The government has lined up several legislative Bills for consideration during the Monsoon Session of Parliament which begins on Monday. The Finance Ministry will move the first Supplementary Demands for Grants for the fiscal year which will enable the government to prioritise resources, given that the pandemic has hit finances.

Addressing an all-party meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for meaningful discussions in both Houses during the session.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is ready for discussion on any topic under the rules.

The session, which will continue till August 13, will see 19 sittings of both the Houses and 31 Government business items (including 29 Bills and two financial items) being taken up. Among the new Bills, three will replace the ordinance — promulgated after the Budget session. These include the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021, the Essential Defence Service Bill, 2021 and the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021.

The Bill related to defence may create ruckus in the House as it intends to empower the Centre to regulate uninterrupted supply of arms, ammunitions and other goods and services to the Armed Forces in case of strike against the decision to corporatise the Ordnance Factories. However, the House could be unanimous on a Bill to amend the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act.

Opposition meets

Meanwhile, the Opposition is expected to raise fuel prices and overall inflation rate in a big way. The Opposition leaders held an informal meeting and decided to raise issues such as farmers’ protests, price rise and attacks on freedom of individuals. Prices of petrol have increased to more than ₹100 a litre in many parts of the country. Overall retail inflation based on Consumer Price Index remained over six per cent in June, the second month in succession.

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