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Kerala's 15th Assembly Sets Record: Most Laws Passed Amid Fierce Debates

The 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly has concluded its term, marked by historic legislative productivity with the passage of 168 government Bills. The term featured intense political engagement, including a record number of admitted adjournment motions for debate, underscoring a more accommodative approach to the Opposition. It witnessed constitutional friction, notably when Governor Arif Mohammed Khan delivered an abbreviated policy address, leading the House to assert its authority. The Assembly also maintained robust accountability mechanisms, processing over 69,000 questions and passing three full State Budgets ahead of schedule.

Key Points: Kerala 15th Assembly Ends: Historic Lawmaking & Political Tensions

  • Passed 168 laws, a state record
  • 18 adjournment motion debates admitted
  • Friction with Governor over policy address
  • Robust scrutiny with 69,000+ questions
2 min read

15th Kerala Assembly completes term amid debate, dissent & decisive lawmaking

Kerala's 15th Assembly completes term, passing a record 168 laws amid robust debates, friction with the Governor, and significant legislative productivity.

"The fifteenth State Assembly leaves behind a record defined by legislative output, procedural assertion and a willingness to engage often contentiously with the questions of its time. - Report"

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 24

Constituted on May 3, 2021, the 15th Kerala Assembly on Tuesday came to a close.

It was a term that combined Legislative productivity with intense political engagement.

More than 16 Assembly sessions spanning 204 sitting days, the House met for 1,192 hours and 23 minutes, averaging nearly six hours a day, despite periodic disruptions.

In proportion to its sitting days, the 140-member Kerala Assembly passed the highest number of laws in the state's history.

Of the 195 government Bills introduced, 168 were enacted, including 29 Appropriation Bills.

The legislative slate ranged from public health, digital science and cooperative reforms to welfare measures for expatriates and senior citizens, regulation of private universities, forest amendments and the Kerala Native Card Bill.

A defining feature of the term was its willingness to debate adjournment motions under Rule 50, once a rarity.

Eighteen such discussions were admitted, accounting for a historic allocation of time and underscoring a more accommodative approach to Opposition demands.

In a symbolic move widely welcomed, the seventh and sixteenth sessions were presided over by an all women panel of chairpersons.

The Kerala Assembly also witnessed moments of constitutional friction.

On January 25, 2024, the then Governor Arif Mohammed Khan delivered the shortest policy address in Kerala's history, reading only the opening and closing paragraphs.

The House subsequently asserted its authority by adopting the Cabinet approved text as the official record.

Arif Mohammed Khan's successor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, addressed the House twice during the term.

Accountability mechanisms remained robust.

More than 69,000 questions were admitted, with over 67,800 printed and answered, reinforcing the scrutiny of the executive.

Financial oversight committees tabled a record number of reports, while three full State Budgets were passed before the new financial year, an uncommon occurrence in Kerala's legislative history.

The House also endured loss.

Among those who passed away during the term were former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and three other sitting legislators besides former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, along with several former members and national leaders.

The fifteenth State Assembly leaves behind a record defined by legislative output, procedural assertion and a willingness to engage often contentiously with the questions of its time.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Impressive numbers, but the real test is implementation. Laws for expatriates and senior citizens are welcome, but we need to see them actually helping people on the ground. Also, the friction with the Governor's office is concerning for our democratic process.
R
Rohit P
Nearly 70,000 questions answered! That's what I call accountability. This level of scrutiny is essential, especially on financial matters. Other state assemblies should take note of Kerala's model for executive oversight.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows Indian politics closely, the willingness to debate more adjournment motions is a positive sign. It shows the opposition's voice was heard more, which is healthy for any democracy. The tribute to leaders like Oommen Chandy was a respectful touch.
V
Vikram M
Quantity of laws passed is one thing, quality is another. Some of these bills, like the private university regulation, need careful monitoring. Hope they don't create more red tape. The assembly asserting its authority over the Governor's address was a bold and necessary move for federalism.
K
Kavya N
A bittersweet term. Great legislative work, but also marked by the loss of stalwarts. Passing three full budgets on time is a big achievement for any state government. Wishing peace to the departed souls. 🙏

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