Is the Rajasthan Assembly Evolving Towards Transparency and Public Participation?

Jaipur- The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, renowned for its creative practices among top performing state assemblies in the country, is spearheading a transformative journey towards digitalization and transparency. Recognizing the imperative to bolster accountability and efficiency in governance, the Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Vasudev Devnani, is undertaking few bold initiatives to modernize its operations.

At the forefront of this progressive agenda is the Assembly's ambitious paperless initiative, aimed at revolutionizing traditional legislative processes. The Assembly is undertaking comprehensive initiatives like installing screens on tables, extending working days, fostering meaningful debates, and launching dedicated communication channel to enhance transparency and efficiency in governance.

During his visit to Udaipur on Tuesday, Devnani engaged with media personnel at the Circuit House, divulging insights into the ongoing innovations being implemented at the assembly.

Transition to a Paperless Environment

One of the pivotal pillars of this digital revolution is the transition towards a paperless environment within the Assembly. Speaker Devnani announced plans to implement a range of digital upgrades, including the establishment of a dedicated help desk. This desk will serve as a vital resource for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), offering training and support to navigate the new digital ecosystem seamlessly. By embracing digital documentation, the Assembly seeks to enhance efficiency while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Launch of Dedicated Television and WhatsApp Channels

In a bid to bridge the gap between legislative proceedings and public awareness, the Rajasthan Assembly is set to launch its own dedicated television channel, inspired by the successful model of Sansad TV. This channel will serve as a vital platform for disseminating information about Assembly activities, legislative developments, and initiatives undertaken by MLAs. Additionally, a WhatsApp channel will be introduced to provide real-time updates and engage with the public directly, fostering greater transparency and participation in the democratic process.

Beyond enhancing operational efficiency, Speaker Devnani's digital-centric approach aims to promote democratic values and civic education among citizens, particularly the youth. Devnani said plans are underway to introduce a digital channel which will telecast live proceedings of the Assembly along with discussions on topics related to democratic activities. Moreover, efforts will be made to broadcast this channel in schools across the state, thereby acquainting students with the functioning of democratic institutions from an early age. He said that the digital transformation of the Rajasthan Assembly is not merely about adopting new technologies but also about fostering accountability and increasing participation among elected representatives and the public alike.

Meaningful Debate and Increased Assembly Days

In a bid to foster meaningful dialogue and address public concerns effectively, Devnani emphasized on the importance of robust debate and collaboration among all stakeholders. The Speaker stressed that the Assembly should serve as a platform for raising public issues and collectively working towards their resolution. He underscored the significance of both the ruling party's receptiveness to opposition viewpoints and the opposition's cooperation in implementing decisions made by the ruling party, asserting that such cooperation is essential for the Assembly to function optimally.

Devnani highlighted the need to extend the duration of Assembly sessions to facilitate comprehensive discussions and legislative deliberations. While the Assembly currently convenes for approximately 25 to 30 days, Devnani expressed his intent to extend this duration to a minimum of 40 to 45 days, with the ultimate goal of reaching 50 to 60 days. This extended timeframe would allow for more thorough consideration of legislative matters and increased participation from all members.

Citing his own observations as a former MLA, he noted that the passage of multiple bills in a single day often limited the opportunity for thorough preparation and discussion. To address this concern, Devnani proposed a limit of one bill per day, ensuring that MLAs have sufficient time to review and deliberate on proposed legislation.

He told the media that by implementing measures such as resuming the practice of asking questions through the lottery system during Zero Hour, the Assembly aims to provide MLAs with ample opportunities to voice their concerns and engage in meaningful debates. Furthermore, steps will be taken to increase the presence of MLAs during House proceedings and streamline the process of addressing unanswered questions, thereby accelerating public interest initiatives.

When approached by The Mooknayak for feedback on the initiatives undertaken by the Rajasthan Assembly, Alka Jain, a government school teacher, expressed her enthusiasm for the Assembly's embrace of digitalization and paperless processes. "As a teacher, I'm thrilled to see the Assembly embracing digitalization and paperless processes. It's a forward-thinking approach that sets a positive example for our students and future generations."

The prevailing sentiment among the public suggests that the new government has garnered attention primarily for controversial issues such as the hijab controversy and debates surrounding Surya Namaskar. However, senior advocate Gopal Sanadhya asserts that the promotion of democratic values through digitalization, WhatsApp, and Vidhan Sabha TV is what truly deserves emphasis over rigid traditions. Sanadhya's perspective underscores the importance of leveraging modern tools and communication channels to foster transparency, public engagement, and democratic participation. This viewpoint suggests a shift towards progressive governance practices that prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and accountability in decision-making processes.

Arjun Upadhyay, a candidate who contested from Udaipur city constituency in the recently held State elections sounded unsure. "As a concerned citizen, I applaud the idea of extending session days, but I'm skeptical about its implementation. Will this translate into meaningful debates and legislative outcomes, or will it simply prolong bureaucratic processes? It's crucial for the Assembly to demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency and public engagement to earn the trust of the people", he says.

Meanwhile, speaking on condition of anonymity, an officer at the Agriculture Department emphasized the importance of having sufficient time for thorough discussions on sensitive issues such as agricultural policies and rural development initiatives. The officer commended the Speaker's proposal to extend session days, noting that it demonstrates a commitment to addressing the concerns of the farming community and seeking tangible solutions.

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