Kerala Legislative Assembly

Kerala Niyamasabha
കേരള നിയമസഭ
14th Assembly
Type
Type
Houses State Assembly
Leadership
Speaker of the Assembly
Leader of the House and hence, Chief minister of state
Leader of Opposition
Deputy Speaker
V. Sasi, LDF
Since 2016
Structure
Seats
  LDF: 91 seats
  UDF: 40 seats
  BJP: 1 seat
  KC(M): 6 seats
  Others: 1 seat
  Vacant: 1 seat

(Vengara) [1]

Political groups
LDF
UDF
NDA
Elections
First-past-the-post
Last election
2016
Meeting place
Niyamasabha Mandiram, Thiruvananthapuram
Website
www.niyamasabha.org

The Kerala Legislative Assembly, popularly known as the Niyamasabha (Malayalam: നിയമസഭ, niyamasabha ?, literally Hall of laws), is the law making body of Kerala, one of the 29 States in India. The Assembly is formed by 140 elected representatives and one nominated member from the Anglo-Indian community. Each elected member represents one of the 140 constituencies within the borders of Kerala and is referred to as Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).

History

The evolution of Kerala Legislative Assembly begins with the formation of a Legislative Council in the princely state of Travancore in 1888. This was the first Native Legislature in Indian sub continent, outside British India. The Legislative Council of Travancore had undergone many changes by years. By the meantime people's participation in the Assembly was widely sought. All those efforts led to the formation of one more representative body, namely the Sri Moolam Popular Assembly of Travancore. This Assembly of the representatives of the landholders and merchants, aimed at giving the people an opportunity of bringing to the notice of Government their requirements, wishes or grievances on the one hand, and on the other, to make the policy and measures of Government better known to the people so that all possible grounds of misconception may be removed. That was on 1 October 1904. Though the popular assembly contained representatives of tax- payers, it finally became a people's representatives body. Political awareness and people agitations were aggressive and the authorities were forced to include peoples representatives into the popular assembly. On 1 May 1905, a regulation was issued to grant to the people the privilege of electing members to the Assembly. Of the 100 members, 77 were to be elected and 23 nominated, for a tenure of 1 year. The right to vote was given to persons who paid on their account an annual land revenue of not less than Rs. 50 or whose net income was not less than Rs. 2000 and to graduates of a recognised University, with not less than 10 years standing and having their residence in the taluk. The membership of the popular assembly increased year by year and finally in 1921 elected representatives gained the majority. By that time the house had 50 members of which 28 were elected and the rest nominated.

The princely stated of Cochin also formed a Legislative Council (1925), with 30 elected and 15 nominated representatives. Malabar District of Madras Province under the British rule, had representatives in Madras Legislative Assembly from the 1920s.

After India's independence responsible governments were formed in Travancore and Cochin. In 1949 the merger of Travancore and Cochin as Travancore-Cochin, formed the first Legislative Assembly, the Travancore-Cochin Legislative Assembly composed of 178 members of the Legislative bodies of Travancore and Cochin. The Malabar region had representatives in the Madras Legislative Assembly.

Assembly after the formation of Kerala State

The Kerala Legislative Assembly in Thiruvananthapuram

In 1956, the State of Kerala was formed on linguistic basis, merging Travancore, Cochin and Malabar regions. The first general election in the Kerala State was held in February–March 1957. The first Kerala Legislative Assembly was formed on 5 April 1957. The Assembly had 127 members including a nominated member.

Subsequently, after formation of Malappuram and Kasargod districts, the number of seats went up to 140. The current delimitation committee of 2010 reaffirmed the total number of seats at 140.

Current assembly

The current Legislatuive Assembly is the 14th Assembly since the formation of Kerala. The Speaker of the Assembly is P. Sreeramakrishnan. The leader of the Assembly is Pinarayi Vijayan and the Leader of the Opposition is Ramesh Chennithala from the UDF.

Niyamasabha Complex

The State Assembly is known as Niyama Sabha and is housed in New Legislature Complex. This 5 storied complex is one of the largest complexes in India. The Central Hall is described as most elegant and majestic hall with ornamental Teakwood-Rosewood panelling. The older Assembly was located within State Secretariat complex which was reconverted into Legislature museum, after commissioning new complex in 1997.

