The cabinet has called for a 2-day winter session of the Punjab Assembly, set to begin on Tuesday at 2 pm. The agenda includes the presentation of two bills alongside routine proceedings such as the question hour and calling attention motions.
One of the noteworthy bills to be tabled is the Punjab Goods and Services Tax Amendment Bill (GST) 2023, aiming to establish a GST Tribunal within the state. Additionally, the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bill 2023 will be introduced, linking the government's loan limits with those of the central government, eliminating the need for a separate bill each time.
The House proceedings are expected to pause briefly after commencing to pay homage to departed leaders. Previously, the state government had the authority to borrow up to 3.5 percent of its GSDP. However, the new legislation aligns the borrowing limit with the central government's decision, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for separate bills.
Further bills are anticipated to be presented on the second day of the session, scheduled for November 29. Among them is The Indian Stamp Amendment Bill 2023, granting the government the right to impose stamp duty on loans secured by mortgaging items, a practice not yet implemented by banks. Additionally, the Transfer of Property (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2023 is slated for introduction.
The last session was declared illegal by Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, prompting the government to seek Supreme Court intervention. Accepting the court's decision in favor of the Punjab Government, a special session has been called, where Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann may address issues concerning the Punjab Governor.
