Oppn Prez nominee Meira Kumar, a diplomat-turned-politician

New Delhi, Jun 22 (PTI) A diplomat-turned-politician and Congress' Dalit face, Opposition's Presidential candidate Meira Kumar had a steady rise in echelons of power since she made her electoral debut in the mid-eighties.

Daughter of former deputy prime minister late Jagjivan Ram, Kumar, 72, was also the first woman to occupy the high office of the Lok Sabha Speaker between 2009 and 2014 during the UPA-II rule.

The career of Kumar, who is soft-spoken, in the rough and tumble of politics began when she quit her cushy Indian Foreign Service(IFS) job and decided to fight the Lok Sabha polls in 1985, a year before her father s death.

She was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh in 1985, defeating top dalit leaders Mayawati and Ram Vilas Paswan.

From being a foreign service officer to a five-term MP and then a Cabinet minister, Kumar has traversed a long way and a varied course that came in handy to her in running the Lok Sabha that often throws itself into scenes of tumult.

She holds an MA and LLB degrees alongwith an advanced diploma in Spanish.

Kumar became an MP for the second time in 1996 and again in 1998 from Delhi s Karol Bagh constituency but lost her seat in 1999 when NDA returned to power. She was re-elected in 2004 with a huge margin from Sasaram in Bihar, the constituency of her father, and became an MP for the fifth time in 2009.

In between, she had quit Congress for two years from 2000 citing differences with the party leadership. She rejoined the party in 2002.

In UPA's first term, she was inducted into the Union Cabinet. She handled the Social Justice and Empowerment and Water Resources portfolios.

Subsequently, after UPA's return to power in 2009, she was elected unupposed as the first woman speaker of the Lok Sabha, where she became popular for her polite interventions, the most popular of them being "baith jaiye" (please have your seat).

Kumar described her appointment as the Lok Sabha Speaker as a "historic moment" in India s politics. She held the post from 2009 to 2014.

Armed with a degree in law and a masters in English, she joined the IFS in 1973 and served in the embassies in Spain, the UK and Mauritius. She also served as a member of the India-Mauritius Joint Commission.

In the party organisation, she rose steadily from being an All India Congress Committee general secretary for two years from 1990 and again between 1996-1998.

She became a member of the Congress Working Committee in 1990 and continued for ten years till 2000. After a gap of two years, she was reinducted in the CWC in 2002 and remained its member till 2004.

As an MP, she served, among other positions, as a member of the Consultative Commitee attached to the External Affairs Ministry, Public Accounts Committee, Committee on Home Affairs and its Sub-Committee on Personnel Policy of Central Para- Military Forces and Joint Committee on Empowerment of Women.

She was also a member of Committees on Food and Consumer Affairs and Environment and Forests.

Born in Bihar's Arrah district on March 31, 1945, Kumar studied in Indraprastha College and Miranda House in Delhi University. She holds medals for rifle shooting too.

Armed with a law degree, Kumar became a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association in 1980. Married to Manjul Kumar, a Supreme Court lawyer, the couple has one son and two daughters.

Interestingly, Babu Jagjivan Ram had rebelled against Indira Gandhi but her son Rajiv insisted on Meira quitting her cushy diplomatic job to join the Congress.

Kumar is an avid follower of Indian classical music and is known to be a voracious reader.

India's population to surpass that of China's around 2024: UN

United Nations, Jun 21 (PTI) India's population could surpass that of China's around 2024, two years later than previously estimated, and is projected to touch 1.5 billion in 2030, according to a UN forecast.

The World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision, published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said that currently China with 1.41 billion inhabitants and India with 1.34 billion remain the two most populous countries, comprising 19 and 18 per cent of the total global population.

"In roughly seven years, or around 2024, the population of India is expected to surpass that of China," the report said.

The 2017 Revision of World Population Prospects is the 25th round of official UN population estimates and projections.

In its 24th round of estimates released in 2015, it was projected that the population of India will surpass that of China's by 2022.

The new estimates released here today said that in 2024, India and China are expected to have roughly a population of 1.44 billion each. After that, India s population is projected to continue growing for several decades to around 1.5 billion in 2030 and approaching 1.66 billion in 2050, while the population of China is projected to remain stable until the 2030s, after which it may begin a slow decline.

India s population may eventually see a decline in the half century after 2050 to 1.51 billion by 2100 but it will still be the most populous country in the world.

