Patna: As Bihar prepares for elections to its 18th Legislative Assembly on November 6 and 11, new data from PRS Legislative Research paints an unusual picture of the state’s outgoing legislature — one that met the least, debated the least, but passed the most.
The 17th Bihar Assembly met for an average of just 29 days a year, the fewest sitting days in the state’s history. Each sitting lasted about three hours on average, making it one of the least active legislatures in the country.
Despite the short sessions, lawmakers passed more than 70 bills during the five-year term. However, every single bill introduced was also passed on the same day — a pattern seen in Bihar for the past 25 years. Analysts say this raises serious questions about the quality of debate and legislative scrutiny in the state.
“There appears to be an overemphasis on efficiency, but at the cost of deliberation,” said a PRS researcher familiar with the report. “Laws that affect millions are being passed without meaningful discussion.”
The report also notes that only seven ordinances were issued during this Assembly — a steep drop from 144 ordinances between 1990 and 1994. While this could signal more regular lawmaking, it also highlights how quickly laws are being cleared through the Assembly.
The state Budget received slightly more attention, with an average of 10 days of discussion each year.
As Bihar moves toward another election, these findings underscore a paradox in its lawmaking process — a legislature that meets rarely but legislates swiftly, often without debate. The next Assembly may need to strike a balance between speed and scrutiny to strengthen democratic accountability in the state.
