Short title,

extent and

commencement.

RAJYA SABHA

————

The following Bills were introduced in the Rajya Sabha on the 12th December, 2014:—

I

BILL NO. XX OF 2014

A Bill to provide for equal compensation to persons affected by accidents by the appropriate

Government and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Accident Affected Person (Equal Compensation) Act,

2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force with immediate effect.

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) “accident” means an unexpected and undesirable event causing injury to

death of a person during travel (road, railway, aircraft), natural disasters, terrorist and

extremists activites and stampede;

Definitions.

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REGISTERED NO. DL—(N)04/0007/2003—14

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EXTRAORDINARY

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PART II — Section 2

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PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

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No. 40] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014/AGRAHAYANA 21, 1936 (SAKA)

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Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation.

2

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

(b) “affected person,’’ means person killed or injured in the accidents;

(c) “apppropriate Government” means in the case of a State, the Government of

that State and in all other cases the Central Government;

(d) “compensation” means financial assistance provided by the Central

Government to the accident affected persons under this Act;

(e) “dependent” means the parents, spouse, children and siblings of the affected

person;

(f) "Fund" means 'Accident Affected Persons Compensation Fund' established

under section 4 of this Act;

(g) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; and

(h) “qualified medical practitioner” means any person declared by the Central or

State Government by notification in the Official Gazette to be a qualified medical

practitioner for the purpose of this Act.

3. (1) The Central Government shall in accordance with the loss or injury sustained,

provide equal amount as compensation to every accident affected person.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, amount of compensation shall be as follows:

(i) where death results from the accident, the dependents of the deceased shall

be given rupees twenty lakhs;

(ii) where permanent disability results from the accident, the injured shall be

given rupees ten lakh;

(iii) where temporary disability results from the accident, the injured shall be

given rupees four lakh; and

(iv) where ordinary injury results from the accident, the injured shall be given

rupees one lakh.

(3) The nature of injury from accident, shall be examined and reported by a qualified

medical practitioner, in such manner as may be prescribed.

(4) The compensation amount shall be disbursed to the affected persons or to his

dependent within one week from the date of receipt of report of the qualified medical

practitioner.

4. (1) The Central Government shall establish an Accident Affected Persons

Compensation Fund for the purposes of this Act.

(2) The State Governments shall contribute to this Fund in such proportion as may be

prescribed.

(3) Such other sums as may be received by way of donation, contribution for assistance

both from domestic and international institutions shall also be credited to the fund.

(4) The fund shall be managed by a Board which shall comprise of the following

persons:—

(i) the Prime Minister — Ex-officio Chairman;

(ii) the Chief Ministers of every State and Lieutenant Governer or Chief

Administrators of Union Territories;

(iii) ten retired judges of High Court /Administrative Officers whose nomination

shall be done by the Central Government in such manners as may be prescribed.

(5) The Central Government may require a State Government to furnish for the purposes

of this Act, such statistical and other information as may be necessary for implementation of

the provision of this Act, in such form and within such period as may be prescribed.

Equal

compensation

to accident

affected

person.

Establishment

of Accident

Affected

Persons

Compensation

Fund.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

3

5. (1) The appropriate Government shall constitute a special team to effectively

implement the provisions of this Act within their jurisdiction.

(2) The special team shall consist of ten members of which five shall be appointed by

the Central Government and five by the State Government.

(3) The functions of the special team shall be to,—

(i) visit the accident site and collect information relating to the victims;

(ii) submit the accident related information to the Accident Affected Persons

Compensation Fund Board;

(iii) ensure that the victims receive the compensation within the time limit

prescribed under this Act;

(iv) any other works that may be assigned by the Accident Affected Persons

Compensation Fund Board constituted under section 4 of this Act.

6. The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament in this

behalf by law, provide adequate funds for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

7. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other

law for the time being in force regulating any of the matters dealt within this Act.

8. The Central Government may, by notification in Official Gazette make rules for

carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Constitution

of a special

team by the

appropriate

Government.

Central

Government

to provide

adequate

funds.

Savings.

Power to

make rules.

4

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Constitution of India provides right of equality to every citizen under the

Fundamental Rights. There is a provision for equality and non-discrimination before law

under articles 14 to 16 and for social equality under articles 17 and 18 of the Constitution. The

right to equality provided by the Constitution provides that all persons within the territories

of India should get equal protection under the law and should be treated equally before all in

similar situations. In case of accident affected person financial assistance is provided as

compensation to them. However at time the relatives of the deceased have to go to court for

justice which is unfortunate. Thousands of suits are filed in courts for similar compensation

in similar situations. In many cases, courts have also given decisions to provide for equal

amounts. Despite this, there is no clear policy regarding this at the Government level.

Everything depends on the administrative decision. Now, the time has come to formulate a

clear cut law for providing fixed amounts as, compensation to the dead and injured in accidents.

Hence, this Bill.

PRABHAT JHA

————

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 3 of the Bill provides for compensation of rupees twenty lakh for the person

deceased in the accident, rupees ten lakh in case of permanent disability, rupees four lakh in

case of temporary disability and rupees one lakh for ordinary injury. Clause 4 provides for

establishment of an Accident Affected Persons Compensation Fund. Clause 6 provides for

adequate funds to carry out provisions of this Act. The Bill, if enacted, will involve expenditure

from the Consolidated Fund of India. At present, it is not possible to determine the quantum

of funds. But it is estimated that a recurring expenditure of rupees twenty five thousand crore

per year will be involved.

In order to create infrastructure, a non-recurring expenditure of rupees five thousand

crore from the Consolidated Fund of India may also be involved.

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 8 of this Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out

the purposes of the Bill. The rules will relate to matters of details only. The delegation of

legislative power is, therefore, of a normal character.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

5

II

BILL NO. XIX OF 2014

A Bill to provide for the establishment of the National Himalayan Region Environment

Protection and Development Institute and fund for undertaking environment

protection and development work in the Himalayan region of the country and for

matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Indian (National) Himalayan Region Environment

Protection and Development Act, 2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force with immediate effect.

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) “Fund” means the National Himalayan Region Environment Protection and

Development Fund established under section 5 of the Act.

(b) “Himalayan region” means the Himalayan region spreading along Indian

borders;

(c) “Institute” means the National Himalayan Region Environment Protection

and Development Institute established under section 3 of the Act; and

(d) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

Short title,

extent and

commencement.

Definitions.

6

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

3. (1) The Central Government shall by notification in the Official Gazette establish an

institute to be called as the National Himalayan Region Environment Protection and

Development Institute for the purpose of carrying out the objectives under this Act.

(2) The institute shall have its headquarters at New Delhi and a regional office at the

capital of every State having Himalayan region within its territorial jurisdiction.

(3) The institute shall be headed by a Director-General appointed by the Central

Government.

(4) Every regional office of the institute shall be headed by a Director to be appointed

by the Central Government in such a manner as may be prescribed.

(5) The Central Government shall provide such number of officers and staff for the

institute and its regional offices as may be required for its functioning.

(6) The salary and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of the

officers and staff of the Institute and regional offices shall be such as may be prescribed.

4. The National Himalayan Region Environment Protection and Development Institute

shall perform the following functions:—

(a) to frame a National Himalayan Region Environment Protection Policy in

consultation with State Governments falling in the Himalayan regions and the

environmentalists;

(b) to maintain the ecology of the Himalayan region and to protect it from climatic

changes;

(c) to ensure action inconsistent therewith and to evaluate the policy from time

to time and to amend it; and

(d) to promote and develop traditional vocations and industries in Himalayan

regions.

5. (1) The Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute

a fund to be known as the National Himalayan Region Environment Protection and

Development Fund with an initial sum of rupees twenty five thousand crore.

(2) The State Governments having the Himalayan regions shall contribute to the fund

in such proportion as may be prescribed.

(3) The fund shall be administered by the National Himalayan Region Environment

Protection and Development Institute established under sub-section (1) of section 3.

(4) The fund shall be utilised for the implementation of the policy for environment

protection and development of the Himalayan region.

6. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other

law for the time being in force relating to any of the matters dealt within this Act.

7. The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for

carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Establishment

of the

National

Himalayan

Region

Environment

Protection

and

Development

Institute.

Functions of

the National

Himalayan

Region

Environment

Protection

and

Development

Institute.

Constitution

of National

Himalayan

Region

Environment

Protection

and

Development

Fund.

Power to make

rules.

Act not to be

in derogation

of other laws.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

7

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REGIONS

It became clearly evident in the aftermath of the recent disaster that struck Uttarakhand

that if interference in the Himalayas in the name of unfettered development continues further,

the country may have to face even more dreadful disasters in future. A comprehensive policy

needs to be formulated for protection of environment and development in the Himalayan

region.

There is an urgent need to develop the area scourged by the national disaster in the

Himalayan region and to formulate a policy of sustainable development that does not harm

the environment of the region. In this context, there is a need for institutionalised arrangement

to give attention to the development and protection of environment in the entire Himalayan

region falling within the Indian territory. A uniform policy needs to be formulated for all the

areas falling within the Himalayan region of the country. For formulating and implementing

any such policy, it is also essential to give a fillip to the utilisation of resources available in

the Himalayan region and special means should be made available to the locals for the

development of the region.

Hence, this Bill.

PRABHAT JHA

————

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 3 of the Bill provides for establishment of the National Himalayan Region

Environment Protection and Development Institute. Clause 5 provides for constitution of

the National Himalayan Region Environment Protection and Development Fund with the

initial amount of rupees twenty five thousand crore. Hence, the Bill, if enacted, will involve

expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.

At this stage, it is not possible to quantify the exact amount, however, it is estimated that

a sum of rupees twenty five thousand crore per annum is likely to involve as recurring

expenditure.

A sum of rupees one thousand crore is also likely to involve as non-recurring expenditure

from the Consolidated Fund of India.

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 7 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the

purposes of this Bill. Since the rules will relate to matters of details only, the delegation of

legislative power is of normal character.

8

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

III

BILL NO. XLIX OF 2014

A Bill to provide for the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive national

policy for ensuring overall development of the transgender persons and for their

welfare to be undertaken by the State and for matters connected therewith and

incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

CHAPTER I

PRELIMINARY

1. (1) This Act may be called the Rights of Transgender Persons Act, 2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification

in the Official Gazette, appoint.

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, —

(a) 'abuse' includes verbal and physical abuse;

(b) 'appropriate government' means;

(i) In relation to an establishment of the Central Government, or an

establishment, wholly or substantially owned or financed by that Government,

Short title,

extent and

commencement.

Definition.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

9

or a Cantonment Board constituted under the Cantonments Act, 1924, or a Union

Territory without legislature, or the provider of a service which pertains to List 1

in Schedule VII of the Constitution, the Central Government;

(ii) In all other cases, the State Government or, as the case may be, the

Government of a Union Territory with legislature.

(b) 'barrier' means any factor including attitudinal, cultural, economic, institutional,

political, religious, social or structural factors which hampers the full and effective

participation, of transgender person in society;

(c) 'discrimination' means any distinction, exclusion or restriction on the basis of

gender identity and expression which has the purpose or effect of impairing or nullifying

the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal basis with others, of all human

rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any

other field and includes all forms of discrimination, including denial of reasonable

accommodation;

(d) 'establishment' means and includes;

(i) Departments and Ministries of Government;

(ii) Local authorities and authorities or bodies owned, controlled or

aided by the Central or State Government;

(iii) Any statutory or non-statutory body created, owned, financially

or administratively controlled or aided by the Central or State Government

or any such body performing public or civic functions and includes

Government Companies as defined in Section 617 of the Companies Act,

1956;

(iv) Any company, firm, cooperative or other society, association,

trust, agency, institution, organization, union, industry, supplier of goods

or services, factory or other non-statutory body which is not covered

under clause (a) to (c) and provides services as defined in clause (r)

section 2;

(e) 'exclusive transgender rights court' means a court notified under section 47 of

this Act;

(f) 'exploitation' means using a transgender person to one's own advantage to

which one is not otherwise entitled, or to the latter's disadvantage, to which such latter

person is not otherwise liable;

(g) ‘higher education' means a course of education which can be pursued after

completing twelve years of school education;

(h) ‘human rights’ shall have the meaning assigned to it in Clause (d) of

Section 2 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993;

(i) 'inclusive education' means a system of education wherein all students learn

together, most or all of the time;

(j) 'institution' means an institution for the reception, care, protection, education,

training, rehabilitation or any other service of transgender persons;

(k) 'local authority' means a municipality, a Cantonment Board, a Panchayat or

any other authority, established under an Act of Parliament, or a State Legislature to

administer the civic affairs of any habitation as defined in or under such Act;

2 of 1924.

10 of 1994.

10

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

(l) ‘National Commission' means the National Commission for Transgender

Persons constituted under Section 26 of this Act.

(m) 'prescribed' means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(n) 'public building' means a building, irrespective of ownership, which is used

and accessed by the public at large; and includes its entrance, exit, parking space,

footpath and other appurtenant lands;

(o) 'reasonable accommodation' means an accommodation needed to ensure

transgender persons the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with others of all

human rights and fundamental freedoms;

(p) 'registered organization' means an association transgender persons, or a

voluntary, non-governmental or charitable organization or trust, society, non-profit

company working for transgender persons, duly registered under an Act of Parliament

or a State Legislature;

(q) `rehabilitation' refers to a process aimed at enabling transgender persons to

attain and maintain maximum independence, full physical, sensory, intellectual

psychiatric, social and vocational ability, and inclusion and participation in all aspects

of life

(r) 'services' means services provided by members of any profession or trade, or

provided by any Govemment, local authority or establishment and includes services

relating to banking and finance; education; health; insurance; rehabilitation;

entertainment recreation and hospitality; transport or travel; and telecommunications;

(s) 'State Commission' means a State Commission for Transgender Persons

constituted under Section 38 this Act.

(t) ‘transgender person' means a person, whose gender does not match with the

gender assigned to that person at birth and includes trans-men and trans-women

(whether or not they have undergone sex reassignment surgery or hormone therapy or

laser therapy etc.), gender-queers and a number of socio-cultural identities such as —

kinnars, hijras, aravanis, jogtas etc.

(u) 'violence' means causing physical or mental harm or injury.

3. The appropriate Government and local authorities shall, subject to the provisions of

this Act and any other law for the time being in force, take the following necessary steps to

secure for transgender persons:—

(a) respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to

make one's own choices, and independence of persons;

(b) non-discrimination;

(c) full and effective participation and inclusion in society;

(d) respect for difference and acceptance of transgender persons as part of

human diversity and humanity;

(e) equality of opportunity; and

(f) accessability.

Guiding

Priciples.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

11

CHAPTER II

RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS

4. (1) The appropriate Government shall take all necessary steps to ensure that

transgender persons enjoy the right of equality guaranteed by Article 15 of the Constitution

of India on an equal basis with others.

(2) The appropriate Government shall take all necessary steps to ensure reasonable

accommodation for the transgender persons.

5. (1) The appropriate Government and local authorities shall take all necessary measures

to ensure that transgender children enjoy human rights on an equal basis with other children.

(2) The appropriate Government and local authorities shall ensure that all transgender

children shall have on an equal basis with all other children a right to freely express their

views on all matters affecting them; and provide them appropriate support for the exercise of

the right.

6. (1) The appropriate Government shall take necessary steps to ensure that

transgender persons enjoy the right to life with dignity and to personal liberty guaranteed by

article 21 of the Constitution of India on an equal basis with others.

(2) No person shall be deprived of his personal liberty only on the ground of being a

transgender.

7. (1) All transgender persons shall have the right to live in the community with

choices equal to others.

(2) The appropriate Government and local authorities shall take appropriate measures

to ensure full enjoyment of the right mentioned in sub-section (1) of section 7 by:—

(a) ensuring that transgender persons have access to a range of in-house,

residential and other community support services, including assistance necessary to

support living and inclusion with community; and

(b) making community services and facilities for the general population available

on an equal basis to transgender persons.

8. Every transgender person has a right to respect for his or her physical and mental

integrity on an equal basis with others.

9. The appropriate Government and local authorities shall take all appropriate

administrative and other measures to protect persons from being subjected to torture, or

cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

10. (1) The appropriate Government and local authorities shall take all appropriate

administrative, social , educational and other measures to protect transgender persons, both

within and outside the home, from all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation.

(2) Any person, or registered organization who or which has reason to believe that an

act of abuse, violence or exploitation has been, or is being, or is likely to be committed

against any transgender person, may give information about it to the Executive Magistrate in

whose jurisdiction such incident occurs or is likely to occur, who, on receipt of such

information, shall take immediate steps to stop it or prevent its occurrence as the case may

be, or pass such order as he deems fit for the protection of such transgender person including

an order,—

(a) to rescue the victim by authorizing the police or any reliable organization

working for transgender persons to provide for the safe custody, or rehabilitation of

such transgender person, or both, as the case may be;

Eqality and

Non-

Discrimination.

Transgender

Children.

Right to Life

and Personal

Liberty.

Right to live

in

Community.

Right to

Integrity.

Protection

from torture

or cruel,

inhuman or

degrading

treatment or

punishment.

Protection

from abuse,

Violence and

Exploitation.

12

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

(b) for providing protective custody to the transgender person if such person so

desires; and

(c) to provide for maintenance to such transgender person.

(3) No civil or criminal liability shall be incurred by any person who in good faith

furnishes information under sub-section (2) of section 10;

(4) Any police officer who receives a complaint or otherwise comes to know of abuse,

violence or exploitation towards any transgender person shall inform the aggrieved person

of:

(a) the right to apply for protection under sub-section (2) of section 10.

(b) the particulars of the nearest organization or institution working for the

rehabilitation of transgender person who have been subject to abuse, violence or

exploitation;

(c) the particulars of the Executive Magistrate having jurisdiction to provide

assistance to aggrieved persons;

(d) the right of the transgender person to free legal services under the

Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 and any other services offered by the National

Legal Services Authority or the State Legal Services Authority for the benefit of

transgender persons; and

(e) the right to file a complaint under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal

Code, 1860 or any other law dealing with such crimes:

Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed to free such Police Officer of

his obligation to proceed in accordance with law upon receipt of information as to the

commission of a cognizable offence.

(5) If the Executive Magistrate finds that the alleged act or behaviour would also be an

offence under the Indian Penal Code, 1860 or under any other law imposing criminal sanctions

on such acts, he may forward a complaint to that effect to the judicial or metropolitan

magistrate, as the case may be, having jurisdiction in the matter, whereupon the latter shall

act on it forthwith in accordance with law.

(6) The appropriate Government shall take all appropriate measures to prevent abuse,

violence and exploitation against transgender persons by, inter alia providing information

and raising awareness on:

(a) taking cognizance of incidents of abuse, violence and exploitation;

(b) the legal remedies available against such incidents;

(c) steps to be taken for avoiding such incidents;

(d) pocedure for reporting such incidents; and

(e) steps required for the rescue, protection and rehabilitation of transgender

persons who have been victims of such incidents.

11. (1) No child who is a transgender shall be separated from his or her parents on

grounds of being a transgender except on an order of competent Court, if required in the best

interest of the child.

(2) Where the immediate family is unable to care for a transgender child, the competent

Court shall make every effort to place such child within his or her extended family, or within

the community in a family setting.

Explanation—‘Family’ means a group of people related by blood, marriage or adoption

to a transgender person.

39 of 1987.

45 of 1860.

40 of 1860.

Right to

Home and

Family.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

13

12. The appropriate Government and local authorities shall take steps to ensure that

transgender persons are able to enjoy the rights regarding freedom of speech, etc., provided

by Article 19 of the Constitution of India, on an equal basis with others.

CHAPTER III

EDUCATION

13. The apropriate Government and local authorities shall ensure that all

educational institutions funded or recognized by them, provide inclusive education, and

inter alia,—

(i) admit transgender students without discrimination and provide them education

as also opportunities for sports, recreation and leisure activities on an equal basis with

other;

(ii) provide reasonable accommodation of the individual's requirements;

(iii) provide necessary support in environments that maximize academic and

social development, consistent with the goal of full inclusion;

(iv) monitor participation, progress in terms of attainment levels, and completion

of education, in respect of every transgender student.

14. The Appropriate Government and local authorities shall ensure participation of

transgender persons in adult education and continuing education programmes on an equal

basis with others.

CHAPTER IV

SKILL DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT

15. (1) The appropriate Government shall formulate schemes and programmes to

facilitate and support employment of transgender persons especially for their vocational

training and self-employment.

(2) The appropriate Government shall institute mechanisms for provision of loans at

concessional rates to transgender persons for self-employment ventures, and for marketing

of their products.

16. (1) No establishment shall discriminate against any transgender person in any

matter relating to employment including but not limited to recruitment, promotion and other

related issues.

(2) Any transgender person, if eligible for any post which is be filled, shall have the

right to appear for selection and hold the post if selected.

CHAPTER V

SOCIAL SECURITY, HEALTH, REHABILITATION & RECREATION

17. (1) The appropriate Government shall promulgate necessary schemes and

programmes to safeguard and promote right of transgender persons to adequate standard of

living and living conditions to enable them to live independently and in the community.

(2) the schemes under sub-section (1) of section 17 shall inter-alia provide:—

(a) safe and hygienic community centres with decent living conditions in terms

of nutritious food, sanitation, health care and counselling;

(b) facilities for persons including transgender children who have no families or

have been abandoned, or are without shelter or livelihood;

(c) access to safe drinking water and appropriate and accessible sanitation

facilities especially in urban slums and rural areas.

Freedom of

Speech, etc.

Duty of

Educational

Institutions

to provide

Inclusive

Education to

Trangender

Students.

Adult

Education for

Transgender

Persons.

Vocational

Training and

Self-

Employment.

Non-

Discrimination

in

Employment.

Social

Security.

14

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

(d) pension to transgender persons subject to such income ceiling as may be

prescribed;

(e) unemployment allowance to unemployed transgender persons registered

with special employment exchange for more than two years and who could not be

placed in any gainful occupation.

18. (1) The appropriate Government and local authorities shall take necessary measures

to provide transgender persons:—

(a) separate HIV Sero-survellance Centres since they face several sexual health

issues;

(b) sex reassignment surgery, free of cost;

(c) barrier-free access in the hospitals and other healthcare institutions and

centres;

(2) To fulfil its obligation under this Section, the appropriate Governments shall make

schemes and programmes with participation and involvement of transgender persons and

care-givers that inter alia makes provision for coverage of medical expenses and therapeutic

intervention by a comprehensive insurance scheme for transgender persons.

19. (1) The appropriate Government and local authorities shall undertake or cause to

be undertaken services and programmes of rehabilitation, particularly in the areas of health,

education and employment for all transgender persons.

(2) The service and programmes shall be designed so to begin at the earliest possible

stage and to be based on a comprehensive assessment of issues faced by transgender

persons.

(3) For purposes of sub-section (1) of section 19, read with sub-section (2), the

appropriate Government and local authorities shall, subject to fulfilment of financial and

other norms, and availability of budgetary allocation, grant financial assistance to non-

governmental organizations.

(4) The appropriate Government and local authorities, while formulating rehabilitation

policies, shall consult the non-governmental organizations working for the cause of

transgender persons.

(5) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-section (1) of section 19, the appropriate

Government shall by notification formulate schemes to provide aid to transgender persons.

20. (1) The appropriate Government and local authorities shall take suitable measures

to promote and protect the right of all transgender persons to have a cultural life and to

participate in leisure and recreational activities on an equal basis with others.

(2) Without prejudice to the general obligation in sub-section (1) of section 20, such

measures shall include,—

(a) Sponsoring of transgender film, theatre, music and dance festivals;

(b) establishment of a transgender history museum which chronicles and

interprets the historical experiences of transgender persons;

21. All Government instituations of primary, secondary and higher education and all

primary, secondary and higher education institutions receiving aid from the Government

shall reserve two percent of the total seats in each class or course for transgender persons:

Provided that transgender persons are not to be prevented from competing for seats

which are not reserved for them.

22. Every appropriate Government shall reserve, in every establishment under them,

not less than two per cent of the vacancies meant to be filled by direct recruitment, for

transgender persons.

Health case

facilities.

Rehabilitation

of

transgenders.

Leisure,

Culture and

Recreation.

Reservation

in Primary,

Secondary

and Higher

Educational

Institutions.

Reservation

of Posts for

Transgender

Persons.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

15

23. The appropriate Government shall, within a period of one year from the

commencement of this Act, provide incentives to employers in the private sector to ensure

that at least two per cent of their work force is composed of transgender persons within a

period of five years from the commencement of the Act.

24. (1) The appropriate Government may, by notification, specify that the employer in

every establishment shall furnish such information or return as may be prescribed in relation

to vacancies appointed for transgender persons that have occurred or are about to occur in

that establishment to such Special Employment Exchange as may be prescribed and the

establishment shall thereupon comply with such information.

(2) The form in which and the intervals of time for which information or returns shall

be furnished and the particulars, they shall contain shall be such as may be prescribed.

CHAPTER VI

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT

25. (1) The appropriate Government in consultation with the National or State

Commission, as the case may be, shall conduct, sponsor, encourage, support or promote on

a regular and continuous basis information campaigns and sensitization programmes to

ensure that the rights recognized in this legislation are respected, protected and promoted.

(2) The campaigns shall aim at enabling both state and civil society to comprehend

transgenderism as an integral part of the human condition, to recognize the capabilities and

contributions of transgender persons, and to combat the stereotypes, prejudices and harmful

practices which impede the participation of transgender persons on an equal basis with

others;

(3) Without prejudice to the general awareness raising obligation in sub-section (1) of

section 25, such programmes, campaigns and workshops shall inter-alia,—

(a) Promote values of inclusion, tolerance, empathy and respected for diversity;

(b) advance recognition of the skills, merits and abilities of transgender persons and of

their contributions to the workforce, labour market and professional fee;

(c) Poster respect for the decisions made by transgender persons on all matters related

to family life, relationships, bearing and raising children;

(d) Provide orientation and sensitization at the school, college, university and

professional training level on the human condition of transgenderism and the rights of

transgender persons; and

(e) Provide orientation and sensitization on transgenderism and rights of transgender

persons to employers, adminsitrators and co-workers.

CHAPTER VII

NATIONAL AND STATE COMMISSIONS FOR TRANSGENDER PERSONS

A. National Commission

26. (1) The Central government shall, by notification, constitute a body to be known

as the National Commission for transgender persons to exercise the powers conferred upon,

and to perform the functions assigned to it, under this Act.

(2) The Commission shall consist of the following Members, namely,—

(a) a Chairperson, who is an eminent person with a distinguished record of

service in the field of transgender rights and rehabilitation; and

(b) six members, of whom at least three shall be transgender persons and to be

popularly acknowledged by the representatives of the transgender community and

the other three members must have a distinguished record of service in the fields of

rehabilitation, advocacy, law, relating to transgenders.

