The Delhi Assembly occupies a significant place in the evolution of India ‘ s legislative practices and institutions. Highlighting its glorious legacy, the present Speaker, Vijender Gupta, shared fascinating insights into the Assembly’s history, noting that the House once served as the centre of power after the British shifted the capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1912. He emphasized that the Assembly has inherited a rich legislative tradition rooted in that historic transition.
Speaker Gupta said that with the enactment of the Indian Councils Act of 1909, the Imperial Legislative Council assumed a new form, introducing elected Indian representatives and expanding their participation . Viewed from that historical perspective, he said, this very House can be regarded as the country’s first Parliament. EXCERPTS:
Q : What transformation is underway at the Vidhan Sabha to have balance between present-day technology and the need to keep heritage intact?
A: The functioning of the House business has now become paperless, shifted to a digital platform by implementation of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA). With this, the legislature has adopted a uniform digital platform under the central government’s “One Nation, One Application” vision. All the work by members, their questions, and business are now paperless through the NeVA, using advanced digital devices and applications, also accessible through mobile phones. Submissions of legislative notices, tracking of questions, starred or unstarred, having access to committee reports, and laying papers, etc., are now being done exclusively online through NeVA. The assembly also had an updated library with technological enhancements, making research more efficient for legislators and the researchers. Special training had been conducted for legislators in the form of workshops by experts before the system was fully implemented, and there is a functional NeVA centre in the complex that takes care of all operations of the application and its smooth functioning. The system not only saves time and resources, but has also increased efficiency of work, which enhances productivity.
Q: The Delhi Assembly plans to open a museum showcasing its rich and diverse history, including stories that are little known to the public but form an important part of the country’s historical legacy. Please tell about this?
A: Efforts are underway to establish a Legislative e-Sangrahalaya, while the development of a Light and Sound Show at the Vidhan Sabha premises is progressing at a rapid pace. The Secretariat will soon begin the process of preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project. The museum will be a landmark initiative showcasing the institution’s rich democratic legacy and its association with several defining moments in India’s freedom movement, as well as events of international significance, such as the historic War Conference of 1918, which was held on the premises of the Delhi Legislative Assembly (then known as the Council Chamber of the Imperial Secretariat). It will also highlight the contributions of unsung heroes who played a vital role in the struggle for independence and helped lay the foundation of the country’s legislative traditions. To bring this history to life for citizens, students, and tourists alike, the museum is envisioned as a state-of-the-art, technology-enabled space. It will feature historical galleries, archival collections, and immersive digital storytelling that showcase the architectural significance of the building , the evolution of representative governance, and the pivotal role of legislative institutions in India’s freedom movement. A dedicated gallery will trace the post-Independence evolution of the Delhi Legislative Assembly – from its inception in 1952 to its landmark reconstitution in 1993 – while honouring its distinguished Speakers, Chief Ministers, and enduring parliamentary traditions throw multimedia installations and interactive digital timelines. I want to firmly assure everyone that the entire project will be executed in strict accordance with heritage conservation principles. We will work closely with conservation specialists to preserve the structural integrity and historical character of this iconic complex.
Q : Speaking of public engagement, especially with students, who will shape the country’s future, what initiatives is the Assembly undertaking to reach out to them and increase their awareness of the legislature?
A: Democracy cannot be understood from a distance; it must be experienced within democratic institutions. With this objective, the Assembly Secretariat has reached out to its counterparts in various states, as well as to universities and colleges. As a result, batches of students regularly undertake planned visits to the Assembly, where they learn about the functioning of the legislature and have the opportunity to interact with the Speaker. Envisaged as a continuing initiative, the programme facilitates visits, either weekly or as per schedules of different students, to strengthen public understanding of democratic institutions and foster informed civic consciousness among the youth. Students are given books, such as the Ek Shatabdi Yatra, published by the Assembly; they are also shown a documentary on the Assembly’s institutional history. The programme also includes a guided tour of the Assembly House, offering students first-hand exposure to its functioning.
Q: The Delhi Assembly is said to be the first legislature in the country to switch fully to solar power. Please share information about the system and transformation.
A: The Delhi Vidhan Sabha is the first legislature across the country to have fully switched to solar power, after the 500kW solar plant was commissioned last year. With the infrastructure and the building being a heritage structure, there were several initial challenges in setting up the plant; however, with advanced technical analysis and surveys, even making use of drones , the solar panel were strategically installed on the rooftops with utmost care, preserving the structure at the same time. The solar plant now powers the entire complex, and due to it, the legislature is saving around Rs 15 lakh on electricity bills. Work is underway to have an additional 300 kW capacity set up, which will not only support future energy requirements, but will also help send additional power back to the grid. This initiative has set an example for not only other legislatures across the country, but also many government and private offices, to adopt solar power, which is green energy, taking the country on the path of sustainable energy consumption, and ultimately conserving the environment. The lighting and electric equipment have also been upgraded in the House over time so that they are not only energy efficient, but also more functional.
