Govt ready to explore all possible approaches on JPC: PM

NEW DELHI: Even as the Opposition looks firm on pressing its demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe in spectrum allocation in the forthcoming Budget session, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed the government’s readiness to explore all possible approaches to end the deadlock in Parliament. Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Wednesday, Singh said, “As far as JPC is concerned, our government is ready for all possible approaches.”

Replying to pointed questions on the Opposition pressing for a JPC probe Singh said the government wanted Parliament to function. “We want Parliament should function and all problems can be debated in Parliament. We are not afraid of any subject being brought up for discussion . Parliament is the forum for discussion ,” the prime minister said. Singh’s statement , however, is unlikely to break any new ground with the Opposition as BJP and the Left Front do not want anything short of a JPC probe. Singh took the same line as the Congress has been maintaining that there should be a debate in Parliament.

BJP and Left parties have been insisting on a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe 2G spectrum allocation and there is intense speculation about smooth functioning of Parliament’s Budget session if the confrontation between the government and the Opposition persists. The entire winter session was washed off without much legislative business being transacted.

Earlier, Singh had tried to break the impasse in December by volunteering that he would appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is examining Comptroller and Auditor General’s report on 2G spectrum allocation .

With this, Prime Minister had taken the wind out of Opposition’s argument that the ruling alliance is not instituting a JPC probe fearing that the committee would summon Singh. Prime Minister also held out hope on inflation front. He said that the Government had taken steps and was hopeful of inflation coming down by end of March.