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Andhra Deputy Speaker Explains Assembly Attendance Rules at Literary Award Event

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Speaker Raghu Rama Krishnam Raju spoke at the 22nd Lok Nayak Literary Award ceremony in Visakhapatnam. He clarified constitutional rules, stating an MLA can face disqualification for missing 60 consecutive Assembly days. Raju mentioned the Ethics Committee is examining complaints about legislators signing registers without attending proceedings. He expressed hope that YSR Congress Party members, including Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, would attend the upcoming sessions in February.

Key Points: Andhra Assembly Attendance Rules & Literary Award Mark 22 Years

  • Lok Nayak literary award marks 22 years
  • Deputy Speaker clarifies 60-day absenteeism rule
  • Ethics Committee probing attendance complaints
  • Sessions likely in February
  • Non-Resident Andhras felicitated
2 min read

Lok Nayak Literary Award marks 22 years; Andhra Deputy Speaker Raju highlights Assembly attendance rules

Deputy Speaker Raghu Rama Krishnam Raju clarifies MLA disqualification rules, highlights Lok Nayak literary award's 22-year legacy in Visakhapatnam.

"a legislator can face disqualification for failing to attend the Assembly for 60 consecutive days - Raghu Rama Krishnam Raju"

Visakhapatnam, January 18

Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Raghu Rama Krishnam Raju on Sunday said that the Lok Nayak Foundation has been consistently presenting a prestigious literary award for the past 22 years, recognising eminent literary personalities. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and is traditionally conferred on notable contributors to literature.

Speaking at the award ceremony held in Visakhapatnam on the death anniversary of former Chief Minister N T Rama Rao, Raju described the occasion as special. He also noted that Non-Resident Andhras were invited and felicitated during the event.

In a lighter vein, the Deputy Speaker remarked that political leaders are often known for not arriving on time.

He informed that the Assembly sessions are likely to be held in February and clarified that he has not made any political statement.

Referring to constitutional provisions, Raju explained that under the Tenth Schedule, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, despite holding constitutional positions, continue to function as Members of the Legislative Assembly. He revealed that some individuals had written letters against him, alleging that he did not attend party or Politburo meetings.

Raju also said that Ethics Committee Chairman Mandali Buddha Prasad is examining complaints against legislators accused of signing the attendance register without actually participating in Assembly proceedings.

Expressing hope for improved participation, the Deputy Speaker said that YSR Congress Party legislators, including party president and former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, are expected to attend the upcoming Assembly sessions. He pointed out that both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council function from the same building and share the same atmosphere.

He added that the reasons for attending the Legislative Council while skipping the Assembly are known only to the concerned members. Explaining the rules, Raju said a legislator can face disqualification for failing to attend the Assembly for 60 consecutive days, though attending even a single day during that period is sufficient to avoid disqualification.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
The Deputy Speaker's point about attendance is so true! Our MLAs get elected and then forget to show up for work. Signing the register and leaving is a betrayal of public trust. The Ethics Committee must take strict action. We pay for their salaries and they can't even attend sessions? Shameful.
S
Suresh O
Good to see the rules being clarified. The 60-day disqualification rule is there for a reason – to ensure accountability. But attending just one day in 60 to avoid it shows how the spirit of the law is being bypassed. Our democracy needs more responsible legislators, not those looking for loopholes. 🇮🇳
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Andrew M
Interesting mix of topics in one event – a literary award and assembly procedures. The comment about leaders not arriving on time was a witty but sad reality. Punctuality should be basic. Hoping Jagan Mohan Reddy and his party attend the sessions. The people's work must come before political games.
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Nisha Z
While I appreciate the literary award, I find it a bit odd that the Deputy Speaker used this platform to discuss assembly attendance controversies. Couldn't that be a separate press conference? It slightly overshadows the achievement of the writers being honored. Just my two paise.
K
Karthik V
Honoring NTR on his death anniversary is fitting. He was a giant of Andhra politics and culture. Inviting Non-Resident Andhras is also a nice touch – our diaspora contributes so much. As for the attendance issue, it's a national problem, not just Andhra's. Parliament sees similar drama.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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