Shimla, Feb 16,
The Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly commenced today at the historic Council Chambers in Shimla, with the Governor’s Address scheduled at 2 pm.
Addressing mediapersons at the Assembly complex on Sunday, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said the session has initially been slated for three days. However, he indicated that the duration may be extended depending upon the volume of government business placed before the House.
Importantly, while this is the Budget Session, the presentation of the state budget will take place at a later date, with the current sitting primarily focused on preliminary legislative business and procedural matters.
The Speaker informed that a notice has been received from the state government under Rule 102 to hold a discussion on Revenue Deficit Grants. So far, 125 notices have been submitted by members under Rule 35, including 111 starred and 14 unstarred questions. A calling attention motion under Rule 61 has also been received.
Clarifying the schedule, Pathania said that, as per established precedent, discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address will not begin on February 16 and 17. Immediately after the Governor’s Address today, the House will take up obituary references, followed by the presentation of the government’s agenda of business. He added that the detailed business schedule is yet to be formally received from the government.
Question Hour has been scheduled for February 17 and 18. The final decision on whether to extend the session beyond three days will depend on the agenda placed by the government.
An all-party meeting has been convened at 12:15 pm today, to be attended by the Speaker, Deputy Chief Whip, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition, aimed at ensuring smooth conduct of the proceedings.
The Speaker further disclosed that two privilege motions—one concerning the Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, and another involving the former SP, Baddi—are pending before the Privilege Committee. A complaint against BJP MLAs for allegedly assaulting Assembly security personnel is also under consideration.
With the House now in session, the focus will remain on procedural business, discussions on grants, and members’ questions, ahead of the formal presentation of the state budget later during the extended sitting, if notified.
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