Lucknow, January 21 – In a candid conversation with IANS at the All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC), Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani emphasized that robust democratic institutions demand extended legislative sessions, active member participation, and widespread adoption of technology.
Devnani asserted, ‘The longer the house runs, the more effectively we can address public concerns.’ The conference has sparked intense deliberations on assembly operations, discipline, and accountability across India.
When asked about strengthening democracy, Devnani highlighted key consensus points. First, establishing a minimum number of working days for state assemblies to ensure ample time for public issues, question hours, and legislative work. Second, boosting member attendance and engagement. Every elected representative must get a chance to speak, fostering a culture of dialogue, training, and reasoned debates. Members should come prepared after studying bills and topics.
Opposition parties frequently criticize short sessions, a problem prevalent in nearly all states and worsening over time. Ideally, assemblies should run at least 60 days mandatorily. Currently, session lengths depend on government agendas, opposition cooperation, and disruption-free debates. Disruptions harm both sides, leading to adjournments.
In Rajasthan, all-party meetings have been introduced, yielding positive results. To curb disruptions, Devnani suggested resolving deadlocks by convening ruling and opposition leaders in the Speaker’s chamber. If impasse stems from public issues, resolution is easier; political strategies complicate matters. Dialogue remains the only path.
Maintaining impartiality and discipline is a major challenge for presiding officers, especially with shifting power dynamics. Devnani stressed increasing collective discussions and self-imposed conduct norms.
Rajasthan Assembly is fully paperless, with iPads on every member’s desk—over 80% use them regularly. Digital signatures are in committee meetings, and systems like gate passes are going digital. A digital museum showcases history from 1952 using modern tech. MLAs receive digital records of their speeches on pen drives same-day.
Assemblies fulfill constitutional duties—budgets are presented, question hours held, laws passed—but improvements lie in deeper, longer debates aligning with public aspirations.
Devnani’s message to the public: Legislators come from the people and must stay connected. Citizens should remain vigilant throughout five-year terms to enhance accountability naturally.