Haryana panel visits Vidhan Sabha

The Government Assurances Committee of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha visited the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha today and held detailed discussions with Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on various legislative matters.

The committee, headed by Bharat Bhushan Batra, included members Ashok Arora, Jagmohan Anand and Umed Singh. Deputy Chief Whip in the Himachal Assembly, Kewal Singh Pathania, and Assembly Secretary Yash Pal Sharma were also present.

Speaker Pathania was briefed on the functioning of the Government Assurances Committee and decisions taken on key issues. In turn, he shared insights into the historical and legislative significance of the Himachal Vidhan Sabha.

Highlighting the heritage of the British-era Council Chamber, Pathania said the committee that the building, constructed between 1920 and 1925 at a cost of Rs 10 lakh, was where Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel defeated British nominee Fredrick White by two votes to become the first President of the National Assembly.

He also mentioned the teakwood Speaker’s chair, a gift from the Burmese government to the British, and noted that the historic decision to grant voting rights to women was taken in the same chamber.