Bhubaneswar, 26 June (H.S.): Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy on Friday constituted more than 35 House committees for the 2026–27 session, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Privileges Committee, and 10 Standing Committees, aimed at strengthening legislative oversight and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Assembly.

Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA and Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik has been appointed Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. The 11-member committee also comprises MLAs Rama Chandra Kadam, Arun Sahoo, Ganeswar Behera, Sanatan Bijuli, and other legislators.

Senior BJP MLA Jaynarayan Mishra has been named Chairperson of the Privileges Committee. The panel includes Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Government Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, along with other members.

The Speaker also announced the chairpersons of the Assembly's Standing Committees. Siddhant Mohapatra has been appointed to head Standing Committee-1, Santosh Khatua Standing Committee-2, Babu Singh Standing Committee-3, Bibhuti Pradhan Standing Committee-5, Rama Chandra Kadam Standing Committee-6, and Sanatan Bijuli Standing Committee-9.

In addition, BJP MLA Akash Dasnayak has been appointed Chairperson of the Library Committee. Notably, the committee includes the 11 suspended MLAs as its members.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda