Bengaluru:  The first full Legislature Session of the JD(S)-Congress coalition government began at Vidhana Soudha this noon.

Though the Legislative Assembly had met twice last month for the floor test of the three-day BJP Government (May 19) and when H.D. Kumaraswamy proved majority of the coalition government (May 25), this is the first time that both the Houses are holding full-length sessions after the Assembly polls.

The nine-day session, during which Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy will present his budget on July 5, will conclude on July 12.

Addressing the Joint House of Legislature, Governor Vajubhai R. Vala congratulated all the newly-elected members.

Pointing out that the new government is committed to the welfare of the farmers, Vala highlighted the priorities of the government, which included completion of Metro Rail Network in Bengaluru by March 2021, measures for decongesting traffic in Bengaluru, development of rural roads and laying of new roads for better connectivity between towns and villages, setting up of super speciality hospitals in cities and towns, introduction of Israeli model of agri-technology on a pilot basis, framing of a fodder policy that ensures sufficient stocks at all the times, educational reforms, rejuvenation of  lakes and rivers, measures for plastic ban and remunerative price for all agricultural produce among others.

Continuing, the Governor said the new Government would evolve appropriate mechanisms to tackle natural disasters, give special focus on Hyderabad-Karnataka region development, boost for irrigation projects, maintenance of Law and Order, appointment of women staff in Police Department, boosting agriculture with use of modern farming practises and equipment, appropriate measures for preventing farmer suicides, ensuring food security, creation of jobs etc.

Welcoming the Legislators, Vala, who began his speech in Hindi, asked the senior legislators to guide new legislators on Legislative practises.

A discussion on the Governor’s address will be taken up on July 3 and 4.

Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who also holds the Finance portfolio, will present his budget on July 5, during which he is expected to announce crop loan waiver, as promised.