Should Andhra Pradesh Speaker Implement Salary Cuts for MLAs Missing Assembly?
Synopsis
In a bold move, Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu has proposed a 'no work, no pay' policy for MLAs who skip Assembly sessions. This proposal at the All India Conference raises questions about accountability and the possibility of voters having the 'Right to Recall' their representatives. Can this change the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh?
Key Takeaways
Proposed 'no work, no pay' for absentee MLAs.
Voters may gain 'Right to Recall' their representatives.
Attendance issues among certain MLAs criticized.
Call for increased legislative working days.
Public trust in elected officials needs restoration.
Amaravati, Jan 21 (NationPress) The Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu, proposed on Wednesday a ‘no work, no pay’ principle for MLAs who fail to attend Assembly sessions. He also advocated for granting voters the ‘Right to Recall’ such representatives.
This recommendation was made during the 86th All India Conference of Presiding Officers in Lucknow, centered on “Accountability of Legislature towards the People”.
Patrudu's remarks seemed directed at the Opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLAs who have been boycotting the Assembly.
All 11 MLAs, including YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, have been absent from sessions to demand the Leader of Opposition status for Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The Speaker expressed disappointment over the lack of participation from certain legislators, stating, “It is regrettable that some members have not attended even a single day of sessions or engaged in any debates since their election in June 2024.” He further stated that many of these members continue to receive salaries and allowances despite their absence, which causes him great pain.
“How can we prevent public ridicule with such unethical behavior?” he questioned. “How can such actions be justified?”
Patrudu pointed out the absence of specific rules against this behavior and sought guidance from the Lok Sabha Speaker and fellow Speakers.
He emphasized, “This issue extends beyond the Andhra Pradesh legislature; public perception could tarnish all elected officials.” He proposed two actions: akin to employee salary deductions for non-attendance, public representatives’ salaries should be reduced for not attending.
“For those representatives who fail to heed this warning, the only option is to return them to the ‘People’s Court’. If needed, amendments to the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act should be made to empower voters with the ‘Right to Recall’ their representatives. This would allow the public to hold errant Members accountable,” Ayyanna Patrudu stated.
He also highlighted that while the population and its issues grow rapidly, the number of legislative working days decreases annually. He termed this an unhealthy legislative trend, insisting that legislatures should convene for at least 60 days a year to ensure members can hold the government accountable through various tools such as Question Hour, Zero Hour, Short-Notice Questions, and Calling Attention Motions.
Point of View
This proposal by Andhra Pradesh's Speaker reflects a growing frustration with political accountability. The idea of linking attendance to remuneration and empowering voters with the 'Right to Recall' is a significant step towards restoring public trust in elected officials. It underscores the necessity for legislators to be more accountable to their constituents, setting a precedent that could reverberate across the country.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'no work, no pay' policy proposed by the Speaker?
The 'no work, no pay' policy suggests that MLAs who do not attend Assembly sessions should not receive their salaries and allowances.
What is the 'Right to Recall'?
The 'Right to Recall' allows voters to remove elected representatives from office if they fail to perform their duties satisfactorily.
Why are YSRCP MLAs not attending the Assembly?
The YSRCP MLAs are boycotting the Assembly to demand the Leader of Opposition status for their party president, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
How many days should legislatures meet annually?
The Speaker emphasized that legislatures should ideally meet for at least 60 days each year to ensure proper governance.
What are the implications of the Speaker's proposals?
If implemented, these proposals could enhance accountability among legislators and empower voters, potentially leading to significant political changes.
