PM Narendra Modi attends 3 meetings to ensure smooth Winter Session of Parliament

In order to ensure smooth functioning of the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attended three crucial meetings — an all party meeting which was attended by top Opposition leaders, BJP Parliamentary meet, and finally a dinner for MPs belonging to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The Parliament is convening its last full-fledged session before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Tuesday. Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President M Venkiah Naidu also convened meeting of floor leaders of Upper House in his chamber to seek their cooperation for smooth conduct.

Reaching out to Opposition parties, PM Modi said the government was ready to discuss all issues as per rules and procedures and was open to the Opposition's inputs for better working of Parliament. "We are ready to discuss all issues raised by the Opposition. I hope that the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament will be fruitful and constructive. I look forward to receiving the support of all parties. If needed, we will pass important Bills till late evening,'' the PM said.

Asked if the government was ready for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe in the Rafale fighter jets deal, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the Opposition had several issues including Rafale, farmers' plight and economy "but they would have to prioritise things" as the session was only four-weeks long. "These things can be settled in the Business Advisory Meetings," he added.

The minister further said that a legislation on Ram Mandir was "not the topic of today's discussion". He said the government had 46 items on the agenda including three ordinances, Supplementary Budget and government legislations.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu also urged the leaders of all parties to ensure a productive session. According to Rajya Sabha secretariat, it was agreed that both the sides will address each other's concern while allocating time for the legislative and other business in the meeting, which will be decided at the Business Advisory Committee meeting scheduled to meet on Wednesday.

Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad told the meeting that functioning of the House was in the interest of the Opposition, as it was only forum available to them to reach out to people by raising issues. He asked for equitable allocation of time for the government's legislative business and the issues to be raised by the Opposition.

Important Pending Legislations 

The Consumer Protection Bill 2018, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill 2018, DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018, Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2018 and National Medical Commission Bill 2017 are set to be taken up during the Winter Session.