Guwahati: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed Members of the Assam Legislative Assembly on the last day of the Winter Session of the Assembly, in Guwahati today. Appreciating the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Assam, he said that democracy is deeply ingrained in our conduct and thoughts since ancient times and that is why India is well known all over the world as the mother of democracy.
Speaking about the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Shri Birla said that India’s democracy has been continuously strengthened in the nation’s journey of 75 years. People’s expectations and aspirations from their representatives have also increased and therefore, it is the responsibility of public representatives to make governance more meaningful, participatory, transparent and inclusive and to make democratic institutions more accountable to the people. Referring to the Presiding Officers’ Conference held in Shimla recently, Shri Birla said that all the people’s representatives will have to think ahead to prepare an action plan for the centenary year of India’s independence in 2047.
Sharing his views on the working of legislatures, Shri Birla said that the Legislative Assemblies are like temples of democracy and they must work towards making welfare policies for the people by holding extensive discussions in the House while making laws, and ensuring maximum participation of the public and various stakeholders. Regarding parliamentary Committees, Mr. Birla said that Committees act as mini-parliaments where Members work by rising above party lines.
Sharing his views on democratic conduct, Shri Birla said that democracy is based on debate and dialogue, but lack of serious discussion and dialogue in the legislatures is a matter of serious concern for people’s representatives. Shri Birla said that it is natural to have differences of opinion and disagreement, but disagreement should not turn into deadlock. He further said that disruptions do not happen spontaneously but they are at times done in a planned manner and this conduct is a matter of concern for all.
Emphasizing on making the House the center of discussion and dialogue, Shri Birla said that fulfilling the aspirations of the people should be the fundamental responsibility of the people’s representatives. Shri Birla further said that the House has to be the center of discussion and not disruption and it is the responsibility of the people’s representatives to maintain the faith and trust of the people in democratic institutions. Shri Birla appreciated the Assam Legislative Assembly app and called it a good step towards the vision of One Nation One Platform.
Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Shri Biswajit Daimary; Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma; Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Dr. Numol Momin; Ministers of Assam; and Members of the Assam Legislative Assembly were present on the occasion.
