Shows New SDC Foundation Factsheet
“A Crisis of Governance When Assembly Meets Only 10 Days,” says Anoop Nautiyal
Dehradun, November 1:
Ahead of Uttarakhand’s Statehood Day, a data-driven factsheet released by SDC Foundation has sharply flagged the dismal functioning of the Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha, placing it among the least active state assemblies in the country.
Drawing on national statistics compiled by PRS Legislative Research, the factsheet shows that while the average Assembly sitting across 31 states in 2024 was 20 days, Uttarakhand met for only 10 days — ranking it jointly at 26/27/28 alongside Punjab and Arunachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh, by contrast, logged 125 hours of proceedings, while Uttarakhand clocked just 60 hours, placing it 22nd from the bottom among 28 states.
SDC Foundation founder Anoop Nautiyal said the numbers expose a serious democratic gap.
“Both the number of sittings and total duration place Uttarakhand at the bottom nationally.
The soul of democracy lies in accountability. When our elected representatives meet only a few days a year, it signals a crisis of governance and democratic responsibility,” he said.
Dismal Record Year After Year
The factsheet, “Comparative Performance of Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha: Gaps and Challenges,” highlights a persistent pattern:
2024: 10 sitting days
2023: Only 7 sitting days — the lowest in the country — with 44 hours of discussions
2017–2024 average: Just 12 days a year, compared to Kerala’s 44, Odisha’s 40, and Karnataka’s 34
In 2024, Odisha topped the national list with 42 sitting days, followed by Kerala (38), West Bengal (36), Karnataka (29), Rajasthan and Maharashtra (28 each), and Himachal Pradesh (27).
“This consistent underperformance keeps Uttarakhand among India’s least active assemblies,” Nautiyal said.
‘No Legislative Business’ Claim Rejected
Nautiyal added that the government’s claim of having “no business” to discuss cannot justify the short sessions.
“Assemblies are meant for serious legislative work — bills, debates and policy interventions.
Uttarakhand has hundreds of pressing issues that demand lawmakers’ time. Saying there is no business is simply not true,” he said.
Question Over Special Session Venue
He also questioned the decision to hold the upcoming special session on November 3–4 in Dehradun instead of Gairsain.
“Holding it in Gairsain would have had far greater impact and legitimacy. The state cannot continue sidelining Gairsain every time it matters,” he said.
‘Move From Celebrations to Accountability’
As Uttarakhand enters its 25th year, Nautiyal called for a shift in governance mindset.
“Uttarakhand cannot remain a state of announcements and celebrations. The Vidhan Sabha must become a platform for responsibility and action,” he said.
He urged citizens to demand better legislative performance, stronger accountability and a more active, transparent democratic system — the very aspirations that powered the statehood movement.
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