New Delhi, Dec 01 ; Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday appealed to all Members of Parliament to uphold democratic norms, exercise restraint and fulfil their legislative duties as the Winter Session of Parliament commenced.
Calling Parliament the “supreme forum for the expression of national expectations,” Birla said the House embodies the aspirations of the people and the collective responsibility of their elected representatives.
“Each session of Parliament inspires us towards duty, restraint and public welfare,” he said, expressing hope that MPs would “strengthen the healthy traditions of democracy and make meaningful contributions through active participation.”
The Winter Session, which runs from December 1 to December 19, has a packed legislative schedule. The government plans to introduce 13 Bills, including a replacement for an ordinance, along with two Bills earlier cleared by a Lok Sabha committee. Another ten Bills are pending examination by standing committees.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the First Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025–26 on Monday. A short-duration discussion on a subject chosen by the government is also expected to take place this session.
Ahead of the session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju convened an all-party meeting on Sunday, urging cooperation to ensure smooth functioning.
However, political friction is anticipated. The Opposition is preparing to raise issues such as the Red Fort terror blast, unemployment, air pollution in Delhi–NCR, the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and broader electoral reforms. The government, on its part, has urged MPs to avoid disruptions and engage constructively in debates.
Birla’s message reaffirmed the importance of deliberation. “I hope all honourable members will work together to make this session productive,” he said.