Jaipur, July 31 (IANS) The sixth (Monsoon) Session of the 16th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly will commence on August 20 and is expected to witness intense debates, with the ruling BJP government likely to introduce key legislations, including the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill and the Tree Conservation Bill.

The Opposition is expected to raise issues such as paper leaks, law and order, unemployment, and preparations for the upcoming Panchayat and urban local body elections.

Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani said Governor Haribhau Bagde, exercising powers under Article 174(1) of the Constitution, has approved the convening of the session and issued the necessary notification. The House will assemble at 11 a.m. on August 20, with proceedings beginning with the National Song. Though the exact schedule has not been announced, the session is expected to continue for about a week. Following the Governor’s approval, the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Secretariat has issued the official gazette notification convening the session.

The Budget Session of the Assembly concluded on March 10. Under constitutional provisions, the gap between two sessions cannot exceed six months, making it mandatory to convene the next session before September 9.

The Bhajanlal Sharma government is expected to introduce several important legislative proposals during the session. The government is likely to table the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which will provide a common legal framework on personal civil matters. The proposed legislation is being viewed as one of the government’s major policy initiatives. The government is also expected to introduce the Tree Conservation Bill, aimed at protecting Khejri, the state tree, and Kalpavriksha.

The proposed legislation follows the government’s announcement during the previous Assembly session regarding enhanced legal protection for ecologically significant trees. Amendment bills relating to education, financial management, agriculture, and other public welfare matters are also expected to be taken up during the session.

The Opposition is likely to target the government on a range of issues during the session. Among the likely issues are allegations relating to recruitment examination paper leaks, unemployment, and concerns affecting youth. They will also raise matters related to law and order, women’s safety, and governance.

With the monsoon underway, issues such as crop damage, shortages of fertilisers and seeds, and drinking water supply in rural areas are also likely to figure prominently in the debates.

The session assumes additional political significance as Rajasthan prepares for the forthcoming Panchayat and urban local body elections, making it one of the most closely watched Assembly sessions of the year.

Speaker Vasudev Devnani said the Assembly Secretariat has completed preparations for the session, including arrangements related to the e-Vidhan system, digital security, and the timely submission of replies by government departments to facilitate the smooth functioning of the House.

–IANS

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