As Bihar prepares for upcoming elections, a recent analysis of the 17th Bihar Legislative Assembly reveals that it convened for an average of only 29 days per year over its five-year term. This amounts to a total of 146 days between 2020 and 2025, marking the lowest number of sittings compared to previous assemblies in the state's history.
The analysis, conducted by PRS Legislative Research, an independent think tank, also indicates that on the days the Assembly was in session, it functioned for an average of three hours. This is notably less than the national average of five hours for state assemblies in 2024.
Further data shows that MLAs actively participated by posing nearly 22,500 questions during the 15 sessions held. The primary focus of these queries was on rural works, education, and healthcare-related issues. Arun Shankar Prasad, a BJP MLA representing the Khajauli constituency, distinguished himself by asking the highest number of questions, totaling 275. Following him were Congress MLA Manohar Prasad Singh from Manihar with 231 questions, and RJD's Mukesh Kumar Yadav from Bajpatti, who posed 230 questions.
During its term, the 17th Assembly introduced and passed 78 Bills. A notable point is that all these bills were passed on the same day they were introduced, and none were referred to any committee for further scrutiny or deliberation. The legislative focus was largely directed towards education, finance and taxation, and administration. Key pieces of legislation included the Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, the Bihar Control of Crimes Bill, 2024, and the Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Safety and Welfare) Bill, 2025.
However, not all legislative efforts were successful. Two reservation Bills passed in 2023, aimed at increasing reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, were struck down by the Patna High Court in June 2024 for breaching constitutional limits.
The number of ordinances, which are temporary laws promulgated when the Assembly is not in session, saw a decline, with only seven issued between 2021 and 2025. Historically, ordinance numbers were much higher, for instance, 144 ordinances were issued between 1990 and 1994. All ordinances issued during the 17th Assembly's term were subsequently replaced by acts.
In comparison to earlier assemblies, the decline in sitting days is significant. The first Assembly in post-independent India sat for 391 days, and the second for 434 days. The 15th and 16th Assemblies met for 189 and 154 days respectively, highlighting a continuing downward trend.
As Bihar prepares to vote on November 6 and 11, with the votes being counted on November 14, this analysis provides a crucial insight into the functioning of the outgoing legislative assembly and raises important questions about legislative efficiency and the depth of scrutiny applied to law-making in the state.
