In an effort to take the Opposition on board during the Budget Session of Parliament, the Government is calling an all-party meet on February 22, on the eve of commencement of the Session and working out its strategy to maximise the output “in the short time” available for key legislations.
“We will walk the talk…,” said Parliamentary Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and hoped that national agenda would prevail with all the parties extending constructive cooperation to the Government. The luncheon meeting with the Opposition leaders is expected to be an exercise to iron out differences on the legislative business in Parliament.
According to sources, the Government is engaged in holding one-on-one dialogue with Opposition leaders. Consultation with the Congress to bring it onboard on important legislative business was underway, they said.
Post-Delhi poll results, the Opposition is expected to project its unified face to corner the Government and challenge it in both Houses of Parliament, particularly in Rajya Sabha where it is in a majority.
The Government will have barely four days to pass its important Bills as the Session, for a major part, will be engaged in passing Railway and General Budget (the first full-scale one by the Modi Government) followed by discussion on Motion of Thanks to the President for his address to Members of both the Houses and Financial business.
The General Budget will be presented on Saturday, February 28. Before that the Railway Budget will be presented on February 26 followed by the Economic Survey on February 27.
The Govenrment may have to wait longer to see passage of important Bills as Parliament will close for a recess on March 20 and will re-convene on April 20, sources said. The Session is to end on May 8.
The six important Ordinances with wide political significance are required to be replaced with Bills. These include the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Second Ordinance, 2014, the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Ordinance, 2014, the Insurance laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2014, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Ordinance, 2015; and the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2014 as passed by lok Sabha.
Goods and Services Tax (GST), a constitutional amendment Bill, is also awaiting Parliamentary approval. Over 20 Bills including those meant for replacement of Ordinances are ready for introduction and consideration and passing in coming Session.