On July 5, the Governor of Nagaland summoned the fourth session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) to be held on August 6 in the Assembly Hall, Kohima.
While the schedule of the session is yet to be published, nothing substantial might come out of the upcoming session due to paucity of time. This is unfortunate, though, the NLA has proclivity to affirm the old adage –‘Silence is Golden,’ with an infamous 15 minutes session before.
Things seem to changing for better during the last session of the present House in March, when a proceeding lasted till 9:30 PM and the discussion continued the next day. Given the impending bye election and parliamentary election in April, the aberration can be contextualised.
Since the change of new government in March 2018, the NLA has been summoned three times – the first session from March 13-26; a two-day session on September 18 & 20, 2018; and the budget session this year in February (21 -26). Overall, 21 days in one and half years.
What, then, is the most important function of an Assembly? As naturally followed in parliamentary system, the Parliament (or an Assembly) is the most important institution and the very heart of democracy with several the tasks at hand. As noted by the UK Parliament, the cradle of the system, the most important functions are: Check and challenge the work of the Government (scrutiny); Make and change laws (legislation); Debate the important issues of the day (debating); and Check and approve Government spending (budget/taxes).
In this connection, the upcoming session assumes importance as many significant issues and policy matters are confronting the state.
These issues need thorough deliberation by legislators on the floor of the Assembly. But the sincerity of the elected members to discuss the common issues facing the state is put under serious scrutiny, given, the short session scheduled.
At the outset, it seems to be neglecting its ‘scrutiny’ function. For instance, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s (CAG) Report No 1 of 2018 pertaining to State Finances, and Report No 2 of 2018 dealing with Social, Economic, Revenue & General Sector of the state are yet to be tabled and discussed in the House. Information on CAG’s website informs that both the reports were sent on June 20, 2018.
What is holding the State Government back from tabling the report? Is the continuous unflattering reports over the years making the government hesitant? The questions are relevant as two sessions have passed since the sending of the reports.
Notwithstanding other imperatives, the callousness show the failure of the government to uphold ‘Check and challenge the work of the Government’ functions.
Nagaland Government is often known to act on emotion rather than on sound policy framework. Ergo, without any legislative route or discussion, the Government informed about the starting of Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) exercise from July 10. The daunting task has to be completed in 60 days, according to a notification issued by Home Commissioner.
Other than this, the impeding plastic ban as well as other important issues, most recently reflected by numerous surveys by centre and related agencies also need thorough deliberations. For example, the highest unemployment data as well as uncomplimentary remarks in the Economic Survey 2019-20, are cause of serious concerns for any government.
In doing so, the government is neglecting the 2nd and 4rd function - Make and change laws and debate the important issues of the day, functions.
The Government appears to be most animated and pre-occupied with only the fourth function - Check and approve Government spending (budget/taxes) – a job it is steadfastly observing over the years, regardless of the negative outcomes.
