The speaker should run the House impartially, the public should ask questions to those who create ruckus in the houses – Om Birla
Udaipur (IANS). Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called upon all the speakers to conduct the proceedings of the House with impartiality and said that the presiding officers should play an unquestionable role with impartiality while sitting on the seat so that the honor of the seat is maintained.
Addressing the Presiding Officers and Legislators present at the conference after inaugurating the two-day 9th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region, held in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Birla said that the Legislature, be it Parliament or State Legislatures and The Legislative Councils represent the hopes, dreams and aspirations of 140 crore Indians. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the public representatives to maintain the faith of the people in the legislature.
He said that the people’s representatives should maintain exemplary conduct and decorum so that the prestige and dignity of the House increases and people’s faith in legislative institutions and people’s representatives becomes deeper and stronger. Legislatures are meant for debate and discussion on all issues, rising above political partisanship.
Birla also urged the State Legislatures to go ahead and implement ‘One Nation, One Legislative Forum’ to bring uniformity in working.
He said that as the mother of democracy, India has a great responsibility towards the world. Expressing his views about the country’s 75 years of democratic journey, Birla said that strong democratic traditions have been established in our democratic institutions and preserving these healthy traditions and developing and enriching them according to the requirements of the changing times is all about It is the responsibility of the people’s representatives.
Expressing concern over the uproar and disruption in the Houses, Birla said that disruption in the Legislatures hinders the functioning of parliamentary democracy, which slows down the pace of national development. He also said that the increasing trend of systematic disruptions and deadlocks lowers the dignity of the House and there is a need to curb such a trend.
He further said that the time has come that the voters, while exercising their democratic rights, should take into account the behavior and conduct of their representatives in the House. Voters should elect such representatives who will contribute positively to their welfare.
Expressing the intention of making every fact and information related to the proceedings of the Legislatures and Parliaments digitally accessible to the common people of the country, the Lok Sabha Speaker also said that it is a matter of concern if RTI activists have more information than the Legislatures. Yes, everything should be digitally and available to all and people should also get information from there.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that information technology is very helpful in achieving the goal of good governance in present times. He mentioned that IT was envisaged by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who worked on a mission mode for widespread adoption of technology in governance.
He expressed happiness that the conference would discuss important topics like digital empowerment and skilling of public representatives towards good governance. Gehlot also spoke about various schemes being implemented by the state government to improve the lives of the people.
He also pointed out that technology is bringing changes in the implementation of schemes in sectors like health and education.
Appreciating the role of the CPA Conference, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that it is an important forum for the Presiding Officers to discuss the serious challenges being faced by the Legislatures across the country.
He also said that sharing of innovative ideas and experiences on this platform will enhance good governance. The use of technology in governance has not only helped in curbing corruption but has also ensured that welfare benefits reach directly to those who deserve them.
He said that when the government provides effective services to the citizens, their faith in governance increases, thereby strengthening democracy.
While delivering the welcome address, Speaker of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Dr. CP Joshi mentioned that Rajasthan has made a pioneering contribution in establishing healthy traditions of parliamentary democracy.
Dr. Joshi also mentioned the aims and objectives of CPA while thanking Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his untiring efforts towards strengthening parliamentary democracy across the country.
He said that the executive and the legislature should work together to ensure progress and development of the people. Parliamentary democracy is the strength of India and our country will continue to move forward because of our commitment to democracy.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Ian Liddell Granger, Chairperson, CPA Headquarters, underlined the importance of India in the Commonwealth and said that India is of great importance to the CPA.
Granger on this initiative by India using digital resources for the benefit of Indians
