Winter is behind: on the winter session of Parliament, political equations

Context & The Gist

The winter session of Parliament, concluding on December 22nd, 2025, saw the passage of eight Bills amidst debates on issues like the commemoration of the national song Vande Mataram and electoral reforms. The session was notably less confrontational than recent ones, with improved interactions between the government and opposition. The core issue revolves around the productivity of Parliament, the balance between legislative business and political debate, and the implications of the passed legislation, particularly concerning rural employment and economic liberalization.

This editorial highlights a shift in the dynamics of the winter session, moving away from constant disruption towards a more functional, albeit still politically charged, environment. It examines the key legislative outcomes and critiques the missed opportunities for constructive dialogue on crucial issues.

Key Arguments & Nuances

• Legislative Output: Ten Bills were introduced, and eight were passed, indicating a relatively productive session in terms of lawmaking.
• Vande Mataram Debate: The extensive discussion on Vande Mataram, while commemorating the song, was criticized as a diversion from more pressing issues and a platform for political posturing.
• Electoral Reforms: The debate on electoral reforms, despite its length, failed to yield any concrete progress due to partisan approaches and a lack of consensus.
• MGNREGA Changes: The changes to the rural employment guarantee scheme (VB-G RAM G) raise concerns about the shift from a demand-driven to a supply-driven model and its potential impact on rural livelihoods.
• Language Issue: The titling of Bills in Hindi sparked concerns about constitutional provisions regarding the use of English in legislation.
• Reduced Acrimony: The session's less confrontational nature, evidenced by tea meetings between government and opposition leaders, is seen as a positive development.

UPSC Syllabus Relevance

• Polity: Parliamentary Procedures, Functions of Parliament, Constitutional Provisions related to legislation.
• Governance: Government Policies and Welfare Schemes (MGNREGA, FDI), Centre-State relations.
• Economy: Economic Reforms (FDI in Insurance), Rural Development.

Prelims Data Bank

• MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act): Launched in 2005 by the UPA government, it guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
• FDI (Foreign Direct Investment): 100% FDI in the insurance sector has been allowed.
• Vande Mataram: National song of India, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• Article 348 of the Constitution: Deals with the language to be used in the proceedings of Parliament and in Acts and Bills.
• VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)): The new Act replacing MGNREGA.

Mains Critical Analysis

The winter session, while demonstrating a degree of improved functionality, reveals several critical issues. A PESTLE analysis highlights these:

• Political: The session was marked by political grandstanding, particularly around Vande Mataram, diverting attention from substantive policy discussions. The reduced acrimony is a positive sign, but the underlying partisan divisions remain.
• Economic: The passage of the insurance Bill and changes to MGNREGA have significant economic implications. The former aims to boost investment, while the latter raises concerns about rural employment and social safety nets.
• Social: The language issue surrounding Bill titles reflects broader concerns about inclusivity and representation of diverse linguistic groups.
• Technological: Not directly addressed in the article.
• Legal: The constitutional concerns raised regarding Bill titles and the potential impact of changes to MGNREGA require careful legal scrutiny.
• Environmental: Not directly addressed in the article.

A key critical gap is the limited role of parliamentary committees in shaping legislation. Rushing Bills through Parliament without thorough scrutiny compromises the quality of lawmaking. The missed opportunity for a constructive dialogue on electoral reforms further underscores the need for bipartisan cooperation on critical issues.

The shift in MGNREGA from a demand-driven to a supply-driven model is particularly concerning. This change could undermine the scheme's effectiveness in providing guaranteed employment to those who need it most, potentially exacerbating rural distress.

Value Addition

• SC Judgement (November 2025): The Supreme Court's recent revision of its directives on presidential assent to Bills acknowledges the importance of the separation of powers and avoids judicial overreach.
• Committees: The Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC) plays a crucial role in scrutinizing legislation. Strengthening these committees is essential for improving the quality of lawmaking.
• Best Practice: Regular and constructive dialogue between the government and opposition, as exemplified by the tea meetings, can foster a more collaborative parliamentary environment.

Context & Linkages

Freeze and thaw: On the winter session of Parliament

Date: December 05, 2025

This earlier article foreshadowed the winter session, highlighting the government's willingness to discuss issues but also warning against "theatrics." It sets the stage for understanding the dynamics of the session, particularly the tension between productive debate and political posturing. The current article shows a slight thaw in the previously frozen relationship between the government and opposition.

Read full analysis here!

Parliament Winter Session: Vande Mataram and vote ‘chori’, all heat, little light

Date: December 12, 2025

This article provides context for the debate surrounding Vande Mataram, framing it as a strategic move by the BJP. It also highlights the lack of substantive progress on electoral reforms, a theme echoed in the current editorial. The earlier piece emphasizes the political maneuvering that overshadowed genuine policy discussions.

Read full analysis here!

Change for the worse: On MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G

Date: December 18, 2025

This article provides a detailed analysis of the changes to MGNREGA, outlining the concerns about the shift to a supply-driven model and its potential impact on rural livelihoods. It complements the current editorial by providing a deeper understanding of the implications of this key legislative change.

Read full analysis here!

The Way Forward

• Strengthen Parliamentary Committees: Increase the role and resources of DRPSCs to ensure thorough scrutiny of legislation.
• Promote Bipartisan Dialogue: Foster a more collaborative environment through regular consultations and discussions between the government and opposition.
• Ensure Inclusive Legislation: Address concerns about language inclusivity by adhering to constitutional provisions regarding the use of English in legislation.
• Re-evaluate MGNREGA Changes: Carefully assess the impact of the changes to MGNREGA and consider reverting to a demand-driven model if necessary.
• Prioritize Electoral Reforms: Initiate a comprehensive and bipartisan discussion on electoral reforms to address concerns about transparency and integrity.