Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified in the Parliament on Tuesday that there will be no Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the &lsquo;prasad&rsquo; served at religious places. There is total GST exemption on the food served as such, the FM said. Sitharaman was speaking in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on Finance Bill 2025.&nbsp;
There had been several misgivings about the GST on several religious activities. Earlier, the finance ministry clarified that there is no GST on religious places, including on rent paid for rooms in Sarais (accommodations) run by religious or charitable trusts.&nbsp; The government said that free food supplied in &lsquo;anna kshetras&rsquo; (food areas) run by religious institutions is exempt from GST. Besides, the &lsquo;prasadam&rsquo; distributed by places of worship like temples and gurdwaras would not attract any GST.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/viksit-delhi-budget-2025-26-key-highlights-from-cm-rekha-guptas-maiden-budget-8888113" rel="dofollow">'Viksit Delhi Budget' 2025-26: Key Highlights from CM Rekha Gupta's maiden budget</a> The finance ministry said that no GST is applicable on food supplied free, but some inputs and services required for making &lsquo;prasadam&rsquo; are subject to GST since they have multiple uses and separate tax rates can&rsquo;t be prescribed depending on the purpose under the GST regime.&nbsp; Since GST is a multi-stage tax, it is not possible to administer exemptions and concessions based on end-use.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-legacy-justin-trudeau-jeered-and-booed-as-he-leaves-parliament-for-last-time-as-canada-pm-watch-video-8852731" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'No Legacy': Justin Trudeau jeered and booed as he leaves parliament for last time as Canada PM | Watch video</a> In its reply to a query, the finance ministry had advised Punjab Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney to inform the Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhan Committee (SGPC) that it can claim the GST refund on the room rents of Sarais.
<h2>Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2025</h2>
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Finance Bill 2025, along with 35 government amendments, including one that abolishes a 6 per cent digital tax on online advertisements. With the passage of the Finance Bill 2025, the Lok Sabha completed its part of the budgetary approval process. The Upper House, Rajya Sabha, will now consider the Bill. After the Rajya Sabha approves the Bill, the Budget process for 2025&ndash;26 will be complete.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-researcher-badar-khan-suri-legally-living-in-us-faces-deportation-for-allegedly-spreading-hamas-propaganda-8871820" rel="noopener" target="_blank">India researcher legally living in US faces deportation for allegedly 'spreading Hamas propaganda'</a> FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the government is aiming to do several things as per the aspirations and expectations of people and the goal of making India a developed country by 20247.&nbsp; She also highlighted key changes to enhance ease of doing business and support India&rsquo;s economic growth like the customs duty rationalisation under which the government is removing seven customs tariff rates to address duty inversion and reduce input costs. Imports will now be subject to either a cess or a surcharge, but not both, preventing double taxation.
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 To further encourage domestic manufacturing, the government has exempted customs duties on 35 additional capital goods used in electric vehicle (EV) battery production and 28 capital goods related to mobile manufacturing. Sitharaman also said that the new Income Tax Bill will be taken up for discussion in next monsoon session of Parliament. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Dubey lauded the economic performance of the government, saying that country&rsquo;s GDP has more than doubled in the last 10 years.

