The first phase of the Budget session concludes with the tabling of IT Bill and Waqf Bill reports

Budget Session's First Phase Wraps Up with IT and Waqf Bill Reports Tabled Amid Heated Debates

Parliament closed the first leg of its crucial Budget Session today after days of vigorous discussions, with two significant committee reports on the Information Technology (Amendment) Bill and Waqf (Amendment) Bill being presented, setting the stage for intense legislative battles ahead. The session saw the government pressing forward with its reform agenda while opposition members voiced strong concerns about potential overreach and minority rights.  

The IT Bill amendments, aimed at modernizing India's digital governance framework, sparked particularly fierce debate. Proposed changes would grant authorities broader powers to regulate online content, including expedited takedown procedures for material deemed "fake news" or "anti-national." While government representatives argued these measures are essential for national security in the digital age, opposition leaders and tech activists warned against creating tools for censorship. "We cannot allow vaguely defined terms to become instruments for suppressing legitimate dissent," argued Congress leader Shashi Tharoor during the heated floor debate. The tech industry, while acknowledging the need for updated regulations, has called for clearer compliance guidelines to avoid stifling innovation.  

Equally contentious was the discussion around reforms to the Waqf property management system. The proposed amendments seek to bring greater transparency to the administration of Muslim charitable endowments through mandatory audits and digital record-keeping. While some community leaders welcomed the potential for reducing corruption, others questioned whether the changes would genuinely empower Waqf institutions or simply increase government control. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi expressed skepticism, asking, "Will these reforms actually benefit the millions who depend on Waqf properties, or is this just another layer of bureaucracy?"  

The session's closing days were marked by the familiar rhythm of Indian democracy – moments of productive discussion punctuated by theatrical protests and walkouts. Opposition members staged brief demonstrations demanding more time to examine the bills, while Treasury bench speakers accused them of obstructionism. "We cannot keep delaying crucial legislation in the name of debate," argued Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, as opposition MPs countered that rushing complex bills would undermine democratic scrutiny.  

As MPs disperse until the session resumes, both pieces of legislation face uncertain paths forward. Civil society organizations are preparing detailed analyses of the proposals, while legal experts warn that some provisions may face constitutional challenges if passed in their current form. The coming weeks will see intense lobbying from various stakeholders, from tech giants concerned about compliance burdens to Muslim organizations anxious about the future of their community assets. With general elections looming on the horizon, these bills have become more than just policy matters – they've emerged as early battlegrounds in what promises to be a fiercely contested political season.