LOK SABHA SPEAKER INAUGURATES 21ST CONFERENCE OF CPA INDIA REGION ZONE-III IN MIZORAM
BY ANDALIB AKHTER
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today said that agreement and disagreement are strengths of democracy. He said that democracy is reinforced only when the legislatures, despite agreement and disagreement, collectively discuss and debate on matters of public interest.
Inaugurating the 21st Conference of CPA India Region Zone-III, organized at Mizoram Legislative Assembly, and speaking on the theme of the Conference, ‘Democratic sanctity, transparency, accountability and results from democracy’, Mr Birla observed that sanctity and transparency of legislatures help in strengthening democracy which in turn increases the trust of the people in democratic institutions.
Opining that it is the responsibility of the Presiding Officers to maintain the probity of the legislatures, he stressed that graceful conduct of members of the legislatures ensures their efficient functioning. Emphasizing on fruitful discussions and dialogue in the Houses in accordance with the hopes and expectations of the public, he observed that democracy is reinforced only when the legislatures, despite agreement and disagreement, collectively discuss and debate on matters of public interest.
Stressing that legislatures are platforms for constructive discussions on issues related to the common people, Birla suggested that elected representatives should use these platforms to find solutions to the problems of the people. If members work with the commitment to the service of their constituents, the quality of lawmaking will also be enhanced and the dignity of legislative institutions will increase, he added. Referring to the scope of work of the legislatures, he noted that they should always endeavor to ensure the accountability and transparency of governance, which alone brings socio-economic changes in the lives of common citizens.
He also praised the richness of cultural heritage of the Northeast region. Referring to the many public welfare works undertaken by the Legislative Assemblies of the Northeast region, he said that the legislative bodies of the Northeast region have played a transformative role by using technology to appreciate local issues. He further said that the legislatures of the Northeast region have passed many enabling laws and have also taken result-oriented decisions. Referring to the transformational changes and development in the Northeast region, he said that the work done in recent years to increase physical, digital and social connectivity has transformed the Northeast region from a marginal region to the first region. He further said that Northeast India has a big role in fulfilling the resolve of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to develop India.
Lalduhoma, Chief Minister, Mizoram; Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha; Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman, CPA, India Region, Zone – III; Shri Lalbiakzama, Speaker, Mizoram Legislative Assembly, and Lalfamkima, Deputy Speaker, Mizoram graced the occasion. Members of Mizoram Legislative Assembly and other dignitaries remained present.
On this occasion, Birla also inaugurated the Archives Section of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly Library.