Opposition to raise price rise during budget session

 New Delhi, July 5 (IANS) The government on Saturday said it was prepared to discuss all issues in the budget session of Parliament that begins on Monday as the Opposition said it will raise price rise and the recent rail fare hike.

At a meeting of leaders of parties in the Lok Sabha called by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan ahead of the budget session, opposition parties assured their cooperation in the smooth running of the House.

Mahajan told mediapersons later the meeting was "very good" and members assured her their cooperation.

She said there were various suggestions for discussions and the government said "they wanted to give full time for discussions".

Mahajan said that as standing committees have not been constituted yet, discussion of demands of grants of ministries will be held in the House.

She said the session, which ends Aug 14, will have 168 hours for work.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told him the government was prepared to discuss any issue permitted by the chair.

"I appeal to the opposition that decorum of the house is maintained," Naidu said.

He said some opposition parties said they would raise the issue of price rise and rail fare hike.

He said the government will make a statement on the situation of Indians in strife-torn Iraq in the two houses.

The rail budget will be presented July 8 and general budget July 10.