India News: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Finance Bill 2025, along with 35 government amendments, including one that abolishes a 6 per cent digital tax on online advertisements.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified in the Parliament on Tuesday that there will be no Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the ‘prasad’ served at religious places. There is total GST exemption on the food served as such, the FM said. Sitharaman was speaking in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on Finance Bill 2025. There had been several misgivings about the GST on several religious activities. Earlier, the finance ministry clarified that there is no GST on religious places, including on rent paid for rooms in Sarais (accommodations) run by religious or charitable trusts. The government said that free food supplied in ‘anna kshetras’ (food areas) run by religious institutions is exempt from GST. Besides, the ‘prasadam’ distributed by places of worship like temples and gurdwaras would not attract any GST. Also read | 'Viksit Delhi Budget' 2025-26: Key Highlights from CM Rekha Gupta's maiden budget The finance ministry said that no GST is applicable on food supplied free, but some inputs and services required for making ‘prasadam’ are subject to GST since they have multiple uses and separate tax rates can’t be prescribed depending on the purpose under the GST regime. Since GST is a multi-stage tax, it is not possible to administer exemptions and concessions based on end-use. Also read | 'No Legacy': Justin Trudeau jeered and booed as he leaves parliament for last time as Canada PM | Watch video In its reply to a query, the finance ministry had advised Punjab Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney to inform the Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhan Committee (SGPC) that it can claim the GST refund on the room rents of Sarais. Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2025 The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Finance Bill 2025, along with 35 government amendments, including one that abolishes a 6 per cent digital tax on online advertisements. With the passage of the Finance Bill 2025, the Lok Sabha completed its part of the budgetary approval process. The Upper House, Rajya Sabha, will now consider the Bill. After the Rajya Sabha approves the Bill, the Budget process for 2025–26 will be complete. Also read: India researcher legally living in US faces deportation for allegedly 'spreading Hamas propaganda' FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the government is aiming to do several things as per the aspirations and expectations of people and the goal of making India a developed country by 20247. She also highlighted key changes to enhance ease of doing business and support India’s economic growth like the customs duty rationalisation under which the government is removing seven customs tariff rates to address duty inversion and reduce input costs. Imports will now be subject to either a cess or a surcharge, but not both, preventing double taxation. Also Read | Man, 89, acquitted of quadruple murders after 56 years, gets $1.5mn damages for agony To further encourage domestic manufacturing, the government has exempted customs duties on 35 additional capital goods used in electric vehicle (EV) battery production and 28 capital goods related to mobile manufacturing. Sitharaman also said that the new Income Tax Bill will be taken up for discussion in next monsoon session of Parliament. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Dubey lauded the economic performance of the government, saying that country’s GDP has more than doubled in the last 10 years.

‘Prasad’ served at religious places exempt from GST, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

At least 23 protesters were killed and hundreds wounded during nationwide protests against tax rises in Kenya on 25th of June. The largely peaceful protests, ongoing for days, escalated on Tuesday, after MPs passed an amended deeply unpopular finance bill. A section of the parliament building in capital Nairobi was set ablaze by angry protesters, who had broken through police lines to storm the parliament. On the same evening, a defiant Kenyan president, William Ruto, labelled the protesters organised criminals, and accused them of participating in a treasonous event. A day after, in a dramatic reversal, Ruto declared that the bill containing contentious tax hikes would be withdrawn. But protests have continued with protesters now clamouring for president Ruto's resignation. Jyotsna Kumar brings you the details.

Clamour grows for Prez Ruto's ouster despite U-turn

Protesters take to the streets after strikes and demonstrations that forced President William Ruto last week to abandon a highly contentious tax bill.

Kenya Protests: Protesters demand ouster of Ruto's regime

Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday (June 26) declined to sign the contentious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenyan-protests-erupt-over-controversial-finance-bill-what-is-it-735068">Finance Bill </a>2024 into law, sending it back to parliament. He said that the bill would be 'withdrawn'.&nbsp;

The bill, which aimed to raise taxes by $2.7 billion, sparked nationwide protests that turned violent, leading to at least 23 deaths and extensive property damage, including the storming of parliament buildings.

"I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn," Ruto reportedly told a press briefing. "The people&nbsp;have&nbsp;spoken," he added.&nbsp;

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The protests against the finance bill have been described as one of the most severe challenges to the Ruto administration since it took office nearly two years ago.&nbsp;

The unrest has also strained public sentiment towards Ruto's leadership, with some drawing parallels between his actions and the era of former President Daniel arap Moi.&nbsp;

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With parliament set to go on recess, the speaker may have to recall lawmakers to address the president's proposed amendments to the finance bill.&nbsp;

The unrest in Kenya shows the deep discontent among citizens over the government's economic policies, which are seen as favouring lenders like the IMF over the needs of the population.

<h2>What is the finance bill?&nbsp;</h2>

The bill includes imposing a 16 per cent tax on basic goods and services such as bread, transportation of sugarcane, financial services and foreign exchange transactions.

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It also includes introducing a 2.5 per cent tax on motor vehicles and increasing the excise duty on mobile money payments from 15 per cent to 20 per cent.

After some amendments to the bill, such as removing the tax on basic goods and reducing the mobile money tax increase, the Kenyan parliament ultimately passed the finance bill on June 20.

This led to further nationwide protests, with demonstrators storming the parliament building and clashing with security forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday (June 26) declined to sign the contentious Finance Bill 2024 into law, sending it back to parliament. He said that the bill would be 'withdrawn'.

Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday (June 26) declined to sign the contentious Finance Bill 2024 into law, sending it back to parliament. He said that the bill would be 'withdrawn'. The bill, which aimed to raise taxes by $2.7 billion, sparked nationwide protests that turned violent, leading to at least 23 deaths and extensive property damage, including the storming of parliament buildings. "I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn," Ruto reportedly told a press briefing. "The people have spoken," he added. Also Read | Westminster honeytrap scandal: Man, in mid-20s, arrested on suspicion of harassment The protests against the finance bill have been described as one of the most severe challenges to the Ruto administration since it took office nearly two years ago. The unrest has also strained public sentiment towards Ruto's leadership, with some drawing parallels between his actions and the era of former President Daniel arap Moi. Also Read | Hong Kong LGBTQ couples seek love, recognition in mass wedding With parliament set to go on recess, the speaker may have to recall lawmakers to address the president's proposed amendments to the finance bill. The unrest in Kenya shows the deep discontent among citizens over the government's economic policies, which are seen as favouring lenders like the IMF over the needs of the population. What is the finance bill? The bill includes imposing a 16 per cent tax on basic goods and services such as bread, transportation of sugarcane, financial services and foreign exchange transactions. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence ministers talk on phone × It also includes introducing a 2.5 per cent tax on motor vehicles and increasing the excise duty on mobile money payments from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. After some amendments to the bill, such as removing the tax on basic goods and reducing the mobile money tax increase, the Kenyan parliament ultimately passed the finance bill on June 20. This led to further nationwide protests, with demonstrators storming the parliament building and clashing with security forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya's finance bill to be 'withdrawn', says President Ruto after rejecting it amid nationwide protests

Violent clashes erupted in Kenya's capital and across the country as protesters took to the streets to denounce a new finance bill that would raise taxes amid a severe cost-of-living crisis.&nbsp;

Several people have been killed as police used tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition to try to disperse the crowds. Protesters stormed the parliament building, setting parts of it on fire, as lawmakers debated and ultimately passed the contentious legislation.&nbsp;

The finance bill aims to raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes as part of an effort to reduce Kenya's heavy debt burden, with interest payments alone consuming 37 per cent of the government's annual revenue.&nbsp;

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Proposed tax hikes included a 16 per cent value-added tax on basic goods like bread and cooking oil, as well as new levies on vehicle ownership.&nbsp;

The proposed Finance Bill for the 2024/25 fiscal year has some of the key tax measures including a new 2.5 per cent tax on the value of motor vehicles to be paid annually, an "eco levy" on most manufactured goods including sanitary products and increases to existing taxes on financial transactions like mobile money transfers.&nbsp;

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Protesters, many of whom are also calling for President William Ruto to step down, argued that the tax increases will further squeeze Kenyans who are already struggling with soaring inflation, drought, and other economic shocks.&nbsp;

"We want to shut down parliament and every MP should go down and resign," protester Davis Tafari told Reuters. "We will have a new government."&nbsp;

<h2>Protestors say concessions not enough</h2>

In a concession to the public outcry, the government had scrapped some of the most unpopular tax proposals, including the bread and cooking oil VAT. 
 
However, this has done little to quell the widespread anger, with demonstrators demanding a complete withdrawal of the finance bill.

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The unrest highlighted the difficult balancing act facing Ruto's administration, which must appease international lenders, like International Monetary Fund (IMF) pushing for fiscal consolidation while also addressing the needs of its impoverished citizens.&nbsp;
</section>

(With inputs from agencies)

Violent clashes erupted in Kenya's capital and across the country as protesters took to the streets to denounce a new finance bill that would raise taxes amid a severe cost-of-living crisis.

