Ethics panel to bridle MLAs

HYDERABAD, Nov 19: An Ethics Committee will be formed to look into the unruly and indecent behaviour of members of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. Announcing the decision, Assembly Speaker Yanamala Ramakrishnudu told mediaperons that the business rules of the House would be amended suitably very soon to provide for the setting up of such a committee. It would be modelled on the lines of Ethics Committee of the Parliament.

The Parliamentary committee was preparing guidelines to deal with the members who resort to wrenching of mikes, throwing chappals and tearing papers and other violent activities inside the House. Once it submits the report, the same would be adopted for the state too, the Speaker said.Based on the report of the Assembly Ethics Committee which would come into being from the current session itself, action would be taken against the errant members in the next session of the House. The committee would bring awareness among the members on following the rules properly, he said.

However, the Ethics Committee would confine itself to the 8220;physical activities8221; of the members inside the House, while usage of foul language would continue to be monitored by the Speaker. Unparliamentary remarks would be erased from records and critical comments would be dealt with seriously, the Speaker said.

Ramakrishnudu also held a meeting with the cable TV network firms to ensure that the Assembly proceedings were given adequate coverage and telecast in all parts of the state. Legislative Affairs Minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju and some senior police officials too were present.Representatives of Siti Cable and In Cable had agreed to step their coverage, he said. It was also decided to restrict the number of visitors inside the Assembly premises, increase closed circuit TV cameras from four to six, and set up a special wireless set by the police.