Guwahati: Independent MLA of Jonai, Bhubon Pegu, was given the Best Legislator Award for 2017-18 on the occasion of the 81st foundation anniversary day celebrations of the Assam Legislative Assembly here on Saturday.

Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami presented the award, comprising a citation and a cheque for Rs 1 lakh to Pegu at a programme in Dispur. Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, deputy Speaker Dilip Kumar Paul, leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, former Speaker Prithibi Majhi, among other dignitaries, were present.

Manipur Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the programme as guest of honour.

Addressing the gathering, Sonowal said a majority of people have a bad impression about MLAs and urged the legislators to work hard to change this negative perception and fulfil the aspirations of the people they represent. He asked the members to take the Assembly "closer to people".

Former MLAs Premadhar Bora and Ajoy Kumar Dutta walked down memory lane reminiscing their experience of working with stalwarts such as Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Bhupen Hazarika, Bimala Prasad Chaliha and Lakhyadhar Choudhury in the House.

Majhi released a souvenir published to mark the occasion.

Goswami spoke on the need for an Upper House for representations of underrepresented communities by nominating them to the Upper House.