New Delhi: During the upcoming monsoon session, the Indian Parliament will function on Saturdays and Sundays also. This means that no MPs will get weekend breaks. This is done to ensure that lawmakers spend minimum time in Delhi amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
There was a delay in the monsoon session which usually begins in July. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now the session is likely to start from September 14.
This is the first time a routine session will see members working on both Saturdays and Sundays. Earlier there were special sessions on Saturday. But never in history, there was any session on Sunday.
Both the houses have taken special COVID-19 measures for the upcoming monsoon session. The members can now deliver a speech in the House in a sitting position. There is an option for members to undergo the RT–PCR tests at their constituency before heading to Delhi. There will be a one-way movement in the Central Hall and main corridors. Also, there will be doorstep COVID-19 tests. This decision is after Speaker Om Birla’s meeting with health sector experts last week.
Last week, there was a meeting of Lok Sabha speaker, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan. AIIMS Director, ICMR Chief, and DRDO officials were also in the meeting.
On the first day, the Lok Sabha will be from 9 am to 1 pm. The Rajya Sabha will start after a gap of two hours. The session of Rajya Sabha will start at 3 pm. However, for the remaining part of the session, the Rajya Sabha will meet in the morning. Also, the Lok Sabha will be in the afternoon schedule. This is done to efficiently conduct business between the two Houses.