In India, life expectancy at birth will be 71 years in 2025-2030, growing to 74.2 years in 2045-2050. The under-five mortality rate will decline from 32.3 deaths under age five per 1,000 live births in 2025-2030 to 18.6 in 2045-2050.

The report said the current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100.

"With roughly 83 million people being added to the world s population every year, the upward trend in population size is expected to continue, even assuming that fertility levels will continue to decline, it said.

Ten countries are expected to account collectively for more than half of the world s projected population increase over the period 2017-2050: India, Nigeria, Congo, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the United States, Uganda, Indonesia and Egypt.

Among the ten largest countries worldwide, Nigeria is growing the most rapidly. Consequently, the population of Nigeria, currently the world s 7th largest, is projected to surpass that of the US and become the third largest country in the world shortly before 2050.

Further, large and persistent economic and demographic asymmetries between countries are likely to remain key drivers of international migration for the foreseeable future. Between 2015 and 2050, the top net receivers of international migrants (more than 100,000 annually) are projected to be the US, Germany, Canada, UK, Australia and Russia.

The countries projected to be net senders of more than 100,000 migrants annually include India, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan and Indonesia.

The report said that in 2010-2015, around 46 per cent of the world s population lived in intermediate-fertility countries, where women have on average between 2.1 and 5 births over a lifetime.

Intermediate-fertility countries are found in many regions, with the largest being India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico and the Philippines.

In 2045-2050, it is expected that slightly less than a third of the world s population will live in countries with fertility in this range. By that time, most of the world's population will be living in countries with relatively low levels of fertility, where women bear fewer than 2.1 children on average.

The report highlights that a reduction in the fertility level results not only in a slower pace of population growth but also in an older population. Compared to 2017, the number of persons aged 60 or above is expected to more than double by 2050 and to more than triple by 2100, rising from 962 million globally in 2017 to 2.1 billion in 2050 and 3.1 billion in 2100.

"Population ageing is projected to have a profound effect on societies, underscoring the fiscal and political pressures that the health care, old-age pension and social protection systems of many countries are likely to face in the coming decades, it said.

Substantial improvements in life expectancy have occurred in recent years. Globally, life expectancy at birth has risen from 65 years for men and 69 years for women in 2000-2005 to 69 years for men and 73 years for women in 2010-2015.

PM attends Mass Yoga Demonstration at Lucknow, on the occasion of International Day of Yoga

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participates in the mass yoga demonstration at the Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, on the occasion of the 3rd International Day of Yoga - 2017, in Lucknow on June 21, 2017.

On the occasion of International Day of Yoga – 2017, the Prime Minister today participated in a mass Yoga demonstration event in Lucknow. 

Thousands of people gathered for the event at the Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan despite continuous rain in the city. 

Addressing the enthusiastic and vociferous gathering, the Prime Minister conveyed his greetings from Lucknow to all those joining the Yoga Day celebrations across India. 

He said that today, Yoga has become a part of many people’s lives. He said Yoga's popularity is high even outside India; and Yoga has connected the world with India. 

The Prime Minister said he is glad to see several Yoga institutes take shape over the last three years, and noted that the demand for Yoga teachers is increasing. In addition to fitness, wellness is important, the Prime Minister said, adding that Yoga is a medium to achieve wellness. 

Urging everyone to make Yoga a part of their lives, the Prime Minister said that Yoga is about health assurance, and it is not even expensive to practice. 

Earlier, welcoming the Prime Minister to Lucknow, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, said that Yoga is a part of our tradition and it integrates us. 

Indian Delegation at 2017 BIO International Convention

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) BIO 2017 is being held in the San Diego Convention Centre, San Diego from 19^th June t0 22^nd June, 2017. The Indian delegation taking part in the BIO 2017, is being led by Shri Y S Chowdary, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences. As a part of his program, the Minister visited Jacob School of Engineering, University of California San Diego Campus on 19^thJune, 2017 to interact with Indian students and the local faculty, many of whom have roots in India.

While welcoming Shri Chowdary, Dr. Albert Pisano, Dean, Jacob School of Engineering, University of California San Diego stressed the need of collaboration with India in various fields related to Science & Technology.  Dr. Pisano highlighted the high end scientific growth in Indian Academia and stressed the need for growth of technologies such as point of care diagnostics and lab on chip diagnostics for infectious diseases prevalent in the country. He also said that UCSD had its strengths in the area of Stem Cell engineering and emphasized that it could be a potential area of collaboration, besides areas like maternal health and geriatrics.

