Hyderabad: The Telangana Legislative Assembly on Monday created a rare record by allocating nearly eight hours for Question Hour and Zero Hour, giving members extended time to raise constituency issues.
From 10 am to 6 pm, the Speaker allowed long discussions in the House. Members said the Assembly had never set aside so much time earlier. Legislators welcomed the move, saying it helped them bring local problems directly to the government’s notice.
Usually, only one or two MLAs from each party get a chance to speak during Zero Hour. They often get just two or three minutes. However, on Monday, Zero Hour continued for nearly two-and-a-half hours. The Speaker did not impose strict time limits. As a result, around 40 MLAs raised issues from their constituencies.
Extended Zero Hour gives MLAs more time to raise issues
With the Speaker’s initiative, members highlighted several concerns. They raised issues related to CC road construction, check dams, and tank development. MLAs also spoke about schools, colleges, and medical facilities. They sought solutions to the monkey menace and agriculture-related problems.
Several members urged the government to complete works left unfinished during the previous BRS government. Others appealed for the construction of BC community buildings. MLAs also demanded new electricity substations and solutions to power supply issues.
Meanwhile, the government had planned a short discussion on the HILT policy on Monday. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, and IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu had prepared for the debate. However, the government postponed the discussion to Tuesday after the Cabinet and MLAs decided to watch the film Poole together.
Ruling party MLAs said the House functioned smoothly due to the BRS boycott. However, some members felt the absence of the opposition reduced the intensity of the Assembly proceedings.