NEW DELHI : Keen to ensure passage of GST bill, Government is keeping open the option of reconvening the session with the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs today deciding not to recommend immediate prorogation of the Houses after they are adjourned sine die.
Sources said the decision to reconvene Monsoon session, after the washout of last three weeks due to disruptions by Congress-led opposition, will depend on whether there is some significant headway with other parties on the contentious GST bill.
If the government manages to rope in some regional parties and chooses to press for the GST bill, then it may call for reconvening the Monsoon session for few days.
The non-prorogation of the Houses after they are adjourned sine die today will enable it to reconvene them at a short notice, they added.
Under Article 85(2) of the Constitution, the President is vested with the power to prorogue (end a session) both Houses of Parliament. If Houses are not prorogued and are only left at being adjourned sine die by Chair in Parliament, the same session continues and can be reconvened at any time.
Government had on Tuesday moved for consideration of Rajya Sabha the Constitution amendment bill for introduction of GST but a debate on it was blocked by a vociferous Congress which raised procedural issues.
With some regional parties like BJD, SP and INLD voicing disapproval of the disruptions in Parliament, there is a view in the government that the pro-reform measure GST can be pushed. Trinamool Congress had already backed the Bill. Government is also trying to bring NCP on board on the GST. (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel