Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath informed that 16 new legislative bills would be discussed in the budget session of the Parliament, which would begin on February 21.

These include the Agricultural Bio Security Bill, the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Amendment) Bill, the Regional Rural Banks Bill and the Building and Construction Workers Related Laws (Amendment) Bill.

The 16 bills are part of the over 70 items that would be discussed during the session, which will have 34 sittings in two laps.

Three ordinances, such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Amendment) Ordinance and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance will also be taken up by the House.

The pending Bills include the Women’s Reservation Bill, the Lokpal Bill and Reservations in Promotions Bill. Nath said the government would try to build consensus for the passage of these controversial legislations.

The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill has also been listed by the centre for consideration and passing in Parliament. He said parties were divided over legislations such as the Land Acquisition Bill and the Food Security Bill and the government was holding talks to find a way for their passage.