Govt indicates bills can be passed amid disruptions

The Government on Monday indicated that it will seek the passage of pending bills even amid noise in Parliament if the Opposition does not relent disrupting the proceedings.

The third week of the Monsoon session began with the I.N.D.I.A. bloc stalling proceedings over its demand for a discussion on the Election Commission's ongoing special intensive revision of the electoral roll in Bihar. The Government has ruled out a discussion on the grounds that the functioning and executive decisions of a constitutional body cannot be subject or a discussion in Parliament. Government also does not want the EC to be subject of a politically partisan discussion where it cannot defend itself.

"Two days were set aside for the national sports governance bill and the national anti-doping (amendment) bill. These bills are important from the point of view of development of sports and support athletes," said parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju.

The minister said the government wants a discussion on the bills but will make a strong bid to pass the legislation on Tuesday. "The bills are required in national interest," he said.

The minister said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had met opposition and government leaders and appealed for the resumption of proceedings. "We have started the third week and not a single bill has been passed," he said.