The Odisha Legislative Assembly, also known as the Vidhan Sabha, is the lower house of the bicameral legislature of the Indian state of Odisha. It is responsible for making laws related to the state’s governance, budget, and policies. The Assembly consists of 147 members, who are elected for a term of five years. The Speaker of the Assembly presides over its proceedings and is elected by the members. The Assembly has several committees that scrutinize bills, examine the functioning of various departments, and investigate issues of public importance. The Assembly sessions are held in the Odisha Secretariat in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. The Assembly plays a crucial role in the democratic process of the state, providing a platform for representatives to debate and discuss issues affecting the people of Odisha. The Assembly also holds the government accountable for its actions and policies, ensuring transparency and good governance. The Assembly elections in Odisha are held every five years, and the party or coalition that wins a majority of seats forms the government.
Who is the current Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly and when was he elected?
The current Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly is Surya Narayan Patro. He was elected on May 29, 2023, during the first session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly. Patro is a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party and has been a member of the Assembly since 2004. He has previously served as the Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs in the Odisha government.
How many members are there in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and how are they elected?
The Odisha Legislative Assembly consists of 147 members, including 145 members elected from single-seat constituencies and 2 members elected from the Anglo-Indian community. The members are elected through a first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins the seat. The term of the Assembly is five years, unless dissolved earlier by the Governor of Odisha. The next election is due in 2024.
What is the process for introducing and passing bills in the Odisha Legislative Assembly?
The process for introducing and passing bills in the Odisha Legislative Assembly involves several steps. A bill can be introduced in either the Assembly or the Council (the upper house). Once introduced, the bill is read out in the House, and a brief discussion may take place. The bill is then referred to a relevant standing committee for detailed examination and public consultation. After the committee submits its report, the bill is debated again in the House, and if passed, it is sent to the Governor for assent. If the Governor approves the bill, it becomes an Act. If the Governor withholds assent, the bill is returned to the Assembly with reasons for the rejection. The Assembly can then consider the reasons and decide to reconsider the bill or let it lapse.
Odisha Legislative Assembly committees-:
The Odisha Legislative Assembly has several standing committees that are responsible for scrutinizing various aspects of government policies and programs. Some of the key committees include:
Committee on Public Undertakings: This committee examines the working of public sector undertakings and makes recommendations for their improvement.
You can read our another post on Children’s Day
Committee on Estimates: This committee examines the annual estimates of expenditure of the government and makes recommendations for economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Committee on Public Accounts: This committee examines the accounts of the government and audits reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India to ensure proper utilization of public funds.
Committee on Privileges: This committee investigates any breach of privileges of the Assembly or its members and recommends appropriate action.
Committee on Petitions: This committee examines petitions received from the public and makes recommendations to the government for their redressal.
Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: This committee examines the welfare measures for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and makes recommendations for their improvement.
Committee on Welfare of Women and Child Development: This committee examines the welfare measures for women and children and makes recommendations for their improvement.
Committee on Welfare of Minorities: This committee examines the welfare measures for minorities and makes recommendations for their improvement.
Committee on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities: This committee examines the welfare measures for persons with disabilities and makes recommendations for their improvement.
Committee on Subordinate Legislation: This committee examines regulations, rules, and bye-laws made by the government and makes recommendations for their approval or rejection.