Incentive to

employers in

the Private

Sector.

Special

Employment

Exchange.

Awareness

Raising.

Constitution

of National

Commission

for

Transgender

Persons.

16

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

(3) The Chairperson and the Members shall be appointed by the Central Government

on the recommendation of a Selection Committee with such composition as may be prescribed.

(4) The Headmistress of the National Commission should be at such place as the

Central Government by notification, specify.

27. The Chairperson and a Member of the National Commission shall hold office for a

term of three years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age

of sixty five years, whichever is earlier and shall be eligible for reappointment for another

term of three years.

28. (1) The Chairperson or any Member may, by notice in writing under his hand

addressed to the President, resign his office.

(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (3) of Section 28, the Chairperson or any

Member shall only be removed from his office by order of the President on the ground of

proven misbehaviour or incapacity has, on an inquiry held in accordance with the procedure,

prescribed under this Act.

(3) Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (2) of Section 28, the President may, by

order, remove from office the Chairperson or any Member, if the Chairperson or such Member,

as the case may be:—

(a) is adjudged an insolvent; or

(b) engages during his term of office in any paid employment outside the duties

of his office; or

(c) is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence which in the

opinion of the Central Government involves moral turpitude.

29. (1) In the event of the occurence of any vacancy in the office of the Chairperson by

reason of his death, resignation or otherwise, the President may, by notification, authorise

one of the members to act as the Chairperson until the appointment of a new Chairperson to

fill such vacancy.

(2)If the Chairperson is unable to discharge his functions', owing to absence on leave

or otherwise, one of the Member, as the President may, by notification, authorise in this

behalf, shall discharge the functions of the Chairperson until the date on which the Chairperson

resumes his duties.

30. The salaries and allowances payable to and other terms and conditions of service

of, the Chairperson and the Members shall be such as may be prescribed:

Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the other terms and conditions of

service of the Chairperson or a member shall be varied to his disadvantage after his

appointment.

31. No act or proceedings of the Commission shall be questioned or shall be invalidated

merely on the ground of existence of any vacancy or defect in the constitution of the

Commission.

32. (1) The Commission shall meet at such time and place as the Chairperson may think

fit.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder, the Commission

shall have the power to lay down, by regulations, its own procedure.

(3) All orders and decisions of the Commission shall be authenticated by the Secretary

or any other officer of the Commission duly authorised by the Chairperson in this behalf.

Term of

office of

Chairperson

and members.

Resignation

and Removal

of

Chairperson.

Member to

act as

Chairperson

or to

Discharge his

Functions in

Certain

Circumstances.

Terms and

Conditions of

Service of

Chairperson

and Members.

Vacancies,

etc., not to

Invalidate the

Proceedings

of the

Commission.

Procedure to

be Regulated

by the

Commission.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

17

33. (1) The Central Government shall make available to the Commission an officer of

the rank of an Additional Secretary to the Government of India who shall be the Secretary to

the Commission.

(2) Subject to such rules as may be made by the Central Government in this behalf, the

Commission may appoint such other administrative and technical officers and staff, as it may

consider necessary.

(3) The salaries, allowances and conditions of service of the officers and other staff

appointed under sub-section (2) of section 33 shall be such as may be prescribed.

34. The Commission shall perform all or any of the following functions, namely:—

(a) identify, suo-moto, or on a representation received, provisions of any laws,

policies, programmes and procedures, which are inconsistent with this Act, and

recommend necessary corrective steps;

(b) review and coordinate the activities of all Departments of Government and

other Governmental and non-Governmental Organizations which are dealing with

matters concerning transgender persons;

(c) inquire, suo-moto or on a complaint by an affected transgender person or any

person or organization on his behalf, with respect to deprivation of his rights and

safeguards in respect of matters for which the Central Government is the appropriate

Government and take the up the matter with the appropriate authorities for corrective

action, as necessary;

(d) intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of the

rights of transgender persons pending before a court with the approval of such court;

(e) review the safeguards provided by or under this Act or any law for the time

being in force for the protection of rights of transgender persons and review the

factors that inhibit the enjoyment of rights of transgender persons and recommend

appropriate remedial measures;

(f) study treaties and other international instruments on the rights of transgender

persons and make recommendations for their effective implementation;

(g) undertake and promote research in the field of the rights of transgender

persons;

(h) promote awareness of the rights of transgender persons and promote

awareness of the safeguards available for their protection;

(i) monitor implementation of the provisions of this Act and of schemes,

programmes, etc., meant for transgender persons;

(j) monitor utilization of funds disbursed by the Central Government for the

benefit of transgender persons; and

(k) such other functions as the Central Government may assign.

35. Whenever the Commission makes a recommendation to an authority in pursuance

of clause (c) of Section 34, that authority shall take necessary action on it, and inform the

Commission of the action taken within three months from the date of receipt of the

recommendation:

Provided that where an authority does not accept a recommendation, it shall convey

reasons for non-acceptance to the Commission within the above period of three months, and

shall also inform the aggrieved person.

Officers and

Other Staff

of the

Commission.

Functions of

the

Commission.

Action by

Appropriate

Authorities

on the

Commission’s

Recommen-

dations made

after Enquiry.

18

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

36. (1) The Commission shall, for the purpose of discharging its functions under the

Act, have all the powers of a Civil Court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908

and in particular in respect of the following matters, namely,—

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them

on oath;

(b) discovery and production of any document;

(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;

(d) reinvesting for any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;

(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents; or

(f) any other matter which may be prescribed.

(2) The Commission may, while investigating a complaint, make written requests so

furnish information question people, review documents or visit the premises to determine

upon the nature of violation or non-compliance of regulations.

(3) Every proceeding before the Commission shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding

within the meaning of sections 193 and 228, and for the purposes of section 196, of the

Indian Penal Code 1860 and the Commission shall be deemed to be a civil court for all the

purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure,1973

37. (1) The National Commission shall submit an annual report to the Central

Government and may at any time submit special reports on any matter which, in its opinion,is

of such urgency or importance that it shall not be deferred till submission of the annual

report.

(2) The Central Government shall cause the annual and special reports of the Commission

to be laid before each House of Parliament, along with a memorandum of action taken or

proposed to be taken on the recommendations of the Commission, and the reasons for non-

acceptance of the recommendations, if any.

B. State Commission

38. (1) Every State Government may constitute a body to be known as the State

Commission (name of the State) for transgender persons to exercise the powers conferred

upon, and to perform the functions assigned to, a State Commission under this chapter.

(2) The State Commission shall, with effect from such date as the State Government

may be notification specify, consist of—

(a) a Chairperson who is an eminent person with a distinguished record of

service in the field of transgender rights; and

(b) six members, of whom at least three shall be transgender person and to be

popularly acknowledged by the representatives of the transgender community and

the other three members must have a distinguished record of service in the field of

rehabilitation, advocacy, law, relating to transgenders.

(3) The Chairperson and the Members shall be appointed by the State Government on

the recommendation of Selection Committee with such composition as may be prescribed.

(4) The headquarters of the State Commission shall be at such place as the State

Government may, by notification, specify.

(5) A State Commission may inquire suo-moto or on a complaint by an affected

transgender person or any person or organization on his behalf, with respect to deprivation

of his rights and safeguards in respect of matters for which the State Government is the

approrpiate government.

Powers of the

Commission.

5 of 1908.

45 of 1860.

2 of 1974.

Annual and

Special

Reports of

the

Commission.

Constitution

of State

Commission

for

Transgender

Persons.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

19

39. (1) The Chairperson or any Member may, by notice in writing under his hand

addressed to the Governor resign his office.

(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 39, the Chairperson or any

Member shall only be removed from his office by order of the Governor on the ground of

proved misbehaviour or incapacity has, on inquiry held in accordance with the procedure

prescribed under this Act.

(3) Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (2) of section 39 the Governor may, by

under, remove from office the Chairperson or any Member, if the Chairperson or such Member,

as the case may be—

(a) is adjudged an insolvent; or

(b) engages during his term of office in any paid employment outside the duties

of his office; or

(c) is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence which in the

opinion of the Central Government involves moral turpitude.

40. The Chairperson and Members of the State Commission shall hold office for a term

of three years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of

sixty-five years, whichever is earlier and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term

of three years.

41. (1) In the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the Chairperson

by reason of the death, resignation or otherwise, the Governor may, by notification authorise

one of the Members to act as the Chairperson until the appointment of a new Chairperson to

fill such vacancy.

(2) If the Chairperson is unable to discharge his functions owing to absence on leave

or otherwise, one of the Member as the Governor may, by notification, authorise in this

behalf, shall dicharge the functions of the Chairperson until the date on which the Chairperson

resumes his duties.

42. The salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service

of, the Chairperson and the Members shall be such as may be prescribed:

Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the other terms and conditions of

service of the Chairperson or a Member shall be varied to his disadvantage after his

appointment.

43. (1) The State Government shall make available to the Commission an officer of the

rank of the Secretary to the State Government who shall be the Secretary to the Commission.

(2) Subject to such rules as may be made by the State Government in this behalf, the

Commission may appoint such other administrative and technical officers and staff as it may

consider necessary.

(3) The salaries, allowances and conditions of service of the officers and other appointed

under sub-section (2) of section 43, shall be such as may be prescribed.

44. (1) The State Commission shall submit an annual report to the State Government

and may at any time submit special reports on any matter which, it its opinion, is of such

urgency or importance that it should not be deferred till submission of the annual report.

(2) The State Government shall cause the annual and special reports of the State

Commission to be laid before each House of State Legislature, where it consists of two

Houses, or where such Legislature consists of one House, before that House along with a

memorandum of action taken or proposed to be taken on the recommendations of the State

Commission and the reasons for non-acceptance of the recommendations, if any.

Resignation

and Removal

of

Chairperson

and Members.

Term of

Office of

Chairperson

and Members.

Member to

act as

Chairperson

or to

Discharge his

Functions in

Certain

Circumstances.

Terms and

Conditions of

Service of

Chairpersons

and Members.

Officers and

other staff of

the

Commission.

Annual and

Special

Reports of

State

Commission.

20

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[PART II—

45. The provisions of section 26, 27, 29 30, 32 and 34 shall apply, mutatis mutandis to

a State Commission and shall have effect, subject to the following Modifications, namely,—

(a) reference to "commission" clause be construed as references to

"State Commission"; and

(b) in section 34, clause (8) shall be omitted.

CHAPTER VIII

TRANSGENDER RIGHTS COURTS

46. For the purpose of speedy disposal of suits of a civil nature which may be filed by

on behalf of transgender persons regarding infringement of their rights as a transgender

person, under this or any other law for the time being in force, the State Government may,

with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court, by notification in the official

gazette, specify for each sub-division, a court to be a Special Transgender Rights Court for

the hearing and disposal of such suits and criminal cases, as prescribed.

47. Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 46, the State Government, with

the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court, by notification in the Official

Gazette:—

(i) may establish for each district, and

(ii) shall establish for each city with a population of 10 lakh or more as per the

last Census, a court as an exclusive Transgender Rights Court, and such court shall

hear and dispose of only suits of the type mentioned in Section 46.

48. Where a district has one or more exclusive Transgender Rights Courts established

under Section 47, their jurisdiction vis-a-vis that of Special Transgender Rights Courts

specified under Section 46, shall be such as the State Government may, by notification in the

official Gazette, specify.

CHAPTER IX

OFFENCES & PENALTIES

49. (1) Where any offence under this Act has been committed by an establishment,

every person who, at the time the offence was committed, was the appointed head or was

directly in charge of, and was responsible to the establishment for the counduct of its

business, as well as the establishment, shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence, and shall

be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly:

Provided that nothing contained in sub-section (1) of Section 49, shall render any

such person liable to any punishment provided in this Act, if he proved that the offence was

committed without his knowledge or that all due diligence was exercised to prevent the

commission of such offence.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) of section 49, Where an

offence under this Act has been committed by an establishment and it is proved that the

offence has been comitted with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any

neglect on the part of any other officer of the establishment, such person shall also deemed

to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished

accordingly.

50. Whoever voluntarily or knowingly commits or abets the offence by words, either

spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise, shall be punished

with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine.

Application

of certain

provisions

relating to

National

Commission

to State

Commissions.

Special

Transgender

Rights Courts.

Exclusive

transgender

rights Courts.

Jurisdiction of

transgender

rights courts.

Offences by

Establishments.

Penalty for

Hate Speech.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

21

51. Whoever fails to produce any book, account or other document or to furnish any

statement, information or particulars which, under this Act or any order, regulation or direction

made or given thereunder, he is duty bound to produce or furnish or to answer any question

put in pursuance of the provisions of this Act or of any order, regulation or direction made or

given thereunder, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to rupees twenty-five

thousand in respect of each offence, and in case of continued failure or refusal, with further

fine which may extend to rupees one thousand for each day, of continued failure or refusal

after the date of original order imposing punishment of fine.

CHAPTER X

MISCELLANEOUS

52. The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law

in this behalf, provide adequate funds, from time to time, for carrying out the purposes of this

Act.

53. The provisions of this Act or the rules made there under shall be in addition and

not in derogation of any other legislation, rules, orders or instructions which provides any

entitlement or benefit to transgender persons.

54. No suit prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for

anything which is done in good faith or intended to be done under this Act or any rule there

made under.

55. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central

Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions, not

inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for

removing the difficulty:

Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of the period of two years

from the date of commencement of this Act.

