Date:16/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101657461400.htm

National

‘Session can be cut short if there is consensus’

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the upcoming Parliament session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on Wednesday said the government was keen on carrying on as per schedule till November 21, but was open to cutting it short in view of the Assembly elections if all political parties arrive at a consensus.

Addressing a press conference here on the eve of the second part of the 14th session of the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister’s response to a question on whether the session would be cut short was: “It is for leaders of political parties to decide. As far as the government is concerned, we are serious about Parliament and want to go ahead with the business that has been listed.”

Last session?

As to whether this would be the last session of Parliament during the 14th Lok Sabha, Mr. Ravi said: “The government is willing to have another session but I can’t predict.”

29 Bills listed

In all, 29 Bills have been listed for introduction of which 13 will be taken up for consideration and passing in this session itself.

These include two Bills — the Employees State Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2008, and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2008 — to replace ordinances.