85 MLAs make it to assembly on Day I, Naveen joins from home
Bhubaneswar: Masks and headgear in place, seats turned into cubicles with glass partition and MLAs maintaining distance from one another marked the first day of the monsoon session of the assembly, which kicked off on Tuesday.
In a first, chief minister Naveen Patnaik attended the assembly through video-conference from Naveen Niwas, his residence, while many senior legislators joined the session from the state secretariat and others from the district headquarters.
Despite the Covid threat, 85 out of the 145 legislators (two seats are vacant owing to the deaths of sitting MLAs) attended the session in the assembly hall, while nine other MLAs, including the chief minister, attended from alternate places. The rest did not attend.
Among the safety protocols introduced by speaker S N Patro to contain the spread of Covid-19 were glass panel segregation to minimise contact between MLAs, reorganised seating arrangements and mandatory wearing of masks. Most of the MLAs had also undergone Covid test prior to the start of the monsoon session. Though the MLAs generally stand while speaking as a mark of respect to the chair, this time they were allowed to do so while sitting.
As per tradition, the house paid tribute to former President Pranab Mukherjee, two sitting members who died recently, 10 other former members, two Odia jawans – Chandrakant Pradhan and Nuturam Soren – martyred in Galwan valley in June and three other martyrs of Odisha Police. The assembly also paid tribute to the Covid warriors of the state who laid down their lives for the service of the people. The first half was adjourned till 3pm after obituary reference.
“While I was doubtful about the smooth conduct of the session because of Covid-19, it went well with the blessing of the almighty and cooperation of all,” said the speaker. “Since the session is being conducted in an extraordinary situation, we have taken all safety precautions. The first day went well. Many members have raised issues. I sincerely hope for a productive session,” Patro added.
“It’s a new and unforgettable moment for us. I have attended many sessions earlier but this is a completely different experience. Smooth and elaborate arrangements have been made by the speaker to facilitate all members to participate in the session,” said six-time BJD MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy. Congress legislator Mohammed Moquim also appreciated the arrangements.