86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference Inaugurated in Lucknow
86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference focuses on legislative assembly matters.
Photo by SMKN 1 Gantar
Key Facts
Conference: 86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference
Location: Lucknow
Focus: Legislative assembly matters
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Connects to the broader theme of democratic governance and institutional reforms.
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the role of legislative bodies.
Visual Insights
States Participating in the 86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference
This map highlights the states whose presiding officers are participating in the 86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference in Lucknow. It shows the geographical spread and representation of legislative assemblies across India.
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More Information
Background
The All India Presiding Officers' Conference (AIPOC) traces its origins back to 1921, making it one of the oldest forums in India. It was conceived as a platform for presiding officers of legislative bodies across the country to share experiences, discuss challenges, and evolve best practices in parliamentary procedures. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919, which introduced limited self-governance, necessitated such a forum to foster coordination and understanding among the newly formed provincial legislatures.
Over the decades, AIPOC has played a crucial role in shaping parliamentary democracy in India, adapting to evolving political landscapes and constitutional amendments. Its resolutions and recommendations have often influenced legislative reforms and procedural innovations in various state assemblies and the Parliament.
Latest Developments
In recent years, AIPOC has increasingly focused on leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency and transparency of legislative proceedings. E-Vidhan, a project aimed at digitizing legislative processes, has been a key area of discussion and implementation across various state assemblies. Furthermore, there's a growing emphasis on promoting ethical conduct and accountability among legislators, with AIPOC serving as a platform for sharing best practices in this regard.
The conference is also expected to address the challenges posed by disruptions and disorderly conduct in legislative houses, exploring mechanisms for maintaining decorum and ensuring productive debates. The future outlook involves strengthening the role of legislative bodies in holding the executive accountable and promoting citizen engagement in the legislative process.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the All India Presiding Officers' Conference (AIPOC): 1. The AIPOC was established before India's independence to foster coordination among provincial legislatures. 2. The conference is held annually and is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. 3. The resolutions passed in AIPOC are binding on all state legislative assemblies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct as AIPOC was established in 1921. Statement 2 is incorrect as the conference is not always presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Statement 3 is incorrect as the resolutions are not binding.
2. In the context of legislative assemblies in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the powers and privileges of the members? A) Members of legislative assemblies have the freedom of speech within the assembly. B) Legislative assemblies have the power to punish for contempt of their authority. C) The powers and privileges of members are explicitly defined in the Constitution and cannot be altered by the legislature. D) Members are immune from any proceedings in any court relating to anything said or any vote given by them in the assembly.
- A.Members of legislative assemblies have the freedom of speech within the assembly.
- B.Legislative assemblies have the power to punish for contempt of their authority.
- C.The powers and privileges of members are explicitly defined in the Constitution and cannot be altered by the legislature.
- D.Members are immune from any proceedings in any court relating to anything said or any vote given by them in the assembly.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Option C is incorrect because while some privileges are defined, the legislature can also define its own privileges subject to certain limitations. The other options are generally correct regarding the privileges.
3. Which of the following committees is NOT directly associated with parliamentary procedures and legislative oversight? A) Public Accounts Committee B) Estimates Committee C) Committee on Public Undertakings D) NITI Aayog
- A.Public Accounts Committee
- B.Estimates Committee
- C.Committee on Public Undertakings
- D.NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Answer: D
NITI Aayog is a policy think tank of the Government of India and is not directly involved in parliamentary procedures or legislative oversight. The other committees are parliamentary committees.