National Legislative Index: Measuring Parliamentary Performance in India

Context

During the 86th conference of presiding officers being organised in Lucknow, the Speaker of Lok Sabha floated the idea of constituting the National Legislative Index.

About National Legislative Index

• • A committee of presiding officers from state assemblies will be constituted to decide the parameters of the National Legislative Index.
  • Parameters to be measured by National Legislative Index: The index will be based on objective and subjective criteria related to functioning of legislative assemblies. It will be based on following parameters:
    • Standard of debates,
    • Participation of members in debates & legislations,
    • Use of Question Hour
    • Number of Legislations passed
    • Length of sessions
    • Legislatures contribute towards upholding constitutional values.
    • Number of private resolutions
    • Number of Government assurances
    • Performance and output of standing committees
    • Innovation & use of technology by assemblies

• Importance of the National Legislative Index

• • Objectively measure the functioning of legislative assemblies.
  • Promote healthy competition among various legislative assemblies.
  • Improve the quality of functioning of legislative assemblies.

Resolutions during the 86th Conference of Presiding Officers of Legislative Assemblies

• Resolution 1: Presiding Officers will re-commit to efficient conduct of legislative proceedings to support the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.
• Resolution 2: States will strive for at least 30 sittings annually through political consensus, ensuring productive use of legislative time.
• Resolution 3: Technology adoption in legislatures will be strengthened to enhance public engagement and participatory governance.
• Resolution 4: Presiding Officers will provide exemplary leadership to deepen democratic traditions and values.
• Resolution 5: Capacity building of MPs and MLAs in digital tools and research support will be enhanced for effective legislative participation.
• Resolution 6: A National Legislative Index will be developed to benchmark legislative performance and promote accountability and healthy competition.

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