New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla attended the virtual meeting of the Standing Committee of the Conference of Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers today. Technology has helped make parliaments working more transparent, inclusive and accountable says Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Birla said that the COVID-19 epidemic has affected the functioning of parliaments worldwide. He said that even during the epidemic, some important legislative businesses were transacted by the Lok Sabha, incorporating appropriate laws to protect health workers serving the public during this challenging time. The proceedings of the House were conducted in compliance with the security protocols related to all Corona and health security was ensured for all those working in the Parliament House complex.
Mr. Birla pointed out that the increasing use of ICT tools like e-Parliament and e-Office in the functioning of Parliament has served to provide a conducive environment for Members of Parliament to effectively discharge their responsibilities. He expressed the view that, on the one hand, ICT technologies are supported by providing virtual forums to members, on the other hand, they have helped to make the functioning of Parliament more transparent, inclusive and accountable. This has given more opportunities for MPs and citizens to engage in parliamentary work.
Shri Birla further stressed that the benefits created by ICT should reach all sections of society equally and only then countries and societies will be able to get their total benefits. Therefore, we should strive to work towards creating a people-centric, inclusive and development-oriented ‘society by crossing the digital divide.
Mr. Birla further said that to achieve the development goals of all countries, India is working closely with all friendly countries to accelerate capacity building in the areas of information, communication and technology. He reiterated India’s commitment to strengthen the global partnership to promote the use of digital technologies for a brighter future for the global community.
He informed that during the upcoming budget session of Parliament all necessary arrangements will be made according to the Corona Protocol.
Later, Mr. Birla while talking to media persons said that it is not appropriate for Parliament to comment on the laws passed by the Parliaments of other countries.
At the meeting, topics to be discussed were discussed at the 26th CSPOC meeting to be held in Australia in 2022. These subjects are – (i) Parliament and epidemics (ii) The second subject was the constantly changing requirements of Parliament in relation to physical and cyber security. (iii) The subject of e-Parliament was also discussed in this meeting. (iv) The fourth topic raised for discussion in the meeting was the role of the Presiding Officers or Speaker in advancing parliamentary innovations. Finally, the need for training for Members of Parliament and staff was also discussed in this meeting.
