Orientation classes for legislators begin

Vijayawada: Maintaining the dignity and decorum of the Assembly, following  etiquette and coming fully prepared on the subject that comes up for discussion, are the norms that members were asked to follow during an Assembly session.

Addressing the two-day orientation programme for MLAs on etiquette and rules and regulations to be followed during the Assembly session, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy asked them to be punctual at the session and come prepared with the subject that  comes up for discussion. “The Andhra Pradesh Assembly proceedings should be on the lines of the state Assemblies that have the highest regard for parliamentary practices and the forum should be used for purposeful discussions on public issues. Our members should do their homework before taking up the mike in the Assembly to speak on the issue. They should keep in mind that public speaking is different from that of speaking in the Assembly and we will cut a sorry figure if we do not have the material or data to counter the argument of the opponents,” he said.

“The experts will give their perspective and tell you about the rules and regulations, when to speak and what are the various forms to raise an issue. The MLAs should come prepared with the subject in coordination with Chief Whip G. Srikanth Reddy and minister of the Legislative Assembly to take up the discussion and cooperate with the Speaker,” Mr Reddy said.

He added that it is imperative that all members come to the House at least 30 minutes earlier, know the listings and be prepared for the subject they are taking up. Similarly, they need to meet after the day’s proceedings to know what is on the next day’s agenda which would yield a good result.

The orientation programme is being taken up as 70 of the 175 MLAs are first timers. Such training classes are being held in the Assembly premises to avoid spending of public money as the previous government had by holding such meetings in star hotels. The Assembly sessions in our government will be very different from that of the previous ones as we respect democracy and allow the opposition to speak and yet reply in a firm manner.

Earlier, in his welcome address, minister for Legislative Assembly Buggana Rajendernath Reddy said that tolerance and respect for minority opinion is the courage and strength of the majority and he narrated how party leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy used to prepare the MLAs while they were in the opposition with facts and figures to raise issues of public interest in the Assembly.

Speaker Tammineni Sitaram, Council Chair-man, M.D. Sharif Ahmed participated on the opening day.