(a) whether the duration of Sessions/sittings of Parliament are being drastically curtailed;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether a large number of official bills are pending for consideration of Parliament;
(d) if so, the details thereof;and
(e) the steps being taken to restore the full tenure of Sessions?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE AND PARLIAMENTRY AFFAIRS (SHRI BIJOY KRISHNA HANDIQUE)
(a),(b) & (e): No, Sir. The duration of a session of Parliament is normally decided keeping in view the quantum
of Government business likely to be transacted during the session. The actual conclusion of the session is also
subject to the exigencies of Government business. Apart from Government business, the various other items are taken up
for discussion by the House under various rules governing the procedure and conduct of the Lok Sabha and under the
Directions of the Hon`ble Speaker, Lok Sabha.
(c) & (d): Only two Bills viz. (i) The Central Excise Tariff (Amendment) Bill, 2004 and (ii) the Customs and
Central Excise Laws (Repeal) Bill, 2004 were pending in the Lok Sabha at the conclusion of the Budget Session, 2004.