice and inclusive development through the Constitution. With a new approach, we are earning for India a new identity in the comity of nations. Our Constitution-makers had given a Directive for India to play an important role in promotion of international peace and security. Today, besides being a leading economy, our country is playing this role very well as the ‘Vishwa-Bandhu...’”.

6. Preamble Reading

Led by the President of India, all Indians across the globe participated in the mass reading of the Preamble. It was a moment of collective pride and solidarity, reinforcing the shared responsibility to uphold the Constitution’s ideals.

Mass reading of Preamble with President of India on 26^th Nov, 2024 from Central Hall, Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi

Citizen Engagement on Constitution Day

To commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, in collaboration with MyGov, operationalized following two portals to foster greater public engagement:

1. Preamble Reading Portal: This portal allowed citizens to take a pledge by reading the Preamble to the Constitution and generate certificates.

2. Samvidhan Diwas Quiz Portal: Designed to enhance constitutional awareness, this nationwide quiz engaged citizens, particularly students, in exploring the Constitution’s values, principles, and historical significance.

SWACHHATA HI SEVA CAMPAIGN-2024

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs organised the Mass Cleanliness Drive with Shramdaan under Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) Jan Andolan to achieve the objective of clean India. Nationwide “Swachhta Hi Seva Abhiyan 2024” was observed from 14^th September to 1^st October, 2024 on the theme of Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskar Swachhata. 

Ministry identified Kerala School, R.K. Puram, New Delhi for mass cleanliness and tree plantation drive under ‘SHS’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Abhiyan.

Mass Cleanliness Drive under Swachhata Hi Seva with Kerala School, R.K. Puram children on 23^rd Sep 2024

Shri Umang Narula, Secretary and Dr. Satya Prakash, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs led the Mass Cleanliness Drive at and around Kerala Education Society Sr.
Sec. School, R. K. Puram, New Delhi. Officers and staff of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs along with School children took part in the Shramdaan for the cause of Swachhata.

Mass Cleanliness Drive under Swachhata Hi Seva around Kerala School, R.K. Puram on 23 Sep 2024

In line with the campaign, a tree plantation drive was also conducted under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Abhiyan’ led by Shri Umang Narula, Secretary and Dr. Satya Prakash, Addl. Secretary, MoPA in Kerala Education Society Sr. Sec. School. The tree plantation symbolizes the Ministry’s commitment to environmental conservation besides its protection and the promotion of a cleaner and greener India.

Plantation drive by senior officers of the Ministry under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Abhiyan

To imbibe the spirit of Swachhata amongst students, an Essay writing competition was also held in the same school on the theme of SHS 2024 “Swabhaav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata” wherein around 120 students from different classes participated. The best three students of Essay competition were awarded with cash prize and certificates by Secretary, MoPA.

Secretary, MoPA awarded the best three students of Essay competition

SPECIAL CAMPAIGN 4.0 FOR INSTITUTIONALIZING SWACHHATA (CLEANLINESS) AND MINIMIZING PENDING MATTERS

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs successfully completed the “Special Campaign 4.0,” a significant initiative that ran from 2^nd to 31^st October, 2024. The campaign, which aimed at institutionalizing Swachhata and minimizing pending matters, achieved its objectives/ targets in respect of Record Management & File Reviewed, Elimination of Pendency, Cleanliness & Space Management and social media & Public Engagement.

Annexure

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SS/PRK