Third Schedule(Amendments)

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendments to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes amendments to the Third Schedule of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States, effective November 12, 2021. The amendments, made by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha and the Speaker, Lok Sabha, involve revisions to the names of Ministries/Departments associated with various Parliamentary Committees. The key finding is a restructuring of committee responsibilities to reflect updated departmental nomenclature and potentially to streamline oversight functions. These changes affect the reporting lines and areas of focus for the committees involved and the industries that they regulate. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the amendments to the Third Schedule to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States, as notified on November 23, 2021. This analysis is based solely on the provided official gazette notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This report concerns an **amendment** to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States, specifically the Third Schedule (See rule 268). * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective of these amendments, as inferred from the text, is to update the alignment of Parliamentary Committees with corresponding Ministries and Departments of the Government of India. This ensures accurate representation of governmental responsibilities within the committee structure. **4. Background and Rationale:** The rationale for these amendments likely stems from reorganizations and renaming of government ministries and departments. The changes appear designed to ensure that Parliamentary Committees maintain oversight of the correct governmental entities. For example, changes in department names for agriculture may reflect changing political priorities. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section details the specific changes introduced by the amendment text, organized by committee: * **Committee on Industry:** The 'Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises' department is revised to 'Heavy Industries.' * **Effect:** Narrows the scope of oversight for this particular committee. * **Committee on Agriculture:** The responsibilities of the "Committee on Agriculture" are changed to the "Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing". This change includes a shift, as evidenced by the revisions between "Ministries/Departments Existing" to "Ministries/Departments As revised". * **Effect:** Expands the oversight and focus of this committee. The Fisheries department is new under this committee's view, whereas the Cooperation department moved to its purview from somewhere else. * **Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture:** The 'Shipping' department is revised to 'Ports, Shipping and Waterways.' * **Effect:** Updates the name to reflect current department naming conventions. * **Committee on Health and Family Welfare:** The Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy department is revised to AYUSH * **Effect:** Updates the name to reflect current department naming conventions. * **Committee on Agriculture and Food Processing:** The name is changed to the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. * **Effect:** Modifies the scope and focus to dairying from food processing. * **Committee on Communications and Information Technology:** The responsibilities of the "Committee on Communications and Information Technology" are changed to the "Committee on Communications". * **Effect:** Narrows the scope of oversight for this particular committee. * **Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development:** The responsibilities of the "Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development" are changed to the "Committee on Labour" * **Effect:** Narrows the scope of oversight for this particular committee. * **Committee on Urban Housing and Development:** The name is changed to Committee on Urban Affairs * **Effect:** Modifies the scope and focus on only Urban Affairs. * **Committee on Coal and Steel:** The name is changed to the Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel. * **Effect:** Expands the oversight and focus of this committee. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Members of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, particularly those serving on the affected committees. * Officials within the Ministries and Departments now under the purview of these committees. * **Specifically for this industry report, Industries working in the following sectors affected by the committees**: Heavy Industries, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Civil Aviation, Road Transport and Highways, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Culture, Tourism, Health and Family Welfare, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Food Processing Industries, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Communications, Information Technology, Electronics, Information and Broadcasting, Labour and Employment, Textiles, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Housing and Urban Affairs, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Coal, Mines and Steel. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and Speaker of the Lok Sabha are responsible for implementing these changes. * **Timelines:** The amendments are effective from November 12, 2021. * **(Amendment-Specific):** The implementation of these changes requires the committees to adjust their agendas and reporting to align with the updated Ministry/Department names and responsibilities. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these amendments is to ensure that Parliamentary Committees are accurately aligned with the current structure and responsibilities of the Government of India. This should lead to more effective oversight and informed policy recommendations. Specifically, impacts will be felt with reporting and the focus of each committee. **9. Conclusion:** The amendments to the Third Schedule of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States represent a procedural update to reflect changes in governmental structure. The significance lies in maintaining the accuracy and relevance of parliamentary oversight, which is crucial for effective governance and accountability. This should ensure proper alignment and oversight of their respective government counterparts.

Key Entities Referenced