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Government draws timetable for passage of Budgets by April 25

Even as the standoff in Parliament on the Tehelka issue continued, the government on Thursday chalked out a time-table for passage of General and Railway Budgets by April 25. But Congress made it clear that its co-operation was subject to setting up of a JPC, an indication for which should come by Friday.

At a Business Advisory Committee meeting of Lok Sabha, chaired by Speaker G M C Balayogi, it was decided to take up the Railway Budget on Friday and the Finance Bill on April 25.

Sources said the House would take up discussions on demands for Grants for Rural Development and Divestment ministries on April 23 and 24. The House will apply guillotine at 1800 hrs (IST) on April 24, according to the schedule.

Though there was unanimity on the schedule, Congress said as far as the party was concerned it was "provisional" and subject to government agreeing to a JPC, party sources said adding that a firm indication should come by 1200 hrs (IST) Friday.

However, NDA sources indicated that the government was not likely to accept the demand for a JPC.

Later, talking to reporters Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan appealed to Congress to put on hold their demand for a JPC for at least four days and allow the House to pass the important financial business.

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