Five lawmakers and 40 employees from Vidhan Bhavan and Mantralaya tested positive for coronavirus, officials said as the two-day monsoon session of the Maharashtra assembly begins on Monday. There will be no time for questions, motions for attention, or debate in the session.
According to the guidelines, only those who test negative will be able to participate or enter the Vidhan Bhavan complex.
“According to the final report, five legislators tested positive in Mumbai. In addition to them, 40 employees also tested positive. They will not be allowed to enter Vidhan Bhavan based on the decision made, ”said a senior official in the state legislature who requested anonymity.
He added that lawmakers could also get tested at their district headquarters.
However, his reports have not been compiled by Vidhan Bhavan. “Those [legislators] who test positive on a test conducted in their districts will not attend the session. There is no separate maintenance for that here, ”she said.
Over the weekend, 2,200 Covid tests were conducted in the city for MLAs, MLCs, staff of legislators and ministers, and Vidhan Bhavan and Mantralaya employees.
Three days before the session, Vidhan Sabha speaker Nana Patole tested positive for coronavirus. Vice President Narhari Zirwal is expected to lead the proceedings in the Lower House.
The state legislature has put elaborate security measures, including ultraviolet light inside Vidhan Bhavan.
Upon entering, legislators will receive a safety kit that will include a face shield, mask and hand gloves. They are expected to use it within the complex. “As a security measure, each legislator will receive a security kit. The kit will include items such as face shields, masks, gloves, disinfectants, etc. “Added the official. Legislators’ personal assistants (PA) may not enter the Chamber.
Officials have made changes to the seating arrangements in the House with social distancing in mind. Of the 288 MLAs, only 228 MLAs will be allowed inside the Vidhan Sabha assembly hall, the remaining 60 will be housed in the visitor and student gallery. Similar changes would be made for Upper House legislators.
The short session will address supplemental demands and seven bills and one appropriations bill.
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