Waqf, G RAM G, Online Gaming: Key bills passed by Parliament in 2025

Several crucial legislations were cleared in the Parliament in 2025

Despite routine disruptions in Parliamentry proceedings, especially during the stormy monsoon session earlier this year, the House managed to clear several crucial legislations in 2025, including the contentious Waqf law.

Here’s a look at some of the key bills passed in Parliament and other crucial reforms implemented by the government through the year:

Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G Bill

In the winter session of Parliament, the government cleared the G Ram G Bill, the revamped version of the flagship Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Act, cleared by Parliament, increases the guaranteed unskilled wage employment from 100 to 125 days per financial year while shifting from a fully demand-driven model — where the Centre bore 100% wages — to a supply-driven, capped allocation framework (?95,000 crore centrally) that requires states to cover 40% of costs (10% for hilly regions).

SHANTI Bill

The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 (SHANTI Bill) -- passed this week – is aimed at replacing the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.

The landmark nuclear energy reform legislation seeks to increase the share of nuclear energy in the total energy mix of India. It is aimed at modernising India's nuclear energy laws and opening up the sector for private companies to operate nuclear reactors and plants. It also aims to facilitate innovation in nuclear science and technology and provides statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

National Sports Governance Act, 2025

The National Sports Governance Bill became an Act after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the legislation that promises to overhaul India’s sports administration. It seeks to provide for the development and promotion of sports, welfare measures for sportspersons, ethical practices based on basic universal principles of good governance, among others.

Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, passed by Parliament earlier this year, marks a landmark move to shield citizens from the menace of online money games while promoting and regulating other kinds of online games. The legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that thrive on misleading promises of quick wealth.

Four labour codes implemented (effective November 21)

Marking a major milestone in labour reforms, the government declared that the four labour codes – the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 -- will be implemented from November 21, 2025, consolidating 29 labour laws into a simplified and modern legal framework.

The initiative seeks to enhance workers’ welfare, modernise workplace regulations and adapt to the changing dynamics of employment, setting the stage for a stronger workforce and robust industries as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat agenda.

Waqf Amendment Act, 2025

In April this year, the Waqf (Amendment) Act came into force after both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passed the bill amid heated discussions.

The legislation seeks to streamline Waqf property management through greater transparency and broader representation of Muslim sects in waqf boards. It further proposes measures to protect heritage sites, expand social welfare efforts, and improve economic inclusion for marginalised communities, including Muslim widows and divorcees. Several Muslim bodies and some opposition leaders opposed the law.

Next-gen GST reforms

Though not passed through as a parliementary reform, the 56th meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved next-gen GST reforms, with focus on improving the lives of the common man and ensuring ease of doing business for all, including small traders and businessmen.

As part of the reforms, the Council recommended a comprehensive reform package that includes rate rationalisation with a simplified two-slab structure (5% and 18%). It focused on relief for the common man, MSMEs, and boosting consumption/manufacturing.

Income Tax Act & focus on middle class

In August, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Income-tax Act, 2025, which will replace the archaic Income Tax Act, 1961. The Income Tax Act, 2025, will come into effect from the next financial year, beginning April 1, 2026.

The new Act will make tax laws simple and reduce wordage in the legislation, making it easy to understand. It does not impose any new tax rate and only simplifies the language, which was required for understanding the complex Income Tax laws.

Apart from this, in her Budget speech, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that no income tax will be payable on income up to Rs 12 lakh, providing significant relief to middle class.