All-party meet ahead of Parliament's Winter Session today

New Delhi, Nov 17: Amid indications of a stormy Winter Session of Parliament, an all-party meeting has been convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Thursday to ensure that the sittings are held smoothly.

The session commences on November 22 and ends on December 21.

The Monsoon Session earlier this year had failed to transact much official business despite heavy government agenda in the wake of the Opposition interruptions on several issues.

Opposition parties are preparing to raise a number of issues triggering apprehension that the session could be tumultuous.

The issues of corruption (particularly the 2G scam), black money and rising prices are expected to put the government on the backfoot.

Apart from these, protests over statehood for Telangana, economic blockade in Manipur and legislations like the food security bill, land acquisition bill, communal violence bill and the government's dealings with Pakistan are also expected to be raised by the Opposition.

Ahead of the session, the government has, however, said that it is ready for a thorough discussion on all the issues. "I will earnestly appeal to the Opposition to cooperate with the government in carrying out of the official business," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said.

Noting that discussion is the essence of democracy, he said, "We must use to the fullest every minute of Parliament time... I see no reason why Parliament should not run smoothly."

Besides the Lokpal Bill, the government plans to bring in 30 other measures during the month-long session for consideration and passing.

Prominent among the measures are the Whistleblowers Bill, Judicial Accountability Bill, Women's Reservation Bill, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Bill, and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill.

Other key bills that are scheduled to be introduced in the session are the National Food Security bill, Prevention of Money Laundering (amendment) bill, the Electronic Delivery of Services bill, the Companies bill and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority Bill.

PTI