Om Birla urges MLAs to make Delhi legislative assembly a model legislature, highlights its glorious history
By Andalib Akhter / New Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today asked newly elected members of Delhi Legislative Assembly to make it a model legislature as expectations and aspirations of people from the new government are very high. He said that public representatives of Delhi are accountable to people of Delhi but entire country keeps an eye on their work.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the two days Orientation Programme for Members of Delhi Vidhan Sabha at the Delhi Legislative Assembly premises, today Mr Birla urged the Members to work on finding innovative solutions to the problems faced by the people, and share ideas and experiences in a competitive spirit, Mr Birla said that the aim of legislators must be to introduce innovations in the Assembly that will solve the problems of the people and address the challenges faced by them. He added that the solutions that emerge from Delhi will not only serve Delhi but also set an example for other states and legislative bodies in the country.
The Members should focus on development of Delhi as a whole instead of thinking restrictively to their constituencies, he suggested. Observing that Delhi is a microcosm of India, where people from all states, with diverse languages, religions, and cultures, come together, Mr Birla said that it is the responsibility of elected representatives to meet these varied aspirations and expectations.
Members, while fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people, must adhere to rules, procedures and conventions of the House upholding the democratic spirit and constitutional values, he added. He also stressed on using technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and capacity building of members to make the legislature a more effective platform for executive accountability.
Mentioning that legislatures are platforms for fruitful dialogues, Mr Birla underlined that there should not be any deadlock within the House and dissent must be expressed in a dignified manner and through meaningful discourse. The Speaker urged them to maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethics in their public life.
Outlining the glorious history of the Delhi Legislative Assembly which closely witnessed the freedom struggle and the establishing of democratic setup of modern India, the Speaker urged the members to uphold that tradition and to strengthen it further. The conduct of MLAs and their actions and discussions in the Assembly strengthen the democratic traditions of the nation, he noted.
Mr Birla observed that public representatives must strive to be excellent listeners, as listening is equally important as speaking. He added that being a good listener is essential to become a good speaker. Mr Birla also underlined that it is essential to work with the mindset of learning and understanding past actions, debates, laws, and new innovative ideas. Mr Birla noted that public representatives must be familiar with the rules and procedures of Legislative Assembly, the Constitution Of India, especially those sections that pertain to your state, duties and responsibilities. The more informed a law maker would be, the more effective he would in the Assembly, the Speaker added. Mr Birla also noted that the more technology public representatives embrace, the better their discussions and deliberations will be.
On the occasion, Mr Birla reiterated the importance of knowledge of legislative drafting and said that public representatives who are skilled in legislative drafting can make substantial contributions to the development of their State and government. By good legislative drafting, an MLA can help the assembly and help the government in effective legislation and better public service delivery.
Mentioning that in a parliamentary democracy, role of the Opposition should be positive and constructive, as the foundation of democracy is based on dialogue and consensus, Mr Birla said that members must ensure that their language, conduct, and reasoning are in line with parliamentary standards. He added that in a democracy, both the ruling party and the opposition have important roles to play and that their positive contributions strengthen the democratic process. Referring to the Committees as mini legislatures, Mr Birla urged the members to actively participate in Committee meetings.
Speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly, Mr Vijendra Gupta; Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta; Leader of Opposition in Delhi Legislative Assembly, Ms. Atishi; and Deputy Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly, Mr Mohan Singh Bisht graced the occasion and addressed the distinguished gathering. Union Ministers, Members of Parliament representing Delhi, and Members of the Legislative Assembly were present on the occasion.