Search the Internet          Tips  Sites: Finance, Investment

Budget session likely to be cut short

A move is on to conclude the budget session of Parliament by April-end, nearly two weeks ahead of its scheduled adjournment, in view of assembly elections in five states.

A suggestion to this effect was made by some parties at a meeting convened by Speaker G M C Balayogi on Monday.

According to sources, government is not averse to the idea provided the House completes crucial legislative business like the Finance Bill and Railway Budget, which have to be passed before May 14.

The government is of the view that if the session is cut short it should be adjourned sine die, though some Opposition parties want trifurcation of the session so that the House meets again after the assembly polls. As of now, the session is scheduled to end on May 11.

Sources said none of the political parties present at the meeting opposed the suggestion to cut short the session.

The NDA, barring DMK, does not have much stake in the May 10 elections in five states -- Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry, but for the Congress and the Left it would be a crucial poll.

When asked if the session would be cut short keeping in view the demand made by some Opposition parties, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan said, "When there is consensus on any issue, the government does not oppose."

However, he said any decision on the matter would be taken at a business advisory committee meeting which is likely to be held later on Monday to discuss various issues, including the deadlock caused by the Tehelka expose.

Meanwhile, on the Tehelka expose, which paralysed the functioning of Parliament for ten days in the first leg of the session, the Opposition has thrown the ball in the government's court saying it was "their responsibility" to run the House.

The Opposition said it was not its intention to disrupt proceedings in the Lok Sabha but government had equal responsibility and should respond suitably, sources said adding that all the parties wanted the House to function.

The government said at the meeting that it was open to a discussion on any issue and under any rule, which would be decided by the Speaker.

Balayogi urged the leaders to ensure smooth functioning of the House, particularly in view of important legislative business.

Mahajan said he was hopeful of the smooth functioning of the House.

Tell us what you think of this report