All-party meeting today ahead of Winter Session of Parliament

The government convened an all-party meeting on Tuesday to discuss the legislative agenda and important issues likely to be discussed in the Winter Session of Parliament. The session will begin on December 7.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will chair a meeting of the business advisory committee (BAC) ahead of the session on Tuesday evening.

Last week, the government listed 16 new bills for introduction in the upcoming session. Some of these bills are -- The National Dental Commission Bill, The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, The Cantonment Bill, 2022, the Old Grant (Regulation) Bill, 2022, The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2022.

The government has also sought the cooperation of party leaders to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses.

The Winter Session of Parliament will commence on December 7 and continue till December 29, having 17 sittings spread over 23 days.

Congress would raise matters relating to the economic situation in the country, the "weakening" of constitutional institutions, and reservations for the economically weaker sections (EWS).

"There is tension between India and China for the last 22 months and there has been no discussion in Parliament on the issue. The Congress would want that the issue to be discussed in Parliament," said party general secretary Jairam Ramesh.

He added that if the government is ready for a discussion, the party would extend constructive support to it.

The Congress will also raise the issue of high inflation and price rise, falling value of the rupee, falling exports and high Goods and Services Tax rates.