Private Member’s Bill

News: A recent analysis shows that during the five-year term of the 17th Lok Sabha, Private Members’ Bills received little attention in both Houses of Parliament.

About Private Member’s Bill

• Private Member: A Member of Parliament (MP) who is not a minister is referred to as a private member.
• Private Member’s Bill: Bills introduced by private members are called Private Member’s Bills.
• Admissibility of a Private Member’s Bill:
  • The admissibility of such bills is decided by the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha and the Speaker in the Lok Sabha.
  • The objective of a Private Member’s Bill is to draw the government’s attention to issues or gaps in the existing legal framework that require legislative action, as identified by individual MPs.
• Procedure for Introduction of a Private Member’s Bill:
  • Notice Period: A one-month notice is required before introducing the bill in the House.
  • Discussion Days: While government bills can be introduced and discussed on any day, private member’s bills are introduced and discussed only on Fridays.
  • Rejection: The rejection of a private member’s bill does not affect the government’s parliamentary confidence or lead to its resignation.
  • Withdrawal or Passage: After the discussion, the member introducing the bill may either withdraw it at the request of the concerned minister or press for its passage.
    

    Key Facts Only 14 Private Member’s Bills have been passed and received assent to date. The last private member’s bill passed by both Houses was in 1970.

Differences Between Government Bill and Private Member’s Bill