New Delhi: Leaders cutting across party lines on Friday agreed to put an end to disruptions in Parliament from Monday, paving way for some legislative business to be taken up in whatever time there is left in the current session. Around six to eight bills stuck in the Rajya Sabha could finally see some discussions and approval.
The contentious Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, however, shall not be taken up for discussions. Other bills such as the SC and ST Bill and appropriation bills, which are crucial for the release of salaries and finding of projects, are expected to be passed during the current session.
The consensus to allow the Rajya Sabha to function was arrived at during an all-party meeting called by Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Hamid Ansari. The meeting was in wake of repeated disruptions, particularly by the Congress party, that have held crucial reform measures at ransom.
Sources told India TV that the Oppostion has assured the government of all support in the passage of "six to eight bills" that have not been taken up in the Upper House due to the continuing logjam.
The Opposition is also believed to have agreed to sit till late at night, if need be, to enable passage of Bills during the remaining three days of the Winter Session of Parliament.
"Why can't you allow questions? How can you deny other members the privilege of asking questions?" a visibly furious Ansari had said in the house on Thursday amid a huge ruckus in the Rajya Sabha.
PM Narendra Modi later called upon the Vice President, and is said to have hinted to Ansari that he must initiate stern action against those disrupting the house. The PM's meeting with Ansari followed an ugly exchange between Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien and Trinamool Congress member Sukhendu Sekhar Roy.
The current session of Parliament draws to a close on Wednesday, December 23. The government needs support from the Opposition for the passage of crucial bills in the Rajya Sabha, where it is in hopeless majority.