Violent clashes erupted in Kenya's capital and across the country as protesters took to the streets to denounce a new finance bill that would raise taxes amid a severe cost-of-living crisis. Several people have been killed as police used tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition to try to disperse the crowds. Protesters stormed the parliament building, setting parts of it on fire, as lawmakers debated and ultimately passed the contentious legislation. The finance bill aims to raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes as part of an effort to reduce Kenya's heavy debt burden, with interest payments alone consuming 37 per cent of the government's annual revenue. Also Read | Israeli forces kill at least 24 in three separate airstrikes on Gaza Proposed tax hikes included a 16 per cent value-added tax on basic goods like bread and cooking oil, as well as new levies on vehicle ownership. The proposed Finance Bill for the 2024/25 fiscal year has some of the key tax measures including a new 2.5 per cent tax on the value of motor vehicles to be paid annually, an "eco levy" on most manufactured goods including sanitary products and increases to existing taxes on financial transactions like mobile money transfers. Also Read | Kenya protests: Ex-US president Barack Obama's sister tear-gassed live on air Protesters, many of whom are also calling for President William Ruto to step down, argued that the tax increases will further squeeze Kenyans who are already struggling with soaring inflation, drought, and other economic shocks. "We want to shut down parliament and every MP should go down and resign," protester Davis Tafari told Reuters. "We will have a new government." Protestors say concessions not enough In a concession to the public outcry, the government had scrapped some of the most unpopular tax proposals, including the bread and cooking oil VAT. However, this has done little to quell the widespread anger, with demonstrators demanding a complete withdrawal of the finance bill. Watch | US: Hunter Biden's attorneys seeking new trial in Federal Gun case × The unrest highlighted the difficult balancing act facing Ruto's administration, which must appease international lenders, like International Monetary Fund (IMF) pushing for fiscal consolidation while also addressing the needs of its impoverished citizens. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenyan protests erupt over controversial finance bill. What is it?

Kenyans say future at stake as they protest new tax hikes. Police accused of using excessive force on #OccupyParliamentRejectFinanceBill2024 demonstrators in the capital Nairobi, with hundreds of arrests being made before controversial bill is debated in the National Assembly. Watch in for more details!

Kenya: Agigated Kenyans protest over Finance Bill 2024, over 250 people arrested

Kenyans say future at stake as they protest new tax hikes. Police accused of using excessive force on #OccupyParliament RejectFinanceBill2024 demonstrators in the capital Nairobi, with hundreds of arrests being made before controversial bill is debated in the National Assembly. Watch in for more details!

Kenya anti new tax protests turn violent, as police use force

Every year, the government presents the Finance Bill before the Parliament as part of the government’s Union Budget.

The Finance Bill is a Money Bill which is used for implementing changes in taxation as proposed by the finance minister in the annual budget.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Union Budget 2023-24 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on February 1.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliaments-budget-session-to-begin-on-tuesday-oppn-look-to-corner-govt-on-price-rise-adani-557362">Indian Parliament’s budget session to begin on Tuesday; oppn look to corner govt on price rise, Adani</a>

What is a Finance Bill?

According to the Constitution of India’s Article 110, a Finance Bill is a Money Bill which is presented only in the Lok Sabha or the lower house of the Parliament.

The Bill can neither be referred to the Joint Committee of the two houses nor can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.

A bill is identified as a Money Bill when it is related only to financial matters like government borrowings, public expenditures, taxation and government revenues.

Once the Lok Sabha passes the bill, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha or the Upper House which needs to send back the bill with or without recommendations in 14 days.

The recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha, if any, can be accepted or rejected by the Lok Sabha. However, if Rajya Sabha fails to return the bill within 14 days, the bill is considered to have been passed by both houses of Parliament.

It is important to understand that a Finance Bill is a Money Bill according to Article 110, however, a Money Bill doesn't need to be a Finance Bill.

WATCH | The India Story | Will the 2023 budget control the fiscal deficit, or continue spending for growth?

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Why is the Finance Bill presented?

Just after the announcement of the Union Budget, the Finance Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha. The changes proposed by the government in taxes like alteration, remission, abolition, regulation and imposition of new taxes are brought into effect by the Finance Bill in the upcoming financial year.

The needed amendments in the laws related to various taxes are made by the bill and the need to introduce a new amendment law for every purpose is eliminated.

After both, the houses of the Parliament passes the Finance Bill and it receives the president’s assent, the bill finally becomes the Finance Act.

