President Droupadi Murmu Gives Assent to Four Bills.

President’s Assent to Key Bills in August 2023

On 12th August 2023, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, provided assent to four crucial bills, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2023, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2023, and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023. This move signifies a significant step towards implementing these bills as official acts in the country.

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2023

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2023 seeks to amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act of 1969. The bill aims to establish a national and state-level database of registered births and deaths. This initiative is expected to streamline the delivery of public services and social benefits, enhancing efficiency and transparency through digital registration.

Key Features of the Bill

1. Database of Births and Deaths: The bill introduces the position of Registrar-General of India, responsible for issuing general directions for registration and maintaining a national database. State-appointed Chief Registrars and Registrars will provide data to the national database.
2. Electronic Certificates: The bill introduces provisions for digital registration and electronic issuance of birth and death certificates.
3. Aadhaar Details of Parents and Informants: The amendments expand the list of individuals authorized to report births and deaths. They are required to provide Aadhaar details of parents and informants.
4. Use of Birth Certificate: The birth certificate can be used as a single document to verify date and place of birth, serving various purposes like education, licensing, voting, and government appointments.
5. Appeal Process: A provision for appealing Registrar’s or District Registrar’s decisions is included, with specific timelines for appeal and response.
6. Connecting Database: The national database can be made available to other authorities, including population registers, electoral rolls, and ration cards, with central government approval.

Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023

This bill replaces the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, and includes significant provisions affecting the governance of Delhi.

Highlights of the Bill

1. Establishment of National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA): The bill establishes the NCCSA, which advises the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi on service-related issues. The Authority comprises the Chief Minister of Delhi, Principal Home Secretary, and Chief Secretary.
2. Powers of the Lieutenant Governor: The LG gains discretionary authority over matters beyond Delhi Assembly’s competence or requiring judicial action. The LG’s judgment prevails in case of disagreement between the LG and the Authority.
3. Disposal of Matters by Ministers: Ministers must consult the LG before issuing orders in certain matters, ensuring coordination with the central government and legal authorities.
4. Duties of Secretaries: Department Secretaries must inform the LG, Chief Minister, and Chief Secretary on matters potentially contentious with central or state governments.

Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023

The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, focuses on regulating digital personal data processing while respecting individuals’ rights and lawful data processing requirements.

Key Features

1. Applicability: The bill applies to digital personal data processing within India and for offering goods/services within India. Consent for data processing is required, except for specific legitimate purposes.
2. Rights and Duties of Data Principals: Data principals (individuals whose data is processed) can seek information, correction, erasure, nominate representatives, and seek grievance redressal.
3. Obligations of Data Fiduciaries: Entities processing data (data fiduciaries) must ensure data accuracy, security, breach reporting, and data erasure.
4. Data Protection Board of India: The central government establishes this board, responsible for compliance, penalties, and dispute resolution.
5. Penalties: The bill prescribes penalties for non-compliance, with higher penalties for offenses involving children and security breaches.
6. Transfer of Personal Data Outside India: Personal data can be transferred abroad, subject to government restrictions.
7. Exemptions: Certain activities are exempted from the bill, including state security and research.

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022, amends multiple laws across sectors, including agriculture, environment, and media and publication, in order to simplify and streamline various processes.

Related News

• President Droupadi Murmu assented to the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2023, regulating competition and anti-competitive practices.
• Tamil Nadu Governor Ravindra Narayana approved the ‘Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gaming and Regulation of Online Games Bill, 2022’ to ban online gambling.

About National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT of Delhi)

• Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal
• Governor: Vinai Kumar Saxena
• Wildlife Sanctuary: Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
• Festivals: Bhai Dooj Festival, Chhat Festival