Political parties or coalitions

Sl. No: Front No. of Candidates Seats won Percentage
1Left Democratic Front 1409143.31%
2United Democratic Front 1404132.86%
3National Democratic Alliance 140 115.63%
4Kerala Congress(M) 140 66.01%
5Independents and Others .12.19%

Members of Legislative Assembly of Kerala

The entrance to Kerala Legislature with statute of Mahatma Gandhi
The Illuminated Niyamasabha Complex at night
Kerala State Legislative Assembly or the Niyamasabha at night
Sl. No: Constituency Winner Party
1 Manjeshwar P. B. Abdul Razak IUML
2 Kasaragod N. A. NellikkunnuIUML
3 Udma K. KunhiramanCPI(M)
4 Kanhangad E. Chandrasekharan CPI
5 Trikarpur M. RajagopalanCPI(M)
6 Payyanur C. Krishnan (CPI-M)CPI(M)
7 Kalliasseri T.V. RajeshCPI(M)
8 Taliparamba James MathewCPI(M)
9 Irikkur K. C. JosephINC
10 Azhikode K.M. Shaji IUML
11 Kannur Kadannappalli Ramachandran Cong(S)
12 Dharmadam Pinarayi Vijayan CPI(M)
13 Thalassery A.N. ShamseerCPI(M)
14 Kuthuparamba K. K. Shailaja CPI(M)
15 Mattannur E. P. Jayarajan CPI(M)
16 Peravoor Sunny Joseph INC
17 Mananthavady O. R. KeluCPI(M)
18 Sulthanbathery I. C. Balakrishnan INC
19 Kalpetta C. K. Saseendran CPI
20 Vatakara C. K. Nanu JD(S)
21 Kuttiady Parakkal AbdullaIUML
22 Nadapuram E. K. VijayanCPI
23 Koyilandy K. Dasan CPI(M)
24 Perambra T. P. Ramakrishnan CPI(M)
25 Balusseri Purushan Kadalundy CPI(M)
26 Elathur A. K. Saseendran NCP
27 Kozhikode NorthA. Pradeepkumar CPI(M)
28 Kozhikode South M. K. MuneerIUML
29 Beypore V. K. C. Mammed Koya CPI(M)
30 Kunnamangalam P. T. A. Rahim LDF Independent
31 Koduvally Karat RazakLDF Independent
32 Thiruvambady George M. ThomasCPI(M)
33 Kondotty T. V. IbrahimIUML
34 Ernad P. K. BasheerIUML
35 Nilambur P. V. Anvar LDF Independent
36 Wandoor A.P. Anil Kumar INC
37 Manjeri M. UmmerIUML
38 Perinthalmanna Manjalamkuzhi AliIUML
39 Mankada T. A. Ahmed Kabir IUML
40 Malappuram P. UbaidullaIUML
41 Vengara vacant IUML
42 Vallikunnu P. Abdul HameedIUML
43 Tirurangadi P. K. Abdu RabbIUML
44 Tanur V. AbdurahimanLDF Independent
45 Tirur C. MammuttyIUML
46 Kottakkal K. K. Abid Hussain ThangalIUML
47 Thavanur K.T. Jaleel LDF Independent
48 Ponnani P. Sreeramakrishnan CPI(M)
49 Thrithala V. T. Balram INC
50 Pattambi Muhammed Muhsin CPI
51 ShornurP. K. Sasi CPI(M)
52 Ottappalam P. Unni CPI(M)
53 Kongad K. V. Vijayadas CPI(M)
54 Mannarkkad N. Samsudheen IUML
55 MalampuzhaV. S. AchuthanandanCPI(M)
56 Palakkad Shafi Parambil INC
57 Tarur A. K. Balan CPI(M)
58 Chittur K. Krishnankutty JD(S)
59 Nemmara K. Babu CPI(M)
60 Alathur K. D. Prasenan CPI(M)
61 Chelakkara U. R. Pradeep CPI(M)
62 Kunnamkulam A. C. Moideen CPI(M)
63 Guruvayoor K. V. Abdul Khader CPI(M)
64 Manalur Murali Perunelli CPI(M)
65 Wadakkanchery Anil Akkara INC
66 Ollur K. Rajan CPI
67 Thrissur V. S. Sunil Kumar CPI
68 Nattika Geetha Gopi CPI
69 Kaipamangalam E. T. Tyson CPI
70 Irinjalakuda K. U. Arunan CPI(M)
71 Puthukkad C. Raveendranath CPI(M)
72 ChalakudyB. D. Devassy CPI(M)
73 Kodungallur V. R. Sunil Kumar CPI
74 Perumbavoor Eldhose Kunnappilly INC
75 AngamalyRoji M. John INC
76 Aluva Anwar Sadath INC
77 Kalamassery V. K. Ebrahimkunju IUML
78 Paravur V. D. Satheesan INC
79 Vypeen S. Sharma CPI(M)
80 Kochi K. J. Maxi CPI(M)
81 Thripunithura M. Swaraj CPI(M)
82 ErnakulamHibi Eden INC
83 Thrikkakara P. T. Thomas INC
84 Kunnathunad (SC) V.P. Sajeendran INC
85 Piravom Anoop Jacob KC (Jacob)
86 Muvattupuzha Eldo Abraham CPI
87 Kothamangalam Antony John CPI(M)
88 Devikulam S. Rajendran CPI(M)
89 Udumbanchola M. M. Mani CPI(M)
90 ThodupuzhaP. J. Joseph KC(M)
91 Idukki Roshy Augustine KC(M)
92 Peerumade E. S. Bijimol CPI
93 Pala K. M. Mani KC(M)
94 Kaduthuruthy Monce Joseph KC(M)
95 Vaikom C. K. Asha CPI
96 Ettumanoor K. Suresh Kurup CPI(M)
97 KottayamThiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan INC
98 Puthuppally Oommen Chandy INC
99 ChanganasseryC. F. Thomas KC(M)
100 Kanjirappally N. Jayaraj KC(M)
101 Poonjar P. C. George INDEPENDENT
102 Aroor A. M. Ariff CPI(M)
103 Cherthala P. Thilothaman CPI
104 Alappuzha T. M. Thomas Isaac CPI(M)
105 Ambalappuzha G. Sudhakaran CPI(M)
106 Kuttanad Thomas ChandyNCP
107 Haripad Ramesh Chennithala INC
108 Kayamkulam Prathiba Hari CPI(M)
109 Mavelikkara R. Rajesh CPI(M)
110 Chengannur K. K. Ramachandran Nair CPI(M)
111 Thiruvalla Mathew T. Thomas JD(S)
112 Ranni Raju Abraham CPI(M)
113 AranmulaVeena George CPI(M)
114 Konni Adoor Prakash INC
115 Adoor Chittayam Gopakumar CPI
116 Karunagapally R. Ramachandran CPI
117 ChavaraVijayan Pillai CMP
118 Kunnathur Kovoor Kunjumon RSP Independent
119 Kottarakkara P. Aisha Potty CPI(M)
120 Pathanapuram K. B. Ganesh Kumar KC(B)
121 Punalur K. Raju CPI
122 Chadayamangalam Mullakara Ratnakaran CPI
123 Kundara J. Mercykutty Amma CPI(M)
124 Kollam M. Mukesh CPI(M)
125 Eravipuram M. Noushad CPI(M)
126 Chathannoor G.S. Jayalal CPI
127 Varkala V. Joy CPI(M)
128 Attingal B. Satyan CPI(M)
129 Chirayinkeezhu V. Sasi CPI
130 Nedumangad C. Divakaran CPI
131 Vamanapuram D.K. Murali CPI(M)
132 Kazhakoottam Kadakampally Surendran CPI(M)
133 Vattiyoorkavu K. Muraleedharan INC
134 Thiruvananthapuram V. S. Sivakumar INC
135Nemom O. Rajagopal BJP
136Aruvikkara K. S. Sabarinathan INC
137Parassala C. K. Hareendran CPI(M)
138 Kattakkada I. B. Sathish CPI(M)
139Kovalam M. Vincent INC
140Neyyattinkara K. A. Ansalan CPI(M)

