Team Herald
PANJIM: In view of rising COVID-19 cases in the State, the Goa Legislative Assembly has imposed restrictions on Ministers and MLAs from holding any meetings, media briefings and other gatherings during the upcoming Monsoon Session, beginning from July 27.
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The Legislative Assembly, in consultation with the stakeholders will draw special Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed during the two-week long session.
In a circular issued on June 30, Secretary Legislature Namrata Ulman said, “Due to the prevailing situation in the country and the State, it is advised to all members that it would be prudent not to have any meetings, briefings and other activities which result in gatherings in an enclosed space”.
“Adoption of reports by any committee may be done by circulation only,” she said.
Goa has so far over 1320 confirmed COVID-19 cases, while over 700 active cases.
Speaking to Herald, Speaker Rajesh Patnekar said the Legislative Assembly will take all precautions to ensure safety of the members, staffers, police, press and others during the session.
“Compulsory wearing of masks, hand sanitisation and physical distancing will be followed,” he said adding that no visitors will be allowed to attend the session, so also in the Assembly complex to meet members, when session is in force.
The Speaker said the number of police deployment will be reduced during the session; while regular sanitisation of the complex will be undertaken.
Patnekar said the meeting with Business Advisory Committee (BAC) and Press Advisory Committee (PAC) will be held to work out SOP to be followed during the session.