 Shri Chowdary in his address highlighted various aspects that have been the guiding factor in the advances of research and development and said that the key words are affordability and sustainability as both these had a huge potential in Indian scenario. He said that India need not be dependent on reverse technology based research as the talent is over flowing with original research that is primarily an outcome of the various forms of handholding by the government in promoting research in the country. He urged the students to be future players for initiating start-ups in the areas of potential growth and informed the audience that the Indian Government had several prestigious schemes like Ramalingaswamy Fellowship; DST Inspire, DBT-Welcome Trust Fellowship and IYBA to name a few among such schemes that facilitate the re-entry of Indian researchers working abroad into India who are desirous of pursuing post-doctoral research in the country. He even stressed that any suggestions shall be welcome to initiate a specific tailor made program for students and researchers who would come up with specific issues.

 The BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech, offers key networking and partnering opportunities, and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry. The event features keynotes and sessions from key policymakers, scientists, CEOs, and celebrities. The Convention also features the BIO Business Forum (One-on-One Partnering), hundreds of sessions covering biotech trends, policy issues and technological innovations, and the world's largest biotechnology exhibition - the BIO Exhibition. The first BIO International Convention was held in 1993 and attracted approximately 1,400 attendees.

The BIO International Convention is hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

BIO performs many services for members, but none of them are more visible than the BIO International Convention. The BIO International Convention helps BIO fulfill its mission to help grow the global biotech industry. Profits from the BIO International Convention are returned to the biotechnology industry by supporting BIO programs and initiatives. BIO works throughout the year to create a policy environment that enables the industry to continue to fulfill its vision of bettering the world through biotechnology innovation.

The key benefits of attending the BIO International Convention are access to global biotech and pharma leaders via BIO One-on-One Partnering, exposure to industry though-leaders with over 1,500 education sessions at your fingertips, and unparalleled networking opportunities with 16,000+ attendees from 76 countries. India is taking part in the BIO 2017. 

Kumble steps down as India coach

New Delhi, Jun 20 (PTI) India cricket coach Anil Kumble today stepped down from his position after a widely-speculated feud with captain Virat Kohli, marking a bitter end to a highly successful tenure.

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirms that Anil Kumble has withdrawn his services as the post of the Head Coach for the Senior India Men s team," said the BCCI in a statement.

"While the Cricket Advisory Committee had endorsed an extension to his tenure as Head Coach, Anil Kumble has decided not to continue as the coach," read the statement further.

Kumble's decision comes in the wake of reports claiming rifts between him and Kohli, and just two days after India's embarrassing loss to Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final.

His one year contract expired at the end of the Champions Trophy but he was given the option to travel with the team to the West Indies for the limited overs series beginning on Friday.

However, Kumble decided to stay back in London for the ICC 'Annual Conference' as he is the chairman of the Cricket Committee while the Indian team boarded the flight to Barbados.

Kohli had met the BCCI top brass alongwith Kumble in London before leaving for the West Indies today. The meeting took place after the high-profile Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) communicated to the BCCI that it had failed resolve the differences between Kumble and Kohli.

The BCCI had invited fresh applications for the post of head coach days before the start of Champions Trophy.

Kumble was a direct entry into the coach selection process while the others who applied for the post were Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody, Richard Pybus and Lalchand Rajput among others.

On the sidelines of the Champions Trophy in the UK, the CAC comprising Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly held meetings with Kumble as well as Kohli to sort out the differences between the duo.

It was being widely perceived in the BCCI that in the meeting between Kohli and CAC, the skipper had made it clear that his relationship with the coach had reached a dead end.

It was only the CAC which had picked Kumble as the coach last year. It has been learnt that the committee will soon have a conference call to decide on Kumble's successor.

Notably, during the entire Champions Trophy, there was hardly any communication between the two during the practice sessions with Kumble mostly keeping to himself or giving some practice to the bowlers.

The team did well under Kumble in the past 12 months, winning Test series in the West Indies (2-0) before winning at home against New Zealand (3-0), England (4-0), Bangladesh (1- 0) and Australia (2-1).

The team won eight ODIs and lost five during the 46- year-old's tenure.

Former India spinner Bishan Bedi tweeted: "Gratitude has obviously been thrown out of the window by whoever raising 'revolt' against India's giant @anilkumble1074! Loser's Indian Cricket of course!"

Former India opener Aakash Chopra said the situation could

have been handled better.

"It (the coach selection process) should have been done after the home season and not just before the Champions Trophy. It could have been handled better but that is how the cookie has crumbled," he said.

