With speculation rife about a possible “historic decision” during the Special Session of Parliament that began on Monday as declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government is expected to table a key Bill on Tuesday in the new Parliament building.
Top Government sources said a decision regarding the Bill was taken during the Cabinet meeting late on Monday chaired by Modi.
The media briefing of the Cabinet decision did not take place as the Government wants to convey the decision directly to Parliament by introducing the Bill in keeping with the Parliamentary conventions.
The Cabinet meeting lasted for over 100 minutes and was chaired by Prime Minister Modi.
Modi is known to spring surprises at the last minute and is also adept in holding government business on sensitive matters as closely guarded secrets.
While the Government remained tightlipped on the proposed Bill, there was speculation that the Modi Government is planning to bring a new reservation Bill for enlarging the role of women in Parliamentary and Assembly elections.
There was no official word on the agenda items before the Cabinet.
Ever since it was announced that the Parliament session would be held from September 18, there have been speculation on various Bills, including the Women’s Reservation Bill that may come up during the Session.
Amid a demand for the Women’s Reservation Bill, Modi on Monday said the contribution of women parliamentarians has been on the rise over the years.
In his speech in the Lok Sabha on the first day of the special session on Monday, Modi highlighted the changing composition of the House over the years, saying it had become more inclusive with all sections of society finding representation.
“Inclusive atmosphere has kept manifesting the aspirations of the people with full power,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted the contributions of women parliamentarians that have helped burnish the dignity of the House.
“Be it Dalits, oppressed, adivasis, backwards or women, every section’s contribution has increased gradually,” Modi said.
