Speaker Kuldeep Pathania reviews arrangements; 406 questions received ahead of Monsoon Session
Shimla: Elaborate security and administrative arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, with drone surveillance, manual entry passes and the deployment of around 750 security personnel forming key components of the security plan. The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania at the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat on Friday.
Reviewing preparations for the 12th Session (Monsoon Session) of the 14th Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the Speaker directed all departments to ensure foolproof arrangements and made it clear that no lapse in security would be tolerated during the session.
The meeting was attended by Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Inspector General (Vigilance) Santosh Patial, Assembly Secretary Yashpal Sharma, HPTDC Managing Director Rajiv Kumar, Shimla Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Gopal Berry, SJPNL Managing Director Virendra Thakur, along with senior officials from the Police Department, Home Guards, Public Works Department, Information and Public Relations Department and other concerned agencies.
Pathania emphasised that both the internal and external security of the Assembly complex must be strengthened and directed officials to strictly implement Speaker’s Directive No. 140. He said legislators should not face any inconvenience while attending the session and their security must remain the highest priority.
As part of enhanced security measures, the Police Department will deploy drone cameras to monitor protests and demonstrations around the Assembly complex. Officials informed the meeting that approximately 750 security personnel would be deployed throughout the session to ensure smooth conduct of proceedings.
To strengthen emergency preparedness, an advanced ambulance equipped with modern medical facilities, supported by two doctors and paramedical staff, will remain stationed inside the Vidhan Sabha complex during the session.
The Speaker also reiterated that photography and videography inside the House will be strictly prohibited for officials, visitors and media personnel. Any violation of the rules will invite appropriate action under the Assembly’s regulations.
Manual Passes During NeVA Transition
Pathania announced that all entry passes for the Monsoon Session would be issued manually instead of online, as Himachal Pradesh is currently transitioning from the Himachal e-Vidhan platform to the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) system.
To facilitate hassle-free entry, passes issued by the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat for officials, employees and accredited media personnel must be displayed prominently to reduce repeated security checks.
For the convenience of journalists and public safety, media personnel will continue to enter the Assembly complex through Gates 3, 4, 5 and 6, while Secretariat officials and employees have also been instructed to display their identity cards at all times.
The Speaker warned that any official or employee found transferring an official pass to another person would face legal action.
Parking, Visitor Access and Electronic Devices
Detailed parking arrangements were also finalised during the meeting. Only the vehicles of Ministers, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries will be allowed inside the main parking area of the Vidhan Sabha complex.
Parking for accredited media personnel will be available between Vidhan Sabha Chowk and Gate No. 2, while Assembly Secretariat officials and employees will use designated parking spaces on Mall Road between Gate No. 2 and the Accountant General’s office.
Officials were instructed to ensure that parking stickers issued by the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat are prominently displayed on vehicles.
The Speaker further reiterated that mobile phones, pagers and similar electronic devices will not be permitted inside the Assembly chamber during the proceedings.
Visitors and delegations wishing to meet the Chief Minister or members of the Council of Ministers will be required to obtain prior appointments, with meetings to take place only in the designated waiting room of the Assembly complex. Police and CID officials have been directed to coordinate closely to ensure smooth movement and effective security management.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Pathania revealed that the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat has so far received 406 questions from members for the Monsoon Session, with additional notices expected in the coming days. He expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of all departments would ensure the smooth, secure and orderly conduct of the Assembly proceedings.
