House session in Belagavi from Dec 10

The 10-day winter session of the state legislature at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here will begin on December 10.

Addressing media persons here on Monday, after holding a meeting with officials to review the preparations for the session, Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar and Pro tem Chairman of Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti said efforts would be made to make the session a success.

“We expect legislators to come prepared for the session. We can support them by providing extra time if they (legislators) involve in healthy discussions,” Ramesh Kumar said.

“The Legislative Advisory Committee will decide on the agenda for discussions,” he said when asked whether the session would dedicate time for discussion on problems faced by North Karnataka region. Depending on the topics raised by members under different rules the issues would be discussed on priority, he added.

When asked about the powers vested with the Speaker on attendance, Ramesh Kumar said, “I cannot bring the legislators to the House. It is their responsibility, and the people should decide on whom to send as their representative. Unfortunately, this has been a non-issue during the elections.”

It has come to our notice that there were some lapses in arrangements like food and accommodation during the previous session. We have suggested to the officials concerned to ensure such lapses are not repeated, Ramesh Kumar said.

Horatti said a proposal has been sent to the government for extending the session by one day. “If the government agrees then the session will be extended till December 21,” he said. On reports over the resignation of Municipal Administration Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, Speaker said, “I have not received his resignation letter yet.”

The state government has set aside Rs 18 crore for the Belagavi session. There is a provision to utilise additional Rs 3 crore.