Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.

According to HDR report only 11% of bills were subjected to committee for consultation during 17th lok Sabha. Reasons for limited pre-legislative consultation in lawmaking: 1) Ashar Palkhivan - Phenomena of bulkier legislation tramping bills through parliament 2) No constitutional mandate for any compulsory public consultation 3) Lack of citizen awareness with the complexities of legislation 4) Less referral to committee seeking scope of public consultation

Measures to strengthen public consultation in legislative process: 1) Placing bills for public consultation through platforms like PJB, PRS. 2) Mandating referral to committees (committee can further invite public representation on both) 3) Mandatory judicial impact assessment & social impact assessment 4) Using social audit platforms for public consultation 5) Creating a slated of social justice institutions to review bills and provide input in time bound manner. Public consultation of bills will improve acceptance and reduce resistance (eg form bills) strengthening peoples citizen governance