The president has the power to either give his assent to the passed Money Bill or withhold it. However, he does not hold the power to return the Money Bill to the House.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Every year, the government presents the Finance Bill before the Parliament as part of the government’s Union Budget. The Finance Bill is a Money Bill which is used for implementing changes in taxation as proposed by the finance minister in the annual budget.

Every year, the government presents the Finance Bill before the Parliament as part of the government’s Union Budget. The Finance Bill is a Money Bill which is used for implementing changes in taxation as proposed by the finance minister in the annual budget. The Union Budget 2023-24 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on February 1. ALSO READ | Indian Parliament’s budget session to begin on Tuesday; oppn look to corner govt on price rise, Adani What is a Finance Bill? According to the Constitution of India’s Article 110, a Finance Bill is a Money Bill which is presented only in the Lok Sabha or the lower house of the Parliament. The Bill can neither be referred to the Joint Committee of the two houses nor can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. A bill is identified as a Money Bill when it is related only to financial matters like government borrowings, public expenditures, taxation and government revenues. Once the Lok Sabha passes the bill, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha or the Upper House which needs to send back the bill with or without recommendations in 14 days. The recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha, if any, can be accepted or rejected by the Lok Sabha. However, if Rajya Sabha fails to return the bill within 14 days, the bill is considered to have been passed by both houses of Parliament. It is important to understand that a Finance Bill is a Money Bill according to Article 110, however, a Money Bill doesn't need to be a Finance Bill. WATCH | The India Story | Will the 2023 budget control the fiscal deficit, or continue spending for growth? Why is the Finance Bill presented? Just after the announcement of the Union Budget, the Finance Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha. The changes proposed by the government in taxes like alteration, remission, abolition, regulation and imposition of new taxes are brought into effect by the Finance Bill in the upcoming financial year. The needed amendments in the laws related to various taxes are made by the bill and the need to introduce a new amendment law for every purpose is eliminated. After both, the houses of the Parliament passes the Finance Bill and it receives the president’s assent, the bill finally becomes the Finance Act. The president has the power to either give his assent to the passed Money Bill or withhold it. However, he does not hold the power to return the Money Bill to the House. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Budget 2023: Know the role of Finance Bill presented in Parliament every year

Parliament failed to function for 14th day in a row on Thursday, without transacting any business. The opposition kept protesting against the government, blocking passage of many bills and other legislative business.

The only thing passed amid the continuing din was the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/finance-bill-passed-in-lok-sabha-35793">Finance Bill</a>. And along with it, a proposal to raise the salaries of Members of Parliament - quietly, nearly escaping the eyes of everyone.

The bill&#39;s passage means the basic salary of an MP has now been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The have also got more money as constituency allowance - from Rs 45,000 to Rs 70,000, and the office expense has been increased from Rs 45,000 to Rs 60,000 and monetary ceiling for furniture has been increased from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1 lakh.

Even former Members of the Parliament have benefitted. Their pension has been raised from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month.

Neither of the two Houses debated the bill either on its good provisions or pitfalls. Some MPs, however, are of the view that there should be a culture of no work no pay and Trinamool Congress&#39;s Derek O&#39;Brien has slammed the move to hike salaries of the parliamentarians.

The bill, which has been cleared by Parliament, has also hiked the salary for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-2018-new-salaries-of-president-vice-president-and-governors-after-hike-31494">President of India</a> from Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 5 lakh per month. It also has a provision that salaries of Members of Parliament will also be increased after every five years. So, the next review of salary now will take place in 2023.

Though the Finance Bill was passed in Lok Sabha without discussion, it is pending in Rajya Sabha. The Upper House does not have a veto; it is the privilege of only the elected members of Lok Sabha or Lower House. Even if the bill is not passed within specific frame of time (14 days), it is considered passed by the Rajya Sabha, also known as the House of Elders.

The bill also amended the provision to increase the salary of the President of the Republic.