Meanwhile, BCCI acting president CK Khanna and acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary thanked Kumble for his services to the Indian team.

"We wish to place on record our sincere appreciation for the immense contribution by Anil Kumble to the team which enabled India to attain the No.1 Test position. Indian cricket needs his continued contribution in various capacities and wishes him all the best in his future endeavour," said Choudhary.

Will seek support of all major political parties: Kovind

New Delhi, Jun 19 (PTI) The NDA's presidential nominee and Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind today said he will meet leaders of major political parties and seek their support to emerge as a 'consensus candidate' for the coveted post.

He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah after he arrived here in the evening from Patna following the BJP's decision to project him as the ruling NDA candidate as the Head of the State.

Kovind said he was a "small citizen" entrusted with a big responsibility.

"All those who are members of the electoral college...I will meet leaders of major political parties and seek their support...I hope that every citizen will support me," he said.

After meeting Modi, Kovind briefly visited the Bihar Niwas where he declined to answer any question from the media and only said, "I thank everyone." 

Non-NDA parties like BJD, TRS and YSRCP have announced their support to the Dalit leader. Kovind is likely to file his nomination on June 23.

If elected, which appears to be a certainty, the 71-year-old former lawyer would be only the second Dalit to occupy the Rashtrapati Bhavan after K R Narayanan.

Relaxation in return filing procedure for first two months of GST implementation

With the objective of ensuring smooth rollout of GST and taking into account the concerns expressed by the trade and industry regarding filing of the returns in GST regime, it has been decided that, for the first two months of GST implementation, the tax would be payable based on a simple return (Form GSTR-3B) containing summary of outward and inward supplies which will be submitted before 20^th of the succeeding month. However, the invoice-wise details in regular GSTR – 1 would have to be filed for the month of July and August, 2017 as per the timelines given below –

           

Month	GSTR – 3B	GSTR - 1	GSTR – 2 (auto populated from GSTR-1)
July, 2017	20th August	1st – 5th September*	6th – 10th September
August, 2017	20th September	16th – 20thSeptember	21st  – 25th September

* Facility for uploading of outward supplies for July, 2017 will be available from 15^th July, 2017.

No late fees and penalty would be levied for the interim period. This is intended to provide a sense of comfort to the taxpayers and give them an elbow room to attune themselves with the requirements of the changed system. This not only underlines the government’s commitment towards ensuring that all the stakeholders are on board but also provides an opportunity to the taxpayers to be ready for this historic reform.

Shah rules out resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket ties

Mumbai, Jun 17 (PTI) Ruling out resumption of bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan anytime soon, BJP president Amit Shah today said the two countries would continue to play against each other in international tournaments.

"India and Pakistan will continue to play at international tournaments but neither India plays in Pakistan nor Pakistan plays in India," Shah, who heads the Gujarat Cricket Association, said, a day ahead of the clash between the arch rivals in the Champions Trophy final in England.

Shah, who is here on a three-day visit to strengthen the party organisation in the state, and is scheduled to meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, said BJP would consult its allies before finalising the NDA's presidential candidate.

"We will consult all our allies and then reach a decision on the presidential poll nominee," Shah told a press conference.

He was responding to questions about ally Shiv Sena, which has often been critical of the BJP and the Modi government, suggesting the name of M S Swaminathan, known for steering India s Green Revolution, as its presidential choice.

The Shiv Sena had earlier said it may choose an "independent" path in the election to the highest constitutional office. It had backed Congress nominees-- Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee-- in the last two presidential elections.

When asked about Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' remark that the BJP was prepared for snap assembly election, in an apparent reference to continued strain in ties with the Shiv Sena, Shah said, "What he meant was that if mid-term polls are forced on us, we are ready to fight."

Calling Narendra Modi the most popular leader since Independence, Shah said the prime minister was making all efforts to transform India into a world power by 2022, when the nation celebrates 75 years of freedom.

Under Modi, he said, India had become the world's fastest growing major economy.

The BJP chief said Modi had restored dignity to the prime minister's office.

"Every minister in the previous UPA government considered himself the PM, but nobody considered the PM as PM," he said.

Lauding Modi for enacting the Goods and Services Tax law, the BJP leader said nobody else had the "daring or capability" to do it.

"India has emerged as a global leader on the issue of climate change, as seen at the Paris deliberations," Shah said.

Shah said the Modi government brought an end to politics of appeasement and dynastic rule.

"Our biggest achievement is ending communalism, dynastic rule and appeasement (politics)," he said.

