Unrepresented sections should be represented: Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Assam Assembly Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami has advocated that representatives from unrepresented communities, women, renowned lawyers and judges should be nominated to the august House to highlight their issues.

"The terms of these individuals should be fixed between two and two-and-a-half years. It is my personal opinion. This issue has already been discussed in various conferences of Speakers. It will take time to see such development taking place. Even if it happens after 30 years it will be very good," Goswami said, while addressing a press conference at the Assam Assembly Secretariat here on Thursday.

On the issue of creation of the Upper House in the Assam Assembly, Goswami said he doesn't think that the Centre would now give its node to the proposed move. He said construction of the new Assam Assembly House has been delayed due to the lockdown and outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. It will take 4 to 5 more months to complete the construction.

"Since the ongoing session of the House is the last one for the 14th Assam Assembly the sitting MLAs will visit the new Assembly House on Friday. Seating arrangements in the new House have been completed. Additional funds will be required for completion of the House. There has been cost escalation from the original estimate. The State Government has already been told to earmark additional funds in the Budget for 2021-22 for the purpose," Goswami said.

Goswami has hailed the Gauhati High Court for upholding his order derecognizing CLP (Congress Legislature Party) leader Debabrata Saikia as the 'Leader of Opposition' in the august House.

On January 1, 2021 the Speaker had to derecognize the 'Leader of Opposition status of Saikia as the strength of Congress in the State Assembly has been reduced to 19, which is less than one-sixth of the total strength of 126 in the House. Goswami said it is a judicious decision of the High Court.

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