Bhubaneswar: Each year, based on commitment to the public, disciplined conduct, and quality of speech in the Assembly, three MLAs across three categories were honored with awards. This practice began in 2009 and continued until 2016, during which the then-government recognized best-performing legislators for eight consecutive years. However, since 2017, the Best Legislator Award has been discontinued, and the exact reason remains unclear.
It is being said that due to declining standards of conduct and speech both inside and outside the Assembly, the government might have deemed it inappropriate to continue honoring MLAs.
According to sources, much like how the Central Government honors outstanding Members of Parliament with the Sansad Ratna Award, the then BJD government had decided to honor MLAs in the Assembly who displayed exemplary behavior, effective oration, and commitment to public welfare. The Best Legislator Award process began in 2009, with three honors named after distinguished personalities — Pandit Nilakantha Das, Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, and Utkalagourab Madhusudan Das.
From 2009 to 2016, a total of 24 legislators were nominated across the three categories. In 2018, 24 MLAs were linked to the award, and on August 5, 2018, an independent event was held in Bhubaneswar, where former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and then Speaker Pradip Amat attended as chief guests and honored the legislators.
Despite being in power since 2017, the BJD government did not revive the award even after a leadership change. As of 2025, the new BJP government has shown no initiative to revive the Best Legislator Award, which has now faded into oblivion due to government indifference.
MLA Ganeshwar Behera has stated that the award, originally launched by the previous government to encourage new legislators, should be restarted. It would help motivate newly elected MLAs to attend Assembly sessions regularly, maintain decorum, and improve their conduct and speeches.