106th International Labour Conference, 2017

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment (Independent Charge), Shri Bandaru Dattatreya briefing the press about the key decisions taken in the International Labour Conference at ILO, in New Delhi on June 17, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Smt. M. Sathiyavathy is also seen.
The 106th Session of International Labour Conference (ILC) was held from 5-16th June 2017. An Indian Tripartite Delegation led by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment (Independent Charge), Shri Bandaru Dattatreya participated in the ILC. 

Speaking at the Plenary Session of the International Labour Conference on 14th June 2017, Labour and Employment Minister expressed his happiness over the growing coherence between the Sustainable Development Goals and the agenda of ILO and other UN forums. The Minister said that no development was complete unless it benefitted each and every person in the society. Shri Dattatreya further added that Poverty eradication, employment generation and reducing inequality formed the core of the development strategy of India. On ratification by India of two core ILO conventions on Child Labour, the Minister reiterated India’s commitment for a safe, healthy and happy future for children. Shri Dattatreya further added that the government is committed to provide social security for 450 million workforce in the informal sector. The Labour and Employment Minister informed about the amended Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017 that provides for paid maternity leave of 26 weeks which would encourage women into employment. The Minister delivered his speech in Hindi and ended his speech by reaffirming India’s commitment for promoting the welfare of the workers in and outside the country including promoting their skill development and protecting their rights. 

Smt M. Sathiyavathy, Secretary, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, addressed the Plenary Session of the 106th ILC and placed on record India’s appreciation for a comprehensive and topical report of Director General, ILO, Mr Guy Ryder on ‘Work in a changing climate: The Green Initiative’. Smt. Sathiyavathy indicated that the Paris Agreement of 2015 had defined the global climate initiative in the changing context of globalization which recognized national contexts, yet respected the principles of shared responsibility and collective commitments. The fact that 195 countries have signed and 147 have recognized it, is a testimony of its importance. She reiterated India’s commitment to cleaner climate and energy transition. The Secretary mentioned about setting up of the international and inter-governmental organization- ‘International Solar Alliance headquartered at National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) in India that is dedicated to promotion and for making solar energy a valuable source of affordable, reliable, green and clean energy in 121 member countries. She further added that India has initiated several measures towards achieving sustainable development through green pathway including increasing the forest cover, reducing carbon emissions, river conservation and tackling solid waste and air pollution. She expressed concern over the likely impact of the transition to green jobs in sectors such as agriculture which is the primary sector of many economies and therefore stressed on the need to build responses very carefully keeping in mind not only the limitations of the member states but also ensuring that their strengths are not compromised. 

In a historic step towards eradication of Child Labour from the country, India ratified International Labour Organizations Convention No 138 (minimum age for employment) and Convention No 182 (worst forms of child labour) to symbolise its commitment and initiatives for eradication of child labour and attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 related with curbing of child labour. The ratification of both conventions coincided with the International Day against Child Labour expressing country’s commitment along with global partners to fight the menace of child labour and providing the childhood back to them. Shri Bandaru Dattatreya handed the Instruments of Ratification to Mr. Guy Ryder, DG, ILO at the sideline event held in Geneva at the International Labour Conference, 2017 on 13th June 2017. 

With ratification of these two core ILO conventions, India has ratified 6 out of 8 core ILO conventions, with the other 4 core ILO conventions relating to abolition of forced labour, equal remuneration and no discrimination between men and women in employment and occupation, thus reaffirming its commitment for promoting and realizing fundamental principles and right at work. This action is in sync with the Government’s broader intent for social equality and growth for all. 

Several multilateral meetings were held on the sidelines of the ILC. At the NAM Ministerial Meeting held on 13th June 2017, Labour and Employment Minister, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya said “In India, we have leveraged the technological advancement. Technology forms the basis of many of our programmes, like Digital India, National Career Service (NCS) portal, 

extending social security benefits (DBT). NCS portal is our strengthened public employment services platform effectively using the Information technology. The Portal already hosts more than 38 million job seekers and around 1.5 million job providers. 



At the ASPAG Ministerial Meeting held on 13th June 2017, The Minister of Labour and Employment, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya said “India firmly believes that employment generation with assured social protection and greater gender parity are fundamental to create an inclusive society”. The Minister further added that “poverty alleviation strategy must be linked to robust employment generation policies and equally robust wage policies and social protection. Our challenge is to implementing these policies to the informal sector. In a recent massive drive we were successful in opening bank accounts for close to 5 million wage workers across the country in last 6 months. We amended the legislative provisions to enable the payment of wages through banking transactions thereby adding to the transition to formality”. 

