Birla urges consensus

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Sunday appealed to all parties to extend their full cooperation to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the proceedings so that issues concerning people can be discussed comprehensively and productively.

Chairing a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), Birla also emphasised the importance of constructive deliberations, meaningful participation and adherence to the highest parliamentary traditions.

The Speaker appealed to all parties to cooperate for a smooth and orderly session so that issues concerning people can be discussed in a comprehensive and productive manner, an official aware of the deliberations of the meeting said. Birla also invited representatives from all political parties to the Lok Sabha to put forward their views on issues of public interest.

At the meeting, members representing the Government and the opposition parties exchanged their views on the legislative and other businesses proposed to be taken up during the session. The members also suggested several matters of public importance and national concern for discussion during the course of the session. The BAC took note of the suggestions.

The scheduling of discussions and allocation of time for various items of business will be finalised in accordance with the established parliamentary procedures and in consultation with the Government and leaders of the opposition parties, another official said. The Speaker expressed confidence that all members would work collectively to ensure a productive and dignified Monsoon Session in the larger public interest.

After the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said important bills that have been submitted by the Government have been allocated time. “The opposition has also made some suggestions, which we have noted. We have appealed to the opposition that when Parliament meets tomorrow morning, there should be no turmoil. If the opposition does not create turmoil, some bills will be taken up for discussion tomorrow,” Rijiju said. Some bills are ready to be introduced, for which time has been allocated, the minister said.

Deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, said the opposition has clearly conveyed that it will offer constructive participation and support for the Government’s bills, but in return, it expects the Government to demonstrate its moral responsibility and provide answers on critical public issues.

Among others, the BAC meeting was attended by rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.