PM appeals for productive monsoon session

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday once again appealed to opposition to ensure a "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.

Manmohan Singh, in a similar message after an all party meeting Saturday, had appealed to the opposition to allow execution of legislative business.

The August 5-30 Monsoon Session of Parliament could see a battle of political wits with the government listing 44 bills for only 16 working days available. These include the food security bill, those related to reforms in the insurance and pension sectors and an amendment to the RTI Act to keep political parties out of its ambit.

Responding to the Opposition's contention that the session would, in practice, have just 12 working days available against the estimated 16, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath had last week hinted it could be extended, if needed.