Parliament failed to function for 14th day in a row on Thursday, without transacting any business. The opposition kept protesting against the government, blocking passage of many bills and other legislative business. The only thing passed amid the continuing din was the Finance Bill. And along with it, a proposal to raise the salaries of Members of Parliament - quietly, nearly escaping the eyes of everyone. The bill's passage means the basic salary of an MP has now been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The have also got more money as constituency allowance - from Rs 45,000 to Rs 70,000, and the office expense has been increased from Rs 45,000 to Rs 60,000 and monetary ceiling for furniture has been increased from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Even former Members of the Parliament have benefitted. Their pension has been raised from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. Neither of the two Houses debated the bill either on its good provisions or pitfalls. Some MPs, however, are of the view that there should be a culture of no work no pay and Trinamool Congress's Derek O'Brien has slammed the move to hike salaries of the parliamentarians. The bill, which has been cleared by Parliament, has also hiked the salary for the President of India from Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 5 lakh per month. It also has a provision that salaries of Members of Parliament will also be increased after every five years. So, the next review of salary now will take place in 2023. Though the Finance Bill was passed in Lok Sabha without discussion, it is pending in Rajya Sabha. The Upper House does not have a veto; it is the privilege of only the elected members of Lok Sabha or Lower House. Even if the bill is not passed within specific frame of time (14 days), it is considered passed by the Rajya Sabha, also known as the House of Elders.

In Finance Bill, proposed salary hike for MPs, President passed without debate

The Lower House of India&#39;s Parliament approved the controversial Finance Bill -- a legislation that seeks to tweak 40 laws -- on Thursday (March 30).

Notably, the Lower House, also known as the Lok Sabha, rejected the five amendments recommended by the Upper House, also called Rajya Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s Bharatiya Janata Party -- India&#39;s ruling party -- is under-represented in the Rajya Sabha. The 245-member House has just 56 BJP lawmakers and a further 18 if their allies are counted in.

But the scenario is different in the Lower House, with the ruling party having a significant majority.

And because the Finance Bill was introduced by the Modi administration as a &#39;money bill&#39;, the Upper House did not have the powers to shoot down the legislation. It could have only recommended changes to the bill. But the Lower House could decide whether to take the suggestions on board.

The government&#39;s plan to make changes to 40 laws, ranging from political funding to Aadhar cards, by technically bypassing the Upper House&#39;s approval was condemned by opposition groups.

The opposition slammed the government, with Saugata Roy -- a leader of an opposition party, the Trinamool Congress -- calling it a &quot;violation of House procedures&quot;.

Congress&#39; M Veerappa Moily called the government&#39;s decision to sidestep the Upper House as the &quot;biggest assault on democracy&quot;.

The five amendments asked by the Upper House were related to empowerment of taxmen, political funding and rules that regulate charities run by corporate companies.

One of the controversial points in the Finance Bill was the government&#39;s plan to make Aadhar cards mandatory -- a multipurpose national identity card.

The opposition raised its concern about the government&#39;s decision, saying storing database of people had the potential to be breached by nefarious hacking groups.

But India&#39;s finance minister Arun Jaitley downplayed the concerns on Wednesday in the Upper House, saying the identity cards would help the government immensely by eliminating middlemen&nbsp;and sending money to the needy directly.

Removing middlemen is viewed by the government as ways to tackle corruption.

The Rajya Sabha was also worried two clauses that would seemingly empower tax officers.&nbsp;

Critics of the Finance Bill also point out that one of the amendments would make political funding process more opaque. Once the bill is enshrined, corporate houses won&#39;t have to name the political party they donate to in their profit and loss accounts.

(WION)

Finance Bill was introduced by the Modi govt as a 'money bill', the Upper House does not have the powers to shoot down the legislation