(2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid

before each House of Parliament.

56. (1) Subject to the Other Provisions of this Act, the appropriate Government may,

by notification, make rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act.

(2) Prior to the formation of the rules, the appropriate Government shall make available

the draft of the rules in accessible formats to the members of the public and invite their

suggestions and objections to the same.

(3) Every rule made by the Central Government under this Act shall be laid, as soon as

may be after it is made before each house of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period

of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions

and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive

sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule of both Houses

agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such

modified form, or be of no effect as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification

or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under

that rule.

(4) Every rule made by the State Government under this section shall be laid, as soon

as may be after it is made, before each House of the State Legislature where it consists of two

Houses, or where such legislature consists of one house, before that house.

57. (1) The National Commission may with the previous approval of Central

Government, by notification make regulations consistent with this Act and the rules for the

effective implementation of the purposes of this Act, in respect of the matters to any of the

entries enumerated in List I and List III in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution.

Penalty for

Failure to

Furnish

Information.

Central

Government

to provide

funds.

Act to be in

Addition to

and not in

derogation of

any other law.

Action taken

in good faith.

Power to

remove

difficulties.

Power of

appropriate

Government

to make rules.

Powers of

National

Commission

to make

Regulations.

22

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[PART II—

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-section (1) of section 57, the National

Commission shall make regulations relating to the,—

(a) establishment of such committees as may be required for the efficient

performances of its functions;

(b) composition, membership, qualification, terms and conditions of appointment,

removal, tenure, meetings, quorum and resignation of the Committees, formed by the

National Commission;

(c) rules of procedure for transaction of business;

(d) rules of procedure for convening meetings of Chairpersons of State

Commissons;

(e) form in which and the time at which the meetings to be called;

(f) manner in which and the time at which meetings of National Commission to be

convened ; and

(g) any other matter incidental or ancillary for the enforcement of this Act.

(3) Prior to be finalization of the regulations, the National Commission shall make

available the draft rules in accessible formats to the members of the public and invite their

suggestions and objections to the same.

58. (1) The State Commission shall have the power to issue regulations with the

Previous approval of state governments, which are in conformity with the Act and the Rules

for the effective implementation of the purposes of this Act, in respect of the matters relatable

to any of the entries enumerated in List II and List III in the Seventh Schedule to the

Constitution:

Provided that where any regulation has already been issued in any such matter

pertaining to List III by the National Commission, such regulations shall prevail over the

regulations of the State Commission pertaining to the said matter.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-section (1) of Section 58, the State

Commission shall make regulations relating to the,—

(a) establishment of such Committees as may be required for the efficient

performance of its functions;

(b) composition, membership, qualifications, terms and conditions of

appointment, removal, tenure, meetings, quorum and resignation of the Committees

formed by the State Commission; and

(c) any other matter incidental or ancillary for the enforcement of this Act.

(3) Prior to the finalization of the regulations, the State Commission shall make available

the draft rules in accessible formats to the members of the public and invite their suggestions

and objections to the same.

Power of the

State

Commission

to make

Regulations.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

23

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Despite some recent progressive measures by the Government, India's trangender

community continues to face a plethora of problems. Transgender persons are sidelined and

treated as untouchables. The denial of social justice leads to the denial of economic and

political justice. The suffer from poor access to education, healthcare, legal aid, employment

and lack of social acceptance. Measures towards sensitization of school administrations,

curbing of stigma, discrimination and violence against transgender persons are also mostly

absent. They are discriminated against in access to medical services and most hospitals lack

adequate skills or provisions to meet their special health needs. The State should seriously

address the problems being faced by transgenders such as fear, shame, gender, dysphoria,

social pressure, depression, suicidal tendencies, social stigma, etc. and any assistance for

Sex Ressignment Surgery for declaring one's gender.

Article 17 of the International Convenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966 states that

no one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family, home

or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his honour and reputation and everyone has

the right to protection of law against such interference or attacks. Legal safeguards to

prevent human rights violations of the transgender community and institutional mechanisms

to address their specific concerns have to be put in place. Without protection of human

rights, there can be no democracy or justification for democracy. We need to have proactive

participation of transgender persons in all democratic spaces and systems, including

participation in policies framed for their welfare. It must be noted that historically, Hijra or

transgender persons had played a prominent role in the Indian society. With the onset of

colonial rules from the 18th century onwards, the situation had changed drastically.

During the British rule, a legislation was enacted to supervise the deeds of Hijras or

transgender community, called the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, which deemed the entire

community of Hijra persons as innately 'criminal' and 'addicted to the systematic commission

of non-bailable offences'. State should take measures to regain their respect and place in the

society which they once enjoyed in our cultural and social life. Undoing centuries of

discrimination that the transgender community has faced, will require targeted interventions

by the State.

Hence this Bill.

TIRUCHI SIVA

24

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[PART II—

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 24 of the Bill provides for the establishment of Special Employment Exchange.

Clause 26 of the Bill provides for the establishment of the National Commission for

Transgender persons. Clause 30 provides for remuneration and facilities to the Chairperson,

Vice-Chairperson and members and Clause 33(3) provides for remuneration and other facilities

to officers and other staff of the National Commission. Clause 38 of the Bill provides for the

establishment of the State Commissions for Transgender Persons. Clause 42 provides for

remuneration and facilities to the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and members and Clause

43(3) provides remuneration and facilities to officers and other staff of the State Commission.

Clause 46 of the Bill provides for establishment of Special Transgender Rights Courts and

Clause 47 provides for the establishment of Exclusive Transgender Rights Courts. Clause 52

makes it obligatory for the Central Government to provide adequate funds to the Authority

for the purposes of the Bill.

The Bill, if enacted, will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is

not possible at present to quantify the funds that may involve but it is estimated that a sum

of rupees five hundred crores may involve as recurring expenditure per annum.

Non-recurring expenditure to the tune of rupees one hundred core may also involve

for creating assets and infrastructure.

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 56 of the Bill gives power to the Central Government to make rules for carrying

out the purposes of the Bill. Clauses 57 and 58 give the National Commission and State

Commission respectively the power to make rules relating to their functioning. The rules will

relate to matters of details only.

The delegation of legislative power is of normal character.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

25

IV

BILL NO. XVI OF 2014

A Bill to provide for compulsory incorporation of gender sensitisation curriculum in

educational institutions from primary to secondary level in the country and for

matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Compulsory Gender Sensitisation Curriculum in

Educational Institutions Act, 2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification

in the Official Gazette, appoint.

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) "appropriate Government" means in case of a State, the Government of that

State and in all other cases, the Central Government;

Short title,

extent and

Commencement.

Definitions.

26

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

(b) "Council" means the State Gender Sensitisation Council constituted under

section 7;

(c) "educational institution" means any school imparting education from primary

to secondary level;

(d) "gender sensitisation education" means education based on teaching that

propagates gender equality by improving curriculum and text books to include gender

positive material and any other learning activities that promote gender equality;

(e)"prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(f) "President" means the Chairperson of the State Advisory Council referred to

in clause (a) of sub-section (2) of Section 7.

3. From such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,

specify, gender sensitisation education shall be compulsorily imparted in all educational

institutions upto secondary level.

4. The appropriate Government shall, immediately after issuance of notification under

Section 3, issue direction for compulsory imparting of gender sensitisation education in all

educational institution, within its jurisdiction.

5. The appropriate Government shall derecognise an educational institution, which

does not comply with the provision of section 3:

Provided that any such derecognition shall be done only after giving such educational

institutions a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

6. Subject to such rules, as many be prescribed, the appropriate Government shall

cause to appoint such number of teachers with such qualifications as may be specified, for

imparting gender sensitisation education to students upto secondary level.

7. (1) The Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, establish a

State Gender Sensitisation Counicl in each State.

(2) The Council shall consist of,—

(a) the Union Minister of Human Resource Development , President, ex officio;

(b) four persons from the State Boards of Primary and Secondary Education, to be

nominated by the specific State Board—Members:

Provided that the persons shall be nominated for a period of two years and shall be

eligible for re-nomination.

(c) three eminent persons from the civil society who are knowledgeable about gender

sensitisaton issues, to be nominated by the Governor of the State—Members:

Provided that the persons shall be nominated for a period of two years and shall not be

eligible for re-nomination.

(3) It shall be the duty of the Council,—

(a) to review existing policies, rules, regulations and procedures with a view to

encompassing gender values, needs and aspirations as well as removing those which

are gender blind or out-of-date.

(b) to actively suggest the state boards of education about changes and gender

perspective guidelines regarding curriculum design to achieve the aforementioned

objective.

(c) to co-ordinate with the appropriate Government and educational institutions

with a view to ensuring effective implementation of the provisions of the Act.

Issuing

of

direction by

a p p r o p r i a t e

Government.

Compulsory

imparting of

gender

Sensitisation

education in

educational

institutions.

Derecognition

of educational

institution.

Appointment

of teachers.

Establishment

of State Gender

Sensitisation

Council.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

27

(d) to have the responsibility of reviewing the concerned educational institution

in case of voilating of section 3.

(e) to recommend the appropriate government on derecognition of educational

institutions in case of voilation of section 3 of the Act.

(f) to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate gender specific initiatives.

8. (1) The State Government may appoint such number of officers and other employees

as it may consider necessary for the discharge of functions of the State Gender Sensitisation

Council under this Act.

(2) The terms and other conditions of service of the officers and other employees of

the Council appointed under sub-section (1) of Section 8, shall be such as may be prescribed.

9. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the provisions of this Act shall

apply to a minority educational institution only if the management of such institution

conveys to the appropriate Government their willingness to impart gender sensitisation

education in their institution.

10. The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by law by Parliament

in this behalf provide adequate funds to the States for appointing teachers and other

infrastructure required for the purpose of this Act.

11. The provisions of this Act and rules made thereunder shall have effect

notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time

being in force, but save as aforesaid the provisions of this Act, shall be addition to and not

in derogation of any other law for the time being in force.

12. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules

for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

(2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made,

before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which

may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the

expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid,

both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both the Houses agree that the

rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be

of no effect, as the case may be, so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall

be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.

Officers and

staff of the

State Gender

Sensitisation

Council.

Application

to minority

educational

institutions.

Central

Government

to provide

funds.

Overriding

affecting of

Act.

Power of

Central

Government

to make

rules.

28

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Recent spate of sexual and other crimes against women have once again indicated the

need to change social attitude towards women in the country. In the debate following these

reports, many civil society organisations and educationists have suggested that gender

sensitisation from an early age can transform the mind sets towards roles of women among

children of both genders.

As Indian society is rapidly changing, with greater participation for women in public

life, it is imperative that the new generation is more prepared to incorporate women in all

walks of life. In the past the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT)

has included gender as an issue in the National School Curriculum in 2005, however its own

curriculum implementation report fails to mention whether the recommendations have been

incorporated.

Recently, it has also been reported that Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

intends to incorporate gender sensitisation in its school curriculum. While this is a laudable

development, exposure to gender sensitisation to school students needs to extend to all

schools in the country regardless of which board they are studying under.

This Bill proposes that gender sensitisation be incorporated in primary and secondary

school curriculum all over the country. This is to signal a clear mandate from the national

legislature that school curriculums all over the country should be reviewed to make them

more gender sensitive.

The Bill aims that state boards with the recommendations of the State Gender

Sensitisation Councils tailor gender sensitisation curriculums to their contexts and ensure

successful implementation following this directive.

Hence, this Bill.

KANWAR DEEP SINGH

————

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 6 of the Bill provides for appointment of teachers to impart gender sensitisation

education to students. Clause 7 provides for establishment of State Gender Sensitisation

Council which shall include person having experience of teaching gender sensitisation

education. Clause 10 provides that Central Government shall provide funds for the purpose

of teachers and infrastructure. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, will involve expenditure from

the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a recurring expenditure of rupees one

hundred crore will be required for the purpose.

A non-recurring expenditure to the tune of rupees three hundred crore will also be

required.

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 12 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out

the purposes of the Bill. As the rules will relate to matters of detail only, the delegation of

legislative power is of a normal character.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

29

V

BILL NO. XLVII OF 2014

A Bill further to amend the Constitution of India.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2014.

(2) It shall come into force with immediate effect.

2. In clause (1) of article 275 of the Constitution, before the existing first proviso, the

following proviso shall be added, namely:—

“Provided that there shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India as

grants-in-aid of the revenues of a State such capital and recurring sums as may

be necessary to enable that State to meet the costs of implementation of various

welfare schemes in particular which are directed towards employment generation

for the unemployed youth, pension for senior citizens including farmers, widows,

physically challenged persons, education and vocational training for the

Amendment

of article

275.

Short title

and

Commence-

ment.

30

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward classes, minorities or

development works undertaken by the State in the larger public interest and if

that State is unable to implement or execute such schemes or works, as the case

may be, due to severe financial crunch being experienced by the State:

Provided further that a sum of rupees ninty thousand crore shall be allocated

as grants-in-aid of the revenues of the State of West Bengal as one time grant

and rupee thirty thousand crore per annum as recurring expenditure and such

amount shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India to the State.”

