Mahana: House debates now seen as meaningful & result-oriented

Lucknow: Asserting that the public perception of the state legislature was undergoing a remarkable transformation, Speaker Satish Mahana on Tuesday said the House discussions once viewed with doubt and disappointment are now increasingly seen as serious, meaningful, and result-oriented forum of democratic debate.Addressing a press conference in Lucknow four days after the conclusion of UP House budget session, Mahana said in a democratic system, every institution and individual must function within their constitutional limits while fulfilling their respective responsibilities. Mahana highlighted how the 18th Assembly — the present House — has upheld democratic values while embracing innovation, transparency, and modern technology to reform its work culture."Assembly is no longer just a historic building. It has evolved into a vibrant platform of accountability, discipline, and the expression of public aspirations," he said.Describing the budget session as significant and thought-provoking, the Speaker said the annual budget for the financial year was discussed in detail with seriousness and depth. He said demands for grants from various departments were deliberated systematically, and several important public-interest bills were passed. The Speaker said that through the Question Hour, the accountability of govt was ensured, while Zero Hour provided members an opportunity to raise pressing public issues effectively."All of this demonstrates that the Assembly continues to serve as a powerful bridge between the people and govt," he said. Mahana expressed satisfaction that both govt and the opposition respected parliamentary decorum throughout the session. "Differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, but dialogue, restraint, and civility form its true spirit," he said, noting that the session witnessed healthy debates, logical arguments, and constructive participation.Calling the media the fourth pillar of democracy, the Speaker extended special thanks to journalists for helping convey a positive image of the Assembly to the public.He expressed gratitude to all members of the House, parliamentary affairs minister Suresh Khanna, leader of the opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, and leaders of different parties.He reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the dignity, transparency, and accountability of the House, and strengthening the tradition of healthy and meaningful dialogue in the future.Data shared by the Assembly secretariat shows that the 10-day budget session spanned over 75 hours, with the total operational period stretching over 72 hours and 45 minutes. The House remained disrupted for 2 hours 23 minutes. In this way, around 97% of the total session was deemed ‘productive'.A total of 2,427 questions were received during the session, reflecting high engagement from members. Of these, 2,322 questions (95.7%) were submitted through the online system, highlighting the Assembly's increasing reliance on digital processes. Under Rule 300, sixteen notices were received, of which three were admitted and 13 rejected. Likewise, 694 notices were received under Rule 301, of which 358 were admitted and 336 rejected. Likewise, under Rule 56 (short duration discussion), 62 notices were submitted, of which 16 were accepted. Similarly, 893 notices were received under Rule 51. Of these, 23 were admitted for discussion.