TNR News Networks
Dharamshala: The winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly commenced on Wednesday at the Tapovan complex in Dharamshala, setting the stage for a four-day session anticipated to be packed with heated debates and discussions.
Over 300 questions are expected to echo in the Assembly, with lawmakers prepared to tackle pressing issues and introduce significant legislative amendments.
CM Sukhu, Jai Ram on e-Vidhan and NEVA
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the historic significance of the day, underscoring Himachal Pradesh’s pioneering role in implementing the e-Vidhan system a decade ago. “Himachal was the first state to adopt this system, which has since inspired others. Today, with the launch of NEVA (National e-Vidhan Application), the Assembly proceedings will be accessible through the national app,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur praised the advancements, recalling the initial implementation of the e-Vidhan system during the tenure of former Speaker Brij Behari Lal Butail. “The transition from physical documents to a digital system has been transformative. We welcome NEVA as a step forward, made possible by a grant of Rs 8.13 crore from the Union Parliamentary Affairs Ministry,” he added.
Four bills to be introduced during session
The government plans to table four key bills today, including amendments related to government employee recruitment, police reforms, land ceiling limits and Panchayati Raj.
Congress MLA Kewal Singh Pathania will raise concerns about tax losses from illegal hotel and building encroachments, while BJP’s Vipin Singh Parmar will address water scarcity in local irrigation systems.
Discussions under Rule 130
The Assembly will deliberate on Himachal’s tree-cutting policy under Rule 130, adding to the already packed agenda.
For the first time in a winter session, a structured Zero Hour will be held from 12 pm to 12.30 pm. Legislators can raise state-related issues with prior notification to the Secretariat.
Political clashes expected in Assembly
The BJP has signalled its intent to corner the government on issues like the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), vacancies in various departments and unmet electoral guarantees. The Congress, meanwhile, is prepared to counter by highlighting alleged central neglect and its own legislative achievements.
CM to be absent on 2 of 4 days
CM Sukhu will be absent on December 20 and 21 as he attends meetings of Finance Ministers and the GST Council in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
The Assembly proceedings will soon be available on YouTube, with plans for live broadcasting pending budget approvals.
Speaker Kuldeep Pathania stated that responses have been received to notices issued to BJP legislators over disruptions in the previous session.
A total of 248 starred questions and 68 unstarred questions will be addressed, alongside discussions under various rules.
