All-party meeting maps out priorities for Legislative Assembly sessions

The inaugural session of the sixteenth Rajasthan Legislative Assembly is scheduled to commence on Friday, January 19. In anticipation of the session, an all-party meeting was convened on Thursday by Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani.
Key attendees included Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel. Devnani emphasized the importance of meaningful discussions, urging all members to express their views positively for the effective functioning of the Assembly.
During the meeting, Devnani underscored the constitutional significance of the Governor’s address, urging members to accord full respect during the proceedings. He also discouraged the use of placards in the House and emphasized the allocation of time for discussion to all parties based on rules.
The Speaker stressed that maintaining the dignity of the Assembly is a shared responsibility, and if necessary, the session will be extended for debates on matters of public interest.
Devnani expressed concern over delays in receiving answers to questions and announced a commitment to seeking timely responses, with accountability for officers in charge. He highlighted the importance of the question and Zero Hour, urging parties to refrain from disruptions during these periods.
The Speaker appealed to all parties to raise issues with dignity and emphasized security measures, encouraging MLAs to assess visitors before allowing them into the gallery.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized the equal opportunity for all members to express their views, encouraging adherence to time limits. Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully urged the government to take issues raised seriously and ensure timely responses. The meeting concluded with important suggestions, including the reinstatement of the slip-speaking system and the discussion of committee reports.