Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MR)
From ARES

Panaji, Aug 19: The crucial two week long state legislative assembly session began here on monday Aug 18, on the backdrop of simmering differences within the ruling coalition.

The session will continue till August 29.

Digamber Kamat-led government which has faced political coups during the last two assembly sessions is gearing up for yet another testing time. The major coalition partner, nationalist Congress party (NCP), has already thrown veiled warning to the Congress about withdrawing the support.

The NCP had warned that they will not dither from pulling out from the state government, if the congress does not stop humiliating them.

Kamat-led government which is ruling the state on wafer thin majority has a major fear within the coalition rather than the opposition. The main opposition Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) will support any move to dethrone Kamat led government.

The session is more crucial as major financial business like budget will be passed on the floor of the house which will put chief minister’s chair on trial almost every time.

NCP sources confirmed that the party has not issued any whip, letting its members to sway the way wind blows.

During the session the assembly would discuss and vote on demands for grants (2008-09) in the light of ad hoc committee reports and introduction, consideration and passing of the connected Appropriation Bill, 2008.

The government is likely to present, discuss and seek vote on supplementary demands for grants, 2008-09 (first batch) and also introduce, seek consideration and passing of the Appropriation Bill.

The government is likely to introduce various bills like the Goa Infrastructure Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2008, the Goa Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2008, the Goa Salaries and Allowances of Speaker and Deputy Speaker (Amendment) Bill, 2008. The Goa Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2008, The Goa Children?s (Amendment) Bill, 2008, The Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2008 and The Goa Motor Vehicles (Taxation on Passengers and Goods) (Amendment) Bill, 2008 in the House for its approval.

Besides, the government is likely to give answers to over 500 starred questions and over 300 un-starred question. A number of private member bills and resolutions would also be taken up during the session in the House.