Winter session of Haryana Assembly starts today, 6 Bills likely to be tabled

The session is expected to witness sharp exchanges as the opposition prepares an aggressive legislative offensive, including a no-confidence motion against the BJP government, while the ruling party looks to defend its governance record and counter allegations of electoral impropriety.

Recent developments in Haryana are likely to add to the intensity of proceedings, particularly concerns over law and order following a series of disruptions and protests across Haryana in recent weeks. Issues related to public safety, administrative response, and policing are expected to feature prominently, alongside debates on unemployment, welfare delivery, agriculture, and infrastructure.

The Congress is preparing to mount an aggressive challenge to the BJP-led state government as it decided to move a no-confidence motion against the government in the session, a decision taken at a meeting of the Congress Legislative Party chaired by former chief minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda. State Congress president Rao Narendra Singh was also present at the meeting where the strategy was finalised.

Congress leaders have stated that the no-confidence motion is intended to highlight what they allege were “illegal” methods adopted by the BJP to come to power. Hooda has alleged that votes were manipulated and illegal inducements were offered ahead of the October 2024 Assembly elections, accusations that have been strongly denied by the ruling party. While the Congress does not have the numbers to threaten the government’s majority, the motion is seen as a political strategy aimed at forcing a direct confrontation on the floor of the House and drawing public attention to issues of electoral integrity and governance.

In addition to the no-confidence motion, the Congress plans to raise several other issues through adjournment motions, calling attention notices and short-duration discussions. These include allegations of vote theft, unemployment, irregular appointments, deterioration of sports infrastructure, concerns related to the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal, law and order, environmental issues, waterlogging compensation, paddy procurement, MNREGA implementation, drug abuse, and shortcomings in the health and education sectors.

The BJP has expressed confidence ahead of the session, citing its numerical strength in the Assembly and recent electoral successes at the national level. CM Nayab Singh Saini has dismissed the opposition’s allegations as politically motivated and misleading, asserting that the government has a strong record on governance and public service delivery. BJP leaders are expected to highlight developmental initiatives and counter the Congress’s claims both inside and outside the House.

Bills likely to be tabled

Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 aims to promote a business-friendly environment while protecting the welfare of workers. Under this, small units with fewer than 20 employees will only need to submit an online self-declaration. All tasks related to registration, amendments, and closure will be conducted entirely through an online portal. The daily working hours in shops and commercial establishments have been increased from nine hours to ten hours, while the weekly working limit remains 48 hours. The maximum continuous working period without a break has been increased from five hours to six hours. The quarterly overtime limit has also been increased from 50 hours to 156 hours, making it easier for businesses to manage work during busy periods. All employers will be required to issue appointment letters and identity cards to their employees.

The Haryana Housing Board (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will approve the merger of the Haryana Housing Board with the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HSVP).

The Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance will also be presented. According to it, the quorum for a Gram Sabha meeting to consider and approve eligible beneficiaries of any government scheme will be 40% of the Gram Sabha members. If the quorum is not met, the Sarpanch will wait for one hour; if still not met, the meeting will be adjourned to the next day.

The Haryana Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Ordinance is also likely to be presented. Under this, 164 provisions in 42 state laws administered by 17 departments will be decriminalized. In other words, fines will be imposed instead of criminal penalties. For example, failing to comply with municipal orders will attract a fine ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000.

Under the Haryana Abadi Deh (Consolidation, Registration, and Settlement of Ownership Rights) Ordinance, about 31 lakh people living in Abadi Deh areas will now receive ownership rights, including 25 lakh from rural areas and 6 lakh from urban areas.