Private Member’s Bill (PMB) Latest News
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar recently emphasised that PMBs are “forward-looking” and a “gold mine” for legislative progress.
About Private Member’s Bill (PMB)
- A Private Member’s Bill (PMB) is a legislative proposal introduced by any Member of Parliament (MP) who is not a Minister, whether elected or nominated.
- The drafting responsibility of a PMB lies entirely with the MP concerned, not with any Ministry.
- For introducing a PMB in Parliament, a notice period of one month is required under parliamentary rules.
- PMBs often reflect the ideological stance, personal convictions, or public interest concerns of the MP, especially those in the Opposition.
Time Allocation for PMBs in Parliament
- In the Lok Sabha, the last two-and-a-half hours of business on every Friday are earmarked for the introduction and discussion of PMBs.
- In the Rajya Sabha, PMBs are taken up every alternate Friday for two-and-a-half hours.
Historical Record and Trends
- Since Independence, only 14 PMBs have ever been passed and received Presidential assent, with the last one becoming law in 1970.
- In the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024), 729 PMBs were introduced in the Lok Sabha and 705 in the Rajya Sabha. Yet, only 2 PMBs were discussed in Lok Sabha, and 14 in the Rajya Sabha.
- In the 18th Lok Sabha, as of the 2024 Budget Session, only 20 MPs introduced PMBs, and not a single one was discussed due to disruptions and prioritisation of other business.
Source: TH
Private Member’s Bill (PMB) FAQs
Q1: What is a Private Member’s Bill in Indian Parliament?
Ans: A Private Member’s Bill is a legislative proposal introduced by an MP who is not a minister, aimed at drawing attention to specific issues or suggesting legal reforms.
Q2: How often are Private Members’ Bills passed in India?
Ans: Very rarely. Only 14 Private Members’ Bills have been passed since Independence, the last one being in 1970.
Q3: On which day are Private Members’ Bills introduced in Parliament?
Ans: They are introduced and discussed usually on Fridays, when Parliament is in session.