The Lower House of India's Parliament approved the controversial Finance Bill -- a legislation that seeks to tweak 40 laws -- on Thursday (March 30). Notably, the Lower House, also known as the Lok Sabha, rejected the five amendments recommended by the Upper House, also called Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party -- India's ruling party -- is under-represented in the Rajya Sabha. The 245-member House has just 56 BJP lawmakers and a further 18 if their allies are counted in. But the scenario is different in the Lower House, with the ruling party having a significant majority. And because the Finance Bill was introduced by the Modi administration as a 'money bill', the Upper House did not have the powers to shoot down the legislation. It could have only recommended changes to the bill. But the Lower House could decide whether to take the suggestions on board. The government's plan to make changes to 40 laws, ranging from political funding to Aadhar cards, by technically bypassing the Upper House's approval was condemned by opposition groups. The opposition slammed the government, with Saugata Roy -- a leader of an opposition party, the Trinamool Congress -- calling it a "violation of House procedures". Congress' M Veerappa Moily called the government's decision to sidestep the Upper House as the "biggest assault on democracy". The five amendments asked by the Upper House were related to empowerment of taxmen, political funding and rules that regulate charities run by corporate companies. One of the controversial points in the Finance Bill was the government's plan to make Aadhar cards mandatory -- a multipurpose national identity card. The opposition raised its concern about the government's decision, saying storing database of people had the potential to be breached by nefarious hacking groups. But India's finance minister Arun Jaitley downplayed the concerns on Wednesday in the Upper House, saying the identity cards would help the government immensely by eliminating middlemen and sending money to the needy directly. Removing middlemen is viewed by the government as ways to tackle corruption. The Rajya Sabha was also worried two clauses that would seemingly empower tax officers. Critics of the Finance Bill also point out that one of the amendments would make political funding process more opaque. Once the bill is enshrined, corporate houses won't have to name the political party they donate to in their profit and loss accounts. (WION)

Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill, rejects amendments recommended by Rajya Sabha

Despite the Indian government&#39;s pledge to increase transparency,&nbsp;they are&nbsp;aiming to enshrine a law&nbsp;that will make corporate funding to political parties more difficult to track.

Currently, corporations&nbsp;that give money to&nbsp;political parties must publicly&nbsp;divulge who&nbsp;they fund. But the Finance Bill&#39;s proposed change, tabled by the Indian government&nbsp;February during the annual budget session, will no longer require&nbsp;businesses to do so.&nbsp;

The Finance Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on March 22 amid mass walkouts by opposition parties.&nbsp;

Under the proposed alterations to the Companies Act, political parties in power can more easily&nbsp;leverage the granting of contracts to interested parties. It will also be difficult to prove that an auction has taken place at all, making it possible for the government to award contracts without proving that any competitive process has taken place to earn the job.

The Finance Bill has been assailed by opposition parties as being the outcome of a unilateral process.

Money bill

Another controversial change in the proposed law&nbsp;is&nbsp;the &quot;money bill&quot;. If the new legislation is enacted, the &quot;money bill&quot;&nbsp;will bypass the Upper House, also known as the Rajya Sabha, and will go directly from the Lower House, or the Lok Sabha, to the President of India.

This legislation has been particularly&nbsp;criticised by the opposition for&nbsp;strengthening the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party as its presence isn&#39;t particularly strong in the Rajya Sabha.

But the upside of the mini-sweep has been the government&#39;s decision to roll out electoral bonds. Business houses&nbsp;will be incentivised to make political donations through digital payments and cheques to make the process of donations more transparent.

Aadhar card

The other big change announced on March 22 is the newly increased&nbsp;importance of Aadhar cards, a multipurpose national identity document. On March 22 it was announced that Indian nationals will have to furnish their Aadhar details while filing tax returns after July 1, 2017.

The Aadhar card requires citizens to give the government both their biometric information, or their fingerprints, as well as a retinal scan.&nbsp;

When asked on March 22&nbsp;if the government was making Aardhar cards mandatory--essentially asking, will Indians have to give the government their fingerprints and retinal scans,&nbsp;Finance Minister Arun Jaitley <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/finance-bill-minister-arun-jaitley-counters-critique-yes-we-are-making-aadhaar-mandatory-4581383/" target="_blank">said</a>, &quot;Yes, we are&quot;.

(WION)

If the bill is enshrined, businesses won't have to name the political party they donate to in their profit and loss accounts

