Amid face-off over demonetization, govt to seek Oppn's help for passing of non-controversial bills

Halfway through the winter session of Parliament, the government is planning to reach out to Opposition parties for their cooperation in the passage of non-controversial bills, even as the face-off over demonetization has paralysed both Houses.

With just a fortnight to go before the session ends, government floor managers are likely to begin the exercise of talking to the Opposition parties on Monday to get some key legislative business of “public importance” completed. The agenda for the 22 sittings of the session, ending on December 16, had nearly 20 bills — nine new ones, including three related to GST, and 10 which were pending. None of these bills has been taken up in Parliament.

So far, only the Taxation Bill (Second Amendment), which was brought in the aftermath of demonetization has been passed in Lok Sabha, and that too without debate amidst the din.

“It is the duty of the Opposition to take up these matters of public importance. Crores of beneficiaries who are waiting are not able to avail these benefits just because the bills are not getting a nod from Parliament. I appeal to all political parties to come forward and allow passage of these bills that will directly benefit crores of people,” said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar.

Among the bills that the government is giving priority to are rights of persons with disabilities bill, covering 19 conditions as against seven stipulated in the Act, Maternity benefits bill seeking to increase leave from 12 to 26 weeks, Employees compensation bill and HIV/ AIDS prevention and control bill, which also aims at protecting those affected against discrimination. Other crucial legislations which are pending include the surrogacy, transgenders and enemy property bills.

The government is blaming the Opposition — which is demanding a debate on demonetization in Lok Sabha under a rule that entails voting, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence in Rajya Sabha — for the disruption in Parliament. In the war of nerves, the government is hoping to win the battle of perception by “exposing” the Opposition parties, especially Congress and TMC.

The Opposition parties will take a call on their strategy on Monday, sources said. Kumar said that the government wanted to discuss the Income Tax amendment bill at length in the Lok Sabha about it had given prior information to the opposition in the business advisory committee (BAC) but had to pass it in the din because opposition was not ready to take it up.