The government is likely to retain various contentious provisions in the new Companies Bill, like fixed term for independent directors and rotation of auditors every five years, despite concerns raised by industry. In thefinal draft of Companies Bill 2011, the Corporate Affairs Ministry is learnt to have fixed the term for independent directors to six consecutive years, while the company beyond specific amount of paid-up capital will be required to have at least one-third of the total number of directors as independent directors.

Although the provision for rotation of auditors was approved by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance that had earlier scrutinised the Bill, it did not find favour with the industry, which said the rotation of audit firms would not serve any purpose.

However, meeting the industry demands, the government has removed the proposed cap on subsidiaries for a manufacturing company, but keeping the same for its investment arms.

This means, a manufacturing company can have more than one subsidiary while the investment arm will be restricted to create only one subsidiary.

The industry has been asking the government not to do away with the pyramid structure as it was essential for growth of business and diversification into different areas.

The Companies Bill 2009, which will replace a half-a-century old Act, is expected to be brought before Parliament for consideration and passage in the the ongoing session, after it got the Union Cabinet’s nod.

If passed, the bill will protect the rights of minority shareholders, bring about responsible self-regulation with adequate disclosure and accountability, and lesser government control over internal corporate processes.

The Companies Bill (2008), which lapsed with the dissolution of the 14th Lok Sabha, was reintroduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2009. Subsequently, in August 2010 the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance gave its report after examining the provisions of the law