Speaker for smooth conduct of session

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 20

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rajeev Bindal has urged both ruling and opposition parties to ensure smooth conduct of the longest-ever monsoon session beginning on August 23.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Bindal said there would be a total of seven sittings which would include one Private Member Day on August 30. “Considering the convenience of online filing of questions, a total of 429 questions, including 330 starred and 99 un-starred, have been received so far,” he stated. The monsoon session will commence on August 23 and end on August 31. “The MLAs have filed questions to seek details on the issues like damage suffered on account of heavy monsoons, drug trafficking, water scarcity in Shimla, vacancies in schools and health institutions,” he said. Bindal said four notices each had been received under Rule 130 and 101 while one notice has been received under Rule 130. “I hope the monsoon session, which will be the longest to date will help in addressing important issues,” he said.

He said it was yet to be decided whether business would be taken up on the opening day on August 23 after obituary references to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “I will discuss the issue with the CLP Leader and Parliamentary Affairs Minister,” he said.

NO Chief Whip, Dy Chief Whip yet

In a reply to a query about the impending appointment of Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip in the Vidhan Sabha, Speaker Rajeev Bindal said it was for the state government to take a call on it. The Bill for the two appointments was passed during the budget session of the Assembly and Governor Acharya Devvrat had given his consent to the Bill.