NEW DELHI: The Winter Session of Parliament begins Monday and will continue until December 19, featuring 15 sittings spread across the 19-day schedule.
The government has lined up a heavy legislative agenda, with at least 13 bills set to be introduced, including major economic and national security–related proposals. At the same time, the Opposition is preparing to mount pressure on the government over the SIR issue, national security concerns, and several other pending matters.
Among the most prominent bills slated for introduction are The Central Excise Amendment Bill, 2025, and The Health Security National Security Cess Bill, 2025.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to move these bills in the Lok Sabha. The two pieces of legislation aim to replace the existing GST compensation cess on “sin goods” such as tobacco and pan masala with a revised excise levy.
According to sources, this move is intended to ensure that the current high taxation levels on such goods continue, while also creating a more stable revenue stream for national security and public health spending.