Parl session in February to pass vote-on-account

With Lok Sabha elections due in April-May, government will hold a session of Parliament in the first fortnight of February to pass the vote-on-account.

"We are going to have the session of Parliament in the first fortnight of February and as has been the convention we will have the session of about 15 days or 10 sittings. We are still deciding on the business," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said.

The minister was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharati Diwas programme in New Delhi. Election Commission sources have indicated that Lok Sabha polls may be held in April-May in five to six phases.

As per the convention, the government will get a vote-on-account passed and the new regime which is voted in will present a proper budget.

The government also plans to pass some crucial anti-corruption legislations which have been flagged by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

Nath said after passage of the Lokpal Bill, the United Progressive Alliance also wants to pass important legislations which are a part of the Congress and the government's agenda to address the issue of corruption. These will come up for discussion and passage in this Parliament session.

"We will be taking this besides vote-on-account and railways vote-on-account," Nath said. He dismissed the view that government wants to pass these Bills in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Whistleblowers Protection Bill, Judicial Accountability Bill, Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, Citizens Charter Bill, Timely Delivery of Services Bill and Public Procurement Bills are pending in Parliament.

Gandhi had said the Winter session of Parliament should be extended to pass these Bills.

The Parliament session will be a continuation of the Winter session as both Houses were not prorogued.