So the Kerala Assembly is basically sending its new legislators back to school . And honestly,it's little bit funny but also feels very necessary rn .
Apparently,a special orientation program is being held on June 17 for 71 newly elected MLAs . The whole point is to teach these fresh faces about the complex rules,traditions and conventions of the House.
Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan announced this through a special ruling on Wednesday . He was very clear that new members must uphold the dignity of the legislature by following proper etiquette.
And this is where it gets interesting . Speaker noticed that on the first day,while energy was high,many first-time MLAs were seen standing with their backs to the Chair . Some were even moving across the floor without following correct decorum. Not a small thing ah.
He remarked,"Since it was the first day,many members intervened freely," but he also reminded everyone that the Assembly has to function within a strict framework of rules . He basically said senior legislators should act as an example for the newcomers.
Few key goals for this orientation:
- Helping new MLAs understand procedures for debates and parliamentary language
- Leadership like Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan will attend
- Ensuring political differences remain within bounds of legislative conduct
And this training is happening at a time when there is already intense political friction over government employee transfers . So timing is quite important .
Just for context,the 140-member Kerala Assembly has 102 members on the treasury bench and 38 in the Opposition . This opposition group has 35 from the Left Front and three from BJP.
The leadership hopes this session will help preserve the credibility of parliamentary democracy in state . Speaker urged all 140 representatives to ensure their actions reflect the prestige of the institution .
But you have to wonder if one day of training is enough . It’s one thing to learn rules,another thing entirely to follow them when debates get really heated…
