‘Mana Sabha - Jana Sabha’: AP Assembly Opens Doors to Citizens

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly will open its doors to the public on August 14 and 15, offering citizens a rare opportunity to visit the state’s highest legislative institution during the Independence Day celebrations.

The initiative is being organised under the newly launched ‘Mana Sabha–Jana Sabha’ programme, aimed at strengthening the connection between people and democratic institutions. Assembly Speaker C. Ayyanna Patrudu said visitors can tour the Assembly building from 6 pm to 9 pm on both days.

The move seeks to give citizens a closer look at the institution where their elected representatives debate issues, frame laws and conduct legislative business. Ayyanna Patrudu said that while the Assembly and Secretariat buildings are illuminated every year for Independence Day and Republic Day, ordinary citizens have generally had limited opportunities to enter and experience these government institutions.

The ‘Mana Sabha–Jana Sabha’ initiative is intended to change that by encouraging greater public participation in democratic institutions. The Speaker stressed that the Assembly ultimately belongs to the people and should remain connected to the society it represents.

The Speaker has particularly urged schools and colleges to bring students to the Assembly during the two-day programme. A visit to the legislature, he said, can give young people a practical understanding of democracy, constitutional institutions and the freedom struggle, beyond what they learn in classrooms.

He also invited students, farmers who made sacrifices for the development of the capital region and residents of villages surrounding Amaravati to take part in the programme.

The public visit will also feature cultural programmes designed to add to the Independence Day atmosphere. Police bands and musical groups will perform patriotic songs during the evening hours, combining public education with entertainment.

Ayyanna Patrudu appealed to people to make use of the opportunity and build a closer association with democratic institutions. The programme, he said, is aimed at reinforcing the spirit of public participation, democracy and patriotism while making the Independence Day celebrations more meaningful for citizens.