LS speaker expresses concern over fewer sittings of legislative bodies

Patna, Jan 20: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday expressed concern over the decreasing number of sittings of legislative bodies and urged presiding officers to make efforts to address the issue.

Birla’s remarks at the inaugural function of the 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC) here came amid reports that the Delhi Assembly held a mere 74 sittings in its entire five-year tenure.

The Lok Sabha speaker also flagged planned disruptions in Parliament and state assemblies, and urged political parties to draft guidelines for maintaining the dignity of the House.

Birla also favoured increasing the role of parliamentary standing committees to ensure accountability of elected governments.

“Standing committees are mini-Parliaments and there is a need to strengthen their functioning,” he said.

The 85th AIPOC was attended by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Bihar Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and presiding officers of state legislative bodies from across the country.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met Birla at the Raj Bhavan on Monday morning but was conspicuous by his absence at the two-day conference — ’75th Anniversary of Constitution: Contribution of Parliament and State Legislative Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Values’.

According to a study by PRS Legislative, the outgoing Delhi Assembly, which held 74 sittings during its five-year term, met for an average of 15 days a year. On the days it met, the assembly sat for an average of three hours.

The House passed only 14 bills during its term, the lowest number for any previous full-term assembly. (PTI)

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

J-K Police unmasks major terror-funding network in Delhi; two arrested

Srinagar, Aug 6: The counter-intelligence wing of Jammu and...

Nagaland against separate Constitutional Article for ENPO demand

Kohima, Aug 6: The Nagaland government on Wednesday strongly...

PM Modi expected to visit China

New Delhi, Aug 6: After a gap of over...

GI tags help preserve heritage, empower artisans: Rajani Kant

Shillong, Aug 6: Geographical Indications (GI) are a powerful...

CM directs Health Dept to speed up MHIS payments  

Measures ordered to address delay in payments and claim...

HYC writes to minister on erosion in EKH, says farmland threatened

Shillong, Aug 6: Concerned over the growing threat of...

Group urges CM to fast-track project approval for SWKH road

Shillong, aug 6: A delegation from South West Khasi...

HC satisfied with Govt action to tackle stray dog menace

Shillong, Aug 6: The Meghalaya High Court has expressed...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories