PRS Legislative Research published its December 2025 Monthly Policy Review, providing a comprehensive analysis of India's Winter Session of Parliament, which concluded in late December 2025.
The Winter Session 2025 passed 8 bills in total, a relatively modest legislative output by historical standards. Key legislation passed includes:
1. SHANTI Act (Social Harmony and National Tranquility Initiative): A new law addressing communal harmony, hate speech, and religious discrimination, with provisions for fast-track tribunals.
2. VB-G RAM G Act: Replacing MGNREGA with enhanced rural employment guarantees (125 workdays, 60:40 funding, USVV integration).
3. Insurance Amendment Bill: Amending insurance regulations to allow 100% FDI in insurance, increase policy accessibility, and strengthen IRDAI's regulatory framework.
4. Health Security Cess: Introduction of a dedicated cess on selected goods to fund the Pradhan Mantri Universal Health Coverage scheme.
PRS flagged a concerning trend — none of the eight bills passed in the Winter Session were referred to a standing committee or select committee for detailed examination before enactment. This limits parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation, which PRS notes has been a recurring pattern in recent sessions.
The review also highlighted that the productive sitting hours of Parliament during the Winter Session were lower than historical averages, with disruptions and adjournments significantly reducing effective legislative deliberation time.
PRS recommended strengthening the committee system and mandating pre-legislative consultation for bills with significant economic and social implications.