Thu Feb 13 07:25:22 UTC 2025: ## Parliament in Uproar Over Waqf Bill Report; New Income Tax Bill Expected

**New Delhi, February 13, 2025** – Day 9 of India’s Budget Session was marked by significant disruptions and the anticipated introduction of a major tax reform. The Rajya Sabha saw heated exchanges over the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with the opposition alleging the suppression of dissenting opinions.

Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge denounced the report as “unconstitutional and fake,” claiming dissent notes from several members were omitted. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi echoed these concerns, calling the amendment “politically motivated” and questioning the government’s preparedness. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted these claims, asserting that no dissenting notes were deleted. Despite Rijiju’s denial, TMC MP Dola Sen also criticized the process, highlighting the unusual tabling of the report in the Rajya Sabha before the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned amidst the uproar.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha, adjourned until 2 pm, is expected to see the introduction of a new Income Tax Bill. This comprehensive bill aims to replace the 1961 Income Tax Act, simplifying its language without altering tax slabs or rebates. The bill, totaling 622 pages, will be sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance after its introduction. It is scheduled to come into effect on April 1, 2026, introducing key changes such as replacing “previous year” with “tax year” and eliminating the “assessment year.”

Leader of the House JP Nadda criticized the opposition’s disruptive tactics, emphasizing the importance of upholding parliamentary traditions and conducting proceedings in a constitutional manner. The day also saw the tabling of the JPC report on the Waqf Bill and the filing of an adjournment motion by Congress MP Manish Tewari regarding a renewable energy facility near the Indo-Pakistan border. The contrasting scenes of heated debate and anticipated legislative reform dominated the day’s parliamentary proceedings.

Read More