Thiruvananthapuram: The Assembly session that is scheduled to begin from August 24 will be different from the usual because of arrangements being necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
There will be an antigen testing facility for COVID if required by MLAs; separate seating for the members; and more Gallery for journalists.
The session will also be politically charged due to the Rajya Sabha elections and the debate on a no-confidence motion.
No-confidence motion
The no-confidence motion notice issued by the Opposition in the wake of the gold smuggling controversy is likely to be discussed on August 24.
If the Opposition issues a notice of no-confidence, then as per the rules and customs of the legislature, the government should discuss it by postponing all other proceedings.
The no-confidence motion debate has had a history of either ending in a day or sometimes stretching up to even three days. The Business Advisory Committee will meet to decide how many days and how much time should be set aside for the debate on the notice. But since the Assembly session will be held for only a day, the discussion may end in a few hours.
In view of COVID, the Legislative Secretariat has doubts as to whether the House can convene in a hall that has been closed for four or five consecutive hours. A final decision will be taken after discussing the matter with the Opposition.
The Opposition has also issued a notice for the removal of the Speaker. However, the notice may not be considered since rules state that the notice should be given at least 14 days before the commencement of the Assembly session.
But, if the ruling and Opposition parties decide to extend the session for more days, then both the notices may be debated.
COVID protocol
MLAs will be instructed to undergo the antigen testing for COVID that can provide results in half-an-hour. Preparations for this have started.
Initially, it was planned to provide 24 seats at the back to ensure social distancing between the members. However, it has now been decided to provide separate seats for the 140 members. The existing arrangement that can seat two members together will be replaced with individual seats. The table at the front will remain.
Visitors will not be allowed entry. The visitors’ gallery may be used to accommodate journalists. The Legislative Secretariat has said that the number of journalists should be kept to a minimum.
As the no-confidence motion will be broadcast live, the Assembly may make special arrangements for news channels as well.
The agenda
There will be no question and answer session. Once the main agenda of passing the Finance Bill is completed, the session will debate on the no-confidence motion.
Rajya Sabha elections
The voting for the Rajya Sabha by-election being contested by MV Shreyams Kumar of the LDF and Lal Varghese Kalpakavadi of the UDF will be held at the study hall of the Centre for Parliamentary Studies on the third floor. The voting will be held from 9 am to 4 pm. When the Assembly convenes, MLAs will be allowed to vote by following COVID restrictions and guidelines. Journalists will not be allowed.
