Private Member’s Bill (PMB)

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.

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.

Source: TH