Government Agenda for Winter session includes Lokpal Bill
Thursday, 17 November 2011, 00:16 IST
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New Delhi: The government unveiled its legislative agenda for the winter session of parliament that includes the Lokpal Bill and Whistle Blower Protection Bill. Talking to mediapersons, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said the session, starting Nov 22, will have 21 sittings. He also said the government is determined to introduce the Lokpal Bill, which aims to tackle corruption in high places. "Government is determined to pass the (Lokpal) Bill. Government stands committed to root out corruption. It may not be done through one law," Bansal added. But he hoped the parliamentary standing committee examining the bill will be able to submit its report by Dec 1. Anna Hazare has threatened to go on a hunger strike again if the government does not pass the bill in the winter session. Hazare's hunger strike for a strong Lokpal in April and August this year made the government agree to his demands. The minister also gave a list of 31 bills that the government intends to pass during the winter session that ends Dec 21. Bansal also met chief whips of all political parties to discuss the issues they wanted to take up during the session. "Political parties want to discuss issues like price rise, black money, division of states, energy security, corruption, situation in Afghanistan, earthquake in Sikkim and also issues concerning the farmers," he added. "Government is ready to discuss all issues," he said.
Source: IANS