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The upcoming winter session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, scheduled to commence on November 28, will see the enforcement of new Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. Under these rules, legislators are prohibited from carrying mobile phones, flags, banners, posters, and placards inside the Vidhan Sabha. The clampdown on mobile phones is intended to maintain discipline, following instances of live telecasting and other disruptive activities.
The Yogi Adityanath government’s commitment to women empowerment extends to the assembly, where priority will be given to women members to speak during the session.
While there is a growing demand among members to allow mobile phones inside the House, the new rules emphasize the need for discipline and decorum. The state assembly has yet to make provisions for the safe deposit of mobile phones outside the Vidhan Sabha.
UP Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana affirmed, “The new rule book of the House will be enforced now, and the winter session will adhere to these provisions. Members will no longer be allowed to carry mobile phones inside the House.”
These regulations were introduced after a Samajwadi Party MLA’s live telecast of House proceedings on Facebook earlier this year. The rules aim to prevent disruptive activities that may tarnish the reputation of the state legislature.
Members from the opposition justify the need for mobile phones, citing the importance of staying connected with their constituents. SP chief whip Manoj Kumar Pandey stated, “We will request the speaker to either allow mobile phones inside the House or provide a private secretary to attend to the mobile phone when the House is in session.”
Congress Legislature Party leader Aradhana Mishra acknowledged the historical restrictions on mobile phones but emphasized the need for accessibility during emergencies.
Besides mobile phones, the new rule book incorporates various measures, including restrictions on smoking, tearing documents, and loud conversations in the lobbies. Members are expected not to stand or sit with their back to the speaker. Technical changes were necessitated by the implementation of the National e-Vidhan Application to digitize proceedings.
The winter session will commence with messages of condolences for current and former members who have passed away. Legislative activities, including the tabling of ordinances and introduction of bills, will unfold over the session, culminating on December 1.
