In the past decade, the scope and complexity of governance in India have expanded at an unprecedented pace. This demands both political commitment and deep technical understanding. State legislatures need to evolve into robust, research-driven and high-performing institutions capable of sustained scrutiny, meaningful debate and accountable lawmaking. Instead of being platforms for informed discussion and consensus-building, assemblies often find themselves paralysed by ideological divides.

This culture of disruption diminishes productivity and weakens public faith in legislative institutions. Recent reviews of state legislatures show that assemblies, on average, meet for 20-25 days a year. If our legislative assemblies are to remain temples of democracy, they must restore a sense of discipline, dialogue and dignity. Strengthening functioning is essential to ensuring that governance keeps pace with the aspirations of a rapidly changing India.

Legislative quality influences law-making, oversight of the executive, public engagement and delivery of development outcomes. Currently, there are limited ways, mostly through RTIs, by which the state legislature’s........

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