Addressing floor leaders of parties in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha here today, ahead of Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that for preserving the institution of Democracy in India, it is important that all Political Parties support the Government to conduct business in both the Houses of the Parliament without disruption and constructive discussion takes place on issues of national importance. Prime Minister, in one voice with the leaders of all parties, also asserted that all Political Parties stand united to ensure nation’s safety and security, after such concerns were raised by many leaders on recent developments.The Prime Minister expressed gratitude towards all Parties for supporting the Government in bringing historic economic reforms like preponing of Budget Session of Parliament and bringing in Goods and Services Tax. Shri Modi informed all the leaders that due to preponing Budget by a month, there would be a balanced nature of capital expenditure profile in this financial year. Already 30% of total expenditure and 49% expenditure in infrastructure sector has taken place before the monsoon has started, which is a huge achievement and would bring fiscal prudence in capital expenditure in future. Bringing in of GST regime, with support of all parties, has strengthened the Federal structure of Government and brought about economic solidarity in the country, Shri Modi added.
The Prime Minister mentioned that highest level of dignity has been maintained in the whole process of Presidential Election till now and no situation of any bitterness surfaced among the Political Parties. All Parties should be commended for that and each party must ensure that all MPs and MLAs participate in the President’ election and no vote is wasted, Shri Modi said. The Prime Minister also urged all leaders to achieve consensus on celebrating 75th anniversary of Quit India Movement on 9th August in both Houses of Parliament.Prime Minister urged all parties to extend their support to the Government in fighting corruption and the issue of communal violence in the name of Cow protection. Shri Modi said that State Governments must ensure the maintenance of law and order and strict action must be taken against those who break the law. Prime Minister also expressed deep concern for the floods in North Eastern States of India and assured all leaders that the Government is is fully informed on the situation on the ground and taking all steps to reduce the suffering of people.A host of issues were brought up by the leaders of parties during the meeting.
There was a consensus across party lines on ensuring smooth functioning of the Parliament without disruptions and deadlocks to be resolved through constructive discussions in both the Houses. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar, later briefing media persons said that the Government has requested all parties, especially the opposition, for their co-operation for the smooth functioning of the House. The Minister informed that all parties were in favour of a productive Monsoon session. The Government is always ready to discuss on the floor of the House, any issue as permitted under Rules of Procedure, he added.Shri Kumar further informed that the Monsoon Session, 2017 of Parliament is scheduled to be held from Monday, the 17th July, 2017, and subject to exigencies of Government Business, the Session may conclude on Friday, the 11th August, 2017. The Minister said that the Session will provide a total of 19 sittings spread over a period of 26 days including four Private Members’ days. Further, 21 Bills are pending in Lok Sabha while 42 Bills are pending in Rajya Sabha, he added.