<span style="color: #222222;">In Mizoram, the first sitting of the 9th Legislative Assembly began today with the new members taking oath, which was administered by Protem Speaker Lalfamkima.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Chief Minister and leader of the House Pu Lalduhoma was the first to take oath as MLA of the new Assembly.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The first day of the session witnessed the election of Speaker, wherein MLA from Chalfih Assembly constituency – Pu Lalbiakzama, who won the recent Assembly polls on Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) ticket, was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the House.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The new Speaker sought the support and cooperation of all members for the smooth functioning of the House.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Participating in the proceedings, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma said that the Government is taking up austerity measures in view of the financial condition of the State. He said that the salary of MLAs won't be increased and allowances will also be tightened. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In a historic first, there are three women legislators in the new House. They are Lalrinpuii, who was elected on ZPM ticket from Lunglei East and Cabinet Minister in the new ministry, Baryl Vanneihsangi, who won the Aizawl South – III Constituency on ZPM ticket and Prova Chakma, who represents West Tuipui Constituency on MNF ticket. There are 23 first timers in the 40-member House.</span><br />