Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 (IANS) In a move aimed at making the Kerala Assembly more people-centric, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan on Tuesday said that the possibility of giving the public an opportunity to raise questions in the house is currently being explored.

The Speaker said the Assembly should not remain limited to elected representatives alone but should also provide space for the citizens who elect them to participate in democratic processes.

In his address at the inauguration of a voice acting course and studio complex launched at the Press Club Institute of Journalism, Thiruvananchoor said the Assembly was considering some historic decisions to strengthen public participation.

“Like in some foreign legislatures, the public should also get an opportunity to ask questions,” he said, adding that discussions with experts would be held before finalising the mechanism.

The Speaker said several initiatives were being planned to make the Kerala Assembly more accessible and connected with people.

He pointed out that the institution, which has a history of 138 years, should continue to evolve according to changing democratic needs.

The proposal comes as part of a broader attempt to modernise legislative functioning and bring citizens closer to the working of parliamentary democracy.

If implemented, the initiative could mark a significant shift in how people interact with the state’s highest law-making body.

The Speaker’s remarks have opened a discussion on expanding citizen engagement in legislative affairs beyond the traditional electoral process.

As part of efforts to preserve and expand public access to legislative resources, the Assembly is also exploring the possibility of converting its collection of books and documents into audiobooks, he added.

On Wednesday, the Assembly will have a two-day orientation course for the 71 first-time legislators to familiarise them with the proceedings of the house.

Such a large number of first-time legislators in the 140-member Assembly is a record of sorts in recent times.

–IANS

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