Composition

The Assembly consists of 140 Members known as Members of Legislative Assembly- MLA representing each constituency.

The qualifications needed to become an MLA are almost similar to the eligibility criteria for an MP. Besides being a citizen of India, the individual should not be less than 25 years of age. On a more fundamental note, a person, who is not a voter from any constituency of the state, is not eligible to become an MLA.

It's to be noted that an MLA is elected by the people of a particular constituency and he/she represents those electorates in the legislative Assembly. MLAs enjoy the same position in the state as MPs on a national level.

Responsibilities of Legislators

The principal responsibility of an MLA is to represent the people's grievances and aspirations and take them up with the state government. An MLA has the power to utilise several legislative tools including ‘calling attention motion’ to raise issues concerning his/her constituency. It's also expected of the MLA to raise the issues with the relevant government agency and minister. As a legislator, his cardinal role will be to make optimum use of the local area development (LAD) fund in a bid to develop his constituency.

Appointment of Speaker

The Speaker is the primary official of the Assembly. The Assembly elects the Speaker from among its own members. While the Speaker still represents his constituency, he remains an impartial chair of the Assembly and refrains from debating.

When a new assembly is formed, the political party/alliance which is invited by the Governor to form a government, nominates one among them as Pro-term Speaker. The Pro-Term speaker swears in front of Governor and opens the new assembly's first session.

