Assam Assembly sittings decline: PRS Research reveals Bill passing speed and Budget discussion trends
Average annual sitting days decreased from 25 in the 14th Parliament (2016-2021) to 20 in the 15th Parliament (2021-26).
Assam held a one-day session in June 2025, between March and November sessions. The Constitution stipulates that no more than six months should pass between two sessions of the State Assembly. “84 percent of bills were passed within a week of their introduction. 36 percent of bills received approval within a month of being passed. Nine times, more than 10 bills were passed in a single session. The 15th Parliament passed 36 bills in a single session on December 24, 2022.”
The study revealed that Assam debated the Budget for 4 days in 2025, 2024 and 2023. In 2025, Assam passed 70% of its budget without discussion.
“Assam has set up a District Police Accountability Authority. The authority will receive and investigate complaints of misconduct against the district police. Assam has passed a Bill banning polygamy for all communities except residents of Scheduled Tribes and Autonomous Territory areas. Assam has amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to allow buffalo fighting in 2025. It will also ban magical, unscientific healing practices in 2024.” passed a Bill banning its use on buffalos to treat diseases and health conditions.
He added that Assam has strengthened fire safety regulations through inspections, training institutes, penalties and fire taxes by 2025. In 2025, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Sikkim and Tripura enacted laws to decriminalize or rationalize crimes. Assam has passed a law granting government employee status and benefits to eligible municipal board staff. Assam reserves 25% of seats in private universities for students from the state. Assam has also passed a bill making it mandatory for private educational institutions imparting education up to higher secondary level in rural panchayat areas to offer 25% discount on admission fees.
The study analyzed that Assam, Jharkhand and Rajasthan have introduced bills to regulate private coaching centres. The Bills address issues such as registration, space per student, fire and building safety certificates, etc. It specifies the minimum infrastructure requirements for Many states, including Assam, have passed laws to curb unfair methods in public examinations. Assam (2024) and Manipur have also passed similar laws to curb malpractices in high school and secondary school examinations.
