Bihar Assembly Goes Paperless from December 1: MLAs to Use Tablets for Questions; Full Schedule Announced

Patna: Bihar is set to witness a historic transformation in its legislative process as the 18th Assembly session, starting December 1, will be fully digital. Under the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) initiative, the Bihar Legislative Assembly will operate paperlessly, enabling MLAs to submit questions and supplementary queries via tablets, significantly reducing paper usage.

Digital Assembly: How It Will Work

• Tablet-Based Questions: Each new MLA has been provided a tablet at their seat to type and submit questions and supplementary queries directly to the Assembly system.
• Paper Reduction: This shift will streamline proceedings and eliminate the need for bulky paper files, contributing to environmental conservation.
• Transparency: All legislative activities—including introduction of bills, raising questions, and discussions—will be conducted digitally, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Preparations Complete
The Legislative Council has already implemented this system, and tablet installation in the Assembly is nearly complete. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary instructed officials to ensure that new MLAs face no technical issues during the session.

Bihar Assembly Session Schedule

• December 1: Swearing-in of new MLAs.
• December 2: Election of the Assembly Speaker.
• December 3: Joint session of both houses for the Governor’s address.
• December 4: Discussion on the Governor’s address and government response.
• December 5: Debate on the second supplementary expenditure statement followed by introduction of related appropriation bills.

High-Level Preparations
A high-level meeting, chaired by Assembly Speaker Awadhesh Narayan Singh, reviewed arrangements for security, traffic, medical services, sanitation, and parking to ensure smooth conduct of the session. Key officials present included Home Secretary Pranav Kumar, ADG Dr. Kamal Kishore Singh, DM Dr. Thyagarajan S.M., SSP Kartikeya Sharma, and Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena.

A Model for Modern Governance
This digital initiative not only modernizes the Bihar Assembly but also sets a benchmark for legislative bodies across India. The paperless Assembly is expected to enhance governance efficiency, transparency, and environmental sustainability.