Kolkata, 23 July (H.S.): The West Bengal Legislative Assembly will institute an annual ‘Best MLA’ Award to recognise outstanding performance by legislators, Speaker Rathindra Nath Bose announced during the House proceedings on Thursday.

The Speaker said the award will be presented every year to one MLA who demonstrates exemplary participation in Assembly proceedings. The selection will be based on parameters such as raising constituency-related issues, asking questions in the House, adherence to legislative rules and overall attendance during Assembly sessions.

Bose said the initiative is aimed at encouraging legislators to play a more active role in the functioning of the Assembly and strengthening parliamentary traditions. He expressed hope that the award would motivate members to raise public issues more effectively and contribute constructively to legislative business.

The move follows a long-standing parliamentary tradition of recognising excellence in legislative performance. At the national level, the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award, instituted by the Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) in 1995, honours Members of Parliament for their contributions based on debates, questions, parliamentary conduct and overall legislative performance. In addition, recognitions such as the Sansad Ratna Award are also presented by various organisations to MPs for their active role in parliamentary proceedings.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh