New Delhi: For the first time in the history of Parliament, MPs of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and other parties will sit in different Houses during the Monsoon session due to COVID-19 pandemic.
As per the plan, out of 12 BJD Lok Sabha MPs, six will sit in Lok Sabha chamber, four MPs will sit in Lok Sabha gallery and two MPs will sit in the chamber and gallery of the Rajya Sabha. Similarly, out of nine Rajya Sabha MPs, two will sit in Rajya Sabha chamber including the Parliamentary party leader, one MP will sit in Rajya Sabha gallery and six MPs have been given seats in Lok Sabha chamber and gallery.
Seat numbers 172, 179, 187, 188, 197 and 208 in the chamber and seat numbers 392, 400, 405 and 412 in the gallery of the Lower House are allotted to BJD Lok Sabha MPs while one MP will occupy seat number 45 in the RS chamber and another MP has been allotted seat number 92 in the gallery of the Rajya Sabha.
However, sources said that the seating arrangement of the Congress and BJP MPs would be finalised by Sunday.
In order to create awareness about COVID-19, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has organised a two-day orientation programme for MPs Sunday and Monday. AIIMS will apprise the MPs of the precautions to be taken during the Monsoon session.
Significantly, the session will commence Monday and conclude October 1. According to reports, the government has listed 23 new bills, including 11 which seek to replace ordinances, for introduction in the monsoon session.
On the first day of the Session, the Lok Sabha will sit from 9am to 1pm while proceeding of the Upper House will be from 3pm to 7pm. The Zero Hour will be for 30 minutes.On subsequent days, proceedings in the Rajya Sabha will be held from 9am till 1pm while that of the Lok Sabha will be from 3pm to 7pm.
