Tributes paid to Ram Swaroop Sharma, Sujan Singh Pathania

Tribune News Service

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Shimla, March 20

The Vidhan Sabha was adjourned sine die as the 16-day Budget session, which commenced on February 26 with the Governor’s Address, concluded today.

Speaker Vipin Parmar said the session was conducted smoothly with constructive debates and important legislation work being taken up. “A total of 16 sittings were held in a total span of 55.32 hours, including two private members’ day,” he said.

During the session, 530 starred and 218 unstarred questions were taken up on which the government gave its reply and five Bills were introduced and passed after discussion.

The Assembly is not just the first e-Vidhan Assembly but is also known for maintaining its high traditions. “It was unfortunate that a member of the House Sujan Singh Pathania and Mandi MP Ram Swaroop died during the session. They served the people and will be remembered for their services,” the Speaker said.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed concern over the second corona wave, affecting the state and urged people to cooperate to tackle the situation. The effort of the government was not to order a lockdown or impose restrictions on the entry of tourists as this would hit economy. “If need be, we can declare containment zones as more cases are being reported in border districts like Una, Sirmaur, Bilaspur and Kangra,” he said.

“We all need to exercise strict adherence to social-distancing norms and wear masks and if the surge continues, we might impose restrictions on holding of fairs and other social and cultural events,” said Thakur. He paid tributes to Pathania and Ram Swaroop.

Leader of the Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said barring the first day incident, the session was smooth. He advised the government to take concrete steps to check price rise and ensure adherence to Covid SOPs.