Morning sessions on Friday in MP Assly to continue: Rohani

Bhopal, June 30 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Ishwardas Rohani today said the timing of the assembly session on Friday would continue to be from 0900 hrs to 1400 hrs.

''In view of the positive response from members, the arrangement -- implemented during the Budget Session -- would continue,'' Mr Rohani told UNI.

''With Sundays and Saturdays being holidays during the session, Friday has eventually turned out to be the last day. Earlier, low attendance was recorded during afternoon session on Fridays, as most legislators left for their respective assembly segments,'' he said, adding that attendance was not affected after the new timing was implemented.

Mr Rohani said a proposal was being mooted to take up legislative work immediately after the question hour instead of after lunch.

The Speaker pointed out that much importance was accorded to Question Hour and Zero Hour, which were tumultuous sessions.

However, debate and discussion on important legislative works were carried out during post-lunch hours. Low attendance during these sessions and scant media coverage of these sessions were a matter of concern.

The matter would be put before the Rules Committee after holding discussions with the Leader of Opposition and the Legislative Affairs Minister.

Mr Rohani said sloganeering by members in front of the Chair during Question Hour and Zero Hour found place in the 'Box item' in the media, but intellectual discussions during afternoon sessions were considered burdensome and often ignored.

He appealed to the media to provide appropriate coverage to these discussions.

UNI