ON THE EVE OF ALL INDIA PRESIDING OFFICERS CONFERENCE:
LOK SABHA SPEAKER HOPES THAT IT WILL SET TONE FOR EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF LEGISLATURES.
Gandhinagar, 24 November : Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, who arrived in Ahmedabad today enroute to attend the 80th All India Presiding Officers Conference in Kevadia from 25 to 26 November 2020, met the Press in the Swarnim Sankul, Gandhinagar.
Shri Birla informed that the Conference will be inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind on 25 November 2020 at 11 am. Hon’ble Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu will also attend. Besides, the Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and other dignitaries will also attend the Conference.
He further informed that the Presiding Officers of all State Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils have been invited to the Conference. 27 Presiding Officers of State Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils have confirmed their participation. Secretaries of State Legislatures and other senior officials are also expected to join.
Shri Birla observed that 26 November is an important date in India’s democratic history, as this day is celebrated as Constitution Day. This year is also being celebrated as the centenary year of the Presiding Officers Conference. The All India Presiding Officers Conference began in 1921. Through the years, this Conference has proven to be a platform for sharing new experiences, ideas and thoughts for strengthening the democratic process.
Referring to the theme for this year’s Conference viz. “Harmonious Coordination between Legislature, Executive and Judiciary- Key to a Vibrant Democracy”, Shri Birla said that the Presiding Officers of the Legislatures shall discuss the need for better cooperation and coordination between the three pillars of democracy in order to strengthen India democracy and to make it more effective.
Lok Sabha Speaker further said that the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will address the concluding session.
Shri Birla informed that on 71st Constitution Day, Presiding Officers shall take a pledge to make legislatures more accountable, thereby strengthening and empowering them according to constitutional values. In addition, all delegates at the Conference will also recite the Preamble to the Constitution of India under the leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
Observing that our Constitution reinforces our democracy and thereby strengthens people’s faith in parliamentary democracy, Shri Birla said that Legislatures are the supreme fora to raise the issues that affect the masses. As such, representatives of the people hold an onerous responsibility to ventilate their feelings on the floors of their respective Houses. Shri Birla stressed that discussions in Legislatures mirror the aspirations of the people, which necessitates that the conduct of the proceedings remains smooth and without interruptions.
Shri Birla expressed happiness that the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Vice President and Hon’ble Presiding Officers had consented to share their views during the Conference. He hoped that the parliamentary fraternity will be greatly benefitted by their presence in the Conference.
The Conference will conclude with the adoption of a Declaration.
