Vijender Gupta proposes ‘National Legislative Index’ to boost transparency & accountability in law-making

Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Monday proposed the creation of a “National Legislative Index” which would serve as a benchmark for legislative performance across the country.

Speaking on the concluding day of the All India Speakers Conference held at the Delhi Vidhan Sabha on Monday, Gupta explained that such an index, would allow assemblies and councils to learn from one another’s best practices, adopt meaningful reforms, and ensure that law-making remains transparent, participatory, and effective.

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He underlined that while institutions and procedures provide the framework for democracy, its real strength lies in citizens’ engagement with legislatures, in understanding their work, holding them accountable, and trusting their processes.

Speaker Gupta also called for a renewed movement to bring legislatures closer to the people through citizen-centric campaigns, educational outreach, and participatory initiatives.

He affirmed that the Delhi Legislative Assembly is ready to lead this effort with its commitment to innovation and reform.

Legislatures, he reminded, must never be seen as distant halls of authority, but as living institutions of dialogue, accountability, and trust, true temples of democracy that honour the sacrifices of the past while inspiring the responsibilities of the future.

Gupta expressed his deep gratitude to LS speaker Om Birla for his constant guidance and to all dignitaries and delegates for their presence, which greatly enriched the conference.

Reflecting on the centenary of Veer Vithalbhai Patel’s election as the first Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, he recalled his historic declaration, “I belong to all parties,” which enshrined the principle of impartiality and equal respect for every voice in the House.

Delhi Assembly Speaker emphasized that Patel’s legacy continues to serve as the moral compass for presiding officers across the country.

Gupta further evoked the Delhi Assembly’s historic role in India’s freedom struggle, noting that the debates against the Simon Commission, the stirring interventions of leaders such as Madan Mohan Malaviya and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and even the presence of Mahatma Gandhi within these walls, transformed the institution into a living archive of India’s democratic resolve.

These memories, he observed, are not only part of history but also a guiding light for legislators of today and tomorrow.

Prior to the valedictory session, former LS speaker Meira Kumar, delivered an evocative address at the historic centenary ceremony, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Patel, recalling how “as democracy flourishes today, and will certainly continue to flourish in the future, and is rooted in the seeds sown a hundred years ago by the revered Patel.