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Speaker UT Khader said that the House plans to rent 15 recliners for the Karnataka Assembly lobby to improve MLA attendance
Karnataka Speaker Khader observed that MLA attendance often dwindled after lunch, with members leaving and not returning. (Local18)
In a novel attempt to improve MLA attendance in the Karnataka Assembly, Speaker UT Khader has decided to rent 15 recliners, or sofas, for the Assembly lobby. The aim is to provide a space for MLAs to rest, particularly after lunch, so they can return to the session refreshed.
Speaker Khader observed that MLA attendance often dwindled after lunch, with members leaving and not returning. He believes that providing comfortable seating in the lobby will encourage MLAs to take a short break and then participate fully in the remaining sessions.
To avoid unnecessary expenditure, the decision was made to rent the recliners rather than purchase them. This ensures that the sofas are only used when required and do not become idle after the session concludes.
Khader highlighted that previous initiatives, such as offering complimentary breakfast and lunch within the Assembly, have already proven successful in boosting attendance. These measures addressed the issue of MLAs arriving late while waiting for breakfast or not returning after leaving for lunch.
In addition to the recliners, the Assembly Secretariat will host a book fair from February 28 to March 3. The fair will feature book releases, panel discussions, and 150 stalls. While 25 stalls are reserved for government departments and academies, the remaining stalls will be allocated to private publishers.
To encourage participation and support for libraries, Speaker Khader has written to all MLAs urging them to attend the fair and purchase books. MLAs will receive Rs 2 lakh from their allocated funds specifically for this purpose.
Reports indicate that these initiatives aim not only to improve MLA attendance but also to foster a culture of reading and intellectual engagement within the Assembly. However, public entry to the book fair will be restricted on March 3 due to security protocols surrounding a joint session of the Legislature scheduled for that day.
- Location :
Karnataka, India, India
