Government Outlines Budget Session Agenda; Opposition to Raise Price Rise

NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi government has outlined its legislative agenda, which includes bills for amending insurance laws and regulating the real estate sector, in the budget session of parliament beginning Monday even as the opposition plans to turn the heat over price rise.

The rail budget will be presented July 8 and the general budget July 10, revealing the economic priorities of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government which came to office in May.

With Modi noting need of some tough measures to improve the country's financial health, the budget is expected to seek a balance between steps for fiscal consolidation and expectations of tax relief by the people who gave a full majority to the Bharatiya Janata Party for the first time.

Opposition parties have however made it clear that they will seek to put the government on the mat on the issue of price rise and rail fare hike.

Congress leader Rashid Alvi said that price rise was a major issue for the party.

"There has been hike in rail fares. Prices of diesel and petrol have gone up. This government had talked of bringing 'ache din (good days)'. Is this the way to bring them," Alvi told IANS.

He also said that the party will also raise the issues concerning Indians in Iraq.

Asked about Congress' keenness on its leader in Lok Sabha getting leader of opposition status, Alvi said that party should be recognised as the main opposition party.

READ MORE: India, First Country to Approve Marrakesh Treaty
Modi Opens Katra Rail Link, Vows To Walk Vajpayee's Path