PM seeks productive monsoon session

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday once again appealed to opposition to ensure a "truly productive" session.

"The monsoon session is beginning today. It is my sincere hope and prayer, and appeal to all section of house to ensure this session is truly productive," the prime minister said on the first day of the monsoon session.

"We have wasted lot of time in previous session, and I hope that will not be repeated in this session," he said.

"We are willing to discuss on floor of house and therefore I appeal to opposition to cooperate in smooth running of the house to ensure this session is productive and constructive," the prime minister added.

This is the second time the prime minister has appealed to the opposition for a productive session.

In a similar message after an all party meeting Saturday, he had appealed to the opposition to allow execution of legislative business. The prime minister had said Saturday that the food security bill was the most important legislative business before parliament.

The monsoon session of parliament scheduled Aug 5-30 has 44 bills listed for its available 16 working days. The list of pending bills with government exceeds 100.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath has also said that the government may consider extending the session, if needed.