'Power Naps' Between Politics? Karnataka MLAs To Get Recliners In Assembly During Budget Session

Karnataka Assembly Secretariat will rent 15 recliners, which will be installed in the lobby of the Vidhana Soudha from March 3 to March 21.

In addition to the recliner initiative, the Assembly Secretariat is organising a book fair from February 28 to March 3.

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In a unique move to enhance attendance and productivity during the Karnataka Assembly’s Budget session, Speaker UT Khader has decided to rent recliners for legislators to take power naps during breaks. The initiative aims to address the longstanding issue of MLAs skipping post-lunch sessions often due to fatigue.

The Assembly Secretariat will rent 15 recliners, which will be installed in the lobby of the Vidhana Soudha from March 3 to March 21. The decision follows positive feedback from MLAs who tested a single recliner during the July 2023 Legislative Session. Speaker Khader emphasised that the recliners will provide a comfortable space for legislators to rest briefly and return refreshed to participate in the remaining proceedings, as per a report on IANS.

To ensure cost-effectiveness, the Assembly has opted to rent the recliners rather than purchase them as they will not be needed year-round. The move is part of Khader’s broader efforts to make the Assembly more accommodating and practical for lawmakers. Earlier, he introduced meal services, including breakfast, lunch, tea, coffee, and snacks, to address the logistical challenges faced by MLAs during lengthy sessions.

In addition to the recliner initiative, the Assembly Secretariat is organising a book fair from February 28 to March 3, reported News 18. The event will feature 150 stalls, including 25 reserved for government departments and academies with the remaining slots allocated to private publishers. The fair will also host book releases and panel discussions, adding an intellectual dimension to the Assembly’s activities.

The Speaker has introduced an AI-based system to monitor the attendance of MLAs, ensuring greater accountability in legislative sessions. He has been personally noting those who arrive on time and attend all sessions. At the same time, he has called out legislators who arrive late or fail to attend, emphasising the importance of active participation in the Assembly.