Session curtailed following consensus among floor leaders: Speaker Om Birla

Birla's remarks assume significance as they come against the backdrop of opposition leaders alleging that the government has been curtailing Parliament sessions

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday said there was consensus among floor leaders of all parties to cut short the Winter session of Parliament.

The Winter Session of Parliament, which commenced on December 7, was otherwise scheduled to conclude on December 29. But it was adjourned sine die (indefinitely) on Friday.

"In the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting of Lok Sabha, there was consensus among floor leaders of all political parties to cut short the session," Birla told reporters here.

Birla's remarks assume significance as they come against the backdrop of several opposition leaders alleging that the government has been curtailing Parliament sessions.

Birla further said that "agreements and disagreements on issues should be reflected in debates and not through disruptions."

The productivity of Lok Sabha in the Winter session was 97 per cent. The House held 13 sittings during which seven bills, including the supplementary demands for grants and the Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill were passed.