Status: Not ApprovedHEAD: 24_Luc_PS_Assembly_ PCByline: Pankaj ShahtnnLucknow: Asserting that the public perception of the state legislature was undergoing a remarkable transformation, Speaker Satish Mahana on Tuesday said that what was once viewed with doubt and disappointment was now increasingly seen as a serious, meaningful, and result-oriented forum of democratic debate.Addressing a press conference, he emphasised that in a democratic system, every institution and individual must function within their constitutional limits while fulfilling their respective responsibilities. Mahana highlighted how the 18th Assembly upheld democratic values while embracing innovation, transparency, and modern technology to reform its work culture.“Assembly is no longer merely a historic building. It has evolved into a vibrant platform of accountability, discipline, and the expression of public aspirations,” he said, four days after the budget session of the UP assembly concluded.Describing the budget session as significant and thought-provoking, the Speaker said that the annual budget for the financial year was discussed in detail with seriousness and depth.He said demands for grants from various departments were deliberated systematically, and several important public-interest bills were passed. The Speaker said that through question hour, the accountability of the govt was ensured, while zero hour provided members an opportunity to raise pressing public issues effectively.“All of this demonstrated that the Assembly continues to serve as a powerful bridge between the people and the govt,” he said.Mahana also expressed satisfaction that both the ruling party and the opposition respected parliamentary decorum throughout the session.“Differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, but dialogue, restraint, and civility form its true spirit,” he said, noting that the session witnessed healthy debates, logical arguments, and constructive participation.Calling the media the fourth pillar of democracy, the Speaker extended special thanks to journalists for helping convey a positive image of the Assembly to the public.He expressed gratitude to all members of the House, the parliamentary affairs minister Suresh Khanna, leader of the opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, and leaders of different parties.He reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the dignity, transparency, and accountability of the House, and to strengthening the tradition of healthy and meaningful dialogue in the future.Data shared by the Assembly secretariat show that the 10-day budget session spanned a total period of over 75 hours, with the total operational period stretching over 72 hours and 45 minutes. The House remained disrupted for 2 hours 23 minutes. In this way, around 97% of the total session was deemed “productive”.A total of 2,427 questions were received during the session, reflecting high engagement from members. Of these, 2,322 questions (95.67%) were submitted through the online system, highlighting the Assembly’s increasing reliance on digital processes.Under Rule 300, 16 notices were received, of which 3 were admitted and 13 were rejected. Likewise, under Rule 301, 694 notices were received, of which 358 were admitted and 336 were rejected.Likewise, under Rule 56 (short duration discussion), 62 notices were submitted, of which 16 were accepted. Similarly, 893 notices were received under Rule 51. Of these, 23 were admitted for discussion. MSID:: 128752579 413 |
