India in 2025 stands at an important juncture where governance, welfare, culture, and public health are all simultaneously evolving. From constitutional powers vested in high offices to government‑backed welfare schemes, from cultural convergence across regions to fresh legislation aimed at strengthening health and security — the country is witnessing a gamut of initiatives shaping its future. This blog brings together four major developments — the powers of the President and Governor on bills, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 (KTS 4.0), and the newly introduced Health Security to National Security Cess Bill, 2025 — to offer a holistic snapshot of India’s trajectory in governance, livelihoods, culture and public welfare.
1. Powers of the President and Governor on a Bill
1.1 Role of the President in Passing Central Bills
At the national level, the President plays a crucial constitutional role in the legislative process. Under Article 111 of the Constitution, once both Houses of Parliament pass a bill (other than a Money Bill), the bill is presented to the President for assent. The President has the authority to give assent, withhold assent, or return the bill to Parliament for reconsideration (in case of non‑Money Bills).
In the case of a Money Bill, however, the President’s discretion is limited: once Parliament passes a Money Bill, the President cannot refuse or return it; only assent is possible.
Additionally, the President holds the power to promulgate ordinances under Article 123 when Parliament is not in session — a temporary legislative tool that has the force of law until Parliament reconvenes.
Therefore, the President’s powers ensure that central legislation — whether under normal parliamentary procedure or in emergencies (via ordinances) — is subject to a final constitutional check.
1.2 Role of the Governor in State Bills
At the state level, a similar — but distinct — role is played by the Governor. Under Article 200, once a bill is passed by a State Legislature, it is sent to the Governor. The Governor can give assent, withhold assent, return the bill (for reconsideration), or reserve the bill for the President’s consideration — particularly in cases where the bill may conflict with constitutional provisions or require central oversight.
If the State Legislature is not in session, the Governor can also promulgate ordinances under Article 213, which remain valid temporarily until the legislature reconvenes.
Through these constitutional provisions, the Governor acts as the constitutional link between the State and Centre — ensuring that state legislation aligns with national interest and constitutional mandates.
1.3 Key Differences Between the President and Governor’s Powers
Although both the President and Governor are constitutional authorities tasked with assent to bills, several key differences distinguish their powers, jurisdictions, and constraints. The table below summarizes these differences:
| Aspect | President (Central) | Governor (State) |
|---|---|---|
| Legislative assent | Can assent, withhold, or return a non‑Money Bill. For Money Bills, only assent. | Can assent, withhold, return, or reserve a bill for President’s assent. |
| Ordinance-making power | Under Article 123, for Parliament when not in session. | Under Article 213, for State Legislature when not in session. |
| Scope and jurisdiction | Applicable to all central laws and legislation affecting Union subjects / overall national laws | Applicable only within state legislative matters; may reserve for President if constitutional issues arise |
| Final oversight in certain cases | Direct decision-maker for central legislation and ordinances | Can refer potentially contentious or constitutionally sensitive bills to President (i.e. Centre) for final decision |
Important to note: The constitutional distinction ensures federal balance — state legislations are subject to state governance via Governors, while central laws rest with Parliament and the President.
Recent jurisprudence has reaffirmed that courts cannot impose arbitrary timelines on the President or Governors to dispose of bills — preserving their constitutional discretion.
2. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
2.1 Overview of PMMSY
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship welfare scheme launched by the Government of India under the broader agenda of “Blue Revolution” and sustainable fisheries development. The aim is to transform India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector through modernization, infrastructure development, value‑chain strengthening, and livelihood generation.
PMMSY is being implemented across all States and Union Territories. The scheme involves a comprehensive funding plan: a mix of Central Sector components and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) components shared between Center, States and beneficiaries.
Major interventions under PMMSY include development of fisheries infrastructure (landing centres, cold storage, ice‑plants), support for aquaculture and inland fisheries, modernisation of fishing vessels, supply of boats and nets to traditional fishers, and promoting ornamental fish, seaweed cultivation, post‑harvest value addition, fish markets, e‑marketing platforms etc.
2.2 Objectives and Key Features
The key objectives and features of PMMSY outline an ambitious roadmap for the fisheries sector:
Increase fish production: Raise total fish production significantly (from previous baselines) via improved aquaculture, better seeds, diversified species, and productivity enhancements.
Reduce post‑harvest losses: By improving storage, cold‑chain infrastructure, and value‑addition processes, reduce losses that historically ranged between 20–25%, aiming to bring them down to around 10%.
Boost exports and income: By modernizing fisheries value chain and improving quality and output, the scheme aims to double export earning from seafood products and uplift the income of fishers and fish‑farmers.
Generate employment: Provision of 55 lakh (5.5 million) direct and indirect employment opportunities across fisheries and allied sectors.
Support small and micro enterprises: Through access to institutional credit, incentives, formalization of the unorganized fisheries sector, promotion of micro and small enterprises via performance‑based grants and support.
Promote sustainability and quality: Encouraging ecosystem‑friendly practices, quality assurance systems, aquaculture insurance to manage risks, and standardization to improve safety and hygiene in fish products.
Funding of PMMSY combines central assistance and support from state governments and beneficiaries. For instance, in central sector components, the center may bear entire cost; in other cases, support may be shared between center, state and beneficiary.
2.3 Impact on Fisheries and Livelihoods
PMMSY promises to transform the fisheries sector — economically, socially, and environmentally. Some of the anticipated and already observed impacts include:
Increased fish production and availability leading to better nutrition and food security, especially in inland and coastal communities.
Better livelihoods for fishers, farmers, workers and communities — with access to credit, formalization, infrastructure, and stable markets, enabling long‑term income growth and reduction in vulnerability.
Creation of employment and business opportunities not only in fishing but in allied sectors — processing, cold‑storage, packaging, transport, retail markets, value‑addition, and exports. This can uplift rural economies significantly.
Reduced post‑harvest losses and improved quality means consumers get safer, quality fish and fisheries products, enhancing trust in domestic supply and promoting India’s export competitiveness.
Empowerment of small enterprises and marginalized groups: Through targeted grants, support for SC/ST/women micro‑enterprises, enabling more inclusive growth in the fisheries sector.
Formalization of an otherwise unorganized sector: Bringing fishers and allied workers under digital registration, access to social security, institutional credit and better integration into formal supply chains.
Overall, PMMSY serves as a major lever for rural development, upliftment of fishing communities, and strengthening India’s Blue Economy.
3. Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0
3.1 Introduction to Kashi Tamil Sangamam
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a government‑sponsored cultural and educational exchange initiative launched in 2022. Its core objective is to rediscover and celebrate the ancient civilisational and cultural ties between the sacred city Varanasi (Kashi) in Uttar Pradesh, and the southern state of Tamil Nadu, thereby fostering national unity through cultural exchange.
The fourth edition — Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 — began on 2nd December 2025, organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, with academic and institutional partners including Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and IIT Madras / IIT (BHU).
The 2025 programme has been designed around the theme “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam”, symbolizing linguistic exchange, cultural understanding, and building bridges between North and South India.
3.2 Cultural Significance and Activities
KTS 4.0 is more than a symbolic gesture; it encompasses a variety of activities aimed at immersive cultural exchange and education. Some of the main features and events under this edition include:
Delegates from Tamil Nadu — comprising students, teachers, writers, artisans, spiritual scholars and professionals — visiting Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya, exploring heritage sites, temples and knowledge institutions.
An exhibition by the Central Bureau of Communication showcasing iconic cultural figures from both Kashi and Tamil Nadu, reflecting shared heritage, arts, literature and reform movements.
Pre‑event cultural and educational activities — rangoli/poster making, art competitions, folk performances, temple visits, workshops — designed to familiarise participants with cultural commonalities and foster mutual respect.
Language‑learning efforts: under the “Learn Tamil” theme, schools and colleges in Varanasi will have Tamil classes conducted by visiting Tamil Nadu teachers — promoting linguistic exchange and national integration.
As noted by leaders at the inauguration, KTS 4.0 aims to become not just an event but a public movement that reinforces India’s multicultural identity and unity.
3.3 Promoting Unity in Diversity Through Language and Culture
Kashi Tamil Sangamam reflects a vision of unity through diversity — leveraging language, culture, spirituality and shared heritage to deepen national integration. Through immersive exposure, participants from different regions interact, share, and learn.
The theme “Learn Tamil–Tamil Karkalam” underscores the importance of linguistic pluralism, respect for India’s classical languages, and breaking regional silos.
By bringing students, teachers, artisans, scholars together from across the country, the initiative fosters cultural empathy, national identity, and a pan‑Indian sense of belonging.
Through visits to temples, heritage sites, educational institutes and cultural spaces in Kashi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya, the delegates experience India’s diverse spiritual and civilisational heritage firsthand.
Such cultural exchange initiatives have long-term potential — building bridges between regions, reducing stereotypes, enriching linguistic and cultural awareness, promoting tourism, and enhancing national unity.
Thus, KTS 4.0 is a significant step towards nurturing an India where regional diversity becomes a source of collective strength, shared identity, and mutual respect.
4. Health Security and Preparedness: The 2025 Bill
4.1 Purpose and Importance of the Bill
In the context of global health emergencies and increasing concerns over public health security, the Indian government introduced a new legislation in 2025 — the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025. The Bill proposes to levy a dedicated cess on the production of certain specified goods (for example, pan masala and similar products) to generate additional revenue that will be earmarked for public health initiatives and national security preparedness.
The fundamental purpose of the Bill is to augment resources for health infrastructure, emergency response capabilities, preventive care, and national security measures — especially vital in an era marked by pandemics, cross-border threats, and evolving security challenges.
By creating a dedicated fund through cess collection, the legislation seeks to ensure that health and security expenditures are not hampered by general fiscal constraints — enabling a more robust, targeted, and sustainable approach to future crises.
4.2 Key Provisions for Health Security
Some of the major provisions and features of the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 include:
Levy of cess on specific manufacturing activities: The cess will be imposed on machines or production processes used to manufacture or pack specified goods. For machine-based production, cess rates are tied to machine capacity (e.g. speed of pouch filling) and packing weight; for manual production, a fixed monthly cess per factory will apply.
Monthly self‑assessment and returns: Taxable persons must register, assess the cess, and file monthly returns. Non-payment or delay will attract interest and penalties.
Dedicated funding use: Revenue collected via the cess will be channelled for public health preparedness, national security expenditure, emergency response systems, and associated health infrastructure — ensuring earmarked and transparent resource allocation.
Oversight, audit and compliance mechanisms: The Bill envisages inspection powers, audit and verification, and penalty provisions to handle non‑compliance, fraud or evasion — thereby strengthening accountability.
Effectively, the Bill aims to formalize a funding mechanism that ensures India remains prepared for future health crises — pandemics, epidemics, or other emergencies — with dedicated financial backing.
4.3 Implications for Public Health Preparedness
The introduction of the Health Security cess Bill has multiple long-term implications for Indian public health and national security preparedness:
Enhanced fiscal capacity for health infrastructure: With dedicated funds, India can invest in hospitals, diagnostic facilities, disease surveillance systems, medical research, vaccine development, emergency stockpiles, and readiness for future health emergencies.
Sustainable funding model for emergencies: Instead of relying only on ad‑hoc allocations during crises — as seen during pandemics — the cess fund provides a continuous and predictable revenue stream for health and security needs.
Strengthening regulation of harmful products: By targeting manufacturing of goods deemed harmful — such as pan masala — the Bill aligns public health objectives with fiscal and regulatory policies, potentially discouraging production and consumption of such products.
Boosting national security and public health synergies: Given growing global uncertainties — be it pandemics or cross‑border threats — integrated allocation for both health security and national security becomes critical; this Bill attempts to bridge that gap.
Potential for transparency and accountability: With earmarked funds, oversight, and mandated compliance, it becomes easier to track resource utilization, ensure targeted spending, and build public trust in health & security institutions.
While critics may raise concerns about burden on manufacturers or consumers, the long-term public interest — in safeguarding health and security — could make this legislation a pivotal step in reinforcing India’s preparedness.
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