<span style="color: #222222;">Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today held a detailed discussion on holding the Monsoon Session of Parliament in the context of Corona virus induced norm of social distancing. Sources said, both the Presiding Officers underscored the need to adopt technology to enable Parliament Sessions as a long-term option to tide over situations when regular meetings are not possible. <br />''<br />''They noted that since there is no requirement of maintaining confidentiality of the proceedings of the houses, which are open to general public besides being telecast live, Virtual Parliament is an option to be explored.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">With regard to the ensuing Monsoon Session, they  directed the Secretaries General to examine the feasibility of using the Central Hall of Parliament appropriately to ensure social distancing. The options to be considered include holding the meeting of Lok Sabha in the Central Hall with the Rajya Sabha shifting to the Chamber of Lok Sabha and the sittings of both the houses to be held on alternate days. The two officials were also directed to examine in detail various technical and other arrangements to be ensured to enable smooth functioning of both the houses.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Both the Secretaries General also briefed the Presiding Officers regarding issues connected with the proposed virtual meetings of various committees of Parliament. These include providing a safe technological platform, complying with the rules of confidentiality of deliberations in such meetings and the difficulties in ensuring the same in case of virtual meetings.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">With some newly elected members of the Rajya Sabha conveying to Mr Naidu, the difficulties involved in travelling to Delhi in view of  COVID-19, the Rajya Sabha Chairman has deferred administering oath to the 37 members elected unopposed. This will be considered later. </span><br />''