At the G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting held on 14th June 2017, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, expressed his happiness that issues like technology transfers by businesses in the global supply chain and promotion of decent work through capacity building formed the part of the G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Declaration adopted by G20 Labour and Employment Ministers in Bad Neuenahr, Germany in May 2017. He further urged the G20 countries to explore the possibility of signing bilateral agreements for providing social security cover to our workers and for promoting their skill development. 

Indian delegation led by Labour and Employment Minister also participated in bilateral meeting held with Iran and spoke about issues concerning MSMEs, rural employment and vocational training. 

BJP panel meets Gandhi, Yechury, Advani, but takes no names

New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI) A BJP panel today met top leaders of the Congress and the Left and consulted party veteran L K Advani on the upcoming presidential election, but its reluctance to name candidates prompted the opposition to question the exercise aimed at evolving a broad consensus on the issue.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu, two members of the panel formed by BJP chief Amit Shah, met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and BJP veterans Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.

A source said the two ministers informed Advani the panel had started talks with other leaders as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, but did not refer to any likely candidates.

Criticising the BJP for not naming possible candidates, Yechury called the talks "more of a PR exercise" and reiterated the person occupying the president's post had to be an individual with "impeccable" secular credentials.

The BJP leaders did not propose a name but instead asked Congress leaders about their choices, party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said after the ministers met Gandhi and other party leaders.

"We expected the BJP leaders to come up with some name, one or more, for the post of the president of India, so that the Congress could take a call on that. But nothing of that kind happened," he said.

Sources said Singh and Naidu -- the panel's third member, Arun Jaitley, is abroad -- told the opposition leaders that the party would like to finalise the name of the candidate for the post before Modi left on a foreign tour on June 24.

The BJP may finalise its nominee two or three days before the PM's departure.

A BJP leader played down the opposition criticism, saying the idea behind the consultation was to seek the views of leaders from different political parties. It also aimed at garnering support for a common candidate, he said.

The ministers also asked Yechury and other Left leaders at the meeting if they needed to put up an opposition candidate "just for the sake of it", the sources said.

The BJP ministers first met Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence in the morning. Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge were also present during the 30-minute meeting.

This was the first meeting between the government and the opposition under the BJP's outreach to stitch a consensus on the official nominee for the post.

The ministers also declined to name possible candidate at their meeting with Yechury and other Left leaders.

"They told us they want our support. We said fine, tell us the basis for the support, who is the candidate. But that they did not convey; they will take some time to do that," Yechury said after their 30-minute meeting.

He said the opposition parties would wait till the BJP completed its discussions with them before they took a call on their candidate for the July 17 election.

Naidu explained the objectives of the consultation process to the opposition leaders, saying that the prime minister and the BJP chief wished for such discussions before the candidate was finalised and were keen to seek the views of the parties and their support.

Naidu also had a conversation on this with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar over the phone and met AIADMK leader Thambidurai.

The minister met SP veteran Mulayam Singh Yadav and the BSP's Satish Misra, who put him through to his leader, Mayawati, on the phone.

A top BJP leader said the party was ready with the formalities of filing nomination papers. It had identified the names of proposers and seconders in different sets of nominations to be filed in favour of their candidate.

The BJP has also called a meeting of those MPs and MLAs who would propose and second the official candidate in Delhi on June 20.

Asked if it meant the party would decide on its nominee by then, a senior leader said the two issues were not linked.

BJP allies -- Ramvilas Paswan's LJP, Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP and Chandrababu Naidu's TDP -- have already authorised Modi to take a decision on the presidential candidate, saying they would support it.

Opposition leaders have said they will put up their own candidate if the BJP opted for a person with "strong Hindutva leanings".

Congress senior spokesperson Ajay Maken told reporters that it would be "good" if there was a consensus on the issue.

He, however, said the ruling party should first come out with its candidate to help bring about a consensus.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Singh and Naidu, CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said he appreciated the government's initiative to reach out to the opposition parties, but insisted that contenders for the post have "secular and democratic" credentials.

"We said if they can think of a democratic, secular candidate, we can consider it (the candidature)," Reddy said after the meeting that last almost 30 minutes.

CPI national secretary D Raja, who was with Reddy at the meet, said the Left party too did not propose any names during the talks.

"They (the government) wanted our suggestion. We said, please tell us your suggestions as the ruling party. Then we will see," Raja said.