Governor P A Gajapathi Raju has officially summoned a session of the Goa state legislative assembly, which is scheduled to commence on March 6 at 11:30 AM. The session will continue until March 27, encompassing a total of 14 days of sittings throughout this period.
Session Schedule and Key Dates
The assembly will observe breaks on two specific public holidays during this session. On March 19, the House will not convene due to the Gudi Padwa festival, and similarly, on March 26, proceedings will be paused for Ram Navami celebrations. This structured schedule allows for a balanced approach to legislative work while respecting cultural observances.
Budget Presentation and Government Reports
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is set to present the state budget during this session, outlining the government's financial plans and allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, he will table the "action taken" report on the previous budget, providing transparency and accountability regarding the implementation of past financial proposals.
Opportunities for Legislative Engagement
Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will have multiple avenues to engage with government matters during this session. They will be able to raise both starred and unstarred questions related to various departments, facilitating detailed inquiries into administrative functions. Furthermore, MLAs can seek assurances from the government through private members' resolutions, allowing for proactive legislative initiatives.
In a move to address immediate concerns, members will also be permitted to raise matters of urgent public importance during the zero hour. This provision is expected to give the opposition more time and a platform to highlight critical issues affecting the state, enhancing democratic discourse within the assembly.
Context and Opposition Concerns
This extended session comes in response to previous criticisms regarding the duration of assembly meetings. The last session, held in January, had only six sittings, which drew strong disapproval from opposition MLAs. They expressed dissatisfaction with the short duration of recent sessions, arguing that it limited their ability to raise issues of public importance effectively.
Opposition members had specifically demanded more detailed discussions on pressing matters, including the tragic Birch fire incident that resulted in the loss of 25 lives. The current session's longer timeframe is anticipated to address these concerns by allowing for more comprehensive debates and legislative scrutiny.
Overall, the summoned session from March 6 to 27 represents a significant step towards enhancing legislative productivity and responsiveness in Goa's governance framework.