Despite the Indian government's pledge to increase transparency, they are aiming to enshrine a law that will make corporate funding to political parties more difficult to track. Currently, corporations that give money to political parties must publicly divulge who they fund. But the Finance Bill's proposed change, tabled by the Indian government February during the annual budget session, will no longer require businesses to do so. The Finance Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on March 22 amid mass walkouts by opposition parties. Under the proposed alterations to the Companies Act, political parties in power can more easily leverage the granting of contracts to interested parties. It will also be difficult to prove that an auction has taken place at all, making it possible for the government to award contracts without proving that any competitive process has taken place to earn the job. The Finance Bill has been assailed by opposition parties as being the outcome of a unilateral process. Money bill Another controversial change in the proposed law is the "money bill". If the new legislation is enacted, the "money bill" will bypass the Upper House, also known as the Rajya Sabha, and will go directly from the Lower House, or the Lok Sabha, to the President of India. This legislation has been particularly criticised by the opposition for strengthening the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party as its presence isn't particularly strong in the Rajya Sabha. But the upside of the mini-sweep has been the government's decision to roll out electoral bonds. Business houses will be incentivised to make political donations through digital payments and cheques to make the process of donations more transparent. Aadhar card The other big change announced on March 22 is the newly increased importance of Aadhar cards, a multipurpose national identity document. On March 22 it was announced that Indian nationals will have to furnish their Aadhar details while filing tax returns after July 1, 2017. The Aadhar card requires citizens to give the government both their biometric information, or their fingerprints, as well as a retinal scan. When asked on March 22 if the government was making Aardhar cards mandatory--essentially asking, will Indians have to give the government their fingerprints and retinal scans, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, "Yes, we are". (WION)

Finance Bill's political funding tenet upends govt's vow to tackle graft

The second part of the Budget session&nbsp;resumed today after a month-long recess.

Addressing the media,&nbsp;Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed confidence about the passage of the GST bill in&nbsp;this session.

&quot;I am hoping that the process of GST will be completed in this session itself. Matters that will benefit the poor will be discussed during this session,&quot; he said.

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I am hoping that the process of GST will be completed in this session itself: PM Modi ahead of budget session second leg <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash">#BudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/UdEvge8439">pic.twitter.com/UdEvge8439</a>
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The government is keen to pass the much awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) in this session. The GST will replace the existing indirect tax structure in the country by bringing in a single tax on both goods and services.

Home minister, Rajnath Singh, is expected to make a statement on the floor of the House on the killing of the suspected Islamic State terrorist in Lucknow and blast on a train in Madhya Pradesh.

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Home Minister Rajnath Singh likely to make a statement in the Parliament on Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train explosion, and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LucknowTerrorOp?src=hash">#LucknowTerrorOp</a> <a href="https://t.co/S6wTcEQXYm">pic.twitter.com/S6wTcEQXYm</a>
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Yesterday, finance minister, Arun Jaitley, said that the Finance Bill will be passed by the end of this month.

The first part of the sesssion concluded on February 9 after the presentation of the Union Budget and the passage of the motion of thanks to the President&#39;s address to the jopint sitting of the Parliament.

The Parliament had passed the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Laibilities) Act, 2017 in the first part of the Budget Session. The law ends the liability of the RBI on the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, which were demonetised on November 8 last year. It also makes the holding and transferring of the demonetised currency a criminal offence.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The home minister is expected to make a statement on anti-terror operation in Lucknow and train blast in Madhya Pradesh

The second part of the Budget session resumed today after a month-long recess. Addressing the media, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed confidence about the passage of the GST bill in this session. "I am hoping that the process of GST will be completed in this session itself. Matters that will benefit the poor will be discussed during this session," he said. I am hoping that the process of GST will be completed in this session itself: PM Modi ahead of budget session second leg #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/UdEvge8439 — ANI (@ANI_news) March 9, 2017 × The government is keen to pass the much awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) in this session. The GST will replace the existing indirect tax structure in the country by bringing in a single tax on both goods and services. Home minister, Rajnath Singh, is expected to make a statement on the floor of the House on the killing of the suspected Islamic State terrorist in Lucknow and blast on a train in Madhya Pradesh. Home Minister Rajnath Singh likely to make a statement in the Parliament on Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train explosion, and #LucknowTerrorOp pic.twitter.com/S6wTcEQXYm — ANI (@ANI_news) March 9, 2017 × Yesterday, finance minister, Arun Jaitley, said that the Finance Bill will be passed by the end of this month. The first part of the sesssion concluded on February 9 after the presentation of the Union Budget and the passage of the motion of thanks to the President's address to the jopint sitting of the Parliament. The Parliament had passed the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Laibilities) Act, 2017 in the first part of the Budget Session. The law ends the liability of the RBI on the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, which were demonetised on November 8 last year. It also makes the holding and transferring of the demonetised currency a criminal offence. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister hopes for passage of GST as Budget session resumes today

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