Legislative performance of State Assemblies
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Haryana Legislative Assembly (2009‑2014) held 10 sessions totaling 54 days, averaging 11 sitting days per year, far below the Lok Sabha’s average of 69 days per year in the same period.
- In most states bills are passed with little discussion, often on the same day of introduction; Haryana passed all 129 bills on the day they were introduced and over 90% of Gujarat’s bills were treated similarly.
- A few states have begun strengthening scrutiny by setting up subject committees (Kerala) or select committees (Goa, Himachal Pradesh) and by permitting live telecast of proceedings in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Haryana Assembly averaged 11 sitting days per year (2009‑2014) versus Lok Sabha’s 69 days per year.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Low sitting days and lack of committee scrutiny weaken state legislative oversight; reforms such as more sessions, subject committees and live telecast are needed.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
Which state legislative assembly had the highest average number of sitting days per year during the period 2009‑2014?
- [A] Haryana
- [B] Kerala
- [C] Tamil Nadu
- [D] Gujarat
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
During 2009‑2014, Kerala’s Legislative Assembly met for an average of 50 days per year, which is higher than Haryana (11 days), Tamil Nadu (44 days) and Gujarat (31 days).
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.