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

31

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The State of West Bengal has of late started making progress under the present State

Government but still it is one of the economically, industrially, educationally and socially

backward and underdeveloped State of the Republic of India mainly due to consistent

neglect and apathy of successive Governments at the Centre towards the State. The State is

inhabitated by poor people, tribals, labourers, farmers, fishermen, etc. and it is facing gigantic

problems such as severe unemployment amongst the youth of the State, lack of industrial

development due to poor infrastructure and high handedness of trade unions of a front

ruling the State in the past, lack of healthcare facilities resulting in spread of various diseases

mainly the vector borne diseases like malaria, filaria, dengue, encephalitis, chickengunea,

various waterborne diseases, T.B., cancer and other diseases. The road network including

the highways passing through the State is in bad shape. There is lack of educational facilities

particularly its infrastructure such as buildings, play grounds, drinking water facilities, toilets

for girls and boys, desks and tables, hostels, libraries, etc. etc. There are millions of senior

citizens, widows, physically challenged people who are to be given pension for their living,

millions of SC, ST and OBC students who are to be given scholarship etc. Apart from apathy

of the Centre agitations in the hilly parts of the State also affects the economy of the State.

The present State Government is doing its level best to turn around the economy of

the State so as to bring prosperity and overall development of the State but it has its own

limitations. The State Government needs huge Central assistance to accomplish its

developmental tasks. The Chief Minister of West Bengal consistently demanding for an

economic package for the implementation of various development projects and welfare

schemes for the youth, poor people, senior citizens, widows, physically challenged, SCs,

STs, OBCs, minorities, students, farmers and workers and labourers etc. but so far has not

succeeded.

Article 275 of the Constitution provides for payments of grants-in- aid of the revenues

of various States who are in need of financial assistance for various purposes. In order to

enable the Central Government to release funds for the economic package to West Bengal

amendment of this article has become necessary.

Hence this Bill.

KANWAR DEEP SINGH

————

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 2 of the Bill provides for Grants-in-aid of the revenues of the State facing severe

financial crunch. It also provides for one time Grant-in-aid of rupee ninety thousand crore

and rupee thirty thousand crore as recurring annual expenditure. The Bill, if enacted, will

involve this expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.

No non-recurring expenditure is likely to be involved.

32

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill to provide for the remunerative prices for the raw jute to the jute growers fixed on the

basis of cost of production of jute under the Minimum Support Price Scheme of the

Government, compulsory purchase of raw jute by Government, agencies, compulsory

insurance of Jute crops free of cost by the Central Government and certain welfare

measures to be undertaken by the Central and concerned Governments of the States for

the jute growers and jute workers engaged in jute related works and for matters connected

there with and incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Jute Growers and Workers (Welfare) Act, 2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force with immediate effect.

VI

BILL NO. L OF 2014

Short title,

extent and

Commence-

ment.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

33

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, —

(a) "appropriate Government" means in the case of a State the Government of

that State and in other cases, the Central Government;

(b) "fund" means the Jute growers and Workers Welfare Fund established under

Section 4;

(c) "jute grower" means any person who cultivates Jute and obtains fibre

therefrom;

(d) "jute worker" means any person engaged in jute related works as a wage

earner, whether in cash or kind for his livelihood and includes a person engaged

through a contractor or middleman etc.;

(e) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act.

3. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,

the Central Government shall in consultation with the concerned Governments of the States

fix and declare remunerative prices of raw jute under the Minimum Support Price regime on

the basis of cost of production of jute before every sowing season.

(2) While fixing the remunerative prices of jute under sub-section (1), the Central

Government shall take into account the following factors, namely:—

(a) Cost incurred by jute growers in sowing, growing and harvesting of jute and

obtaining its fibre;

(b) Cost incurred on seeds, fertilizers or manure, insecticides and pesticides;

(c) Cost incurred on labour;

(d) Maintenance cost of the field;

(e) Cost incurred on transportation of raw jute to the market or yard or mandi or

factory, as the case may be;

(f) Climatic conditions and occurrence of natural calamity; and

(g) Any other contingency expenditure incurred by Jute growers.

(3) The appropriate Government shall give wide publicity to the remunerative prices

fixed for raw jute under this Act through print and electronic media and the village Panchayats.

(4) The agencies of appropriate Government shall purchase the raw jute from the jute

growers at the prices fixed by the Central Government in case the jute growers fail to sell their

raw jute in the open market.

(5) It shall be the duty of the appropriate Government to keep a watch on the dubious

activities of jute traders and middlemen during the immediate post harvest period to ensure

that prices of raw jute do not fall as a result of speculation and take such measures, as it may

deem necessary to protect the interests of Jute growers.

(6) The entire jute crop and the yield thereof shall be compulsorily insured free of cost

by the Central Government against natural calamities, fall in the yield of jute, fall in the prices

of raw jute and such other eventualities as may be prescribed.

4. (1) The Central Government, shall, by notification in the official Gazette establish

the Jute Growers and Workers Welfare Fund for the purposes of this Act with initial corpus

of rupee thirty thousand crore to be provided by the Central Government by due appropriation

made by law by Parliament in this behalf and thereafter the Central and concerned State

Governments shall contribute to the Fund to such extent and in such manner, as may be

prescribed.

(2) The Fund may also receive moneys from corporate houses, financial institutions,

individuals and bodies in the form of contributions or donations.

Definitions.

Fixation of

remunerative

price of raw

jute.

Establishment

of Jute

Growers and

workers

Welfare Fund.

34

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

5. (1) The Fund shall be utilized for the following purposes, namely:—

(a) to provide financial assistance to jute growers for purchasing seeds, manure,

fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides etc. for low yield of jute or loss of crop due to natural

calamities, fire, wild life etc.;

(b) to pay compensation to the next of kin of jute grower or jute worker, as the case may

be in the event of his death;

(c) to pay insurance premium on behalf of the jute growers;

(d) to provide free healthcare facilities for the jute growers and jute workers and their

families including maternity facilities to the female members of the families.

(e) to provide education including technical, medical, higher education, Information

Technology and Vocational training to the children of Jute growers and Jute workers free of

cost;

(f) to provide financial assistance to the jute growers andjute workers in the event of

their disability; and

(g) for such other purposes as the appropriate Government may deem fit and necessary

for the purposes of this Act.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, the appropriate Government shall, —

(i) maintain district-wise register of all the jute growers and jute workers with such

particulars and in such manner as may be prescribed.

(ii) make provisions for payment of old age pension to the jute growers and jute

workers.

6. The Central Government shall provide, from time to time, after due appropriation

made by Parliament by law in this behalf, requisite funds for carrying out the purposes of this

Act.

7. The provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder shall have effect

notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time

being in force.

8. The provision of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other

laws for the time being in force dealing with the subject matter of this Act.

9. The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for

carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Utilization of

Fund.

Central

Government

to provide

funds.

Act to have

overriding

effect.

Act to

supplement

other laws.

Power to

make rules.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

35

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The State of West Bengal is the major Jute producing State of the nation followed by

Bihar. Though it is grown in some other States also but in small quantities mainly for local

consumption. Jute fibre which is also known as golden fibre, used to hold a glorious position

in our country. Even today jute is one of the main commercial crops of the country. Jute fibre

is used to make bio-degradable, eco-friendly and cheap bags known as gunny bags used to

keep wheat and other agricultural produce including sugar. Earlier almost every product

used to be filled in jute bags but with coming of polymer synthetic bags in the market now

jute bags are used only for foodgrains.

Of late jute growers in West Bengal and other parts of the country are facing various

problems and they are not getting remunerative prices for their produce. Jute cultivation is

becoming non-profitable for the growers due to various factors such as increase in the prices

of jute seeds, fertilizers, manure, insecticides and pesticides and other inputs. Due to high

investment involved in cultivation of jute, jute growers take loans on very high interest rates

and unable to repay the loan becoming debt ridden and distressed. Since jute is a commercial

crop insurance facility is not available to the jute growers and the growing use of synthetic

fibre bags is adding to the miseries of jute growers. In some cases their financial condition or

getting into debt trap is compelling many of them to take extreme step of committing suicide.

Ours is a welfare state and therefore it is the responsibility of the Central Government

to ensure the welfare of the Jute growers and their families. The Central Government should

fix remunerative prices of Jute and implement various welfare measures for them and for the

jute workers who are dependent on the jute crops for their employment and livelihood. Their

condition is also pitiable because of the plight of jute growers. The Central Government has

to establish a Welfare Fund for the jute growers and jute workers to meet their various needs

which will make them feel that our welfare State will take care of them.

Hence this Bill.

KANWAR DEEP SINGH

————

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 4 of the Bill provides for the establishment of the Jute Growers and Workers

Welfare Fund with the initial corpus of rupee thirty thousand crore to be provided by the

Central Government. Clause 6 makes it mandatory for the Central Government to provide

requisite funds for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. The Bill, if enacted, will involve

expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is expected that it may involve rupee five

thousand crore as recurring expenditure per annum.

A sum of rupee one thousand crore may also involve as non-recurring expenditure.

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATAED LEGISLATION

Clause 9 of the Bill gives power to the Central Government to make rules for carrying

out the purposes of the Bill. The rules will relate to matters of details only.

The delegation of legislative power is of normal character.

36

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill further to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. 2014.

(2) It shall come into force on such date, as the Central Government may, by notification

in the Official Gazette, appoint.

2. In section 9 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 in sub-section (1) after the first proviso the

following proviso shall be inserted, namely:—

''Provided further that no citizen of India, shall be deemed to have lost his

citizenship merely on grounds of his or her availing the facility conferred by the order

enacted by Portuguese Government, of registering their births in Portugal, to the

Indians citizens, residing in the territory of erstwhile Union Territory of Goa, Daman

and Diu and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, then ruled by the

Government of Portugal, unless such Indian citizens voluntarily apply for the citizenship

of that country with specific intension of renouncing the citizenship of India.

VII

BILL NO. XXXII OF 2014

Short title

and

Commence-

ment.

Amendment

of Section 9.

7 of 1955.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

37

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Thousands of Goans born in ''Estado da India'', i.e. Goa, Daman & Diu, prior to

19.12.1961, and in Dadra & Nagar Haveli, prior to 21.08.1954 and their births registered in the

Civil Registration Offices of these territories before the above mentioned dates have been

given a facility by the Portuguese Government by issuing an order in 2006, to register their

birth in Portugal.

There is an urgent need that thousands of other Indian citizens who were residing in

the erstwhile Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli who got

their births registered in Portugal, in the last seven to Eight years in the bonafide belief that

such a registration will help them to go to Europe freely, without any hassles, and whereas,

some others, believed that the facility may help them easy access to the foreign universities.

There was, apparently, no intention, of the most of the applicants that, in the process, they

would lose the Indian citizenship.

Recently, a Member of Goa by Assembly, who had registered his birth in Portugal

availing the above said facility has been declared, by an order issued by the Central Govt.

under the Citizenship Act, 1955, as having caused his Citizenship in India.

The issue has taken a complicated turn as these thousands of Indian citizens are likely

to be considered as non-citizens and there is a danger of ceasing Indian citizenship if the

provisions of Indian citizenship are not interpreted by taking into this background.

Hence, this Bill.

SHANTARAM NAIK

38

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill further to amend the Constitution of India.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth year of the Republic of India as

follows:—

1. (1) The Act may be called the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2014.

1. (2) It shall come into force at once.

2. In the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, for paragraph 6 the following shall be

substituted, nemely:—

“6. If any question arises as to whether a member of a House has become subject to

disqualification under this schedule, the question shall be referred for the decision of the

Election Commission of India.”

Short title and

commence-

ment.

VIII

BILL NO. XXXIII OF 2014

Amendment

of Tenth

Schedule.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

39

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has succeeded in bringing considerable purity

in our political system. The schedule has recently undergone a change. However, there is a

popular demand that the authority to decide whether a member has become subject to

disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, should rest in the Election

Commission. This demand is gaining force in the States on account of controversies created

following decisions of the Presiding Officers of some States.

The entire process of decisions under Tenth Schedule should be transparent and

should be totally insulated from possible political bias.

Although Presiding Officers are independent in their own right, even than declaring a

member disqualified should be left to a constitutionally independent authority like Election

Commission of India.

The proposed amendment seeks to provide for the same.

Hence this Bill.

SHANTARAM NAIK

40

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill to provide for the quoting of source of law while publishing notifications, orders,

circulars, tenders for bringing in transparency in government functioning and for matters

connected therewith or incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth year of Republic of India as

follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Quoting of Source of Law Bill, 2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India except to the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

(3) It shall come into force on such date as "the Central Government" may, by

notification in the official gazette, appoint and different dates may be appointed for different

States and Union Territories.

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

(a) "appropriate Government" means in case of a State, the Government of that

State and in other, cases the Central Government;

(b) "publish" means publishing through official gazette, newspapers, magazines

and other print media;

(c) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act.

3. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law in the time being in force the

appropriate Government shall not publish a notifications, orders, circulars, tenders without

quoting of source of law viz. Constitution of India, Act of Parliament or State Legislatures,

rules framed thereunder, regulations, bye-laws etc.

4. The Central Government may, by notification, in the official Gazette make rules

for carrying out the provisions of this Act.

Short title,

extent and

commence-

ment.

IX

BILL NO. XXXIV OF 2006

Definitions.

Quoting of

some of law by

appropriate

Govt.

Power to make

rules.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

41

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Central Government as also State Governments publish, from time to time

notifications, orders, tenders etc. in Official Gazettes, newspapers and other print media.

However, in most of the cases, the source of the law, namely, Constitution of India, Act of

Parliament or the Act of a State Legislature, rules, regulations or byelaws, under which

these are issued, do not find mention therein.

To ensure transparency in the administration public should know all the relevant

aspects of government acts and deeds which are being published under the authority of law

regulations.

