Staff Reporter / New Delhi/Chandigarh
Lok Sabha Speaker Mr Om Birla on Monday called for stronger public participation, responsive governance and citizen-led development to accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation, stating that the goal of Viksit Bharat is not merely a government programme but a national commitment requiring collective action.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II (North Zone) Conference at the Haryana Legislative Assembly in Chandigarh, Mr Birla said the success of the Viksit Bharat vision depends on whether policies, welfare schemes, legislative measures and public expenditure create meaningful change in the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly those at the grassroots.
He stressed that lawmakers carry a special responsibility in shaping social transformation through locally relevant policies and welfare initiatives. According to him, development must go beyond economic indicators and include stronger social values, institutional accountability and progressive societal change.
Referring to the evolving global environment, Mr Birla said the 21st century presents both opportunities and geopolitical challenges, but argued that India continues to advance through long-term planning, stable governance and a robust legal framework. He noted that India has adapted global best practices while tailoring reforms to its own social and economic realities.
Calling for a nationwide Janandolan (mass movement), the Lok Sabha Speaker said citizens should feel personally connected to the national development agenda. He expressed confidence that broad-based participation, especially from young people, could enable India to achieve the Viksit Bharat target even before 2047.
Mr Birla described India’s demographic profile as one of its greatest strengths and emphasised that investment in skills, quality education and innovation would be critical to unlocking youth potential. He added that laws and policies framed by legislatures should align with the aspirations of younger generations.
Highlighting the role of democratic institutions, he said public debate and citizen engagement should reinforce confidence that elected bodies genuinely reflect people’s concerns. Greater participation in institutions—from Gram Panchayats and municipalities to state legislatures and Parliament—would generate new ideas and accelerate inclusive growth, he said.
Mr Birla also underlined the link between governance and economic progress, stating that transparent legal systems, policy continuity and institutional stability encourage investment and create conditions for faster development.
He expressed hope that deliberations during the two-day conference would lead to practical outcomes on themes including Viksit Bharat, public participation, collective responsibility and citizen-driven governance.
The conference brought together Presiding Officers and legislative representatives from multiple states to deliberate on the theme: “Role of an Aware Society and Representatives of the People in Facing Future Challenges and Realizing the Goal of Viksit Bharat–2047.”
Earlier in the day, Mr Birla inaugurated the newly established Parliamentary Research and Information Center (PRIC) at the Haryana Legislative Assembly complex, aimed at strengthening legislative research and improving the quality of parliamentary functioning. He also met Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh at Raj Bhavan and discussed contemporary issues.
Conference organisers arranged transport for delegates through electric buses as part of sustainability-focused measures during the event.
Last Updated on: 9 June 2026 12:38 AM