Making point via Private Members' Bills: Nearly 300 listed for introduction in Parliament

New Delhi: From prohibiting use of surnames to abolishing caste identities attached with the names of educational institutions to limiting the number of guests and dishes served during weddings to legalising same sex marriage - there is a long list of private members' bills listed for the current monsoon session.

There are also private members' bills which talk about compulsory mental healthcare facilities in schools and bills proposing stringent measures to prevent and combat hate crimes. There are around 300 private members' bills listed for introduction in both houses of Parliament.

BJP MP Kirit Premjibhai Solanki has proposed a private member bill for "prohibition of the use of surname to eradicate caste identities and the discriminations associated therewith". Solanki describes his bill as a progressive legislation that can be of great help in checking casteism.


DMK MP Dhanush Kumar has proposed to abolish the "caste identities prefixed or suffixed to names of schools, colleges and professional institutes". It should be applicable for all educational institutions whether they be government-aided or private, Kumar proposes in the draft legislation.

Congress MP Jasbir Singh Gill has proposed a 'Prevention of Wasteful Expenditure on Special Occasions Bill', which seeks to limit the number of guests at a wedding and family function to 100, the number of dishes to 10 and a restriction on the value of gifts to ₹2,500. Families with resources should use extra funds at their disposal to help get poor girls and orphans married, the Congress MP said.

With 'The Marriage Equality Bill', Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien has proposed to legalise same sex marriage by amending the Special Marriage Act. O'Brien said the right to life under Article 21 includes dignity, marriage and any discrimination based on sexual orientation for all, including the LGBTQ community. BJP MP CP Joshi has proposed 'Compulsory Establishment of Mental Healthcare Facilities in Educational Institutions Bill'.

BRS MP KR Suresh Reddy has proposed 'Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill. He suggests stringent measures and punishment for those indulging in hate speech and crimes to protect the constitutional values of autonomy, dignity and equality.