The high costs associated with running National Assembly sessions are concerning, especially given issues such as lack of quorum and session postponements. According to the PILDAT report:
The average daily cost of a National Assembly session was Rs 66.5 million, and the average hourly cost was Rs 24.2 million. Estimating the expenses for the recent 7-day session, the total cost amounts to at least Rs 465 million.
Over the past 5 years, the National Assembly has spent Rs 20.5 million per MNA. The National Assembly faced a quorum issue 105 times, resulting in the postponement of 72 sessions due to an incomplete quorum.
These figures highlight the urgent need for greater efficiency and accountability in the assembly’s functioning. Elected representatives must prioritize serving the people and addressing public issues over incurring significant expenses on protocol and other non-essential items. The high costs and frequent quorum issues raise serious questions about the productivity and value-addition of assembly sessions.
To ensure effective governance and responsible use of public funds, the government should explore ways to streamline assembly proceedings, reduce unnecessary expenditures, and enhance the attendance and participation of elected members. A more judicious and people-centric approach is necessary to maximize the resources allocated for the National Assembly’s operations.