Public, companies, corporations or other bodies affected by such notifications, orders

etc. will get a clear idea if source of law under which these documents are published, is

made known to them. If any notification, order or tender etc. is issued under the executive

powers of any authority, constitutional or otherwise, the same should invariable be mentioned.

This will also prevent the authorities concerned from issuing notifications or orders

etc., which are outside the scope of the law.

Hence this Bill.

SHANTARAM NAIK

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

The Clause 4 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for the

purposes of this Bill. The rules relate to matters of details only.

The delegation of legislative power is of a Normal Character.

42

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill further to amend the Constitution of India.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (i) This Act may be called the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2014.

(ii) It shall come into force at once.

2. In article 39 of the Constitution, after clause (a), the following clauses shall be

inserted, namely:—

"(aa) that every citizen has the right to have access to clean and safe drinking

water;

(ab) that every citizen has the right to have access to sanitation services; and

(ac) that every citizen has the right to have adequate shelter".

X

BILL NO. XXXVII OF 2014

Short title and

Commencement.

Amendment

of article 39.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

43

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Safe and clean drinking water, sanitation and adequate shelter are basic human needs

for sustain life. These facilities are essential to the full enjoyment of life and all other human

rights. An estimated 884 million people lack access to safe drinking water about 100 millions

people live without shelter and a total of more than 2.6 billion people do not have access to

basic sanitation. Studies also indicate that about 1.5 million children under the age of 5 die

each year and 443 million school days are lost because of water and sanitation related

diseases. The United Nations also voice deep concern and offer funding, technology and

other resources to help poorer countries scale up their efforts to provide clean accessible

and affordable drinking water and sanitation and adequate shelter for everyone.

The right to life enshrined in article 21 of the Constitution has no meaning unless the

citizen has the right to access to clean and safe drinking water, shelter and sanitation services.

The UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council also recognised these as the human

right. The Bill seeks to amend the Constitution with a view to make it a duty of the State to

recognise and secure these rights to every citizen of the country.

Hence this Bill.

SANJAY SINH

44

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill further to amend the Constitution of India.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (i) This Act may be called the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2014.

(ii) It shall come into force at once.

2. In article 214 of the Constitution, the following proviso shall be inserted, namely:—

“Provided that the Parliament may by law establish such number of permanent

benches of a High Court at such places in a State or a Union Territory, as it may deem

necessary, on the basis of area and population of that State or Union Territory and the

number of cases pending in the principal seat of the concerned High Court”.

XI

BILL NO. XXXVIII OF 2014

Short title

and

commencement.

Amendment

of article 214.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

45

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Our Constitution makes right to legal remedies a fundamental right. But the pendency

of cases in various courts especially High Courts is a matter of serious concern. Considering

the huge geographical expanse of our country and the prevailing poverty, seeking legal

remedy has become an expensive exercise. Time has come to deliver justice in an easy, quick

and cost effective manner to the people. Providing speedy justice at low cost is all the more

important for the people who live in remote areas, far away from State capitals where principal

seats of the most of the High Courts are located. Such a situation literally results in denial of

justice to the poor persons who cannot afford to travel frequently to far off places in search

of justice. The large volume of cases pending in the High Courts has resulted in delayed

delivery of justice which amounts to denial of justice. Moreover, since most of the

High Courts are located at State capitals, the advocates of a particular place create a monopoly

for themselves charging exorbitant fees which are not within the means of poor persons and

they are obliged to sell off their property in their quest of justice. If more benches of

High Courts are established, it will serve many purposes including convenience and savings

for the common man, less pendency of cases and speeds delivery of justice at low cost. This

will help to mitigate the sufferings of the masses.

Hence this Bill.

DR. SANJAY SINH

————

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

The Bill, if enacted, will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India for

establishment of permanent benches of High Court in a State and Union Territory. It is likely

that it will involve a recurring expenditure of about rupees five hundred crore per year and

rupees one hundred crore as a non-recurring expenditure.

46

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill to provide for constitution of a Committee for fixing the prices of drugs and for

matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Drugs (Price Control) Act, 2014.

(2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification

in the Official Gazette, appoint.

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) "dealer" means a person engaged in the business of purchase or sale of

drugs, whether as a wholesaler or retailer and whether or not in conjunction with any

other business and includes his agent;

(b) "distributor" means a distributor of drugs or his agent and includes a stockist

appointed by a manufacturer or an importer for stocking drugs for sale to a dealer; and

XII

BILL NO. XXXIX OF 2014

Short title

and

Commence-

ment.

Definitions.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

47

(c) "drug" includes—

(i) all medicines for internal or external use of human beings and all

substances intended to be used for, or in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, or

prevention of any disease or disorder in human beings including preparations

applied on human body for the purpose of repelling insects like mosquitoes;

(ii) such substances, intended to affect the structure or any function of

the human body or intended to be used for the destruction of vermin or insects

which cause diseases in human beings; and

(iii) formulations all systems of medicine like allopathy, homoeopathy,

ayurveda, unani and siddha.

3. (1) There shall be constituted a Committee to be known as the Drugs (Price Control)

Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) to fix the prices of drugs.

(2) The Committee shall consist of—

(i)

the Minister of Health and Family Welfare,

Government of India

(ii)

three representatives of major hospitals including

Government run hospitals

(iii)

two representatives of drugs industry

(iv)

two representatives of Indian system of

medicine

(v)

Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry

of Health and Family Welfare

(3) the terms and condition of the members appointed under sub-clause (2) (ii), (iii)

and (iv) shall be such as may be prescribed by rules.

(4) the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shall provide the secretarial

assistance to the Committee.

4. The Committee shall—

(i) fix the prices of drugs after taking into consideration the costs of manufacturing

storage, packaging, import of formulation and distribution as well as profit of

manufacturer and such other factors as it may deem necessary;

(ii) promote the use of generic drugs; and

(iii) determine the standard of drugs.

5. No person or a manufacturer or a distributor or a dealer shall sell any drug to any

consumer at a price exceeding the price fixed by the Committee.

6. (1) Whoever contravenes the provisions of this Act shall be punished with

imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and with fine which may extend to

one lakh rupees.

(2) Where an offence under this Act has been committed by a company, the license of

such company shall be cancelled forthwith.

Explanation. —For the purpose of sub-section (2), "company", means any body

corporate, and includes a firm or other association of individuals.

7. The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for

carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Constitution

of Drugs Price

Control

Committee.

Functions

of the

Committee.

Prohibition on

selling of drug

at a price

exceeding the

price fixed by

the Committee.

Power to

make rules.

Chairman, ex-officio;

Members

Members;

Members;

Member Secretary,

ex-officio

Penalty.

48

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Prices of drugs and medicines are on the rise. However, the Government controls the

prices of 348 drugs listed in the national list of essential medicines. Recently, the drug price

regulator, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) had withdrawn guidelines

for price control of 108 life saving drugs thereby allowing pharmaceutical companies to raise

price as per their choice to secure windfall gain.

The prices of drugs are increased arbitrarily by manufacturers and traders. The poor

regulatory mechanism allows the manufacturing and marketing of spurious drugs in the

name of the generic version. People, especially poor people, are affected by the exorbitant

cost of drugs. They are not able to afford the medicines. At present there is no legislation to

put a check on the prices of drugs. Medical practitioners under the garb of money and costly

gifts from manufacturers generally prescribe costly medicines which common man cannot

afford. They should instead prescribe generic drugs which are cheaper and more affordable

and as effective as branded ones. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives.

SANJAY SINH

————

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 3 of the Bill provides for constitution of a Committee to be known as the Drugs

(Price Control) Committee to fix the prices of drugs. The Bill, therefore, if enacted, would

involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is likely to involve a recurring

expenditure of about rupees five hundred crore per annum.

A non-recurring expenditure of about one hundred crore is also likely to be involved.

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 7 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out

the purposes of this Bill. Since the rules will relate to matters of details only, the delegation of

legislative powers is of a normal character.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

49

Short title,

extent and

commencement.

Definitions.

XIII

BILL NO. XLV OF 2014

A Bill to provide for the protection and other measures to be undertaken by the Central

and State Governments for the girl child and adolescent girls to save them from

malnutrition, anaemia and various diseases afflicting them in Gujarat and other parts

of the Country and for special provisions for nutritious meals supplemented by folic

acid and multi vitamin tablets, timely health check-ups and medication free of cost and

certain welfare measures to be undertaken by the State for the girl child and adolescent

girls and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth year of the Republic of India as follows :—

1. (i) This Act may be called the Girl child and Adolescent Girls (Protection from

Malnutrition, Anaemia, Diseases and Welfare) Act, 2014.

(ii) It extends to the whole of India.

(iii) It shall come into force with immediate effect.

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) ‘‘adolescent girl’’, means a female human being who has attained puberty

and is below the age of eighteen years;

(b) “appropriate Government’’ means in the case of a State, the Government of

that State and in other cases the Central Government ;

50

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

(c) ‘‘girl child’’ means a female human being who is below the age of ten years;

(d) ‘‘parent’’ in relation to a girl child or adolescent girl, as the case may be,

include mother, father, a guardian and every person who has the actual custody of

such girl child or adolescent girl ;

(e) ‘‘prescribed’’ means prescribed by rules made under the Act.

3. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,

the Central Government shall, as soon as may be, but within one year of the commencement

of this Act, formulate and publish in the Official Gazette, a national policy for the overall

protection and welfare of the girl child and adolescent girls belonging to poor and middle

class families in the society who are malnourished anaemic and diseases prone and shall take

appropriate measures for the uniform implementation of such a National policy.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in

sub-section (1) such national policy may indude provision for,—

(a) census or survey, from time to time, of girl child and adolescent girls who are

malnourished in slum areas, Jhuggi-Jhopri clusters, backward and tribal areas and

rural areas and maintain a data thereof in such manner and with such particulars, as

may be prescribed;

(b) conducting a periodic medical examination of every girl child and adolescent

girl covered under this Act from time to time and taking such remedial measures as are

recommended by the medical authorities;

(c) making it mandatory for the appropriate Government to provide folic acid and

multi-vitamin tablets to every malnourished and anaemic girl child and adolescent girl;

(d) providing a monthly allowance of not less than two thousand rupees to

every malnourished girl child and adolescent girl covered under this Act for taking

healthy meals in such manner as may be prescribed;

(e) providing sanitary napkins and proper dresses to the adolescent girls covered

under this Act in such manner as may be prescribed,—

4. (1) It shall be the duty of the appropriate Government to provide every girl child and

adolescent girl covered under this Act,—

(a) Medical facilities including medicines and hospitalization wherever necessary

free of cost ;

(b) Educational facilities including technical, medical, vocational, information

technology and higher education at the college and university level free of cost;

(c) Recreational, entertainment and playing facilities;

(d) Such other welfare and protective measures as may be deemed necessary

and appropriate or as may be prescribed.

(2) It shall be the duty of every parent of a girl child or adolescent girl covered under

this Act,—

(a) To send the girl child or adolescent girl, as the case may be, to an educational

institution for getting education as per her age;

(b) Not to burden the girl child or adolescent girl, as the case may be, with

household chores and allow her to study, play and entertain;

(c) Not to pledge or force the girl child or adolescent girl, as the case may be, to

work as a domestic servant.

National

Policy for the

pretection

and welfare of

girl child and

adolescent

girls.

Certain

welfare

measures for

the girl child

and

adolescent

girls.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

51

(3) No person shall employ a girl child or adolescent girl as domestic servant or in any

establishment in any manner whatsoever.

5. Whoever contravenes the provisions of sub-section (2) or (3) of section 4 shall be

punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but may

extend up to three years and also with fine which may extend up to two lakh rupee.

6. The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in

this behalf, provide requisite funds, from time to time, to the States and Union Territories for

carrying out the purposes of this Act.

7. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other

law for the time being in force dealing with the subject matter of this Act.

8. The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for

carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Penalty.

Central

Government

to provide

funds.

Act to

supplement

other laws.

Power to

make rules.

52

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Recently, it was widely reported in the national print and electronic media that

malnutrition and anaemia is prevalent among the girl child and adolescent girls of not only

the economically backward States and regions of the Country but in the model State of

Gujarat also, which has the highest number of malnourished and anaemic girl child and

adolescent girls. It is very unfortunate that girl child and adolescent girls in major parts of our

vast nation remain neglected, malnourished and suffer from anaemia and various diseases.

In some parts they are married off and majority of such malnourished Balika Badhus meet

fre-natal and post-natal deaths. It is very common that they are not treated well in their own

families. They are either not given nutritious meals or their families cannot afford nutritious

meals for them. In some cases let alone the nutritious meals, they don't even get two square

meals. Majority of them are forced to work as domestic maids etc. They remain illiterate and

exploited.

Ours is a welfare State and it is the duty of the State to take care of these unfortunate

girl child and adolescent girls and initiate welfare measures for them.

Hence this Bill.

AHMED PATEL

———

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 3 of the Bill provides for a National policy for the protection and welfare of girl

child and adolescent girls. Clause 4 provides for certain welfare measures for the girl child

and adolescent girls. Clause 6 makes it mandatory for the Central Government to provide

requisite funds for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. The Bill, if enacted, will involve

expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a sum of rupees Thirty

thousand crore may involve as recurring expenditure per annum.

A non-recurring expenditure to the tune of twenty thousand crore rupee may also be

involved from the Consolidated Fund of India.

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 8 of the Bill gives power to the Central Government to make rules for carring out

the purposes of the Bill. The rules will relate to matters of details only.

