Surge in COVID-19 cases | Keeping eye on COVID protocol to be evolved for the Budget Session

Though the dates have not yet been announced, the Budget Session usually begins at the end of January.

With a spate of COVID cases both within and outside the Parliament, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla have directed the officials to frame up protocol for the Budget session, which is less than three-weeks away.

Nearly 400 staffers working at the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha secretariat have tested positive between January 4-8. Both houses have directed its staff to come on a rotational basis, allowing only fifty per cent attendance at any given time.  

According to sources, worried by the rising cases, Mr Naidu spoke to Mr Birla. Following their conversation, secretary generals of both Houses have been asked to review the adequacy of covid protocol followed during the last winter session in the context of the present scenario of spread of infections.