Mumbai ; 28 January : The 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 delivered Valedictory Address. 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.
Speaking on this occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla informed that during the two-day Conference, the Presiding Officers discussed action plans to connect the democratic institutions with the public and to make them more accountable and transparent. Shri Birla noted that democracy runs on public trust and confidence, and, therefore it is the responsibility of the democratic institutions to bring necessary changes in their working style and, if necessary, even amend the rules so that public confidence on these institutions enhances.
Mentioning about best practices of legislative bodies, Shri Birla lauded the suggestion for establishing channels of communications among democratic institutions at Central, State and grassroots levels. In this regard, he referred the Outreach programme organized by Lok Sabha and suggested that State Legislatures should organize similar programmes.
Strongly pitching for use of technology in legislatures to make them more effective and efficient, Shri Birla said that suggestions have been received from some State Legislatures for a model IT policy by Lok Sabha and to share them with State Legislative Bodies. He further informed that this suggestion will be discussed in detail and appropriate action will be taken. Referring to the observations of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi regarding making legislatures paperless in his video address yesterday, Shri Birla informed that Lok Sabha has achieved remarkable success in this direction through Digital Parliament. The path of technology is the path of the future and we should gain proficiency in technology as soon as possible, emphasized Shri Birla. The vision of Prime Minister for ‘One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ will be a reality in 2024.
Mentioning about challenges posed by new technologies in the functioning of Legislatures, Shri Birla spoke about telecast and broadcast of proceedings expunged by the Chair and observed that an action plan is required in this direction. Shri Birla opined that media, including social media, should report authentic records of parliamentary proceedings.
Observing that legislatures are for fora for unhindered discussions, Shri Birla was emphatic that there should be more debates and less disruption in legislatures. Shri Birla was categorical in his views that the collective will of legislatures should work for more productivity and qualitative debates on discussions on issues affecting the people. He urged the Presiding Officers for action plans and strategies so that the time of legislatures is not wasted, rather the time of the House is utilized in debates and discussion for the welfare of the public. Incidents of forced and planned adjournments and loss of valuable parliamentary time due to disruptions are matter of concern to all stakeholders of democracy, stressed Shri Birla. Such incidents lower the dignity of the House and a negative perception is built among the public.
Shri Birla also informed that a Committee under the Chairmanship of Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Advocate Rahul Narwekar, will be constituted to review the Anti-Defection Law.
Referring to the second agenda item of strengthening the Committee system, Shri Birla noted that Parliamentary Committees are the lifeblood of parliamentary processes and by enhancing their functionality, we can ensure that they become powerful tools for effective governance and oversight of the executive.
Regarding the arrangements for the next Parliament Session, Shri Birla informed that necessary steps are being taken for robust and fool proof security of Parliament Complex. Security arrangements will take both the risk of the premise and dignity of Members into consideration, said Shri Birla.
The Lok Sabha Speaker thanked the Governor and Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for successfully organising the Conference.
Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Shri Vijay Wadettiwar also spoke on this occasion.
Deputy Chairperson, Maharashtra Legislative Council, Dr. Neelam Gorhe delivered Vote of Thanks.
During the two days Conference, the following topics were discussed:
i. To strengthen people’s trust in democratic institutions – the need to maintain discipline and decorum in parliament and the legislatures of States / Ut’s; and
ii. How to make the Committee – system more purposeful and effective.
On the conclusion of the Conference, the following Resolutions were adopted:
Resolution 1
Urges Parliament and State/UT Legislatures to review and align Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, taking into account current realities, to enable effective functioning of the Legislative bodies in accordance with the letter and spirit of our Constitution.
Resolution 2
Encourage Parliament/State/UT Legislatures to take effective steps at capacity-building of grassroot Panchayati Raj institutions and Urban Local Bodies to further help strengthening the vibrant and ancient democratic ethos of our country.
Resolution 3
Recommends Legislative bodies in India to adopt and promote emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), for improving efficiency, transparency, productivity and engagement with citizens.
Resolution 4
Recognizing the important role of Legislative Committees, AIPOC resolves to explore ways and means to improve their effectiveness in enforcing accountability of the Executive.
Resolution 5
Resolve that AIPOC will take pro-active measures to implement “One Nation One Legislative Platform” for resource and experience sharing between legislatures and closer public engagement with the citizens.
