CHAPTER - I    INTRODUCTION

1. Necessity for Hand-book.- In the modern age, Legislation is very important activity of the democratic Government. Past experience reveals that both at the Government level and in the Legislative Assembly, the Legislative proposals are not prepared and processed in accordance with the prescribed procedure and consequently many ambiguities and deficiencies remain unnoticed. Moreover, last moment attempts to formulate the Legislative proposals lead to faulty Legislation. In case the safeguards, as provided in the Rules of Business of the Government, and the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Assembly are taken care of in the preparation and processing of legislative proposals, and adequate opportunity is given for full deliberations and consideration in the Council of Ministers and the Legislative Assembly, much of the difficulties can be surmounted in the very beginning Thus it is very essential that our officials and officers involved in this process must have sufficient information about the procedure laid down for the purpose. Many Government have their own hand-books on the subject for the guidance of their officers.

Keeping in view, the above position, the relevant provisions of the Constitution of India, Rules of Business of Himachal Pradesh Government and the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the State Legislative Assembly; and also the administrative instructions issued from time to time have been examined and an attempt has been made to preprare "Hand Book for the Preparation, Processing and Passing of Bills in the State of Himachal Pradesh.
       It is considered timely to issue a circular on the subject of the procedure for preparation of legislation and settling the legislative programme. The entire procedure involves seven main stages:-
A. Approval of legislative programme and formation of Legislative Policy.
B. Drafting instructions and preparation of Bills.
C. Approval of Bills by Cabinet.
D. Formalities respecting Bills before introduction.
E. Introduction and printing of Bills.
F. Processing and passing of Bills in the State Legislative Assembly and
    ^{Procedure in Financial Matters- Appropriation Bills}.
G. Presentation of Bills for assent and publication as Acts