Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently announced a significant change in the Assam Assembly’s legislative practices. The Assembly has decided to end the Jumma break, a practice that has been in place since 1937. This decision marks a substantial shift in how the Assembly operates, aiming to prioritize productivity and shed outdated colonial-era practices.
The Jumma break, instituted by Syed Saadulla of the Muslim League, was originally introduced as a concession to allow Muslim legislators time for Friday prayers. However, as Assam and its legislative processes have evolved, the need for this break has become increasingly questioned. Critics argue that it has outlived its relevance in modern times and has contributed to inefficiencies within the Assembly.
Speaker Biswajit Daimary, along with other legislators, took the decision to abolish the Jumma break unanimously. This move aligns with Sarma’s broader vision for reforming and modernizing the legislative framework of Assam. By removing this break, the Assembly aims to enhance its working hours and overall efficiency, addressing the growing demand for more productive legislative sessions.
Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed that this change reflects a commitment to progress and a desire to align Assam’s legislative practices with contemporary needs. The Chief Minister highlighted that the Assembly’s focus should be on ensuring effective governance and swift handling of legislative business. Ending the Jumma break is part of a broader initiative to streamline operations and eliminate practices that no longer serve their intended purpose.
The decision also resonates with a larger trend of revisiting and updating institutional practices inherited from colonial times. Sarma and his team are working to bring Assam’s legislative practices in line with modern governance standards. By removing outdated procedures, the Assembly can now dedicate more time to legislative discussions, decision-making, and addressing the pressing issues facing the state.
Supporters of the move argue that it is a step towards creating a more dynamic and responsive legislative environment. The elimination of the Jumma break is expected to lead to longer and more continuous sessions, allowing for more thorough debates and quicker passage of legislation. This change could ultimately benefit the state’s residents by ensuring that the Assembly operates more efficiently and effectively.
Opponents of the decision have expressed concerns about the potential impact on legislators who observe Jumma prayers. They argue that the removal of the break could place undue pressure on some members. However, the decision’s proponents believe that the benefits of increased productivity and modernization outweigh these concerns.
In addition to ending the Jumma break, the Assam Assembly is also undertaking other reforms aimed at improving its functioning. These include efforts to enhance transparency, increase public engagement, and streamline legislative processes. The goal is to create a more accountable and responsive legislative body that meets the needs of the people it serves.
The change is expected to set a precedent for other legislative bodies in the region and beyond. By taking this step, Assam is demonstrating a willingness to adapt and evolve its practices to better suit the needs of contemporary governance. The move reflects a broader trend of revisiting and updating institutional practices to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in a changing world.
As Assam moves forward with these reforms, it will be important to monitor the impact of the decision on the Assembly’s productivity and effectiveness. The removal of the Jumma break represents a significant shift in legislative practice, and its success will likely serve as a benchmark for future efforts to modernize and improve governance in the state.
Overall, the decision to end the Jumma break is a bold and forward-looking move by the Assam Assembly. It signifies a commitment to enhancing legislative productivity and modernizing institutional practices, setting the stage for more effective and responsive governance in the future.
