Monday, August 21 2006 15:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Government was caught on the back foot in the Rajya Sabha Monday on legislation pertaining to forest dwellers, prompting Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat to schedule a half-hour discussion tomorrow(Aug 22, 2006) on the issue.

"I hope you will take cognisance of what has been said and come prepared tomorrow," Shekhawat firmly told Tribal Affairs Minister P.R. Kyndiah during question hour.

The response came after the minister was hesitant to clearly state the government's response to the report of a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) that had been set up on the Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill of 2005.

"When will you bring the bill? What is the government's stand on the JPC recommendations?" Shekhawat asked the minister, even as the opposition was on its feet accusing the government of sabotaging the bill.

According to Kyndiah, the delay in bringing the bill was caused by a recommendation that along with tribals, the rights of non-tribals also living in forests should be protected. The government was yet to take a view on this, he added.

Brinda Karat of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) immediately objected, saying the unanimous JPC report had been submitted three months ago and this was adequate time for the government to have considered the issue.

Other opposition members joined her in raising slogans against the Government and the continuing din prompted Shekhawat to remark, "If you are serious, let the minister speak."

The chairman then postponed the question for Tuesday but this did not satisfy opposition MPs.

"Please ensure the minister comes prepared with the answers," Karat said, addressing Shekhawat, even as Law Minister H.R. Bharadwaj got up to speak but could not be heard in the din.

An agitated V. Narayanswamy then jumped into the fray, shouting: "What is this attitude. They are not allowing the ministry to speak."

Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) suggested that the chairman schedule a half-hour discussion on the issue Tuesday, to which Shekhawat replied: "I have already done so."

S.S. Ahluwalia (Bharatiya Janata Party) was immediately on his feet to ask what could be achieved in half-an-hour, but Shekhawat stuck to his guns.

"Let the questions come (tomorrow) and you will get your answers," he stated.

Matilal Sarkar of the CPI-M had raised the issue through a supplementary when he wanted to know when the bill would be tabled.