Odisha Ministers, MLAs to undergo antibody, RT-PCR tests before Monsoon Session

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Odisha Legislative Assembly (OLA), which is set to commence from September 1, all Ministers and MLAs will undergo RT-PCR and antibody tests, informed Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro.

Speaking to mediapersons following an all-party meeting held today, Patro said both the tests of the House members will be conducted on the same day. The Session, which will have eight business days, will continue till September 9.

“The House will run for five hours every day with two sittings (From 10.30 am-1.30 pm and 4 pm-6 pm). It will function on Saturdays too. Starred questions will be taken up during the House proceedings. Adjournment motions will be allowed during the Session,” said the Speaker.

Opposition BJP will  be permitted to bring four adjournment motions, Congress can move two adjournment motions. Leader of Opposition Pradipta Naik, who is under medication post COVID infection, can attend session through video conferencing, he added.

MLAs can attend the proceedings through video conferencing from OCAC building, Lok Seva Bhawan and other feasible places. The proceedings will be completely paperless, Patro further said.

This will be the 7th session of the 16th Assembly.