Budget session of Parliament begins

Budget Session of the Parliament begins with President  Pranab Mukherjee's address to the joint sitting of Parliament;  President highlights 'Sabka saath, Sabka vikas' as development  philosophy of the Government.

President Pranab Mukherjee said poverty is the worst form of violence and  eradicating it is the overriding goal of the government.  A long list of legislative business lies ahead on the agenda of the Government  during the session.  GST bill, Lokpal Amendment Bill, Factory Amendment Bill and Anti-hijacking  Bill are among the total of 16 Bills which are pending in Parliament. This includes  5 Bills in Lok Sabha and 11 Bills in Rajya Sabha.  While all eyes are on the GST constitution amendment bill, Real Estate  Regulation, Bankrupcy, Lokpal-Lokayukta Bill, Whisleblower Protection Bill,  Labour reform related significant Bill are also still pending.  The opposition is also ready to raise several issues.  JNU Row, Hyderabad University student Rohith Vemula's suicide issue, President's  Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, Pathankot Airbase terror attack and National Herald  Case will be among many political issues which the opposition would try to raise  in the house.  However the Government has already made it clear that it is ready to discuss every issue.  President Pranab Mukherjee called on Members of parliament to respect the  mandate of the people by allowing discussion and debate in Parliament in the true  spirit of democracy.  President Mukherjee also highlighted the steps taken by the government to crackdown  against corruption.  Earlier, Speaking before the beginning of the Budget session, PM Narendra Modi  said that he wished that the Parliament session will be fruitful.