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New Delhi: West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim praised Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on the Assembly floor on Monday, describing his latest directive to ministers as a landmark decision in the history of the state legislature. Hakim said the move would ensure that issues raised by MLAs receive proper attention and are followed up with concrete action.

Speaking during the Assembly session, Hakim said he had served both as a ruling party leader and as an opposition MLA over the years, but had never witnessed such a system where legislators’ concerns were formally acknowledged and monitored.

The remarks came after the Chief Minister addressed ministers before the beginning of the ‘Mention’ session, during which MLAs raise issues affecting their respective constituencies.

The Chief Minister directed all ministers to respond to matters raised by legislators within seven days. He said every reply must be personally signed by the concerned minister and should clearly state whether the issue has been resolved.

If the work cannot be completed immediately, ministers have been instructed to explain the reasons for the delay. Where additional time is required, they must inform the concerned MLA and seek an extension.

The Chief Minister also said that the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) would closely monitor compliance with these directions. Reports on the progress of issues raised in the Assembly will be reviewed every three months to ensure that discussions lead to action.

Reacting to the announcement, Firhad Hakim welcomed the initiative and called it a new benchmark for the Assembly.

He said that during his political career, including his time in the opposition, he had never seen a system where the views of MLAs were treated with such importance. According to him, if the directive is implemented effectively, it will create a new chapter in the functioning of the West Bengal Assembly.

Under the new system, copies of all issues raised by legislators will also be sent to the CMO, and MLAs will receive regular updates on the progress of their requests, making the process more transparent and accountable.