Parliament Focus: New Bill Seeks to End the Culture of "Always-On" Work

In a move that resonates with millions of corporate employees across the country, a significant proposal was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Friday aimed at safeguarding personal time. The "Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025," introduced by NCP MP Supriya Sule, seeks to give employees the legal right to ignore work-related communications once their shift is over.

Restoring Work-Life Balance

The core objective of the Right to Disconnect Bill is to establish an Employees’ Welfare Authority. If passed, this legislation would empower workers to refuse calls, emails, or messages from their employers outside of official working hours and during holidays. The bill addresses the growing issue of digital burnout, where technology has blurred the lines between professional duties and personal life.

It is important to note that this was introduced as a "Private Member’s Bill." Unlike government bills, these are proposed by individual MPs to highlight pressing issues. While they rarely become law without government backing - often being withdrawn after a ministerial response - they play a crucial role in sparking national debate on vital subjects.

Other Key Bills Introduced

Friday's session in the Lok Sabha saw a flurry of legislative proposals addressing various social and legal issues beyond employee rights:

• Menstrual Leave: Two separate bills focused on women's health were introduced. Congress MP Kadiyam Kavya tabled the Menstrual Benefits Bill, 2024, proposing better workplace facilities. Simultaneously, LJP MP Shambhavi Choudhary proposed legislation to secure paid menstrual leave for both working women and students, along with better access to hygiene products.
• NEET Exemption: Congress MP Manickam Tagore introduced a contentious bill seeking to exempt Tamil Nadu from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions. This follows the state government’s recent move to approach the Supreme Court on the matter.
• Death Penalty and Press Freedom: DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi advocated for the abolition of the death penalty, citing previous Law Commission recommendations. Additionally, Independent MP Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil introduced a bill aimed at preventing violence against journalists and protecting their property.

As these bills enter the parliamentary record, the spotlight remains firmly on the discussion surrounding employee rights and the modern need to disconnect.