Last Updated on July 4, 2026 11:46 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
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Our Correspondent / Kolkata
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday stressed that meaningful democratic dialogue, rather than sloganeering or legislative disruptions, is the cornerstone of an effective democracy, urging members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly to uphold the highest standards of parliamentary conduct and public service.
Addressing the valedictory session of a two-day Orientation Programme for members of the 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly in Kolkata, Birla said legislatures are meant to serve as forums for discussion, deliberation and problem-solving, where reasoned arguments, facts and constructive ideas should prevail over political deadlock and confrontation.
“Leadership is built through informed debate and constructive dialogue, not through disruptions or legislative paralysis,” Birla said, adding that democratic institutions derive their strength from mutual respect, informed discussions and a shared commitment to public welfare.
The orientation programme was organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of the Lok Sabha Secretariat in collaboration with the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. The event concluded with an address by West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi.
Calling upon legislators to become the voice of the “last person in society,” Birla said elected representatives carry the responsibility of reflecting the aspirations, concerns and challenges of the people while working through democratic institutions to find effective solutions.
“The trust reposed in public representatives by citizens is their greatest strength. Members must justify that trust through dedicated service, responsible conduct and a commitment to addressing public concerns,” he said.
The Lok Sabha Speaker observed that MLAs are not merely representatives of their respective constituencies but stakeholders in the overall development of the state. He urged them to adopt an inclusive vision and work collectively to formulate policies and legislation that would accelerate West Bengal’s economic and social progress.
Referring to the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, Birla said India’s development is inseparable from the progress of its states. He noted that West Bengal has historically played a pioneering role in shaping India’s intellectual, cultural and democratic traditions and expressed confidence that the state would once again emerge as a key contributor to the country’s development journey.
Paying tribute to Swami Vivekananda, Birla said the spiritual leader’s ideals of service, character and nation-building continue to inspire both youth and public leaders. He remarked that Bengal’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage remains a guiding force in India’s democratic evolution.
Appreciating the active participation of legislators during the two-day programme, Birla underlined the importance of continuous learning in public life. He said lawmakers must constantly update their knowledge, particularly at a time when governance is increasingly shaped by technological and digital transformation.
“There can be no pause in learning,” he observed, urging members to apply the knowledge gained during the orientation programme in their legislative responsibilities.
The Speaker also encouraged legislators to make effective use of Assembly proceedings by raising issues affecting citizens and offering constructive suggestions. He said governments should positively consider ideas and recommendations put forward by elected representatives, as better governance emerges through diverse viewpoints and healthy democratic engagement.
Birla further called upon lawmakers to maintain simplicity, humility, transparency and integrity in public life, stating that respect in democracy is earned through honesty, accessibility and service rather than through position or authority.
He expressed confidence that members would strengthen the quality of debates in the Assembly and uphold its democratic traditions by encouraging informed discussions and seeking public feedback on laws and policies to make governance more transparent, responsive and citizen-centric.
The two-day orientation programme featured sessions on legislative procedures, parliamentary conventions, executive accountability, committee systems, financial and budgetary processes, legislative ethics, parliamentary privileges and digital initiatives in lawmaking. Eminent presiding officers, parliamentarians and constitutional experts from across the country participated as resource persons.
The valedictory session was attended by West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose, state ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs and other dignitaries.