UP Legislature session from Feb 18, state budget on Feb 24

Lucknow, Feb 17: The Budget session of Uttar Pradesh Legislature will commence from Wednesday, Feb 18 with the joint address of Governor Ram Naik, even as opposition parties have geared up to raise the issue of "deteriorating" law and order in the state.

The Governor, in his speech, is expected to highlight the achievements of the government and throw light on the future projects to be initiated by the state.

According to Pradeep Dubey, Principal Secretary (Vidhan Sabha Secretariat), the budget session would continue till March 27 and the state budget would be tabled on February 24 by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who also holds the finance portfolio. Six bills are likely to be introduced in the session.

The government will also introduce a bill to amend the UP Gangsters Act 1954 to bring crimes like human trafficking and bonded labour under its purview. The government had recently issued an ordinance for this and it was promulgated by the Governor.

As per the tentative schedule, three days have been earmarked for debate on Governor's address while eight days have been earmarked for discussions on state budget before departmental budgets are passed.

BSP leader Swami Prasad Maurya said that he would raise the issue of "deteriorating" law and order in the state, where goonda elements are ruling the roost". The party is also likely to raise the issue of statements made by Governor, especially on Ram Temple, he said.

The BJP and Congress are also likely to put the government on the dock over "law and order, corruption, and issues relating to common man".

For the session, there would be elaborate security arrangements and those visiting the Vidhan Bhawan will be under CCTV surveillance. Separate teams of PAC, Special Task Force (STF) and Anti Terrorist Squat (ATS) will be deployed around the Vidhan Bhawan.

PTI