The historic halls of the Bihar State Assembly in Patna have entered the digital age. In a significant technological upgrade, internet-driven electronic display boards have been installed on the tables in front of every member's seat. This new system is designed to modernize legislative proceedings by allowing Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to view government responses to their questions directly on screens during House sessions.
A Glimpse into the Upgraded Assembly
A preview of the revamped assembly chamber was provided on Friday, ahead of the first session of the newly constituted 18th House. The inspection was conducted by a high-level team including Awadhesh Narayan Singh, the Chairman of the state legislative council, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, and Khyati Singh, the Assembly Secretary. This session is particularly momentous as it will welcome 243 newly elected members.
Explaining the rationale behind the upgrade, Minister Chaudhary told reporters, "It is the age of developed IT. Accordingly, the state assembly secretariat, too, has been made hi-tech." He emphasized that the devices will enable members to see the government's replies in advance, streamlining the process. To ensure a smooth transition, the assembly secretariat will also organize training sessions for all House members.
Preparations for the Five-Day Session
Prior to the session's scheduled start on Monday, a high-level review meeting was held in the assembly's reading room. Chaired by Legislative Council Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh and Minister Chaudhary, the meeting involved senior officials from the state government and assembly secretariat. The discussions were comprehensive, covering critical aspects such as:
- Security arrangements
- Traffic management
- Functionality of CCTVs
- Availability of health facilities
- Cleanliness and sanitation protocols
The government affirmed its readiness for the session, with Chaudhary stating, "The govt is alert and ready to fulfil its responsibility towards the state legislature and the newly elected members of the assembly."
Session Schedule and Key Events
The five-day session, running from Monday to Friday, is packed with constitutional formalities and legislative business. The schedule is as follows:
On December 1, the newly elected MLAs will be administered the oath of membership by pro-tem speaker Narendra Narayan Yadav. This will be followed by the election of the new Assembly Speaker on December 2.
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will address the joint meeting of the assembly and legislative council members on December 3 in the central hall of the extended legislature building. A debate on the governor's address is scheduled for December 4, concluding with the government's thanksgiving address, typically delivered by the Chief Minister.
The session will conclude on December 5, with the Finance Minister tabling the second supplementary budget for the current fiscal year. The House will then debate and pass the related appropriation Bill, finalizing the state's additional financial allocations.
