Nirendra Dev
New Delhi: The Speaker said all members and media will be allowed under Covid-19 rules.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who took stock of preparations vis-à-vis Covid protocols in Parliament, on Monday said there will be 19 days of business. During the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning July 19.
The session will continue till August 13 with 19 days of business, he said.
So far, according to sources, about 440 Lok Sabha members and 218 members of the Rajya Sabha have reportedly been vaccinated against Covid-19.
Sources said among 40 draft laws, the government is likely to present the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill in Parliament.
Some lawmakers, however, have not been able to take their second jab yet.
A few members are still to provide detailed information on their vaccination status to Parliament and the secretariats of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, it is learned.
The timings of the session will be from 11 am to 6 pm for both the Houses and will follow the COVID-19 protocols, Mr. Birla said.
With the coronavirus pandemic continuing, necessary protocols and arrangements are being made to accommodate members of Parliament on a social distancing basis.
The Speaker said all members and media will be allowed under Covid-19 rules.
"We will request those who have not undergone vaccination to undergo a test," the Speaker said.
But no RT-PCR test will be required.
However, those without having received even a single jab would be made to undergo the compulsory test at a gap not exceeding every two weeks.
A majority of lawmakers have taken at least one dose of the Covid vaccine.
This has to be followed not only by MPs, but anybody entering the Parliament premises, an official said.
The 2020 winter session was skipped completely because of the pandemic.
All eyes will be on the proceedings of both the Houses as 40 bills and five key Ordinances are pending before Parliament.
