Shimla, 09 December: In a groundbreaking move, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly will live-stream its proceedings for the first time in history. This initiative will provide citizens with an unprecedented opportunity to witness the legislative process in real-time. The winter session, set to take place from December 18 to 21 at the Vidhan Sabha in Tapovan, Dharamshala, will be accessible via the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA).
A Step Toward Greater Transparency
Announcing the historic initiative, Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania emphasized that this move is a significant step toward ensuring greater transparency and public engagement in the legislative process. “This step will enhance transparency and facilitate public access to legislative activities. Through the NeVA app, people can now stay updated with all Assembly information in their preferred language, as the app supports 23 languages,” Pathania stated.
The NeVA app will make it possible for people across the state to watch the sessions live and stay informed about key decisions and discussions, providing a deeper understanding of the legislative work being done. This initiative aligns with the state’s broader efforts to modernize governance and enhance citizen participation.
Winter Session Details and Security Preparations
The upcoming winter session will include four sittings, completing a total of 27 sessions held throughout 2024. The session is expected to cover a wide array of important legislative matters, with a focus on the state’s development priorities.
To ensure the smooth functioning of the session, the Kangra administration has ramped up preparations. Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa confirmed that arrangements have been made to accommodate the Chief Minister, ministers, MLAs, and other officials attending the session. Additionally, in light of heightened security concerns, paragliding activities in Dharamshala will be temporarily suspended during the session.
Enhanced Accessibility and Public Engagement
This decision to broadcast the assembly’s proceedings reflects the government’s commitment to making the legislative process more accessible and transparent. With live streaming and multi-language support, citizens from diverse backgrounds will now have the chance to follow important discussions and gain insight into the decision-making processes that shape their state’s future.
As the session approaches, anticipation is building around the potential for greater public involvement, as more people will now be able to engage directly with the workings of their elected representatives.