Imphal, March 08: The first session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly would be held from March 16 till 22 with the opening day most likely to be dominated by the nomination of a new speaker.

Promulgating the first session spanning for a week, a provisional calendar prepared by the Assembly Secretariat today also suggest the nomination of the Speaker would precede constitution of the Assembly's Business Advisory Committee.

Decision to revive the House after end of electoral process to the 9th assembly was arrived at a meeting attended by Protem Speaker O Joy, Gaikhangam, Phungzathang Tonsing and some other members of the House this afternoon.

the seven day session during which only four sittings would be possible would centre around election of the Speaker at 10 am on the opening day followed by the Governor's speech in the afternoon session.

schedules on the second day (February 19) of the session include motion on Supplementary Demands for Grants 2006-07, Budget Estimate 2007-08, Vote on Account 2007 and nomination of three Financial Committee members.

While discussions and passing (if any) on Supplementary Demands and Vote on Account, as well as tabling of Manipur Appropriation No 1&II Bill 2007 have been reserved for February 21, the concluding day is set to witness election/finalisation of the three Financial Committee members and deliberation on the Appropriation Bill.

As per the Assembly Secretariat notification, noon of February 15 has been fixed for submission of notice of motion by contenders of speakership.

Press source speculated that senior Congress MLAs Th Debendra and elangbam Kunjakiswar might be the frontrunner for the Speaker's post.