In a major step to reform the power sector, the much-delayed Electricity Bill was approved by Parliament after Rajya Sabha passed it on Monday incorporating several recommendations of the Parliamentary standing committee.

The Bill passed by Lok Sabha on April 9 was approved by the Rajya Sabha by a voice vote after Congress withdrew its amendments.

The Left party members, however, staged a walkout after all 108 amendments moved by CPI(M) member Jibon Roy were negated. On three occasions, Roy pressed for divisions which were defeated.

Congress members withdrew their amendments after power minister Anant Geethe assured the house that he would bring a comprehensive bill in the next session to incorporate remaining unanimous recommendations of the standing committee.

He said the bill that would provide open access to private players in distribution and transmission of power in the country had incorporated 80 per cent of the recommendations.