Karnataka Legislature’s Monsoon session from July 15, Attendance to be tracked with tech

Team Udayavani, Jul 13, 2024, 10:10 AM IST

Bengaluru: The Monsoon session of the state legislature is set to commence on July 15. Speaker U.T. Khader announced that the attendance of legislators will be monitored using technology.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Khader stated that the session would run for a total of nine days, starting at 11 AM on July 15.

In the previous session, members who arrived early were rewarded. This time, the duration of their presence, the number of times they left, and who stayed till the end will be taken into account. The entire attendance will be tracked using technology, he said.

Chess Tournament

On July 20, in celebration of World Chess Day, a chess tournament will be organized for legislators, officials, and journalists. The event, named the Legislators’ Cup, is open to all participants.

To prevent school children visiting the session from standing in the sun or rain, seating arrangements will be made near the Banquet Hall. Dignitaries from various fields will also be accommodated.

A committee has been formed to select the best legislators. Citizens in the constituencies should ensure that legislators participate in the session and discuss issues. There will be ample time afterward to address other concerns.

An app providing information on the ministers’ presence in Vidhana Soudha and their public meeting schedules will be developed soon, he informed.

60 Days of Session Expected

Basavaraj Horatti mentioned that there is an expectation for the session to last at least 60 days in a year, although this has not been achieved. Decisions regarding extending the session duration will be made in a committee meeting. The selection of the best members of the Legislative Council has been mostly completed and will be announced soon.

Divergent Views on Beautification

A point of interest arose during the press conference with differing views on the beautification of Vidhana Soudha between Speaker Khader and Chairman Basavaraj Horatti.

Khader mentioned that for the first time in 70 years, the entrance to the Legislative Assembly is being changed. Previously, the entrance had an iron grill, which did not look elegant when visited by dignitaries from India and abroad. The entrance is now being redesigned and will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at 10:30 AM on July 15.

Khader assured that the entire Vidhana Soudha would be beautified without harming its heritage.

Horatti, however, indirectly opposed this during his speech. He pointed out that there is a rule against altering the original structure of the Vidhana Soudha rooms. Previously, a minister caused controversy by breaking a wall. Minor changes can be made, but complete demolition of walls is not allowed, he said.

Horatti emphasized that the entire Vidhana Soudha was constructed according to Vastu principles, and there is no need for further renovations.