Winter Session of Odisha Legislative Assembly to begin from today

Bhubaneswar: The winter session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly will begin from today. The session of the State Assembly will continue till December 31.

According to the schedule, the winter session will have a total of 26 working days. The first supplementary budget of the current financial year will be tabled by the finance minister. The official business will be transacted from December 2 to 6. Private members’ business (bills and resolutions) will be tabled on December 3.

Discussion on demand for grants for the first supplementary statement of expenditure for 2021-22 will be held from December 7, followed by discussion and approval of the Appropriation Bill.

The house will also meet on all days excluding Sundays and December 25 (Christmas).

Earlier on Tuesday, Commissionerate Police made elaborate security arrangements for smooth running of the winter session. The security arrangements was investigated by Director General of Police (DG) Abhay.

A three-tier security system has been put in place within the Assembly premises. The prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have been clamped on all roads connecting the Assembly to check any agitation. As many as five control rooms have been set up at key places to monitor the situation. Besides, Quick Action Team (QAT) and Special Tactical Unit (STU) have been deployed.

As many as 120 senior officers have been designated to monitor the situation in and outside the Assembly premises in coordination with a Special Branch. Around 30 platoons of police force have been deployed with 6 Additional SPs, 11 ACPs, 13 Inspectors, 62 Officers, 20 Traffic Personnel. The security of the Assembly will be under the responsibility of Bhubaneswar DCP Umashankar Dash.

The roof top security system has been emphasized by increasing the number of CCTV surveillance. The CCTV of the Commissionerate of Police, along with the 200 CCTV of the Smart City, has been installed around the premises.

It is to be noted that Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) along with a medical team conducted the Covid test of all the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), staff and other senior officials from November 28 to November 30 as a precautionary measure.

Only those who would test negative for coronavirus will be allowed to participate in the Assembly proceedings, informed the Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro.

The legislators will have to remain in home isolation after the completion of the Winter session, added Speaker.

Also read: Covid test for MLAs, staff of Odisha Assembly from Nov 28