New Delhi, July 18
Ahead of an expectedly stormy Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sought the cooperation of the leaders of all political parties, expressing hope that the session will run smoothly and complete its work.
Speaking at the all-party leaders meeting called by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi, PM Modi said “MPs have given valuable suggestions and there should be a meaningful discussion in both the Houses”.
He also assured that efforts will be made to implement the suggestions collectively.
According to a statement issued by the government, the prime minister said that issues concerning the people should be raised in amicable manner and the government given opportunity to respond to these discussions.
The prime minister said that it is the responsibility of all to create such a conducive environment. MPs truly know the ground level situations, and hence their participation in the discussions enrich the decision-making process, he said.
Meanwhile, the government’s legislative agenda for the session includes 31 business items — 29 Bills and two financial items. They include six legislations to replace the Ordinances, including the contentious Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021.
With the Opposition gearing up to corner the ruling BJP-led NDA government on a host of issues, including the rise in petrol and diesel prices, the alleged Covid-19 mismanagement, vaccine deficiency, “assault on federal structure” and farmers agitation, the stage is set for an expectedly stormy session which will also judge the performance of the new ministers in PM Modi’s council of ministers.
A day before, a series of meetings, including the all-parties leaders meeting were held in the national capital to build consensus and seek the cooperation of the opposition to run the session smoothly.
Union minister Joshi assured that the government is ready for discussion on any topic under the rules. Seeking the cooperation of all the parties in the smooth running of the Houses, he called for a structured debate on the issues.
Opposition parties, specifically the Congress and the TMC, have been relentlessly criticising the government over the issues.
Leaders of 33 political parties including Congress, TMC, DMK, YSRCP, Shiv Sena, JDU, BJD, SP, TRS, AIDMK, BSP, NCP, TDP, Akali Dal, RJD, AAP, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, AJSU, RLP, RSP, MDMK, Tamil Maanila Congress, Kerala Congress, JMM, MNF, RPI, NPF participated in the meeting.
Later Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also met floor leaders of the Lower House of the Parliament.
Such meetings are customary before every session of the Parliament to ensure its smooth proceedings.
Six Bills to replace Ordinances
The Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2021.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021
The Essential Defence Service Bill, 2021
The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2021
The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
Discussions
Discussions
