Two day monsoon session of Maha Legislature begins under the shadow of Covid-19

@vivekbhavsar

Mumbai: The two-day monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislature began here on Monday in Mumbai by adhering to strict Covid-19 protocols. 

The session held in the midst of the Covid pandemic is perhaps the shortest one in the history of Maharashtra legislature.  

The curtailed session of Maharashtra legislature saw legislators donning masks and maintaining physical distancing. In the absence Speaker Nana Patole, who has tested corona positive, Deputy Speaker, Narhari Zhirwal presided over the proceedings of the lower house.

As part of maintaining physical distancing only one member was seated in the seating area for two. A few members were also seated in the students and visitors’ gallery to ensure physical distancing among them.

Soon after the proceedings began Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tabled ordinances related to amendments to GST and contingency fund. Ordinances pertaining to rural development and urban development departments for postponement of elections to local bodies and mayoral posts due to the pandemic were also tabled along with other bills and papers. Pawar tabled the supplementary demands for 2020-21 as well. The debate on these demands will be taken up tomorrow before they are passed.

Also Read: Ajit Pawar proposes Centre borrow a loan to pay GST compensation to state

Later Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray paid tributes to Bharat Ratna late former President Pranab Mukherjee, late former chief minister of Maharashtra Shivajirao Nilangekar Patil and other legislators and persons who have passed away. Leader of the opposition in legislative assembly Devendra Fadnavis opposed the Gram Panchayat amendment bill stating that what the advocate general has incorporated in the affidavit submitted in the high court pertaining to the appointment of administrators in Gram Panchayats has not found mention in the Bill.

Updates from precincts of Maharashtra Legislature:

Pratap Sarnaik Shiv Sena MLA: I have raised Kangana Ranaut issue in front of deputy speaker in the house. Deputy speaker has asked State home minister Anil Deshmukh to give reply within 24 hours.