Tamil Nadu to train first-time MLAs ahead of 17th Assembly session

Chennai, June 2026 : In a bid to strengthen legislative functioning and prepare newly elected representatives for their responsibilities, the Tamil Nadu government has organised a two-day orientation and refresher programme for members of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The initiative assumes significance as more than half of the newly elected legislators are first-time MLAs.

The workshop, scheduled for June 16 and 17 at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, will be held ahead of the first session of the newly constituted Assembly. The training programme is designed to familiarise members with legislative procedures, parliamentary traditions and the functioning of the House.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will inaugurate the programme, underscoring the government’s focus on effective governance and informed legislative participation. The sessions will be conducted on the third floor of Kalaivanar Arangam and are open to all elected members of the Assembly.

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar said the refresher course has been specially designed to help legislators, especially first-time members, understand the rules, conventions and traditions that govern proceedings in the Assembly.

Addressing reporters at the Secretariat, the Speaker said the programme would provide detailed guidance on various aspects of legislative work, including participation in debates, raising issues of public importance, handling legislative business and maintaining decorum inside the House.

He noted that the innovative training initiative seeks to ensure that members are well-equipped to perform their constitutional duties effectively. According to him, legislators will also receive insights into the long-standing parliamentary traditions associated with the Assembly, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to governance.

The Speaker further revealed that a decision on live telecast of the Assembly proceedings in their entirety is likely to be taken soon. Such a move, if implemented, is expected to enhance transparency and improve public engagement with legislative affairs.

The orientation programme comes just days before the inaugural session of the 17th Assembly, which is scheduled to commence on June 18. The session will begin with an address by Governor R.N. Ravi—referred to in the official schedule as Governor Arlekar—who will outline the government’s policy priorities and legislative agenda for the coming term.

Officials said the training programme is intended to ensure that members are fully prepared for the procedural and functional aspects of legislative work before the House convenes.

With a large number of first-time legislators entering the Assembly following the recent elections, the initiative is being viewed as an important step toward strengthening democratic governance, improving legislative efficiency and preserving parliamentary traditions in Tamil Nadu.

Team Maverick.