Various committees set up in State Assemblies play a vital role in shaping laws and policies in the present perspective. These committees are formed for different purposes and give significant findings in Parliament and State Legislative Assembly. Their recommendations must be implemented to run and strengthen proper working of house. It was opined by heads of seven State Assemblies in Bhopal during a high profile brainstorming session on Monday. Speaker of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Satish Mahana, Rajasthan Vasudev Devnani, Himachal Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Sikkim Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Odisha Surma Padhi and West Bengal Biman Banerjee took part in the meeting. The meet was hosted at the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. The Principal Secretaries of these Assemblies and some other senior officials were also attended the meeting.

 

They review these laws, policies and programs on behalf of the Parliament and make them more useful to the public. In view of their significant role, these committees should be empowered. With a growing population and technology, committees and smaller groups discuss issues, innovations, and ensure the timely implementation of recommendations by state and central governments for effective governance.” said Speaker, Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Narendra Singh Tomar while chairing the meeting of presiding officers of other state assemblies. He further added that “Madhya Pradesh has 15 nominated committees, comprising the members of the ruling and opposition parties. Madhya Pradesh has four elected financial committees.

 

While two more committees - one that looks after specifically the Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC), and the other one for Other Backward Class (OBC).” These committees are responsible for conducting field visits, inspections and policy review.” With every passing time, several incidents of indiscipline, disruption of proceedings and unparliamentarily conduct in the legislatures affecting their credibility in most of the states and even at parliament. To mitigate such disruptions and empower watch dogs, several steps were initiated at center. Among one such measure, a seven member committee was formed to oversee the working and existing committee system in several state legislatures. To review the committee system of State assemblies, a high meeting of a special committee was held in Bhopal at Madhya Pradesh Assembly.

 

It is being suggested that committees should work in a spirit of collaboration and inclusivity, using the collective knowledge of all parties to engage in constructive discussion and be productive. The reports of the committees which have brought positive changes in the society should be highlighted. Findings of this seven state Assemblies Speakers committee is vital in strengthening democracy as well as reinforcing the faith of the people in democratic institutions and democratic practices. Here deliberations and sharing of best practices from all delegates will definitely help them when they will go back to their respective states and enforce these endeavours. These speakers adroit handling of the house proceedings, in spite of many challenging moments, guides and inspires other Presiding Officers constantly to steer the working of their respective Houses.

 

A P Singh, the Principal Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, put forward the agenda of meeting. Notably, this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew the attention of the forum to the changing expectations of the people of India from their representatives and the close scrutiny they were being held to in the public sphere. He called on them to maintain exemplary behaviour in the legislature as well as their daily lives as it was reflective of the parliamentary democracy of the country as a whole. Tomar expressed hope suggestions received during the meeting will definitely give a push to working of committees in future if being implemented. Moreover, constructive opinions will also be invited from other state assemblies those were not present in the meeting. On this occasion, dignitaries arrived from other counterparts planted sampling in the premises of state assembly. Followed by Lunch with Governor Mangubhai Patel.