Chennai: Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Prabhakar has directed technical staff to ensure microphones are set up in a way that allows MLAs to speak comfortably without bending.
In the Assembly, microphones and touch-screen mini computers are installed on the desks in front of the Chief Minister, ministers and MLAs. However, members have reportedly faced difficulty positioning the microphone close to their face due to short mic cables.
The issue came into focus during a discussion on preventing human–wildlife conflict, when DMK MLA Paul Manoj Pandian raised a question and Forest Minister Ranjithkumar responded. As the microphone height was low, the minister was seen struggling to speak comfortably.
Noting this, the Speaker instructed the House’s technical team that members should not be forced to lean or stoop to use the microphone. He asked them to observe the required height while members speak and adjust the microphone accordingly in future.
Following the Speaker’s remarks, MLAs from both the ruling side and the opposition welcomed the direction by thumping their desks.
