Uniform Rules Not Identical: Delhi Speaker Pushes for Legislative Diversity
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta advocates for gender-neutral rules and constitutional safeguards during a meeting on model legislative procedures.
In a significant push for parliamentary reform, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has asserted that while there may be a drive toward uniformity in legislative procedures across India, it should not result in "identical rules" that ignore the unique constitutional landscapes of different regions. Speaking at a meeting of the Committee on Formulation of Model Rules for Uniformity in the Procedure and Conduct of Business in Legislative Bodies in India, Gupta emphasized that India's legislative diversity must be respected.
A Call for Gender-Neutral Language
One of the primary highlights of Gupta's address was the urgent need to modernize the language used in parliamentary rules. He argued that the current reliance on masculine expressions—often carried over from conventions rooted in the General Clauses Act of 1897—is outdated.
Gupta maintained that the recognition of Nari Shakti (women's power) must be reflected not just in rhetoric, but within the very rules that govern India’s democratic institutions. He called for a transition to gender-neutral language that aligns with contemporary democratic realities.
Respecting Constitutional Safeguards
The Speaker raised critical points regarding the distinct legal frameworks of specific regions. He insisted that any "Model Rules" must acknowledge the unique status of:
- Delhi (under the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991)
- Puducherry
- Jammu and Kashmir
Gupta cautioned against the unnecessary duplication of existing constitutional and statutory provisions, particularly those concerning the official addresses by the President, Governor, and Lieutenant Governor. He also noted that quorum requirements should only be altered through formal legislation.
Modernizing Legislative Functioning
Beyond legal frameworks, Gupta proposed several practical reforms to enhance the quality of governance and deliberation:
Session and Sitting Requirements
Aligning with discussions from the 86th Conference of Presiding Officers, Gupta supported the implementation of three annual sessions—Budget, Monsoon, and Winter—with a minimum of 30 sittings for all State Legislatures, provided that higher statutory requirements are protected.
Digital Transformation
With the rise of Digital Sansad, e-Vidhan, and the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), the Speaker advocated for the formal recognition of electronic summons, notices, petitions, and other procedural communications.
Enhanced Scrutiny of Bills
To ensure transparency and rigor, Gupta urged that all Bills be accompanied by detailed financial, administrative, and legal information, including Financial Memoranda. He suggested that Bills be circulated electronically in advance and, where necessary, referred to Select Committees or Department-related Standing Committees for public feedback and expert consultation.
Leading by Example: A Paperless Meeting
The meeting, chaired by Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, served as a practical demonstration of the digital shift Gupta advocated. The entire proceeding was conducted in a paperless manner.
According to an environmental impact assessment by the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat, the decision to use digital documents instead of printing 12 sets of 1,521-page documents saved:
- 18,252 sheets of paper
- Approximately 4.4 trees
- 18,252 litres of water
- 182.5 kg of CO₂-equivalent emissions
The meeting followed a preliminary session held in Mysore on May 12, stemming from a decision made at the 85th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference in Patna to create a common procedural framework for India's legislative bodies.