Lucknow, Nov. 29 -- The state government's move to allow senior bureaucrats to virtually join the meetings of various committees of the Uttar Pradesh legislature (through video conferencing) has stirred a controversy of sorts. This move has evoked strong reactions from several legislators, including those from the ruling party and the Opposition, with some even demanding its reconsideration.

"The chief minister has, in principle, approved the physical presence of an officer of special secretary rank for coordination purposes and the online presence of departmental additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries and secretaries through video conferencing at the meeting of the state legislature's committees held at the designated rooms...