Even though the political storm seems to have blown over for the UPA government for the time being with the Samajwadi Party deciding not to withdraw its support there will be greater urgency in the government to push for key decisions in the days to come. However, highly- placed government sources said, for this it will try and avoid the legislative route and instead come out with executive or administrative orders following the Cabinet’s consent.
“At a time when the government is not sure which way its own allies may vote in Parliament on key bills we cannot afford the risk of adopting the legislative route. But at the same time the UPA is determined to send out a strong signal that the government means business so it will move ahead with important decision making process,” a top government functionary told this newspaper.
Having been accused of “policy paralysis” in the past, the UPA-II seems keen to move ahead full steam on important issues. Top government sources also claimed that during the recess in Parliament’s Monsoon Session deliberations will be held with key ministries to identify some core issues which can be expedited by taking them to the Cabinet.
Most of these issues, sources added, could be linked to infrastructure projects, social issues, economic growth and procurements for security agencies.
“The way things are shaping up in Parliament it seems unlikely that even key bills dealing with issues like Food Security and Land Reforms will see the light of the day. So as a substitute the government will try and hasten decision making on other matters where Parliament’s consent is not required,” an official added.
A case in point often referred to that highlights government’s intent to push through key reforms is the FDI in multi-brand retail which was cleared through an executive order following approval from the Cabinet as Parliament’s consent was not required.