Lok Sabha passes GST (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017

On December 27, 2017, Lok Sabha passed the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017.

Background Information and Key provisions:

• This amendment bill seeks to increase maximum rate at which compensation cess on the entry relating to certain category of motor vehicles is being collected by the states. 
• It applies to motor vehicles for transport of not more than 13 persons (mostly luxury vehicles), including the driver.
• The amendment bill seeks to increase maximum rate from 15 to 25%.
• Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has stated that this amendment Bill would replace the ordinance which was promulgated in September 2017.

Parliament passes Indian Institute of Petroleum & Energy Bill, 2017

On December 27, 2017, Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill (IIPE), 2017. Lok Sabha had already passed this bill in August 2017.

Background Information and Key Provisions:

• IIPE is being setup at Sabbavaram Mandal in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.
• Aim of IIPE is to provide high quality education and research on the themes of petroleum, hydrocarbons and energy.
• Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) Bill, 2017, declares IIPE as an institution of national importance.
• The bill establishes the authorities of the institute, composition of authorities, powers of authorities and funding pattern for managing the institute.

Lok Sabha passes bill to protect unauthorised Delhi colonies

On December 2017, Lok Sabha passed National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to extend the deadline of a law to protect slums and unauthorised colonies in Delhi.

Background Information and Key Provisions:

The bill has granted immunity to slums and some unauthorised constructions until December 31, 2020. Current immunity under National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill, 2014, passed by Parliament in December 2014 was set to expire on December 31, 2017.

• National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha by Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on December 23, 2017.
• This immunity prevents any punitive action till a framework for orderly arrangements are in place.