He oversees swearing in ceremony of all legislators at the assembly hall and then becomes the returning officer for the Speaker Election.

The Leader of the House, Chief Minister presents a motion for speaker election and nominates one among his party/alliance for Speaker position.

The Leader of Opposition, supports the motion and nominates one among them as speaker position. The Pro-term speaker then asks whether anyone else wish to contest for speaker post. If any application received, it shall also be enlisted for election.

Based on motion, the pro-term speaker will order for an election and Legislative secretary will arrange an election at the floor of the assembly. The election will be closed affair with each member casting a secret vote on ballot paper. The results will be counted by Legislative Secretary in front of representatives from both Ruling and Opposition parties.

Accordingly, the pro-term speaker announces the new speaker and both leaders of assembly escorts the new speaker to Speaker Dias to take charge of the post.

Similar election is conducted to appoint Deputy Speaker who shall take the office in absence of the speaker.

Officials

The speaker is assisted by Legislative Secretariat. The head of Secretariat is Legislative Secretary. The Legislative secretary is the Executive chief of the Assembly and reports only to Speaker and house directly.

The Legislative secretary is supported by 2 Additional Secretaries, Joint secretaries and Assistant secretaries. There are under-secretaries for each committee topic and officers in charge.

The Chief Curator manages the entire house activities including housekeeping, maintenance and safety measures. The Chief Editor manages an editorial team to draft questions raised by public and legislators as well as manages answers notes, legislative records, executive orders and archival matters. The Chief Librarian manages the Central Library and Legislative Research cell of Niyamasabha.

Security

From days of Monarchy Kerala Police were not allowed inside Niyamasabha as a matter of enforcing legislative independence. The Niyamasabha has its own security force called Watch and Ward, distinguished by its white uniforms who reports to Assembly Privileges committee and Speaker directly. Its headed by Chief Warden who is in rank of Superintendent of Police.

The Watch and ward controls security of entire Assembly area as well as nearby Legislative Hostel.

Committees

Statutory Committee

The Niyamasabha consists of following committees which are statutory in nature and cannot be disbanded, though the members do change.

1. Business Advisory Committee (BAC)

The BAC is the primary committee to decide the agendas to be listed in each sessions of the assembly. As a convention, the opposition leader will be the head of the committee with leaders of each parliamentary party subjected to maximum of 8 members. Speaker of the house is a permanent invitee to this committee.

2. Committee on Environment

3. Committee on Estimates

4. Committee on Government Assurances

5. Committee on Local Fund Accounts

6. Committee on Official Language

7. Committee on Papers Laid on the Table

8. Committee on Petitions

9. Committee on Private Members' Bills and Resolutions

10. Committee of Privileges and Ethics

11. Committee on Public Accounts

12. Committee on Public Undertakings

13. Committee on Subordinate Legislation

14. Committee on the Welfare of Backward Class Communities

15. Committee on the Welfare of Fishermen and Allied Workers

16. Committee on the Welfare of Non-resident Keralites

17. Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

18. Committee on the Welfare of Senior Citizens

19. Committee on the Welfare of Women, Children and Physically Handicapped

20. Committee on the Welfare of Youth and Youth Affairs

21. House Committee

22. Library Advisory Committee

23. Rules Committee

Subject Committee

Apart from statutory committee, the assembly have subject committee for each Department of Government. Though they are not statutory in nature, its established by the house on regular basis to monitor and control executive decisions of each department when a specific bill intended to make into a legislation comes before assembly. Normally when a bill is presented and amendments or disputes arise, the bills are sent to a subject committee specifically formed such departmental activity.

As per Kerala Legislature Rules, the following committees are regularly established in the house.

1. Subject Committee - I:- Departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries

2. Subject Committee - II:- Land Revenue, Land usage, wetland protection, Endowments and Devaswom

3. Subject Committee - III:- Water Resources, Irrigation projects and Dam safety

4. Subject Committee - IV:- Industry and Minerals

5. Subject Committee - V:- Public Works, Transport & Communications

6. Subject Committee - VI:- Education

7. Subject Committee - VII:- Power, Labour and Labour Welfare

8. Subject Committee - VIII:- Economic Affairs

9. Subject Committee - IX:- Local Administration, Rural Development and Housing

10. Subject Committee - X:- Forest, Environment and Tourism

11. Subject Committee - XI:- Food, Civil Supplies and Co-operation

12. Subject Committee - XII:- Health and Family Welfare

13. Subject Committee - XIII:- Social Service

14. Subject Committee - XIV:- Home and Security Affairs

Ad-Hoc Committee

Time to time, the assembly can form an adhoc committee for business as laid by motion passed by the house.

See also

References

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