Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday urged all political parties to participate in the functioning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament in an effective manner, saying there is no substitute to debate in a healthy democracy.
"One should discuss issues of larger public interest systematically. The government's stand is very clear that it is willing to discuss any issue depending on the admissibility of the honourable presiding officers. There is nothing to hide, nothing to fear," Naidu told the media here.
"I only hope that all political parties participate in the functioning of the Parliament in an effective manner. There is no substitute to a debate in a healthy democracy. This is my appeal to all parties," he added.
Naidu claimed that the NDA Government has done many excellent works in the first year in office, adding that path breaking measures have been taken up.
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"The image of the country has gone up internationally. Investments are coming in a big way. Growth also is reaching highest ever level. Economy is back on the rise and a lot of new initiatives like 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Clean India' and other programmes of various ministries are coming up. Prime Minister had recent had a successful visit to Central Asia. He also had a talk with the Pakistani Prime Minister," he said.
"Our government is willing to share all this information with the House. We have other important issues slated. Important Bills like the GST are coming. Land Bill has of course gone to the Committee to be sent back by the end of the month or the first week of august. Then we'd like to take it up." he added.
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The Monsoon Session of Parliament is expected to be a stormy affair with the opposition set to take on the BJP-led NDA Government over the Lalit Modi row and the Vyapam scam. Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani is also expected to be in the spotlight due to a controversy over her educational qualifications.
A series of meeting were held yesterday to fine tune the strategy and ensure smooth proceedings of both the Houses.
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In course of the three-week session, 24 legislative proposals have been planned to be taken up. These include eight new bills for introduction like Consumer Protection Amendment Bill, Road Transport and Safety Bill and Constitution Amendment bills relating to reservation of Women in Panchayats and Urban Local bodies.
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The Lok Sabha is expected to take up the SC and ST Prevention of Atrocities Amendment Bill and Land Acquisition Bill. The Rajya Sabha will take up the Child Labour, Prevention of Corruption, Whistle Blower's Protection, Real Estate and Juvenile Justice Bill.