OLA Speaker Surama Padhy Advocates Committee Reforms at Bhopal Conclave

Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy has actively participated in a two-day summit in Bhopal aimed at reviewing and strengthening the functioning of committee systems within state legislatures.

Chaired by Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, the inter-state gathering brought together legislative heads from seven states, including Odisha, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh.

During the summit hosted at the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Surama Padhy emphasised the indispensable role that legislative committees play in democratic governance. “Committees translate governance policies into actionable oversight and drive developmental assessments at the grassroots,” she remarked, highlighting their dual purpose in policy compliance and systemic review.

Odisha Assembly’s robust committee framework — comprising 4 economic committees, 10 standing committees, 12 house committees, 5 statutory committees, and ad-hoc task-specific panels — exemplifies effective participatory governance. These bodies conduct regular district visits, assess policy implementation, and offer targeted reforms.

Padhy cited recent achievements of the 17th Odisha Assembly, including a landmark 62-day session calendar and the historic overnight discussion leading to the passage of the Odisha University Amendment Bill 2024, as testimony to the assembly’s commitment and vibrancy.

She stressed Odisha’s resolve to enhance the efficiency and public trust in legislative committees. Research Officer Prashanta Das also accompanied Speaker Padhy during the Bhopal visit.