No mobiles, banners or LOL in UP Assembly, say new rules

In a move marking the first such overhaul in 65 years, the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly is poised to welcome a comprehensive set of new rules of procedure. These rules, are to enhance decorum and efficiency within the assembly and also embrace digital transformation for streamlined business operations in the house.

Under the new set of rules, members won't be allowed to have their mobile phones inside the assembly and laugh out loud among other many changes, reported PTI.

New rules

Under the new Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, 2023, a series of significant changes are set to redefine the conduct of members.

• Notably, lawmakers will be prohibited from carrying mobile phones into the assembly, alongside firearms, flags, or banners. This shift aims to curtail distractions and ensure a more focused and respectful in-house environment.
• The legislators, from now on will have to refrain from tearing documents within the assembly, a measure aimed at upholding the dignity of the proceedings.
• The new rules also dictate the members, while making a speech, won't be allowed to physically pinpoint at another member even if it's a praiseworthy one.
• The members will hereby be prohibited from smoking and laughing out loud in the assembly lobby which is a common area.
• Moreover, the members must also bow toward the Speaker's chair upon entering and exiting the House and when sitting or rising from their seats, as a mark of respect to the chair.
• The new rules proscribe members from distributing literature, questionnaires, books, or press statements unrelated to the house's functioning and displaying placards and banners, a common practice in Indian assemblies.

It should be noted that these changes have been brought after a Samajwadi Party member of the UP Assembly was caught live streaming the proceedings as he was in the well to protest against the Rampur by-polls on December 6, 2022.

Digital shift

The forthcoming rules underscore the transition from traditional mediums to "electronic communication." Answers to questions asked by members will be made available online half an hour prior to the session's commencement, facilitating accessibility for all stakeholders, including the members, journalists and the common folk.

According to the speaker Satish Mahana, a digital portal of the assembly is going to be unveiled soon by the Chief Minister.

Fixing accountability

• In instances of calling attention to urgent matters of public importance, the government will be mandated to provide a response within 30 days, not only to the member but also to the Assembly secretariat.
• Furthermore, ministers unable to respond to "short-notice questions" must provide a concise explanation for their inability alongside informing the secretariat.
• The duration for summoning a session of the state assembly has been halved to a week, a reduction from the previous 14-day notice period as getting to the state capital from different parts of the state has become faster.

Speaking about the upcoming changes, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana stated, "The new rule was tabled on Monday. Discussion on it will take place on Wednesday and subsequently, it will be passed." The proposed rules are open for discussion and potential amendments until August 9, with a targeted passage on August 11.