No one tells you this, but for many first term MPs, and those without extensive secretarial teams, to be asked to speak in Parliament on policy issues with data and perspective is a daunting task. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who was elected to the post in his second term as MP, kept this in mind to set up a 24-hour research reference telephone hotline for Members of Parliament, as well as a reference section for legislations.
According to officials, the Parliamentary Research and Information Support for Members of Parliament (PRISM) is a round the clock service and also available on weekends during Parliament Sessions. “A team of 30-32 officers serve on the hotline on a rotational basis,” said an official.
Between 2019 to 2023, 87% of MPs have used either online or offline reference services, which are also shared by WhatsApp and email if required. The largest number of enquiries were about the Bills like the Juvenile Justice Bill, Wildlife Protection Bill and short duration discussions on climate change, drug abuse and price rise.
