Mysore/Mysuru: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has constituted a high-level committee comprising Speakers of six State Legislative Assemblies to bring uniformity in the policies and procedures of Legislatures across the country, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana said.

Addressing reporters after presiding over the committee’s first preliminary meeting at Silent Shores Resort & Spa in Mysuru yesterday, Mahana, who chairs the panel, said the initiative was aimed at ensuring consistency in Legislative functioning and conduct across States.

He noted that the rules governing Legislative Assemblies were framed nearly four decades ago, when generational changes occurred once in 25 to 30 years.

“Today, generations change every five years. The committee has been formed to gather constructive suggestions and modernise Legislative practices in tune with changing times,” he said.

According to Mahana, the discussions cover several aspects, including technology, infrastructure, financial management and public welfare. The committee will prepare a comprehensive report and submit it to the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Next meeting in Delhi

While the first meeting was held in Mysuru, the next session is scheduled to take place in Delhi within six weeks. The committee has been given six months to submit its final report.

The panel includes the Assembly Speakers of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi.

Responding to questions on the quality of debates in State Assemblies, Mahana acknowledged concerns over the direction of Legislative discussions.

He said, the conduct and mindset of elected representatives, along with the ideologies of their respective political parties, played a major role in shaping debates and Legislative behaviour.

During the opening session, Assembly Secretaries briefed the committee on Legislative procedures and stressed the need for active participation by legislators in discussions on Bills. Mahana said, meaningful debate and constructive amendments were essential for strengthening Legislation.

The meeting will continue with further discussions on improving rules and procedures in State Legislatures. Suggestions from Speakers of various Assemblies will also be incorporated into                 the final report.

Among those present were Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, Nagaland Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, Himachal Pradesh Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta.