Mumbai ; 28 January: Delivering Valedictory Address at 84th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) which was inaugurated on 27 January 2024, concluded today. Vice-President and Chairman Rajya Sabha Shri Jagdeep Dhankar said that a strong democracy thrives not just on sound principles but on leaders and their commitment. Presiding officers bear the responsibility to be the guardian of the democratic pillars ensuring that the legislative process is meaningful, accountable, effective and transparent giving voice to the people, added Shri Dhankar. Mentioning about importance of capacity building in deepening democratic principles, the Vice-President noted that capacity building of grassroot Panchayat Raj institutions and urban local bodies helps strengthening the vibrant and ancient democratic ethos of our country. Further, he congratulated all participants for having adopted 5 resolutions namely (i) Resolution for effective functioning of Legislative bodies; (ii) Resolution for Capacity building of grassroot Panchayati Raj Institution and Urban local bodies; (iii) Resolution for adoption and promotion of emerging technologies; (iv) Resolution to improve effectiveness in enforcing accountability of the executive and (v) Resolution to create ‘One Nation – One Legislative Platform’. He expressed the view that these resolutions will lay firm foundation of Bharat@2047. He urged all the Presiding Officers to nurture and ensure blossoming of first-time legislators.
Governor of Maharashtra Shri Ramesh Bais; Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla; Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh; Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shri Rahul Narwekar; and Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis graced the Valedictory Session and addressed the distinguished dignitaries. 26 Presiding Officers from 18 States, including 16 Speakers attended the Conference. Later, Shri Birla also interacted with the media.
Expressing concern over disorder incidents in legislatures, Shri Dhankar observed that lack of discipline and decorum in legislatures has been a deep concern of people and a recurring topic of discussion in various time zones. The fact that it is unfortunate that incidences of indiscipline and unbecoming demeanor in our legislatures are on the rise and they are on the incremental trajectory to the pain of the people at large, whose public servant we all are here. This is an extremely disturbing situation and calls for greater introspection amongst all stakeholders to find a way out of it. The enormity of this decline is rendering legislatures irrelevant, he added.
Further speaking on the role of legislatures and people’s representatives, Shri Dhankar said that legislature is the most impactful platform for reflection of all shades of opinions. Therefore, there is a need to be receptive to the other points of view. Consideration the points of difference is essential, noted Shri Dhankar.
Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh also spoke on this occasion and thanked the Maharashtra Legislature for hosting the Conference, therefore, giving a platform to the Presiding Officers to discuss and deliberate on important issues facing the legislatures in the contemporary times.
Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Shri Rahul Narwekar welcomed the Delegates and thanked Shri Birla for giving the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly the opportunity to host the Conference. He expressed his satisfaction at fruitful discussions held over the past two days and expressed hope that the outcome of the endeavour would not only strengthen parliamentary democracy but also benefit the last person in society . He felt that such interactions were indicative of a truly representative system and expressed confidence that the outcomes of this conference would be clearly visible to the people of the country in a short time.
Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadavis hailed the role of Presiding Officers in the democratic tradition of India and expressed the view that while the duties of a Presiding Officer are very difficult, they rise to the occasion and through their knowledge and skills ensure discipline and decorum in the House on the path of progressive democracy.
Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Chairman, Maharashtra Legislative Council, delivered the Vote of Thanks at the Valedictory Session of 84th AIPOC. She expressed her satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the Conference.
