Legislature winter session likely in Belgaum from November 11

Legislative Council chairman D H Shankaramurthy said on Wednesday that the winter session of the State legislature would be conducted at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS) in the city and that he had suggested the State government to hold the session for 10 days from November 11.

Shankaramurthy told reporters here that the issue had been discussed with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the business advisory committee meeting. The government was entitled to take a decision in this regard and the State cabinet would announce the dates for the session, with the consent of the Speaker of the Assembly and the chairman of the Council.

He told reporters during his visit to the Soudha that it was mandatory for convening the legislature session for 60 days in a year as per rules. The government has already held 32 days of the session, with 28 days remaining this year. Shankaramurthy expressed confidence about completing the quota this year. Shankaramurthy held discussions with officials of the district administration over arrangements like accommodation for members of both the Houses and the staff members, besides food, transport and other facilities for the smooth conduct of the session.

Over the demand for shifting key departments to the SVS, he said there was a need for optimum utilisation of the infrastructure. He welcomed the move to hold meetings and conferences here at present.

“Although I am not opposed to it, the issue of shifting key departments needs proper debate and should not be done in haste,” he said.