President Draupadi Murmu has given her assent to crucial bills, ushering in significant changes in India’s electoral process and media regulation, according to a government notification issued on Friday.
1. Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023:
The President approved the bill aimed at establishing a mechanism for the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners. The bill outlines the formation of a search committee chaired by the law minister, responsible for preparing a panel of five persons for the consideration of the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee, chaired by the prime minister and including the leader of the opposition and a Union minister, is mandated to make recommendations to the President for the appointment of CEC and other ECs.
2. Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill:
The President also granted assent to the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, intended to replace a British-era law governing the publishing industry and streamline the process of periodical registration. This bill replaces the Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur highlighted the simplification of the registration process, emphasizing that newspapers and periodicals can now be registered within two months, a significant improvement from the earlier two to three years.
3. Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, and Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023:
In addition, the President approved the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023.
These legislative changes reflect a commitment to electoral reforms, media regulation, and tax-related measures, marking a notable development as India continues its journey toward governance modernization.
