Parliament session in February to pass Vote on Account

NEW DELHI: With Lok Sabha elections due in April-May, government will hold a session of Parliament in the first fortnight of February to pass the Vote on Account.

"We are going to have the session of Parliament in the first fortnight of February and as has been the convention we will have the session of about 15 days or ten sittings. We are still deciding on the business," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said.

The minister was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharati Diwas programme here.

Election Commission sources have indicated that Lok Sabha polls may be held in April-May in five to six phases. As per the convention, the government will get a Vote on Account passed and the new regime which is voted in will present a proper budget.

The government also plans to pass some crucial anti-corruption legislations which have been flagged by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

Nath said after passage of the Lokpal Bill, UPA also wants to pass important legislations which are a part of the Congress and the government's agenda to address the issue of corruption. These will come up for discussion and passage in this Parliament session.

"We will be taking this besides Vote on Account and Railways Vote on Account," Nath said.

He dismissed the view that government wants to pass these Bills in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Whistleblowers Protection Bill, Judicial Accountability Bill, Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, Citizens Charter Bill, Timely Delivery of Services Bill and Public Procurement Bill are pending in Parliament.

Gandhi had said the Winter session of Parliament should be extended to pass these Bills.

The Parliament session will be a continuation of the Winter session as both Houses were not prorogued.