One-day assembly session on Aug 28

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Vidhan Sabha will meet on August 28 for a one-day constitutionally mandated session, for the first time since the Covid pandemic broke out.

The go-ahead for the session came on Monday during a video conference meeting of the state cabinet, chaired by chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The cabinet noted the constitutional requirement to hold a session within six months of the previous session and decided on a day-long session within two sittings on August 28, to be followed by a regular session later, when the Covid situation improves.

With the cabinet decision, the Punjab governor has been authorised to convene the 12th session of the 15th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, as per clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution.

The session has been scheduled to open with obituary references, after which it will adjourn for a while and reconvene for the next sitting, during which legislative business will be conducted.

The 11th session of the 15th Punjab Vidhan Sabha concluded on March 4, 2020.

A PLOY TO AVOID DEBATE : CHEEMA

Leader of opposition (LOP) Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday said the Congress government’s decision to convene a one-day monsoon session of state assembly was a clever ploy to run away from discussion on core issues.

In a statement here, the AAP leader said there were innumerable issues and concerns such as Covid-19 pandemic, illicit liquor, sand mafia, agriculturerelated ordinances and Montek panel’s recommendations that needed to be debated on the floor of the House.