MPs have their work cut out for the monsoon session....
Written by The Indian Express
2 min read
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As the monsoon session of Parliament commences today,it is an understatement to say that the UPA government has its basket not full,but overflowing. Part of the reason for the steep mountain of pending legislation is the fact that the government has failed to utilise the previous two sessions to even come close to fulfilling its legislative targets. Indeed,the treasury benches must take their share of the blame for the fact that of the 27 bills that were meant to be passed and the 64 to be introduced in the budget session,an abysmally low six have been passed while a mere 28 have been introduced. That should not give Parliament any reason to feel contented,let alone complacent.
Also part of the reason why Indias legislative engine has practically run aground is the conduct of the opposition. Walk-outs and obstructionism do not engender the civilised,rational debate that members are supposed to hold on important issues before the nation,which MPs are elected and paid for. At a deeper level it also misrepresents their role in deepening democracy and it feeds a dangerous cynicism about politics.
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There is enough on the agenda to keep the monsoon session hectic. The land acquisition amendment is captive to coalition politics,but its necessity cannot be overstated. The food security bill is likely to be re-drafted but should invite informed discussion. Then there is the judicial accountability bill. The HRD ministrys foreign universities and other bills are being examined by a standing committee. The standing committee looking into the nuclear liability bill is expected to submit its report on Tuesday. However,nobody would hazard a guess on the fate of the womens reservation bill. The volume of pending legislation is staggering,and past experience is not encouraging. Yet,if the treasury and opposition benches both inject some sobriety into the proceedings,the monsoon session can come good. For that,each days business from today has to count.
