Guwahati: The 8th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (India Region) Conference, which was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla in Assam Legislative Assembly, Guwahati on 9 April 2022, concluded today.
Speaking on this occasion, Governor of Assam, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi was happy to note that Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), a global platform with a regional perspective, is promoting parliamentary democracy around the world. Observing that State Legislative Assemblies strengthen the democratic and federal edifice of the nation, Prof. Mukhi said that Presiding Officers have a very important role in the smooth functioning of Legislatures.
Prof. Mukhi observed that India’s growth and future will be powered by its youth power and democratic dividend. In this regard, he welcomed initiatives taken by the CPA- India region to ensure that youth centric legislation is mainstreamed around the world. Mentioning about Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, he mentioned that in India’s democratic journey since Independence, people’s confidence on democracy has been strengthened.
Observing that Members should protest within the dignity and decorum of the House, Shri Birla said that it is the responsibility of every Member to ensure that dignity and prestige of the House is enhanced. The Speaker also said that Members should not resort to planned disruptions as it is not appropriate in parliamentary democracy.
Shri Birla felt that youth are not only the future of the country but they are hope of the present also. Mentioning that greater participation of youth would make democratic institutions more accountable and participatory, he said that the youth, with their energy, potential and innovative thinking are capable of bringing positive changes in the society and meaningful solutions for the future. Highlighting the role of youth in New India, Shri Birla said that it is the responsibility of democratic institutions to ensure active participation of youth and women in policy making and legislative processes and to make maximum use of them for development of the country. He observed that our policies and programmes should be youth-centric to reap the demographic dividend. Education and training in modern technology should be provided to the youth across India, including rural India and they should also be encouraged for sports so that their overall personality is developed, emphasized Shri Birla. In this regard, Shri Birla urged the youth to be mindful of their duties and responsibility towards the nation.
Referring to Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Lok Sabha Speaker said that it is for harnessing the potential of all sections of society for overall progress of the nation. He urged the legislators to go an extra mile to fulfill the needs and hopes of aspirational sections of the society. Our plans and programmes should be designed to ensure that by the centennial year of Independence, India leads the world, economically, politically and culturally, emphasized Shri Birla.
Speaking on the outcome of the Conference, Shri Birla said that the deliberations that have taken place during the Conference will prove to be very fruitful and useful not only for India but for the entire Commonwealth Parliamentary Association fraternity. Such conferences play an important role in establishing sound democratic traditions and parliamentary systems and procedures in our legislative bodies and in sharing best practices amongst various legislatures, noted Shri Birla.
Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh emphasized on timely legislation on important issues after thorough discussion in the House. He suggested that involving young legal professionals and domain experts in drafting legislations will improve quality of legislations. Mentioning about the role of youth in finding solutions to contemporary challenges, the Deputy Chairman said that their involvement in climate policies and urban issues will bring positive changes at the ground level. Youth power is like nuclear power; that should be properly directed for optimum development of nation, emphasized Shri Harivansh.
Earlier, welcoming the Delegates, Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Shri Biswajit Daimary said that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is working towards strengthening parliamentary procedures and democracy. He hoped that the exchange of ideas in the Conference will go a long way in ensuring the democracies around the world have a voice at the global level. Shri Daimary expressed confidence that India’s youth is at the forefront of innovation and their energy and strength will ensure a bright future for the nation.
Acting Chairperson of CPA, Mr. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP, UK also spoke on this occasion.
Dr. Numal Momin, Deputy Speaker, Assam Legislative Assembly, delivered Vote of Thanks.
