Pension Bill: Left softens stand, says ready to talk

Adopting a more conciliatory approach on the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill, on which they had walked out of Parliament earlier this year and described their position as non-negotiable, the Left parties today told the Government that they were willing to consider the matter and make suggestions for amendments.

As the UPA-Left coordination meetings resumed after four months, the Left parties said it was for the government to talk to trade unions, the main opponents of the proposed legislation, and seek their suggestions before proceeding with plans to introduce the Bill in Parliament.

At the meeting, the Left presented two critical notes: on India’s vote on the Iran issue at the IAEA and FDI in retail trade.

While Prime Minister Manmohan Singh explained the government’s position on the Iran issue, he said it could be taken up once Foreign Minister Natwar Singh returns from Moscow. Sources said he made it clear that another nuclear power in the region wasn’t in India’s interest. The Left starts its Iran campaign with a seminar tomorrow.