BUDGET 2LST

On the timing of the Budget, Chidambaram said it would be
decided after the first session of the 15th Lok Sabha which is
being convened on June 1 to allow new members to take oath and
also elect the Speaker.

Leaders of the political parties will work out the time
table for passing the Budget after the first session of the
15th Lok Sabha and 216th session of Rajya Sabha which will
last for nine days. President Pratibha Patil will also address
a joint session of Parliament on June 4.

"After the House is constituted and members are sworn in,
the leaders of various political parties and groups are named
by respective groups... the leader of the House (Lok Sabha)
will consult with other leaders of political parties or
political groups (and) will work out time table for passing
the Budget," Chidambaram said.

Before going to the polls, the Congress in its manifesto
had promised to bring the Budget within 45 days of the
formation of the new Government.

Following the victory of the Congress-led UPA, Singh and
19 Cabinet ministers were sworn-in yesterday. PTI