Alteration in parliamentary proceedings must not discourage MPs: BJP

Only the starred questions will be answered virtually. The MPs would get answers for those questions posted to them electronically through modern technology. Whereas, unstarred questions may not be answered in the coronavirus-influenced session of the parliament.

New Delhi: Amid reports that Question Hour and Zero Hour would remain suspended during the upcoming Parliament monsoon session, the BJP has said "the MPs would still have options to raise concerns about their respective parliamentary constituencies" even if coronavirus-related restrictions have altered certain things.

Speaking to ETV Bharat here, BJP national spokesperson Bizay Sonkar Shastri said it was important to call the session and even if there are certain changes in the proceedings, the members would still have chance to raise their issues and concerns.

"There are other ways and means to raise your concerns," he said, adding that certain alterations, which have been made keeping in view the COVID-19, must not discourage MPs.

Shastri also hoped that members would work keeping in mind the parliamentary spirit during the session, which got delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to sources, only the starred questions will be answered virtually. The MPs would get answers for those questions posted to them electronically through modern technology. Whereas, unstarred questions may not be answered in the coronavirus-affected session of the parliament.

Parliament's monsoon session will begin from September 14.0

The notification issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat said President Ram Nath Kovind has called the Lok Sabha to meet on Monday, September 14 at 9 am. Rajya Sabha is expected to meet at a different time on the same day, as it has been decided to stagger the sitting of the two houses due to the COVID-19 guidelines.