No Decision On Monsoon Session Of Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar : Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread and almost four months have passed since the last session of Odisha Assembly was held, speculation is spreading about the next session.

As per the constitutional provisions and parliamentary practices, there should not be more than six months’ gap between two sessions of a state Assembly. Since the last session (budget session) of the Odisha Assembly was held on March 30 last year, it is due to meet in September this year.

Patro said, “I have consulted with Lok Sabha Speaker and Parliament secretaries in this regard over phone. If Parliament session commences during COVID-19, the distance between two members should be at least 12 feet as per the COVID-19 protocols. However, they are yet to make any preparation for the Parliament session.”

However, Patro ruled out the possibility of holding the Assembly session in July considering the COVID-19 situation in Odisha. He has already deferred the meetings of the committees and sub-committees of the Assembly.