The last session of the 16th  Bihar Assembly, scheduled from Aug 3, will be held at Gyan Bhawan at the Samrat Ashok International Convention Centre, Patna.

In the wake of rising covid cases in Bihar, the legislature will be meeting outside the legislature premises, to follow social distancing norms. This will a brief 4-day monsoon session to be held in the state capital.

“Despite trying various combinations, we could not ensure proper distance between two members in the central hall. Ultimately, the speaker said that the government should be asked to explore other options. For the Bihar Legislative Council, however, there is no space issue, as the 75-member House has 21 vacancies. But both Houses need to run close by. The ministers often have to shift from one House to another,” said a senior Vidhan Sabha official. Samrat Ashok International Convention Centre has a much bigger seating capacity than the central hall of the state legislature.

On the recommendation of the cabinet, the Bihar government, acting on the request of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Governor Phagu Chouhan has already summoned the Legislative Assembly, and issued a modified summon letter.

“The government was requested to look for some other place where social distancing norms could be properly followed. The government has selected Gyan Bhawan at the Samrat Ashok International Convention Centre for it, as it has enough space and open entry and exit points,” said Choudhary.

Bihar is among the five states having bicameral legislature having two Houses. The Budget session of the Bihar Legislature had come to a premature end on March 16, 15 days before the schedule due to the coronavirus.

Meanwhile the government is also gearing up for the upcoming elections in Bihar as they have clear intentions to continue working despite the corona rising cases.  Regarding elections in Bihar, Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan said that Bihar polls should be held on time so that new govt work for development.

the recent statement comes today Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan says “It is our responsibility to ensure that the elections are held on time. We are focussing on elections so that the new government works for development,” said Ranjan.