Synopsis
Karnataka Speaker U. T. Khader defends the decision to provide recliner facilities for MLAs, asserting the importance of comfort during Budget sessions. He emphasizes the need for rest and comfort, following feedback from senior legislators.Key Takeaways
- Comfort for MLAs is essential during sessions.
- Recliner facilities aim to boost MLA attendance.
- 15 recliners will be rented for the Budget session.
- Investment in comfort is justified at Rs 4 lakh.
- AI system tracks MLA attendance.
Bengaluru, March 6 (NationPress) In response to the criticism regarding the recliner facilities at the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Speaker U. T. Khader emphasized on Thursday that there is absolutely nothing inappropriate about providing comfort for MLAs.
To enhance MLA participation during the Budget session, Speaker Khader suggested the installation of recliner facilities for legislators.
Initially, it has been agreed to rent 15 recliners from March 3 to 21, which will be set up in the lobby of Vidhana Soudha.
While addressing the media at Vidhana Soudha, Khader remarked, "I consistently say, don’t view MLAs as adversaries; see them as friends and seniors. Numerous senior members are part of the Assembly. After meals, if there is a one- to one-and-a-half-hour break, they require some rest. Instead of going to the Legislators' House and returning late, it is preferable to offer them this facility."
"At times, MLAs experience fatigue during sessions. It is our responsibility to tackle this, and as an MLA myself, I comprehend the difficulties of remaining in the House from morning till evening. Acknowledging these challenges and offering necessary amenities is essential," he noted.
"If these recliners were to be purchased, the overall expense would not surpass Rs 4 lakh. Even the opposition leader has advocated for recliner facilities for their members. Therefore, 10 recliners will be located on one side and five on the other. What is wrong with investing Rs 4 lakh for the comfort of 224 MLAs during the session?" Khader questioned.
"If every matter is politicized, it becomes challenging to operate efficiently," he added.
This initiative was taken based on suggestions from senior MLAs and the observation that MLAs often do not return to participate in the session after stepping out for lunch.
Khader believes that the sofa-like recliners would allow MLAs to rest, enabling them to rejoin the session after a brief break.
It has also been resolved to refrain from purchasing the recliners as it would be a waste of resources since they would not be utilized continuously. Hence, renting them during the session and removing them post-session has been decided.
During the Legislative Session in July 2024, Speaker Khader installed a single recliner chair; following positive feedback from MLAs regarding the recliner facility, a decision was made to acquire more recliners.
Khader also introduced breakfast, lunch, tea, coffee, and snacks, taking into account the challenges faced by MLAs during the session.
He addressed those who arrived late and missed the session.
He has implemented an Artificial Intelligence system to monitor MLA attendance.
