'Will try to evolve consensus on all bills during Parliament's Winter Session: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the government will make an effort to evolve a political consensus on all bills tabled by it in Parliament.

Speaking ahead of the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Dr. Singh said: "This session of Parliament is of short duration, and therefore, it is obligatory on the part of all political parties represented in our Parliament to make their best possible efforts to get essential business of the two houses transacted as speedily and as smoothly as possible."

In all, 38 bills, including the Lokpal Bill, the Women's Reservation Bill, the Bill for the creation of the new state of Telangana and the Street Vendors Bill, are slated for passage during the session which will conclude on December 20.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath had earlier this week said the government is determined to push through the Lokpal Bill and the Women's Reservation Bill during the Winter Session of Parliament.

Nath also informed that all parties are in agreement that the session will continue for extended hours to expedite pending work. Nath said leaders of all political parties have assured that session will run smoothly.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, has demanded the passage of the Telangana Bill and the Lokpal Bill during the Winter Session.

She said the Women's Reservation Bill, and issues such as the atrocities against women, inflation and unemployment should also be discussed.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury demanded the passage of pending public welfare bills.