Parliament winter session agenda: Atomic Energy Bill, Higher Education Commission Bill, Markets Code on table

Lok Sabha bulletin lists 10 new legislations for introduction, including a bill to open civil nuclear sector and another to set up a Higher Education Commission.

A bill to open India’s civil nuclear sector to private players is among the 10 new legislations the government plans to introduce in the winter session of Parliament, starting December 1, accoridng to PTI. The list appears in a Lok Sabha bulletin and outlines the government’s draft law schedule for the 15-sitting session that will run until December 19.

Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 on the introduction list

The proposed Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 is aimed at governing the use and regulation of atomic energy in India, and is framed to open up the civil nuclear space for private participation, according to the bulletin and the government’s session agenda.

Higher Education Commission Bill returns to the table

Also listed is the Higher Education Commission of India Bill, which seeks to set up a Higher Education Commission to facilitate universities and other higher education institutions becoming independent and self-governing. The proposed law also aims to promote excellence through a robust and transparent system of accreditation and autonomy, the bulletin said. The legislation has been on the government’s agenda for a long time.

Highway land acquisition and corporate law changes

The winter session list includes the National Highways (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to ensure faster and transparent land acquisition for national highways.

Another draft law on the slate is the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at amending the Companies Act, 2013 and the LLP Act, 2008, to facilitate ease of doing business.

Securities Markets Code Bill proposes consolidation

The government has also listed the Securities Markets Code Bill (SMC), 2025, which proposes consolidating provisions of the SEBI Act, 1992, the Depositories Act, 1996, and the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, into a single Securities Markets Code.

Arbitration law amendment in pipeline

Changes to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act are also part of the planned introductions. Law Ministry officials said a proposed amendment to Section 34 of the law, along with a Supreme Court observation on company directors, led the government to refer the issue to a committee, and the proposed amendment stems from that process.

Older bills and supplementary budget also due

Two bills carried over from the previous session are listed for consideration and passing. The first supplementary Budget for the year is also on the agenda, the bulletin said.

The winter session begins on December 1 and will conclude on December 19, with 15 sittings scheduled.