Mysuru: The committee of Legislative Assembly Speakers constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to bring greater uniformity in Assembly proceedings across states held its first meeting in Mysuru on Tuesday.
The high-level committee was formed to review existing legislative procedures followed in different state Assemblies and recommend reforms aimed at improving parliamentary functioning and consistency in legislative practices across the country.
Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader said Mysuru was a historically significant location for the meeting because one of the earliest representative Assembly meetings under the Wadiyar rulers was held in the city in March 1881.
According to him, the historic Assembly system introduced during the Wadiyar era played an important role in inspiring democratic and parliamentary governance practices in the region.
Committee includes Speakers from six states
The committee is being headed by Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana.
Other members of the committee include:
- Sharingain Longkumer from Nagaland
- Kuldeep Singh Pathania from Himachal Pradesh
- Vijender Gupta from Delhi
- Rahul Narwekar from Maharashtra
- U T Khader from Karnataka
The panel has been tasked with examining procedural rules currently followed in state legislatures and suggesting reforms to improve efficiency, discipline, and coordination in legislative functioning.
Officials stated that the initiative seeks to modernise Assembly procedures while preserving constitutional and parliamentary traditions.
Report to be prepared within six months
Speaking after the meeting, U T Khader said the committee would hold consultations with Speakers from all states before finalising its recommendations.
He said the panel plans to study best practices adopted by different state legislatures and incorporate suitable suggestions into its final report.
According to Khader, the committee is expected to submit its report within six months. After legal examination and necessary consultations, revised and improved Assembly rules may be framed.
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled to be held in New Delhi.
Officials indicated that the proposed reforms could address issues related to legislative discipline, conduct of proceedings, time management, debates, and procedural consistency across Assemblies.
Need felt for modernising Assembly rules
Committee chairman Satish Mahana said many of the current rules governing Assembly proceedings were framed nearly four decades ago and may no longer fully reflect present-day legislative requirements.
He noted that significant changes have taken place in legislative functioning over the past 25 to 30 years, especially during the last five years.
According to Mahana, technological advancements, evolving political dynamics, and changing public expectations have made it necessary to review and modernise Assembly procedures.
He stated that the committee intends to frame recommendations based on suggestions received from Speakers of various states and in the larger interest of strengthening democratic institutions.
The initiative is expected to encourage greater coordination among state legislatures while ensuring smoother and more effective functioning of Assembly proceedings across India.
Observers believe the exercise could lead to long-term reforms in parliamentary conduct, legislative efficiency, and procedural transparency in state Assemblies.