Govt gears up for hectic legislative business in RS

Caught between repeated disruptions and a looming deadline to save its anti-rape law, the government is determined to get it passed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday even amid protests. HT reports.

Caught between repeated disruptions and a looming deadline to save its anti-rape law, the government is determined to get it passed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday even amid protests.

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With the opposition, and some of its allies, disrupting proceedings in the parliament, the government sent out a clear message that it was prepared to push the criminal laws (amendment) bill and important financial business at all costs in the Rajya Sabha, during the next two days.

The criminal laws (amendment) bill, cleared by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday must also get the Rajya Sabha’s nod by Friday, failing which the much hyped anti-rape ordinance issued by the government in February will lapse on April 4.

This anti-rape bill is listed for discussion and passage in the House of Elders on Thursday along with the financial appropriation bills.

In his meeting with key opposition leaders, parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath stressed on the importance of passing these bills.

Leaders of opposition in both Houses, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley have, however, suggested to the government to ensure a proper discussion on the anti-rape bill before passing it.

The government is prepared to do so, provided other parties relent.

Since the bill can be passed by a simple majority, the government is ready to proceed with a voice vote in Rajya Sabha.

Having comfortably won the voting on the issue of FDI in retail in the House during the winter session by a margin of 21 votes, it is confident about its numbers.

There are, however, no indications of either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha functioning normally for the next two days.

Tamil parties – the DMK and AIADMK – will continue to raise the issue of atrocities on Tamils living in Sri Lanka.