Finance Minister introduces the Aadhaar Bill as ‘money bill’ in the current session of Lok Sabha

New Delhi: The Bill, namely, ‘The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill of 2016’ is introduced today, i.e. on 3rd March, 2016 in the Lok Sabha by the Government. The said bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha as Money Bill, which is to make provisions for the Aadhaar statutory backing and make it the mainstay of the direct benefit transfer- DBT programme of the Government, for subsidies.

However, the said bill as it is introduced as Money Bill, is objected by the Congress Leader- Mallikarjun Kharge, saying that they are ready to co- operate on the Bill, however, it should not come as a ‘money bill’. Further he stated that, the bill is so introducing, for avoiding Rajya Sabha and its proceedings. And saying this, he further said that the Government, by doing this had made its intention clear.

Moreover, responding to this, as per statements preferred by the Finance Minister- Arun Jaitley, he said that the Bill is substantially different from what the opposition leaders are talking about it. Also, for clarifying the bill and its intention, it was stated by Finance Minister that the Bill is providing that persons who get subsidies need to produce Aadhaar. Also, as per Finance Minister, the said situation is fully in accordance with the provisions of the Article 110. Further, he left the matter for the decision of the Speaker.

Moreover, as per the provisions sought in the Bill, it is clear that it is made for good governance, transparency, efficiency, etc. in the benefits and subsidies offered by the Government to the individuals residing in India.

The opposition would have been preferred because, the money bills are commonly introduced only in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha cannot make amendments to such bills once it is passed by the Lok Sabha. However, Rajya Sabha can only recommend. Moreover, such bills cannot be referred to the joint committee of Parliament, as per the general practice and rules made in this connection. Thus, the use of Aadhaar has become most popular now days, and as such the present concerned move would surely be offering great support to the Individual while they are taking advantage of Government services or subsidies.

Adv. Faim Khalilkhan Pathan

Read the Bill Act here