As the Narendra Modi Government won with a thumping majority, it has little opposition that would stop him from passing bills and turn them into laws. While some of the new laws are historic, others are contentious and some others evoked widespread public anger— none more than the controversial Citizenship Act that is seen as changing the very nature of India’s democracy.
1. The Citizenship Amendment Bill of 2019
- was passed by both the upper and lower house of the Parliament—and the law now changes the way new India’s citizens are chosen – on the basis of religion. Hindus, Sikhs, Janis, Parses, Christians, and Buddhists from countries where they are minorities like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh – will be allowed to become citizens of India.
- A day after it was passed in the Parliament, the move has already been taken to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality.
2. The Taxation Laws Amendment Act 2019
- which will provide companies with an option to avail of a reduced corporate tax at 22%. However, to be able to avail of this, companies should let go of some deductions under the Income Tax Act. New manufacturers can also pay 15% corporate tax if they let go of IT deductions.
3. The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019
- Completes bans all aspects of it — manufacturing, import, export, sale, distribution, and advertisement. E-cigarettes no more – The government which has been crusading against tobacco and other nicotine-based products with taxes and public warnings – has also extended it to e-cigarettes.
4. Transgenders to be so only if certified
- The new law defines transgender and allows themselves to change their identity as different from what was assigned at birth. The new laws also try to end the rampant discrimination against them when it comes to accessing healthcare and other basic services – in addition to employment. Transgender want to identify their own gender but the law now says they need a certificate.
5. The International Financial Services Centers Authority Bill, 2019
- The law will bring a new regulator into the market – International Financial Services Centers Authority which will be in charge of — financial products (such as securities, deposits or contracts of insurance), financial services, and financial institutions which have been previously approved by any appropriate regulator (such as RBI or SEBI).
6. The Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019
- As per the new law, the SPG will provide security to the Prime Minister and his immediate family at the official residence. It will also provide security to former Prime Ministers and family members for a period of five years from the date on which he ceases to hold the office. This would cease the SPG that is offered to Sonia Gandhi and family since 1991.
7. The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorized Colonies) Bill, 2019
- This law allows the residents of unauthorized colonies in the NCR region with valid documents like power attorney and sale agreement to obtain the right of ownership. It also allows the Delhi Development Authority to notify a colony for regularization.
8. The Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019
- The new law aims at decreasing firearm ownership in the country. Not only does it reduce the license time period to three years from five – it also reduces the number of firearms permitted to one from three earlier. It has also introduced more stringent punishments to those to break this law. Earlier, offenders would be jailed for three-seven years with a fine. Now, they can be jailed between seven years to life with a fine.
- No guns at weddings: Indian Parliament just made ‘celebratory’ gunfire punishable
9. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019
- This law extends the reservation of seats to SC, ST and Anglo-Indian communities in Lok Sabah and state assemblies. This law merely extends the timeline of the reservation which was introduced for 70 years and will expire in January 2020. It has been extended for another 10 years.
10. The Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019
- The law intends to make ship owners accountable for the hazardous material used in ships and directs its reuse.
11. The Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill, 2019
- As per the new law, creators of chit funds will need the prior sanction of the government. It also regulates this business and brings fraternity funds and rotating savings credit institution into it. As per the new law, a chit should be drawn in the presence of subscribers via video conferencing.
12. The National Institute of Design (Amendment) Bill, 2019
- As per the law, four our National Institutes of Design in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Haryana will be given the power to grant degrees and diplomas.
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