Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 26: In an effort to improve attendance and participation during the Budget session, Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader has decided to arrange recliners for legislators at Vidhana Soudha.

As many as 15 recliners will be rented and installed in the Assembly lobby from March 3 to 21, based on feedback from senior MLAs. The move aims to address the issue of legislators leaving after lunch and not returning for the session. The recliners will provide a space for MLAs to rest briefly before resuming their participation.

Speaker Khader emphasized that purchasing recliners would be unnecessary since they are not required year-round. Instead, they will be rented for the duration of the session and removed afterward.

The decision follows a successful trial during the Legislative Session in July 2024, when a single recliner was installed. After positive feedback from MLAs, the Speaker opted to expand the facility.

In addition to this initiative, Khader has previously introduced breakfast, lunch, and refreshments for legislators during sessions. He has also taken steps to monitor attendance, recognizing MLAs who are punctual and calling out those who frequently arrive late or skip sessions. An Artificial Intelligence-based attendance tracking system has also been implemented.

The upcoming Assembly session is expected to be eventful, with the Opposition BJP and JD(S) preparing to challenge the ruling Congress on various issues. chief minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to present the 2025-26 Budget on March 7.