Monsoon session begins today, 29 Bills on agenda

Vibha Sharma

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Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 18

With the monsoon session beginning tomorrow expected to be stormy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sought cooperation of leaders of all political parties while expressing hope that the session would run smoothly and complete its work.

Speaking at an all-party meeting called by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, Modi said, “MPs have given valuable suggestions and there should be meaningful discussions in both Houses.” He also said efforts would be made to implement suggestions collectively.

According to a statement issued by the government, the Prime Minister said issues concerning people should be raised in an amicable manner. The government’s agenda for the session includes 31 business items — 29 Bills and two financial items. These consist of six legislations to replace ordinances. With the Opposition gearing up to corner the government on a host of issues, including the rise in petrol and diesel prices, Covid-19 “mismanagement”, vaccine deficiency, “assault on federal structure” and farmers’ agitation, the stage is set for a stormy session, which will also judge the performance of the new ministers in PM Modi’s Council of Ministers.

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Joshi said the government was ready for a discussion on any topic. Seeking cooperation of all parties in the smooth running of the Houses, he called for a structured debate on issues. Opposition parties, specifically the Congress and the TMC, have been relentlessly criticising the government. Meanwhile, Opposition parties have objected to the government’s offer for PM’s joint address to MPs on Covid at the Parliament annexe, saying this would be “highly irregular” at a time when Parliament would be in session and it would “bypass” norms.

Six Bills to replace ordinances

• Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation & Conditions of Service) Bill
• Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill
• Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Bill
• Essential Defence Service Bill
• Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill
• Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill

Adjournment motions

Congress MPs from Punjab will move adjournment motions in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Monday to demand the repeal of the farm laws. Rajya Sabha MP Partap Bajwa will give the notice in the Upper House.

Oppn opposes PM’s address at Parl annexe

The Opposition has objected to the government’s offer for PM’s joint address to MPs on Covid at the Parliament annexe, saying this would be “highly irregular” at a time when Parliament would be in session and it would “bypass” norms.