Bengaluru: In face of a problem of absenteeism in legislative assembly, Karnataka has a new plan - one that appears to have been inspired by schools. Lunches, which the state hopes, will induce the lawmakers to attend, especially the afternoon sessions.
In June, the speaker had to adjourn the house several times during the session when not even two dozen members were present in the House.
The system of mandatory signing before each session, morning and afternoon, has not helped. Many lawmakers have been seen signing the register and quietly leaving, says sources in Karnataka legislature secretariat.
Speaker KB Koliwad said there is a possibility that if the government provides lunches, the lawmakers won't have to leave the building just for a meal. Currently the Vidhan Soudha has facilities only for snacks. He said it was one of the several measures being considered to stem the tide of absenteeism
in the assembly.
"It is not a big issue. MLAs are also responsible representatives. We have sent circulars, we are taking measures, morning session and evening session we have asked them to sign," said Mr Koliwad.
Currently legislators draw a salary of Rs 65,000 a month and can claim constituency travelling allowance upto Rs 25,000 per month. They also get daily allowance of Rs 1,000 for attending meetings. Despite all this, the attendance in the session has been abysmal.
In June, the speaker had to adjourn the house several times during the session when not even two dozen members were present in the House.
The system of mandatory signing before each session, morning and afternoon, has not helped. Many lawmakers have been seen signing the register and quietly leaving, says sources in Karnataka legislature secretariat.
in the assembly.
"It is not a big issue. MLAs are also responsible representatives. We have sent circulars, we are taking measures, morning session and evening session we have asked them to sign," said Mr Koliwad.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"Samples Sent To Lab": Karnataka On Row Over 'Dog Meat' Meant For Restaurants BJP "Totally Failed As Opposition": Ex Karnataka Minister Attacks Own Party 1,600 Tonnes Of Lithium Deposits Found In 2 Karnataka Districts: Minister At Olympics Opening Ceremony, Drag Parody Of 'The Last Supper' Draws Flak Centre Fact-Checks Mamata Banerjee's Mic-Off Claim, She Hits Back Boyfriend Stabs 20-Year-Old To Death Near Mumbai, Dumps Body In Bushes: Cops 5 Children Among 8 Killed After Car Falls Into Gorge In J&K's Anantnag Rape accused, Missing For 5 Months, Arrested In J&K's Ramban: Police "Goa Would Have Collapsed Had The Congress Rule Continued": Kiren Rijiju Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.