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As confidence vote looms, govt has reform list ready for winter session

Despite threats from Mamata Banerjee’s TMC to move a no-confidence motion against the UPA government and Left’s unusual bonhomie with the BJP to force a voting on the issue of FDI in multi retail, the UPA government seems confident of a fruitful winter session and has prepared a packed list of reform oriented legislations for…

Despite threats from Mamata Banerjee’s TMC to move a no-confidence motion against the UPA government and Left’s unusual bonhomie with the BJP to force a voting on the issue of FDI in multi retail, the UPA government seems confident of a fruitful winter session and has prepared a packed list of reform oriented legislations for passing and introduction in Parliament.

In all, 25 legislations, including the controversial Insurance laws Amendment Bill, PFRDA Bill and Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, have been put up for consideration and passing by Parliament, while another 10 have been slated for introduction.

The important economic agenda for the winter session beginning November 22 includes amendment to the Insurance Bill to raise the foreign direct investment cap from 26% to 49%. The government has pushed for increasing the cap on insurance despite the issue evading consensus in the Parliamentary Stranding Committee on finance.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, Banking Laws Amendment Bill, Companies Bill, Prevention of Money Laundering Bill, the Forward Contracts (Regulation) Amendment Bill are among those that needs Parliamentary approval urgently to take forward the recent reform initiatives of the government. The Land Acquisition Bill, which seeks to make it easier for industry to mobilise land for projects, is also slated to be discussed and passed during the session.

Amidst speculations whether the opposition would allow the house function or this session would be a washout too, Parliamentary affairs Minister Kamal Nath said, ?I had a meeting with the Chief whips of all political parties today. It will be our sincere effort to have a constructive winter session.?

Asked on the threat its former ally TMC poses by bringing the no confidence motion in parliament Nath said. ?It is first time in my 32 year old career as a Parliamentarian that a party with 19 members is moving no confidence motion. The government is confident of its numbers and would prove it on the floor of the house when need be.? Support of 50 MPs is required to bring in a no confidence motion.

However, sailing through comfortably during the winter session could be a tough task for the government. The entire monsoon session of Parliament was a washout as Opposition parties refused to let Parliament function seeking resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue coal scam and corruption in the government.

With just 24 hours away from the winter session, the main opposition party BJP is keeping its card close to its chest and is in discussion with other allies of the NDA for a joint strategy top deal with the UPA government.

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First published on: 21-11-2012 at 01:58 IST
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