AAP wants longer Assembly sessions

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 18

The Aam Aadmi Party today demanded that sessions of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha should take place for more days. According to a letter submitted by four MLAs of the party led by Leader of the Opposition Sukhpal Khaira, the sittings of the Vidhan Sabha are decreasing every year and members get very limited opportunity to express their views in the House. The party also demanded that the meeting of representatives of all parties be convened to discuss the issue.

He said from 1952 to 1977, the number of sittings held was far greater than that of sittings held in present times. He demanded that the minimum number of sittings of the House during a financial year should not be less than 40 as per rule 14-A of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Punjab Vidhan Sabha so that members may get sufficient opportunity to raise public issues in the House.

He suggested that discussions may be held for a day or two on the burning issue such as farmer suicides and alarming number of road accidents.

He demanded that the maximum number of sittings should be increased during the Budget Session. In the present times, the Budget is generally passed in three sittings but it used to be passed in 13-14 sittings.

The party demanded that proceedings of the House should be telecast live.

Seeks minimum 40 sittings in a year

Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Khaira said from 1952 to 1977, the number of sittings held was far greater than that held in present times. He demanded that the minimum number of sittings of the House during a financial year should be 40 so that members may get sufficient opportunity to raise public issues in the House.