Bhubaneswar: The Budget Session of the Odisha Assembly commenced on a stormy note on Tuesday amid protests by the Opposition members.
The Session started at 11:00 am with Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal’s address. However, no sooner than the Governor started his address to the House Congress MLAs rushed near the podium and created a ruckus to protest against Health Minister Naba Das’s murder and the alleged deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
On the other hand, BJP MLAs boycotted the address of the Governor and staged a dharna at the entrance of the House.
In his address, the Governor highlighted the success of programmes like Biju Swatshya Kalyan Yojana, the Hockey Men’s World Cup and other welfare programmes being undertaken by the state government.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Jaynarayan Mishra and Congress leader Narasimha Mishra paid tributes to Naba Kisore Das and other departed leaders of the House.
Following this, the House was adjourned for the day.
The session will commence in two phases. The first phase will be held from February 21 to March 1st and the second from March 10 to April 6.
Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari will present the Budget for the 2023-24 fiscal on February 24 and a discussion on the Budget will be held on February 27, 28, and March 1. Different Standing Committees will present their reports on March 9, 10, 11, and 12.
The appropriation of the Bill on Budget for the Year 2023-24 shall take place on March 31.
