Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced on Monday that the Monsoon Session of Parliament will commence on July 20 and conclude on August 13. The session will feature 18 sittings over 25 days.
Government Agenda and Legislative Business
The government plans to introduce several key bills during the session, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, and the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023. Other legislative priorities include amendments to the Indian Medical Council Act and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The session is expected to be a busy one, with the government aiming to pass crucial legislation ahead of the next general elections. The opposition parties have indicated they will raise issues such as the Manipur violence, price rise, and unemployment.
Opposition Strategy and Key Issues
Opposition leaders have signaled they will demand a detailed discussion on the ethnic clashes in Manipur that have claimed over 100 lives and displaced thousands. The Congress party has called for a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation.
Other key issues likely to be raised include the recent spate of communal violence in Haryana, the border tensions with China, and the alleged misuse of central agencies against political opponents.
Pre-Session Meetings and Protocols
Rijiju stated that the government is reaching out to all parties for a smooth functioning of the session. He expressed hope that both Houses would work efficiently and maintain decorum.
The government has also scheduled an all-party meeting on July 18 to discuss the legislative agenda and seek cooperation from all political parties.
The Monsoon Session is crucial as it comes ahead of the festive season and the winter session, which is often truncated due to the end-of-year holidays.
