It is also mandatory for employees in the Parliament House Complex to undergo RT-PCR test

With the Monsoon Session of the Parliament set to begin on September 14, the Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu underwent COVID-19 test today. All Members of Parliament (MPs) have to undergo mandatory COVID-19 test (RT-PCR) before the session commences. They have to get the test done within 72 hours before the commencement of the Session at a government authoritized hospital or laboratory and even at the Parliament House Complex.

Moreover, it is also mandatory for employees of Parliament Secretariat and other agencies in the Parliament House Complex to undergo RT-PCR test because they remain in close proximity of the Members during the course of performance of their duties. The Rapid Antigen Test is being conducted, from today, for personal staff and drivers of MPs at the Reception Office, Parliament House, according to an official statement.

Naidu has regularly been reviewing the special precautionary and remedial measures taken to stem the spread of COVID-19 infection and to ensure the well-being of the Members during the Session. Secretariat officials have received strict instructions not to be complacent about the risk of the infection and to strictly adhere to the specified guidelines. The Rajya Sabha Chairman has held meetings with the Secretaries of Home, Health & Family Welfare, Chairman/DRDO, DG/ICMR to ensure safety of the Members and officials.

To ensure social distancing norms, the Rajya Sabha chamber, galleries and the Lok Sabha chamber will be used to seat Members, 57 of whom will be accomodated in the chamber of the Lok Sabha. Moreover, each seat has been provided with a microphone and a sound console to enable participation in the discussion. Now, Members are allowed to speak while sitting when called keeping in view of safety measures.

Four large display screens have been installed in the chamber to show the Member speaking. And there will also be seamless live telecast of the proceedings on Rajya SabhaTV. In addition, six smaller display screens and audio consoles have been installed in the four galleries.