After recliners, Karnataka speaker mulls massage chairs for MLAs
What's the story
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly speaker's office has proposed a ₹3 crore plan to install smart locks in all MLAs' rooms at the Legislators's House.
The initiative is aimed at improving security and accessibility for the legislators.
Speaker UT Khader clarified that this proposal is still under discussion with legislators regarding the necessary facilities.
Comfort measures
Speaker Khader advocates for massage chairs in Assembly
Apart from smart locks, Speaker Khader has also proposed to introduce massage chairs along with recliners in the Assembly.
He believes these additions aren't luxuries but necessities considering the long hours and stress lawmakers face.
"Not only recliners, I will even keep massage chairs as well," Khader said, adding MLAs deserve reasonable facilities.
Mixed reactions
Ministerial support and opposition criticism for proposal
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge backed Khader's efforts to improve MLA attendance and participation in Assembly sessions.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre also supported the initiative, adding many legislators are senior citizens working under pressure.
However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opposed the move, calling it an unnecessary expenditure amid more pressing governance issues.
BJP MLC CT Ravi criticized the proposal due to a lack of funds in the state and unpaid contractors.
Steadfast stance
Speaker Khader remains unfazed by criticism
Last week, Speaker Khader said that he intends to hire 15 recliners for MLAs and MLCs so they can take a "quick nap" in the assembly lobby.
The move comes amid legislators often leaving the Vidhana Soudha after lunch and not returning, leading to low attendance.
Because the Assembly only functions for roughly 30 days each year, no recliner chairs will be purchased, he said. Instead, they will be hired for the session and returned when it is over.