Authorities face seating dilemma ahead of proposed UP session

LUCKNOW: Amid Covid-19 scare, enforcing the social distancing norms will be a major challenge for the authorities during the monsoon session of the state legislature likely to begin from August 20.

“We understand the state legislature’s session is being convened from August 20. A formal announcement about convening the state legislature’s session will be taken once Governor Anandiben Patel gives her nod to the state cabinet’s recommendations,” said a senior officer.

“We will explore all the options about making seating arrangements for the legislators following the social distancing norms. We will also discuss the issue with chief minister Yogi Adityanath,” said speaker Narain Dikshit, adding, he would be able to say anything more on the issue only after a formal notification about convening the house was issued. Uttar Pradesh assembly has a sanctioned strength of 403 members. With five vacancies, the house has an effective strength of 398 members.

Those aware with the seat arrangements in the state assembly say that the house can accommodate 279 members at a time if one seat was left vacant between two members. Under such a situation the state assembly may accommodate the remaining members in the viewers’ galleries. “If we accommodate members in the viewers’ gallery all of them will get a place in the house,” said a senior officer of the state assembly.

UTTAR PRADESH ASSEMBLY HAS A SANCTIONED STRENGTH OF 403 MEMBERS.