From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
 
Panaji, Mar 16: The members of Goa legislative assembly would now be permitted to use cell phones on the floor of the house from the ensuing state budget session, the speaker said.
 
State legislative assembly speaker Pratapsingh Rane said `the members can use the mobiles, provided they tune it to silent mode.’
 
The four day long Goa legislative assembly session is summoned on March 22.
 
Rane said that the mobile can come handy for the members to browse internet and gather information during the debates.
 
“You can also use it for jotting down notes,” the speaker said giving much needed freedom to all the 40 members of the house, which has Congress legislators in majority followed by Bharatiya Janata party (BJP).
 
The reporters covering the proceedings, however, have not been able to break ice with the speaker. Rane said that the ban on use of mobile will continue for media and visitors alike.  “If we allow others than they can create mischief,” the speaker clarified.
 
Rane in the recent past had warned local news channels showing the assembly proceedings live to desist from telecasting the portion of proceedings which are expunged by the speaker.