Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Monday directed senior officials to remain on high alert and ensure that information is provided to ministers and members transparently and swiftly during the winter session of the assembly and council. Addressing a meeting of senior officials, Bhatti said, “Both the legislative council and legislative assembly are symbols of democracy, and it is the responsibility of the chief minister and ministers to provide satisfactory answers to the questions raised by the members.”He said the govt was committed to conducting the sessions in the most democratic manner and that, as a people’s govt with a firm resolve to remain accountable to the public and elected representatives, the entire administrative machinery must stay active.With ministers expected to attend the sessions with thorough preparation, he said officials must also be fully prepared with complete information and remain available throughout the days the House is in session. He described the legislatures as sacred institutions in a democratic system and said officials must recognise that members attend the House with ideals and objectives.The deputy chief minister warned that publishing or broadcasting information related to the proceedings of both Houses in the media without official verification would amount to a breach of legislative privilege. He directed information department officials to examine media reports related to the meetings and take appropriate action where necessary.Legislative affairs minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu said the govt aimed to conduct both Houses in a manner that enhances the dignity and prestige of the legislature and called for complete cooperation from officials to achieve this goal. He also directed that complete and accurate information be prepared for questions raised during zero hour, and that officials should be ready with full details regarding pending reports and assurances. He said the assembly and council secretaries would continuously coordinate with the chief secretary’s office to identify priority and non-priority issues, and officials must respond promptly and accordingly.