The delegation of legislative power is of normal character.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

53

A Bill to provide for the protective measures and special facilities for the farmers of arid,

desert and drought prone areas, who are often affected by natural calamities causing

loss of crops, livestock, etc., making them vulnerable to indebtedness, diseases and

physical infirmities, exploitation by moneylenders and others, by extending welfare

measures by the Central and State Governments for them, for the establishment of a

welfare fund, for the removal of indebtedness, giving remunerative prices for their

produce, providing hassle free Bank loans, improving farming practices through

scientific means to grow less water consuming crops, for compulsory crop and livestock

insurance and such other measures and for matters connected therewith or incidental

thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Farmers of Arid and Desert Areas (Welfare and Other

Special Provisions) Act, 2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force with immediate effect.

XIV

BILL NO. XLVIII OF 2014

Short title,

extent and

Commence-

ment.

54

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) “appropriate Government” means in the case of a State the Government of

that State and in other cases the Central Government;

(b) “arid areas” means areas which remain affected by aridity due to scanty or no

rainfall;

(c) “drought prone areas” means any area which gets below normal rainfall in

any season of a calendar year and which in the opinion of the Central Government is

drought prone and declared to be so by notification in the Official Gazette, for such

period as may be specified in the notification;

(d) “desert area” means an area full of sand, mostly remains waterless with few

plantation and vegetations;

(e) “farmer” means a person who owns agricultural land and cultivates or causes

it to be cultivated for agricultural purposes or for horticulture purposes and includes

all farmers big, middle, small and marginal farmers as identified by the appropriate

Government.

(f) “natural calamity” means with reference to arid and desert areas, drought,

flood, excessive rains, storm, hailstorm, winds, frost, winterkill, lightening, fire,

earthquake, wild life, insect infection, plant disease and such other natural causes as

may be prescribed;

(g) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(h) “welfare fund” means the Arid and Desert Areas Farmers Welfare Fund

established under section 4;

3. (1) Notwithstanding anything contrary contained in any other law for the time being

in force, the Central Government shall, as soon as may be, formulate and publish in the

Official Gazette, a National Plan for the welfare of the farmers of arid, desert and drought

prone areas in particular of Gujarat, Rajasthan etc. as may be necessary, incidental or conducive

for such plan and shall take appropriate measures for proper implementation of such plan.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in

sub-section (1) such national plan may include provision of,—

(a) immediate interim relief or ex-gratia payment to farmers affected by natural

calamity;

(b) diversification of crops which require very less water developed by various

Agri Research Institutes suitable for arid, desert and drought prone areas ;

(c) comprehensive crop and livestock insurance scheme for the arid, desert and

drought prone areas in which insurance premium of small and marginal farmers shall be

borne by the Central Government;

(d) ensuring remunerative prices for the agricultural produce of the farmers

through Minimum Support Price mechanism or other appropriate measures;

(e) making easy availability of fertilizers, manure, pesticides and quality seeds at

affordable prices ;

(f) Irrigation projects to provide requisite irrigation facilities and ensuring timely

completion of such irrigation projects;

(g) Comprehensive measures for removing indebtedness, easy loans with nominal

interest from Banks and other financial institutions, saving farmers from private

moneylenders and unscrupulous traders, middlemen etc.

(h) establishing agricultural farms to ensure timely and adequate supply of quality

seeds and saplings at affordable prices;

National Plan

for welfare of

farmers of

arid and desert

areas.

Definitions.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

55

(i) establishing agricultural Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Krishi

Information Centres at conspicuous places for promotion of less water consuming

crops and horticulture;

(j) establishing modern veterinary hospitals and clinics in every block to assist

farmers in animal husbandary ;

(k) promoting dairy sector, rearing of animals, poultry, piggery, bee keeping etc.

to enhance farm income;

(l) promoting cultivation of vegetables, floriculture, horticulture, spices,

sericulture, herbals and plants of medicinal values alongwith handloom and handicrafts

and other village arts to supplement the income of farmers;

(m) promoting traditional water bodies like wells, ponds, lakes, etc. and rain

water harvesting and providing sprinklers etc. and regular power supply to farmers;

and

(n) providing such other facilities as may be necessary, incidental and expedient

as may be prescribed.

4. (1) The Central Government, shall, as soon as may be, by notification in the Official

Gazette, establish a Welfare fund to be called the Arid and Desert Areas Farmers Welfare

Fund for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

(2) The initial corpus of the welfare fund established under sub-section (1) shall be

rupee ten thousand crore to be provided by the Central Government after due appropriation

made by Parliament by law in this behalf.

(3) After the establishment of the welfare fund, money shall be provided to the Welfare

Fund by the Central Government and the concerned Governments of the States in such

proportion and in such manner as may be prescribed.

(4) The Welfare Fund shall also comprise money received from the general public,

body corporate and domestic and foreign financial institutions as donations, gifts etc.

(5) The welfare fund shall be utilised for providing immediate financial assistance,

ex-gratia payments, compensation to the distressed farmers covered under this Act affected

by any natural calamity or disaster resulting in loss of crops in such manner, as may be

prescribed.

(6) The Welfare Fund shall also be utilized for providing special assistance as may be

formulated by the appropriate Government for the children, women, physically challenged or

infirm farmers, old farmers and such other persons vulnerable to the aftermath of natural

calamity in such manner as may be prescribed.

5. It shall be the duty of the appropriate Government to provide every farmer covered

under this Act,—

(a) medical facilities including medicines and hospitalization, wherever required

free of cost ;

(b) educational facilities including higher education free of cost to the children

of such farmers;

(c) maternity facilities to the spouses of such farmers;

(d) adequate old age allowance which is sufficient to lead a dignified life;

(e) disability pension to the physically challenged farmers; and

(f) such other welfare and protective measures as may be deemed necessary and

appropriate, or as may be prescribed

6. The Central Government shall provide, after due appropriation made by Parliament

by law in this behalf, necessary requisite funds to the concerned Governments of the States,

from time to time, for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Establishment

of welfare

fund.

Welfare

measures to

be undertaken

by

appropriate

Government.

Central

Government

to provide

funds.

56

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

7. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central

Government may, by order, published in the Official Gazette, not inconsistent with the

provisions of this Act, remove the difficulty:

Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of two years from the

commencement of this Act.

(2) Every order made under sub-section (1) shall be laid, as soon as may be, after it is

made, before each House of Parliament.

8. The provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder shall have effect,

notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time

being in force but save as aforesaid the provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not

in derogation of any other law for the time being in force dealing with the subject matter of

this Act.

9. The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for

carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Power to

remove

difficulty.

Act to have

overriding

effect.

Power to

make rules.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

57

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Gujarat in particular the Saurashtra and Kutch regions and major parts of Rajasthan are

having arid and desert areas where sand is everywhere. These areas face extreme heat in

summer and extreme cold in winter. Many a time, they face heavy rains but mostly the rainfall

is scanty and deficient. Similarly, large number of areas in various parts of our vast nation

particularly in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Odisha etc. are frequently affected by unprecedented drought conditions and

desert is spreading in many of such areas. Despite the harsh natural conditions and vagaries

of nature, agriculture continues to be the main occupation in these regions and areas of the

country and farmers are the backbone of the economy in these regions and areas too as is the

case of the rest of the Country.

Although the farmers of the entire nation depend on rains for their crops same is true

for the farmers of arid and desert areas and those face frequent drought conditions. But

farmers of arid and desert face extreme weather conditions and bear the brunt of such

weather conditions and generally lose their crops. With the damage of the crops, the hopes

and aspirations of the farmers too are lost. The farmers of such areas remain indebted and

distressed.

Ours is a welfare State and it is the duty of the State to protect the farmers of arid,

desert and drought prone areas by giving sufficient protection. The State should implement

comprehensive crop and livestock insurance, extending soft loans by Banks and financial

institutions, providing timely adequate compensation when their crops are affected by natural

calamity. They must get remunerative prices for their produce and State should implement

welfare measures for them. A welfare fund should be set up for the farmers of arid and desert

areas.

Hence this Bill.

AHMED PATEL

————

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 4 of the Bill provides for the establishment of welfare fund for the farmers of arid

and desert areas with initial corpus of rupee ten thousand crore to be provided by the Central

Government. Clause 5 provides for certain welfare measures to be undertaken by the

appropriate Governments. Clause 6 makes it mandatory for the Central Government to provide

requisite funds to concerned States.

The Bill, if enacted, will involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is

estimated that a sum of rupee twenty thousand crore, may be involved as recurring

expenditure per annum.

A non-recurring expenditure of rupee five thousand crore may also be involved from

the Consolidated Fund of India.

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 9 of the Bill gives power to the Central Government to make rules for carrying

out the purposes of the Bill. The rules will relate to matters of details only.

The delegation of legislative power is of normal character.

58

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill to provide for the protection from exploitation and welfare measures to be undertaken

by the State for the salt workers of Gujarat and other parts of the Country by setting up

a welfare fund, for payment of minimum wages, old age pension, healthcare, maternity

facility for women workers, educational facilities for their children and for matters

connected therewith and incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Salt Workers (Protection and Welfare) Act, 2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force with immediate effect.

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) “appropriate Government” means in the case of a State, the Government of

that State and in other cases the Central Government;

(b) “employer” means any person who employs, whether directly or through

any other person, or contractor, whether on hehalf of himself or on behalf of any other

person, one or more labourer or workers for work connected with salt making from sea

or salt lake, as the case may be, including handling of salt;

XV

BILL NO. XXXVI OF 2014

Short title,

extent and

Commencement.

Definitions.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

59

(c) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(d) “salt worker” means any person engaged in making salt from sea or lake

water on land by digging shallow wells and pumping out brine or in a chemical factory

or any related occupation as a wage earner, whether in cash or kind, for his livelihood

and includes a person engaged through a contractor or engaged as a self employed

person;

(e) “wages” means the remuneration capable of being expressed in terms of

money which shall, if the terms of the contract of employment, whether express or

implied, are fulfilled, be payable to the salt worker in respect of the work done under

this Act;

(f) “welfare fund” means the Salt Workers Welfare Fund Constituted under

section 3.

3. (1) The Central Government shall, by notifications in the Official Gazette constitute

a fund to be known as the Salt Wokers Welfare Fund for the purposes of this Act with an

initial corpus of rupee two thousand crore to be provided by Central Government by due

appropriation made by law by Parliament in this behalf and thereafter, the

Central Government, Governments of the concerned States and employers shall contribute

to the welfare fund to such extent and in such manner as may be prescribed.

(2) The grants or donations made by corporate houses, financial institutions both

domestic and international, individuals and bodies through donations or otherwise shall be

credited to the welfare fund.

(3) All money received in the welfare fund shall be utilized for the welfare of salt

workers in such manner as the Central Government may prescribe from time to time.

4. (1) It shall be the duty of the appropriate Government to undertake such appropriate

measures as it thinks fit for the welfare of Salt workers.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the measures

referred to therein may provide for,—

(a) maintaining a register of salt workers with such particulars and in such

manner, as may be prescribed;

(b) maintaining a register of employers employing salt workers with such

particulars and in such manner as may be prescribed;

(c) ensure that the wages of salt workers is not less than the minimum wages

prescribed by it for such workers, from time to time;

(d) ensure protection from exploitation and availability of work round the year

for the salt workers;

(e) payment of old age pension;

(f) provident fund facility;

(g) medical care, in particular for the skin related diseases caused by salt and

salty water which the salt workers have to handle while making salt, free of cost with

both the indore and outdoor patient facilities for the salt workers and their family

members;

(h) maternity and creche facilities for the female salt workers;

(i) educational facilities to the children of salt workers, free of cost;

(j) water supply for drinking and other purposes;

(k) improving standard of living and nutrition;

(l) amelioration of the social conditions;

Establishment

of Salt

Workers

Welfare Fund.

Appropriate

Government

to undertake

welfare

measures.

60

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

(m) providing financial assistance in case of infirmity or disability due to accident

or any other reason;

(n) such other welfare measures as may be prescribed.

(3) In order to defray the cost of measures cited under sub-section (2), the Central

Government may direct it to be defrayed from the Welfare Fund in such manner as may be

prescribed.

5. It shall be the duty of the appropriate Government to provide adequate clean drinking

water at the sites where salt is produced for the salt workers and also to make available

subsidised diesel at the salt producing sites in such manner as may be prescribed.

6. The appropriate Government shall construct pucca roads in salt producing areas for

transportation of salt and repair these roads from time to time.

7. (1) The appropriate Government may appoint as many Inspectors control, officers

and staff as it deems necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

(2) Every person appointed under this section shall be deemed to be a public servant

within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

(3) Any Inspector appointed under this Act, may,—

(a) with such assistance, if any, as he may deem fit, inspect at any reasonable

time any place which he considers necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act;

(b) do within such place anything necessary for the proper discharge of his

duties;

(c) exercise such other powers as may be prescribed.

8. The Central Government shall, after due appropriation by Parliament, provide funds

to Governments of concerned States for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

9. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other

law for the time being in force dealing with the subject matter of this Act.

10. Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of this Act, shall be guilty of an

offence and punishable with simple imprisonment which shall not be less than six months

but may extend upto two years and also with fine which may extend upto one lakh rupee.

11. If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central

Government, may make such order to give such direction, not inconsistent with the provisions

of this Act, as appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the removal of the difficulty and

any such order shall be final.

12. The Central Government may make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Appropriate

Government

to construct

pucca roads.

