Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured political parties that all the issues and concerns raised by them will be discussed in an appropriate manner keeping in view their importance and priority.

He said this at the all-party meeting held here on Sunday ahead of the Budget Session that starts on Monday.

Giving the details of the meeting, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu said issues on the Land Acquisition ordinance can be discussed.

“I would like to assure you all that the Government is always willing to sit with the Opposition to resolve any differences on any issue. I don’t think there is any issue that can’t be resolved if approached with an open mind,” Naidu said.

On the insurance ordinance, he added that on the suggestion of Opposition parties, a Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha has been set up and it had submitted its report reflecting the broad view of the House and there is no reason for two views in the matter.

Naidu said that of the six ordinances to be converted into Acts of Parliament by April 5, there has been a broad consensus on five of them relating to Citizenship for Overseas Indians, Introduction of e-rickshaws, allocation of coal blocks and non-coal mines through open bidding.    

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar underscored the importance of smooth functioning of Parliament during the Budget session.

The leaders also welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent statements on religious freedom and the right to promote one’s religion and his call for respecting all religions.

PTI adds: The Prime Minister also emphasised at the meeting that the smooth functioning of Parliament was important as the Budget Session is very crucial and the public looks at it with a lot of hope and expectations.

Leaders of all the political parties should collectively ensure proper utilisation of time in both Houses of Parliament “so that we can work towards meeting the hopes and aspirations of people”, Modi said as his government gears up to present its first full-fledged Budget after taking charge.

“It is the collective responsibility of the leaders of all parties to ensure that this session runs smoothly so that the House can fulfil the aspirations of the people... Hope we can collectively work for the benefit of the common man,” Modi said.

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