The Modi govt plans to get the four crucial bills passed in the ongoing budget session in Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hopes that issues will be discussed in a democratic manner. Photo: PTI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was making efforts to get cooperation of all political parties for the smooth passage of four supporting bills related to the implementation of goods and services tax (GST) in the second half of the budget session.

The four crucial bills which the NDA is aiming to get passed in the ongoing budget session are central GST bill, integrated GST bill, union territory GST bill, and a bill to compensate states from revenue losses arising from a transition to GST.

On the first day of the second half of budget session, Modi said that all political parties were extremely positive and cooperative on GST and both the government and opposition were moving forward in this direction of reaching consensus.

“We are hopeful of a breakthrough in the GST. One of the reasons for our optimism is that all the states have cooperated in a positive manner. All the political parties have also been extremely positive and cooperative in their response. We have been able to move forward in this direction after arriving at a consensus on certain decisions subsequent to detailed discussion on this issue in a democratic manner. The efforts are on to enlist the co-operation of all to ensure that GST is in place by this session. I am extremely thankful to all of you once again,” said Modi on the first day of the second half of budget session.

Modi also said that he hoped that discussion and debate would take place in Parliament on issues which would benefit the poor and work towards the welfare of the financially weaker section of the society.

“All of us are back together once again after the recess during the budget session of the Parliament. There will be detailed discussion on the budget and I am sure the level of debate and discussion will be of good quality. It will be focused on the issues pertaining to the welfare of the poor,” the Prime Minister said.

In the backdrop of growing racial attacks against Indians in the US, home minister Rajnath Singh assured the members, who raised concern, that the government will ensure safety of Indians abroad. He said that the government will issue a detailed statement next week.