New Delhi, Nov 18, TEN Network | As the Winter Session of Parliament began today, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha paid tribute to former Union ministers Arun Jaitley and Ram Jethmalani — and former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.
Ahead of the commencement of the session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a crucial time and hoped that this takes India’s journey forward. Amid reports that the Opposition will raise concerns over the economic slowdown, farm distress and the political situation in Kashmir, PM Modi said the government is open to discussion on all issues.
To mark the landmark 250th session of Rajya Sabha, the Upper House will hold a special discussion on its role in Indian polity and the need for reforms. In Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will move the Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
Adding that the government is open to holding discussions on all issues, Modi said, ” In the past few days I had the opportunity to meet leaders of almost all political parties. The last session was phenomenal due to the support of and active participation of all MPs, that is an achievement of not only the govt or the treasury bench but the entire Parliament. We want frank discussions on all matters. It is important that there should be quality debates and discussions. Everyone should contribute to enriching the discussions in Parliament.”
Among the key bills to be discussed this session is the Citizenship Amendment Bill, which the government was unable to pass in its previous tenure. As per the PRS Legislative Research, about 35 legislations, including the crucial Industrial Relations Code, will be taken up during the session. (TIE)
