NLA met only for six days in 2024, far below national sitting average
NEW DELHI, MAY 17 (MExN): The Nagaland Legislative Assembly met for only six days in 2024, one of the lowest among Indian states, significantly falling short of the national average of 20 sitting days, according to a report released by PRS Legislative Research.
The Annual Review of State Laws 2024 highlighted that state assemblies across the country sat for an average of 20 days, amounting to approximately 100 hours of legislative business. In contrast, the Nagaland Assembly’s six-day schedule placed it among the bottom tier, along with Sikkim (8 days) and Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand (10 days each).
The report raised concerns over the limited time available for discussion on laws, budgets, and policy matters in such short sessions. “When assemblies meet for a few days in a year and for a few hours on these days, they have limited time for discussion on laws and government finances,” the think tank observed.
Among the North-Eastern states, Manipur—under President’s Rule since February—met for 14 days. The highest number of sittings was recorded in Odisha (42 days), followed by Kerala (38) and West Bengal (36).
The report also noted that 11 states met the constitutional requirement of convening at least once every six months through brief sessions lasting just one or two days.
While the report focused on legislative productivity and participation, it also underscored the broader trend of underutilized legislative forums in several states, especially smaller and northeastern ones like Nagaland.
No deputy speakers in 8 states & union territories
The report also said assemblies of eight states and Union territories did not have a deputy speaker as of April 2025. The list includes Jharkhand, which has not elected a deputy speaker for more than 20 years.
While the previous Uttar Pradesh Assembly elected a deputy speaker in its last session, the current assembly, which is three years into its term, has not yet elected one.
"The Constitution assigns some key functions to the deputy speaker. He officiates as the speaker in case of a vacancy (due to death or resignation of the speaker). He also receives notice of no-confidence motion against the speaker and presides over the discussion on that motion," according to the report.
Other state assemblies that do not have a deputy speaker are Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Uttarakhand. The Lok Sabha has not had a deputy speaker since June 2019. (With PTI inputs)
