Recliners for Karnataka MLAs’ post- lunch nap this budget session: Speaker U T Khader

Bengaluru: The legislators will get recliners for a quick nap after the lunch during the budget session, commencing from March 3.

“Some senior legislators have requested that they need time for a quick nap after lunch and if they go out of the premises, they won’t return to House for rest of the day. Therefore, I have decided to install recliners on rent,” Assembly Speaker U T Khader said. He was addressing a press meet here on Monday.

The speaker said the plan is to install at least 15 recliners in the Legislative Assembly lobby. “Purchasing them is a waste of money as they will not be utilised more often. So, I have decided to get them on rent and after the session, they will be removed from the premises,” Khader added.

The speaker stated that, considering the practical issues legislators are facing during sessions, serving of the breakfast, lunch, tea-coffee and snacks was introduced. “Now, to avoid them from skipping the House proceedings after lunch I have taken the decision to install recliners,” he added.

It can be recalled that during July 2024 Legislative sessions, the Speaker had installed a recliner chair. This time considering the demand, he said the number will be increased to fifteen.

It can be recalled that Khader started the practice of recognising MLAs who came to the Assembly earlier than scheduled time or on time. But those who came late but stayed till the end of the day’s proceedings got no attention. Following that, Khader implemented an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system to track MLAs.