Himachal Assembly monsoon session to begin on August 21

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MLAs submit 1,036 questions as key issues to be discussed in the upcoming monsoon session, including rain damage, vacancies and healthcare shortages which take the centre stage.

Shimla, August 19

The monsoon session of the 14th Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly will begin on August 21 and run till September 3, with 10 sittings scheduled. Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said legislators have submitted 1,036 questions for the session, including 787 starred and 249 unstarred questions. All questions were submitted online and sent to the government for replies.

Pathania said 13 calling-attention notices have been received under various rules, along with two notices seeking a two-hour discussion under Rule 63, five notices for Non-Government Members’ Day under Rule 101, and 15 notices under Rule 130 on important matters concerning the state.

Key issues likely to come up during the session include damage to roads and drinking water schemes caused by heavy rainfall, vacancies in the Education Department, the deployment of principals and lecturers in CBSE schools, staff shortages in health institutions, and the availability of modern equipment and medicines in medical colleges.

On the implementation of assurances given by ministers on the floor of the House, Pathania said standing committees currently review departmental progress. If required, a separate ‘Assurance Committee’ headed by the Speaker could be constituted to ensure effective monitoring and review of ministerial commitments.

Pathania said the Himachal Pradesh Assembly has recorded one of the highest productivity rates in the country, ranging from 90 to 132 percent. An all-party meeting is scheduled for August 20 to ensure the session runs smoothly. Proceedings will formally begin on August 21 after the House pays tribute to former members who have passed away.