Private Members Bill:
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Members of Parliament other than ministers are called private members and bills presented by them are known as private member’s bills.
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A private member bill can be introduced by both ruling party and opposition MPs.
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They can introduce a bill in the parliament after giving prior notice of one month.
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The bill needs to be passed in both houses of parliament.
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Once passed in both the houses, bill needs to get assent of the president to become an act.
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By set tradition, President can easily exercise his absolute veto power against such bills.
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In Lok Sabha, the last two and a half hours of a sitting on every Friday are generally allotted for transaction of “Private Members’ Business”, i.e., Private Members’ Bills and Private Members’ Resolutions
Facts about Private Members Bills:
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Since 1952, only 14 private member’s bills have become laws.
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Out of the 300 odd private members bills that were introduced in the 14th Lok Sabha, only about 4% were discussed and the rest 96% lapsed without any debate.
Difference between Private Members’ Bill & Public Bill in India
We all have understood that public bills are government bills and private bills are private members’ bill. However, there are a few differences between two which are mentioned in the table below:
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Private Member Bill
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Public Bill
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Introduction
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In either house of parliament
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In either house of parliament
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Introduced by
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Any member of the parliament other than a minister
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Minister
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Chance of Approval in Parliament
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Lesser Chance
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Greater Chance
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Rejection of the bill implies
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No effect on the government’s position
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Expression of want of parliamentary confidence in the government and may lead to its resignation.
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Notice Period for Introduction
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One month’s notice
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Seven Days’ Notice
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Drafting of the Bill
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Member who is introducing it will only draft it
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Concerned Department in consultation with the law department
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