The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins today. The Food Security Ordinance is among the several important bills to be taken up for discussion and passage in this session. The session will have 16 sittings.

Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011, Direct Taxes Code Bill 2010 and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill 2011 are among the 23 bills that have been listed for consideration and passing by the Lok Sabha.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Amendment) Bill, 2013 to replace an ordinance, will also be taken up.

The Rajya Sabha will take up for consideration and passing the Companies Bill 2012, Whistle Blowers Protection Bill 2011 and the “Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011”. These bills have already been passed by the Lok Sabha. A total of 14 bills are listed for introduction in the current session.

The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh hoped that the session will be constructive and productive. He said a lot of legislative agenda is pending and all sections have assured their cooperation for smooth functioning of Parliament. Dr Singh said the government is willing to discuss any issue which may agitate the opposition.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said that a broad consensus has been arrived at among political parties on the passage of important legislations.

Briefing reporters after the National Democratic Alliance floor meeting in New Delhi yesterday, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said the alliance will fully cooperate in the smooth functioning of Parliament, at the same time it will also raise the issues related to the common man.