Overriding

effect of the

Act.

Penalty.

Power to

remove

difficulties.

Appropriate

Government

to provide

clean drinking

water.

Central

Government to

provide funds.

Power of

Central

Government

to make rules.

Appropriate

Government

to make

appointment.

45 of 1860.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

61

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Salt is a part and parcel of our eating habits and is consumed by one and all. Salt is

produced in the coastal states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra, Odisha,

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Gujarat accounts for 76.7 of total salt produced in the country

followed by Tamil Nadu 16%, Rajasthan 9%. But the living conditions of salt workers who

make salt from the land by digging shallow wells and pumping out the brine and then making

salt from the sea water or salt lakes, be it in Gujarat and other parts of our vast nation is very

appalling, ridden with poverty, diseases particularly skin diseases, exploitation and in many

cases they are bonded labourers. Most of them are illiterates and they are making salt for

generations. In Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, salt workers are migrants having no work during

monsoon who go back to their villages. They are meagerly paid and remain debt ridden. Salt

making process makes them prone to various diseases of skin including cancer and other

dangerous diseases. There is no protective umbrella for them in the society. They remain

uncared for in their old age and most of them are left to fend for themselves. The salt workers

face acute problem of drinking water, power and education for their wards as they stay

engaged for nine months in salt making process.

Our nation being a welfare State has to take care of the unfortunate salt workers and

their families and children and ensure that they too lead a good life. This Bill tries to ensure

that welfare measures are implemented for the salt workers by the Central and State

Governments in letter and spirit so as to ameliorate their living conditions.

Hence this Bill.

AHMED PATEL

————

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 3 of the Bill provides for the establishment of the Salt Worker Welfare Fund

with an intial corpus of rupee two thousand crore. Clause 8 states that the Central Government

after due appropriation by Parliament will provide funds to Governments of concerned States

for carrying out the purposes of the Bill. The Bill, therefore, if enacted would involve

expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. The recurring and non-recurring expenditure

on this count cannot be estimated at this stage, but has to be worked out by

Central Government while implementing the provisions of the Act.

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 12 of the Bill gives power to the Central Government to make rules for carrying

out the purposes of the Bill. The rules will relate to matters of details only.

The delegation of legislative power is of normal character.

62

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill to provide for the protection of women from discrimination, and for the basic facilities

like creche, recreational facilities, maternity benefits, hostel and transport facilities,

etc. and for the welfare measures to be taken by the employers and the State for the

women employees working in government establishments; public sector enterprises

including banks and ports, educational institutions including universities, colleges

and schools; factories, mines, plantations, agricultural fields, orchards and such other

places and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Working Women (Basic Facilities and Welfare) Act, 2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force with immediate effect.

XVI

BILL NO. XL OF 2014

Short title,

extent and

Commence-

ment.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

63

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) "appropriate Government" means in the case of a State, the Government of

that State and in other cases, the Central Government;

(b) "child" includes a still born child;

(c) "employer" means,—

(i) in relation to an establishment which is under the control of an

appropriate Government, the person or authority appointed by the appropriate

government for the supervision and control of the employees or where no person

or authority is so appointed, the head of the establishment.;

(ii) in relation to an establishment under any local self-government or

authority, the person appointed by such authority or local self-government for

the supervision and control of the employees or where no person is so appointed

the Chief Executive Officer by whatever name called of the local self-government

or the authority as the case may be;

(iii) in other cases, the person who or the authority which has the ultimate

control over the affairs of the establishment;

(d) "establishment" include an office of the appropriate Government, quasi

government or department including telegraph office, post office, telephone exchange

etc., a mine, a plantation, an agricultural field, a hospital or nursing home, a shop or any

business establishment, a brick kiln, construction site, any banking establishment,

any private office or house, any school, college university or like institution,

establishment for the exhibition of equestrian, acrobatic and other performances and

any other such place where a woman is employed for any work whatsoever;

(e) "factory" means a factory as defined in the Factories Act, 1948;

(f) "industry" means an industry as defined in the Industrial Disputes Act. 1947;

(g) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

3. It shall be the duty of the appropriate Government to ensure that no discrimination

is done by any establishment on gender basis with its women employees particularly in the

matter of payment of wages which are paid to her male counterpart in such establishment.

4. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,

every employer shall provide basic child care facilities essential for the children of women

workers in his establishment with provision of minimum needs like milk, tiffin, clothes, toys

and trained ayahs to look after children of women working therein.

(2) The appropriate Government shall ensure that every employer of an agricultural

field provide mobile childcare facilities for the working women in his establishment:

Provided that two or more such employers may provide such childcare facilities

collectively for their establishments.

(3) The appropriate Government shall open such number of creches at such places as

it may deem necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

5. The appropriate Government shall ensure that every employer provides retiring

rooms with facilities like bathroom, latrine, drinking water at the workplace or worksite of the

working women and also provide recreational facilities like radio, television, etc. for them and

their children.

Definitions.

63 of 1948.

14 of 1947.

Appropriate

Government

to ensure

Non-

discrimination

and equal

wages for

working

women.

Employer to

have childcare

facilities for

working

women.

Recreational

facilities.

64

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

6. The appropriate Government alongwith the employer shall provide adequate and

proper security measures for the safety of working women in the establishment, factory or

industry, as the case may be, as well as to and from their places of residence.

7. It shall be the duty of the appropriate government to ensure reservation of beds and

proper and adequate maternity facilities for the working women in the hospitals and

dispensaries having indoor patient facilities therein.

8. The appropriate Government as well as an employer shall provide hostel and

residential facilities both for married and unmarried working women nearest to their place of

work and shall also provide cheap, safe and quick transport facilities for such working

women.

9. The appropriate Government shall ensure protection from health hazards particularly

for the women working in factories or industries like beedi, tobacco, stone mines, cashew,

fish processing, salt, silk construction projects and such other establishments as may be

prescribed.

10. (1) The appropriate Government shall maintain a register of working women in

such manner and at such place as may be prescribed;

(2) The appropriate Government may require an employer to furnish for the purposes

of this Act, such statistical and other information, in such form and within such period as

may be prescribed.

11. The provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder shall have effect

notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time

being in force, but save as aforesaid the provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not

in derogation of any other law for the time being applicable to the working women.

12. The Central Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, make rules for

carrying out the purpose of this Act.

Security

Arrangements.

Maternity

Facilities.

Overriding

effect of the

Act.

Power to

make rules.

Hostel and

transport

facilities.

Protection

from health

hazards.

Register of

women

working.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

65

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Despite the unabated female foeticides and dwindling population of girls in the country

and the conservative attitude of the society towards women, more and more women are

venturing out of their houses to work to support their families. As a result, the number of

working women in government services, factories, industries, commercial establishments,

agriculture, mines, fish processing sector, silk industry and so on so forth is increasing day

by day, but their conditions of employment need amelioration. Various basic and essential

facilities which are supposed to be made available to the working women by the government

and private employers are either absent or not adequate and satisfactory. Unfortunately, in

most of the private sector including agricultural sector, the facilities are rather minimal or

negligible and the working women are an exploited lot there. The existing labour laws also do

not provide for proper medical, educational, recreational and other facilities for the working

women and their children. As regards, other social security causes like security, transport,

accommodation has also not been made so far. In many establishments they are not given

equal work. This discrimination has to be stopped.

Hence it has become necessary to provide adequate welfare measures for the working

women.

Hence this Bill.

K.C. TYAGI

————

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 4 of the Bill provides for childcare facilities, whereas clause 5 provides for

recreational facilities and clause 7 provides for matenity facilities. Similarly clause 8 provides

for hostel and transport facilities for the working women. The Bill, if enacted, will involve

expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is estimated that a sum of Rs. two

thousand crore may involve as recurring expenditure per annum.

A sum of Rs. five thousand crore may also involve as non-recurring expenditure.

————

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 12 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out

the purposes of the Bill. The rules will relate to matters of details only.

The delegation of legislative power is of normal character.

66

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

Short title,

extent and

commencement.

Amendment

of Section 53

of Act.

XVII

BILL NO. XLIV OF 2014

A Bill further to amend the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic

Substances Act, 1985 and the Army Act, 1950.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as

follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Indian Penal Code and Other Laws (Amendment)

Act, 2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force with immediate effect.

2. In Section 53 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the words "First Death" shall be

omitted.

3. Section 31A of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, shall

be omitted.

4. Section 34 of the Army Act, 1950 shall be omitted.

45 of 1860

Omission of

Section 31A

of Act.

Omission of

Section 34 of

Act.

61 of 1985

46 of 1950

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

67

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The death penalty is the ultimate denial of human rights. It is pre-meditated and cold

blooded killing of human being by the State. This cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment

is done in the name of justice. It violates the right to life enshrined in the Constitution as well

as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. According to the National Crime Records

Bureau, a total of 1455 convicts or an average of 132 convicts per year were given death

penalty during 2001 to 2011. During the same period, sentence for 4321 convicts were commuted

from death penalty to life imprisonment.

Section 53 of the Indian Penal Code provides for death sentence and life imprisonment

as alternative punishment under certain circumstances. This is not a single offence in the

Indian Penal Code which is punishable with mandatory death penalty. In section 53 of the

Indian Penal Code death sentence sets the upper limit of punitive strategy. There is no

guidelines as to when capital punishment in preference to imprisonment for life or lesser

sentence of life imprisonment be awarded. In addition to the Indian Penal Code other laws

like the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and the Army Act, 1950 also

have similar provisions. Further, in India the mode of execution of death sentence is by

hanging. The Supreme Court in Attorney General of India versus Lachma Devi, AIR 1980 SC

467 held that hanging even if permitted under rule would violate article 21 of the Constitution

being barbaric, disgraceful and bringing shame on any civilized society. So far Ninety-eight

countries have already abolished death penalty. Now, it is the time for India to follow suit by

amending related laws.

The Bill seeks to abolish the death penalty in all cases without exception regardless of

the nature of the crime, the characteristic of the offender or the method used by the State to

kill the prisoner.

Hence this Bill.

P. RAJEEVE

68

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill further to amend the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Act, 2014.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force with immediate effect.

2. In the Indian Penal Code, 1860 in section 375, the following Exception shall be

omitted.

"Exception 2.—Sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, the

wife not being under fifteen years of age, is not rape."

XVIII

BILL NO. LII OF 2014

Short title,

extent and

Commence-

ment.

45 of 1860.

Amendment

of section

375.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

69

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women

(CEDAW) which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, for the first

time in the sphere of international law, accorded primacy and supremacy to human rights of

woman. Whereas India ratified the Convention on 25th June, 1993, much remains to be done

within our domestic laws to recognize and enforce the equal right of women to dignity and

sexual autonomy. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (act 43 of

2005) falls short of explicitly including rape within the definition of domestic violence. The

marital rape exception, which has been retained in the statute book for decades, is a represen-

tation of our colonial past and the outdated conception of marriage in the Common Law

tradition which regarded wives as no more than the property of their husbands.

However, the growing epidemic of violence against women, especially acts of sexual

violence within the household is eroding the fabric of our society and needs urgent action.

The abysmally low rate of reporting of incidents of sexual violence committed against women

by husbands is an alarming symptom of the historical domination over and discrimination

against women by men. This was also recognized by the Report on Amendments to Criminal

Law drafted by the Justice Verma Committee in January 2013, wherein it was recommended

that the law ought to be amended to delete the marital rape exception and bring our domestic

laws in conformity with India's international human rights obligations.

Under Article 253 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament is empowered to enact

laws for the whole or any part of the territory of India for implementing treaties and conventions

entered into with other countries, or decisions made at any international conference, etc.

This Bill proposes to remove the exception of marital rape from the definition of rape under

the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and recognize that such extreme forms of violence against

women are a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed equally to all citizens.

However, it is indispensable that the legal prohibition on marital rape is accompanied

by changes in the attitudes of not only husbands towards their wives, but also prosecutors,

police officers and lawmakers.

Hence this Bill.

AVINASH PANDE

70

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

[PART II—

A Bill further to amend the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2014.

(2) It shall come into force on such date, as the Central Government may, by

notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

2. In section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (hereinafter referred to as

the principal Act), for sub-section (3), the following shall be substituted, namely:—

"(3) Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to impose a limit on the amount

of expenditure, that can be incurred by a candidate or his election agent in connection with

the election."

3. In section 123 of the principal Act, sub-section (6) shall be omitted.

XIX

BILL NO. XLIII OF 2014

Short title and

Commence-

ment.

Amendment of

section 77.

43 of 1951.

Amendment of

section 123.

SEC. 2]

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY

71

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Elections entail significant legitimate expenditure on the part of candidates and political

parties who want to convey their message to the people. However, India limits campaign

spending and such limit have been set at an impractically low level. A candidate who exceeds

the prescribed limit faces disqualification. In practice, such limits prevent honest and correct

disclosure of candidates' expenditures and drive election expenditures underground.

These negative impacts of election expenditure limits are counterproductive to healthy

democratic competition. Removing election spending limits will promote open, publicly visible

expenditure, induce honest reporting by candidates, and curb the use of black money in the

electoral process.

Hence this Bill.

PROF. M.V. RAJEEV GOWDA

————

SHUMSHER K. SHERIFF,

Secretary-General.

GMGIPMRND—3642GI(S3)—31-12-2014.

PUBLISHED BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL, RAJYA SABHA, UNDER RULE 68 OF THE RULES OF

PROCEDURE AND CONDUCT OF BUSINESS IN THE RAJYA SABHA.