The government on Monday said that it is trying for consensus on the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill and will bring it for consideration before Parliament. In a press conference by the Group of Ministers in New Delhi, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, V Narayansamy said, the Lokpal Bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha and it is under consideration of the Rajya Sabha. He said, 149 amendments have been given afresh by the opposition members and these have been considered by the government.

Mr Narayansamy informed that difference of opinion has been narrowed down to 5 to 6 issues. He said, to sort out these issues the government is consulting various political leaders to evolve consensus on major issues.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal expressed confidence that both the Houses will function smoothly. He said, many important Bills have to be taken up during the session. Mr. Bansal informed that there are about 40 Bills to be passed by Parliament, out of these 23 Bills are with different Standing Committees of Parliament.

Mr. Bansal said, 10 Bills are ready and the government wants them to be listed at the earliest. He said that discussions on demand of grants will be started on the 26th of this month.

Parliamentary Affairs Minsiter said that Insurance Amendment Bill, Pension Regulatory Bill and Banking Amendment Bill are likely to be taken up after the Finance Bill is passed. He was reply to a query about the statement of the Finance Minister in Washington.

In a reply to a question, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed confidence that a consensus will be evolved on a candidate for the forthcoming Presidential elections. He said, the government is consulting different political parties on the issue.

On the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant issue, Mr Narayansamy said that State Government is fully cooperating with the Centre. He said, all safety measures are being taken before starting it and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board is expected to submit its report about the safety measures.

HRD Minsiter Kapil Sibal informed that two important Bills regarding higher education including Central Education Reservation Bill will also be considered during the session. Mr Sibal said, in the last eight years UPA government has not censored any social media.