On Monday, the Union government managed to conduct some legislative business in the Lok Sabha amidst continuous uproar by the Opposition demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur violence. Three important bills were introduced during the session, including one aimed at addressing the concerns of communities in Chhattisgarh. The first bill tabled was the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023. Its primary objective is to repeal the Dentists Act, 1948 and establish the National Dental Commission (NMC). The proposed NMC will be responsible for regulating dental education and the dental profession across the country.
The bill aims to improve the quality of dental education, make it more affordable, and enhance the accessibility of quality oral healthcare. To ensure uniformity and efficiency, the bill proposes a National Exit Test (Dental) as the standardized process for dental graduates to join state dental registers, obtain licenses for practice, and apply for graduate programs. The second bill presented was the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023. This bill seeks to set up the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) while repealing the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947. The NNMC will be responsible for regulating and maintaining the standards of education and services in the nursing and midwifery professions.
The bill also includes provisions for a common entrance test, compulsory registration, and temporary licenses for qualified foreign nationals working as nurses and midwives in India. The third significant bill was the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This bill was introduced by Union Minister Virendra Kumar and aims to include the Mahra and Mahara communities in the Scheduled Castes’ list of Chhattisgarh. The move is seen as an effort to address the social and economic concerns of these communities ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Despite the government’s efforts to conduct legislative business, the Opposition continued their protests in both Houses of Parliament.
They demanded a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the recent violence in Manipur. Several MPs, including Punjab MP Manish Tewari, expressed their frustration with the Chair’s restrictions on discussing the Manipur issue during the session. While the uproar in Parliament persisted, the introduction of these crucial bills signifies the government’s determination to push forward with legislative reforms. The bills’ focus on healthcare regulation and addressing social inclusion demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the overall well-being of the nation. However, the heated atmosphere in Parliament remains a cause for concern, with the Opposition continuing to press for a response from the Prime Minister on the Manipur violence.