There are two kinds of bills that are introduced in parliament for the legislative procedure: Public and Private Bills. Public Bills are called government bill whereas private bills are called private members’ bill.
A bill introduced by the Member of Parliament (MP) who is not a Minister, i.e., a non-government member is known as the Private Members’ bill. Members of Parliament (MPs) other than ministers are private members. Private Members can also move legislative proposal or bill which he/she thinks is appropriate to be present in the Statute Book. However, it must be noted that a private member can give a maximum of three notices for the introduction of Private Members Bills during a Session.
Facts about Private Members’ Bill:
- Members of Parliament of both the ruling party as well as the opposition can introduce a Private Member Bill.
- The Private Member bill, in order to become an act, must be passed in both the houses.
- Once passed in both houses, Presidential assent is also mandatory for the bill to become an Act.
- Such Bills can be introduced and discussed only on Fridays.
- Number of private member bills has been capped to 3 per session of Parliament.
- President’s role in a Private Member Bill
- According to the preset traditions, the President of India can use his powers of absolute veto and can easily discard a private members’ bill.
