In an first-of-its-kind initiative to recognise legislators on the basis of their overall performance, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly will introduce an annual “Best MLA” award to recognise legislators on the basis of their attendance, legislative performance and contribution to public welfare.
Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose announced this initiative in the House on Thursday, mentioning that this initiative to be implemented over the Assembly’s five-year term, will see one legislator selected every year for the honour through a professional evaluation process.
An external agency will be entrusted with monitoring the performance of members and preparing an assessment report, which will form the basis of the final selection, he added.
Addressing the House, the Speaker said the objective of the initiative is to encourage lawmakers to make more effective use of the Assembly for raising issues concerning their constituencies as well as the overall development of the state.
Bose also drew attention to the large number of first-time legislators in the present Assembly. According to Assembly records, 181 members have entered the House for the first time after being elected in the current term.
Urging the new legislators to familiarise themselves with parliamentary procedures and legislative responsibilities, the Speaker advised them to learn from experienced members belonging to both the Treasury and Opposition benches.
He said senior legislators could guide newcomers on how to utilise Assembly proceedings constructively and effectively in the interests of their constituencies and the state.
Assembly sources said the evaluation process would primarily focus on members’ attendance during House proceedings, their participation in legislative business and their overall contribution towards public interest and constituency development.
The external agency appointed for the purpose will monitor the performance of legislators throughout the year before submitting its final assessment. The selected legislator will receive the “Best MLA” award annually during the Assembly’s five-year tenure.
Political observers believe the move could encourage both first-time and senior legislators to participate more actively in debates, legislative business and governance, while strengthening accountability and improving the overall quality of parliamentary functioning.