Mangaluru: Karnataka Assebly Speaker UT Khader revealed his intentions to transform the legislative assembly into a paperless environment.

During an interactive session with journalists organized by the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists’ Association on Monday, Speaker Khader disclosed plans to digitize the assembly proceedings. He outlined how each Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) would have a laptop in front of them during sessions, equipped with all the necessary information about bills and agendas. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already engaged in discussions regarding this innovative concept.

Inspired by the success of paperless legislative assemblies in states like Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, Speaker Khader affirmed the determination to implement this system in their assembly as well. The ambitious project is expected to be executed in three phases. In the first phase, the proceedings of the assembly sessions will be completely paperless. Subsequently, in the second phase, the legislature secretariat will undergo computerization. 

The final phase aims to establish a library and develop a dedicated app for public engagement during assembly discussions. This app will grant constituents access to debates relevant to their constituencies and allow them to actively participate by sharing their opinions.

When questioned about opposition leadership in sessions without an opposition leader, Khader emphasized that it is the responsibility of the BJP to make a decision on the appointment. Furthermore, he firmly denied all allegations of bias in the disqualification of MLAs, asserting that the proceedings were conducted impartially and without any undue influence.

Addressing security concerns, Speaker Khader acknowledged a recent incident of a security breach in the assembly premises. In response, he unveiled plans to introduce a new technology-driven security system at the Vidhana Soudha, aimed at bolstering safety measures.