"We will consider the two reports (by Sitakant Mahapatra Committee and UPSC on the issue) expeditiously. We will be announcing a decision in the Monsoon Session," he said as members from all sides made a fervent plea for a speedy decision in the matter.
The announcement by Chidambaram came after a discussion on a Calling Attention motion on the issue, as several members belonging to BJP, SP, BSP, RJD, JD-U and some other parties, trooped into the Well, urging Speaker Meira Kumar, who has also been promoting the cause, to direct the government to announce a time-frame for a decision.
Initially, the Home Minister had said that it would be his endeavour to give the "good news" on the issue "as early as possible", and he even spoke a few words in Bhojpuri in an apparent message that he was sympathetic to their cause.
"I understand your feelings", he said in Bhojpuri written in English by Congress member Sanjay Nirupam, who was also in support of the inclusion. But this did not satisfy the agitated members, who wanted a firmer assurance.
The Minister made the statement after a hurried discussion with Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, all of whom were sitting in the front row of the Treasury Benches.
The Speaker said she was happy that the Home Minister "has not spoken in Hindi but in Bhojpuri, even though it is difficult for him to speak in Hindi. He has said he would take an expeditious decision and I hope that he would return (to the House) soon". (More)