Government 'satisfied' with budget session performance

The Union government on Friday expressed "satisfaction" over the performance of both houses of Parliament in the second half of the budget session and said its "persistent outreach" has resulted in better functioning of the legislature "despite heat on some issues".

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the Lok Sabha worked for 118 percent of its scheduled time, while the Rajya Sabha worked for 87 percent of its time.

The lower house passed 10 bills, while the upper house passed 12 bills.

"In a situation where it was being said that the session will be a washout, we have succeeded in making it work. Despite contentious issues being raised in Parliament, legislative work was transacted," Naqvi said.

However, he added that there is scope for improvement.

The minister also said that 45 bills remain pending in the Rajya Sabha, adding that efforts are being made to clear this backlog in consultation with Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari and other opposition leaders in the house.

The second half of the budget session started on April 25. Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Wednesday, and the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Friday.

--IANS

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