Date:09/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/09/stories/2008080958880400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Proposal for better functioning of House

Special Correspondent

Panels to look into functioning of subject committees
Workshops with participation of experts planned

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Legislature committee constituted to draw up recommendations for improvement of the functioning of the Assembly will invite suggestions from the public on matters relating to its terms of reference.

The committee, which met here on Wednesday, has formed four sub-committees to look into the working of the subject committees, other legislature committees, legislative proceedings and rules of procedure. Chairman of the committee and Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs M. Vijayakumar said Anathalavattom Anandan would be the convener of a sub-committee to look into the functioning of subject committees. N. Anirudhan will be the convener of a sub-committee to examine the functioning of other legislature committees. K.M. Mani and Arayadan Mohammed will be the conveners for the sub-committees on legislation and rules of procedure respectively.

Each sub-committee will prepare a draft report.

Terms of reference

As per the terms of reference of the committee constituted by Speaker K. Radhakrishnan last month, it will examine whether changes were needed to the rules of procedures and conduct of business of the Legislative Assembly and suggest such changes.

It would recommend improvement of the functioning of the legislature committees and the Assembly as a whole.

The Minister said the sub-committees could co-opt experienced persons from outside and conduct workshops involving prominent persons and experts. It will collect information and suggestions from former legislators, former officials of the Legislature Secretariat, mediapersons and public men. The formation of the 21-member committee and review was decided upon as the House has completed 50 years.