The Andhra Pradesh Assembly is ready for its maiden session in the Amaravati capital region, at the interim buildings constructed in Velagapudi. The budget session is likely to commence here from March 3 onwards in the interim Government complex.
According to Speaker Dr Kodela Sivaprasada Rao already the files and records pertaining to the AP Assembly are being moved to here. All the personnel of the State Assembly in Hyderabad have been directed to relocate to Amaravati by February 25.
The new Assembly building was constructed at a cost of more than Rs 180 crore. The building which houses both Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council has several hi-tech advanced features. The building has two floors with a seating capacity of 230. Though the number of elected representatives to Assembly is only 176, additional seats were arranged to accommodate future additions to the total members.
On the other hand, seating capacity of Legislative Council is 90 seats. Apart from both the halls, there is one meeting hall on the first floor with a seating capacity of 250 and couple of mini meeting halls.
The seating in the Assembly Hall is in the traditional semi-circle pattern. The speaker’s podium is constructed at the height of nearly seven feet from the ground level and there are two stair cases with rail guard. Speaker is only visible to the members from their respective seats and the stair cases will be guarded by Marshals.
Another unique feature of the ultra-modern Assembly Halls is that it is sans traditional mikes, instead has state-of-the art audio system. As witnessed in the recent assembly session of Tamil Nadu, there will not be any chances for mike plucking by the members to vent their ire. The entire hall, including the desks, have been constructed with sound proof material, negating any chances for ruckus in the hall.
The entire audio system can be controlled from the Speaker’s podium that means, speaker will have the master control of entire audio system in the Assembly Hall. The hall, which is carpeted in light green with brown colour wood panelling, has four galleries on the first floor level to accommodate media, VIPs, officials and visitors.
