国际英语新闻:Indian PM says gov't ready to discuss all issues in parliament

NEW DELHI, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of the Indian parliament's Winter session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday assured representatives of all political parties that the government was ready to discuss all issues.

The assurance was extended during an all-party meeting called by the government in New Delhi. Leaders from major political parties attended the meeting.

"Prime Minister, while responding to specific issues raised by the representatives of various political parties, said that the government would work together with all parties in a constructive manner to address pending legislation and frame policy solutions for specific issues related to environment and pollution, the economy, the agricultural sector and farmers, and the rights of women, youth and the less privileged sections of society," a statement issued by the government said.

The Winter session of parliament will begin on Monday and will continue until Dec. 13.

"The government is always ready to discuss on the floor of the both the Houses of parliament any issue as permitted under Rules of Procedure and sought the co-operation of all the party for the smooth functioning of the House," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told media after the meeting.

The Indian parliament consists of two houses - Lok Sabha (lower house) and Rajaya Sabha (upper house).

The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry has communicated the dates of the session to secretariats in both houses of parliament.

The opposition is likely to target the government on the issues it has been raising including economic slowdown and job losses.

Previous session of the parliament in July witnessed some disruptions and adjournments over various issues.