Centre ready to discuss intolerance
Winter Session Of Parliament Begins Today; 22 Prioritized
Source: Hueiyen News Service / PIB

New Delhi, November 25 2015: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday stressed the "need for all political parties to work together to enable the Parliament function to the expectations of the people of the country".

Speaking at the Meeting of Leaders of All Parties and Groups in both Houses of Parliament, Prime Minister expressed happiness over leaders of various parties favouring smooth functioning of Parliament during the Winter session beginning on Thursday.

Prime Minister further said that Finance Minister Arun Jaitely is talking to leaders of different parties regarding GST Bill.

Referring to the Paris Conference on Climate Change to be held next month, Modi said that Minister of Environment, Forests & Climate Change Prakash Javdekar held discussions with various parties regarding climate change issues concerning the country and urged the parties to convey their suggestions and views if any, over the next two days.

In his opening remarks at the All Party Meet, Ministry of Parliament Affairs M Venkaiah Naidu said that though the Government does not share the perception that intolerance is on the rise in the country and some stray incidents that happened in recent weeks are in the domain of responsibility of state governments, central government would go with the opposition if they are keen to discuss the same in Parliament.

Naidu further said "We have come to power with a huge mandate of the people last year and we are conscious of the responsibility this mandate has placed on the Government towards enabling rapid development and enable the people fulfill their aspirations.

We are wise enough to appreciate that development is possible only in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

We have a vested interest in pursuing development and do not condone any incidents of intolerance" .

Noting that economic development is a work in progress irrespective of party in power, Shri Naidu said that passage of GST Bill is long over due and sought cooperation of opposition parties in this regard.

He said that Government would like to address the issues being raised by the Congress Party on the provisions of the GST Bill since introduction of GST would give a boost to economic and business development in the country.

Briefing media persons later Naidu said that the All Party Meet was held in a very cordial and meaningful way and raising the prospects of a productive Winter session.

He said that all the parties have overwhelmingly welcomed the two day Special sittings to discuss 'Commitment to the Constitution as part of the 125th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Dr B R Ambedkar".

Almost all the parties and particularly, the regional and small parties strongly desired smooth functioning of Parliament during Winter session for voicing their views and concerns, he said.

Naidu also stated that GST Bill found wide support in the meeting and the Congress Party too spoke in favour of the Bill.

Regarding the procedure to be followed during the two day discussion on Constitution, Naidu informed that Vice-President and Speaker will make opening remarks in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha respectively following which Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is also the Deputy Leader of the House initiate discussion in the Lower House while Finance Minister and Leader of the House would do so in Rajya Sabha.

Prime Minister will intervene towards the end of the discussion in both Houses, he said.

The Minister further informed that leaders of various parties suggested adoption of a Resolution at the end of discussion in both the Houses and draft Resolution on Commitment to the Constitution be formulated in consultation with all the parties and this will be discussed further.

Issues for discussion suggested by different parties include: Drought and heavy rains in different parts of the country; agrarian distress, declining industrial production and exports, Centre-State relations including extending financial support to states, Nepal issue, Womens' reservation, striking down of National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill etc.

Giving details of the Government Business f or the Winter session, Naidu said that in consultation with various ministries, 38 items have been identified of which 22 items have been prioritized.

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