No decision yet on advancing winter session of parliament

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday did not discuss the issue of advancing the winter session of parliament, according to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Last week, government sources had indicated that instead of the usual third week of November, this year the winter session could be pre-poned to commence on November 12-13.

However, talking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, the Finance Minister said, "There was no discussion on the winter session of parliament today. It will be discussed at an appropriate time."

The government is also likely to issue a circular on advancing the budget session. Jaitley said that the dates would be finalised only after considering the poll dates for assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Punjab and Goa.

"The government in principle is in favour of advancing the budget date and finishing the entire financial business before March 31. But the actual dates will be decided after due consultations depending on the calendar of state elections," he said.

Meanwhile, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das has said that the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) would provide provisional Advance Estimates of the National Income by January 7, 2017, so that the data could be made use of while preparing the budget.

--IANS

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