The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi giving statement to the media ahead of Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on February 23, 2015. The Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Rajiv Pratap Rudy and the Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi are also seen.
- All Party Meet on ensuing Budget Sessions
- Leaders welcome Prime Minister’s statement on religious freedom
New Delhi (PIB-GR-TYP-BIN): Leaders of several parties called for smooth functioning of Parliament Sessions at All Party Meet on ensuing Budget Sessions. Over thirty leaders from both the Houses of Parliament expressed their views with most of them highlighting the need for smooth functioning of Parliament to enable discussion on all issues of concern both for the Government and the Opposition.
Issues suggested for discussion during the ensuing Budget session by leaders of different parties include, agrarian crisis, safety and security of women, espionage issue, communal harmony, free academic environment, passing on the benefit of declining international oil prices to public, Swine Flu outbreak, Election reforms, price rise, natural calamities, development of North-East, reservation for women in legislatures.
Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mr. Mallikarjuna Kharge said, ‘Parliamentary democracy is all about deciding on issues through discussion. Different parties will convey their views on Ordinances and other issues whenever taken up’.
Leader of Nationalist Congress Party Mr. Sharad Pawar said, ‘Budget session is important and we need to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament’.
BJD leader Mr. Bhartruhari Mahtab noted, ‘There has been undue focus on the Ordinances in the media in general while it should have been on the Budget and economic issues. We need to focus on budget issues. We want both the Houses to function smoothly and decide on major issues. Efforts shall be made to move forward on important issues through rapprochement’.
Leaders of different parties from Tamil Nadu suggested that during the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister to Sri Lanka, a conducive atmosphere may be created for protecting the rights of Tamil fishermen and Tamils in Sri Lanka.
People’s representatives from Andhra Pradesh sought necessary action for fulfilling the assurances given to the state in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act including the Special Status and Special Package for the state. TRS leaders also spoke of the need for doing the needful for the state of Telangana.
Leaders from North-East suggested that they be given sufficient time in both the Houses putting aside the principle of time allocation based on numerical strength.
Several leaders have welcomed Prime Minister’s recent statement on religious freedom and right to promote one’s religion and his call for respecting all religions.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu later said that the all-party meet concluded on a very positive note and thanked the leaders for their views and suggestions.
(Courtesy: PIB)