Q. Consider the following statements on the private member bill:
- Any member of Parliament who is not a minister can move a private member’s bill.
- A decision to admit a private bill rests with the presiding officer of the House.
- These bills are taken up during the second half of the session on Friday.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer:
1, 2 & 3
Notes: The Farmers Right to Guaranteed Minimum Support Price Realisation of Agri-Produce Bill, 2021 proposes that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) be set at a 50% profit margin over the comprehensive cost of production, as per the Swaminathan Committee's 2006 recommendation. Farmers receiving less than the declared MSP are entitled to compensation for the difference. The bill emphasizes quality-based crop codification, crop diversification, and sustainable agricultural practices. It calls for a dedicated department under the farm ministry for implementation, the establishment of procurement centers (one for every five villages), and the development of supply chain infrastructure. Private member bills can be introduced by non-minister MPs, with admission decisions made by the Rajya Sabha chairman or Lok Sabha speaker, typically discussed on Fridays in the session's second half.