Monsoon session: Oppn to rain notices for debates

More than 300 Opposition-sponsored notices for debates on a range of issues have been pitted against the UPA government's list of crucial bills for the monsoon session of Parliament starting August 5. Saubhadra Chatterji reports.

More than 300 Opposition-sponsored notices for debates on a range of issues have been pitted against the UPA government's list of crucial bills for the monsoon session of Parliament starting August 5.

With just 16 working days slated for the session, the government has its hands full and loss of time due to disruptions can prove costly in passing key bills. The government has set its priority on passing the two ordinances (food security, SEBI amendments), the land acquisition bill, insurance and pension fund bills.

On the other hand, the Opposition parties' priority list includes debates on the overall FDI policy of the government, autonomy of the CBI, children's death due to mid-day meal and Uttarakhand devastation. "Most of the notices received so far in both Houses are on these subjects. But there are other issues as well like price rise and unemployment," said a senior parliament official.

Opposition camp sources added that they are exploring the chances of a voting on the FDI policy of the government. The government's amendment to the FEMA regulations to roll out the FDI in multi-brand retail is still lying before the parliament and the Opposition can press for a vote.