The passage of the Companies Bill in the Rajya Sabha has bolstered the United Progressive Alliance Government’s confidence. It has reached out to allies, supporters and the Opposition to ensure the passage of the National Food Security Bill and the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill during the Monsoon session.
After placating the principal Opposition party, Bharatiya Janata Party, the UPA managers have “convinced” their supporter, Samajwadi Party, about the “importance” of the two Bills.
The SP has agreed to participate in the discussion on the Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Its supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav will himself talk on the Bill. The party has also given positive signals on the Land Bill.
SP has suggested five amendments to the Food Bill. It has demanded 100 per cent Central assistance to the scheme, from procurement to distribution and free foodgrains for extremely poor families.
It also wants speedy completion of the socio-economic backward census and more freedom for States in implementing the scheme.
The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Pawan Singh Ghatowar, told Business Line that the House will be able to pass more Bills from Monday.
He said apart from the five ordinances that have to be cleared by Parliament, the Land Bill could alsocome up for discussion next week.
The Government has also agreed to a number of amendments to the Land Bill proposed by the Left and the BJP. The Government is willing to incorporate them as official amendments.