Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu suggested implementing a ‘no work, no pay’ policy for MLAs who are not attending the Assembly. He also proposed granting voters the ‘Right to Recall’ such public representatives. Patrudu made these suggestions at the 86th All India Conference of Presiding Officers on “Accountability of Legislature towards the People” in Lucknow. The Speaker’s remarks seemed directed at Opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLAs who have been absent from Assembly sessions.
The absence of 11 MLAs, including YSRCP president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who are demanding Leader of Opposition status, was highlighted by the Speaker. He expressed disappointment over some legislators failing to fulfill their duties. Patrudu emphasized the need for accountability, pointing out that certain members draw salaries and allowances without attending sessions, which he finds concerning.
Patrudu raised concerns about the lack of rules to address such behavior and sought guidance from the Lok Sabha Speaker and other Speakers. He emphasized the broader implications of legislators’ absenteeism on public perception of elected representatives. The Speaker proposed withholding salaries and allowances of non-attending public representatives and suggested amending laws to allow voters the ‘Right to Recall’ errant Members.
Highlighting the decreasing number of working days in legislatures despite growing societal challenges, Patrudu stressed the importance of legislative accountability. He advocated for a minimum of 60 working days per year to ensure effective governance oversight. Patrudu underscored the significance of regular legislative sessions for members to hold the government accountable through various mechanisms like Question Hour and Calling Attention Motions.
