The 83rd All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) today passed a 9-point resolution reaffirming its complete faith in the primacy of the people of India in law making through the legislative bodies of the nation, and for realization of financial autonomy in managing the affairs of State Legislatures.
AIPOC also resolved that all legislative bodies will take all steps to join the National Digital Grid for Legislative Bodies in the interest of greater efficiency, transparency and interconnectedness, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla told a joint press conference after the valedictory session here.
AIPOC decided and felicitate the Government of India and the Parliament of India on the assumption of Chair of the Group of 20 nations and Parliament – 20, and resolve to extend full support to projection of India as ‘Mother of Democracy’ and a global leader in the cause of equity, inclusivity, fraternity, peace and sustainable lifestyle, Birla outlined.
Stressing complete faith in the legislative bodies, AIPOC said while reposing confidence in the principle of separation of powers, exhorts all organs of state to respect the Constitutional boundaries enshrined in the constitution of India.
Recognising the exemplary conduct of Members of the Constituent Assembly in resolving contentious issues facing a newly independent nation through debate, discussion, and in the spirit of cooperation, understanding and accommodation of divergent shades of opinion, AIPOC resolves that Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of legislative bodies be reviewed comprehensively and model uniform Rules be formulated incorporating best practices in order to secure greater participation of Members and productive functioning of the Houses of legislature; and that Code of Conduct for Members be introduced in the Rules for bringing about an effective check against indecorous and unparliamentary conduct.
Acknowledging the significance of seeking answers from the Government to questions of Members as a time tested instrument for enforcing executive accountability in the legislative bodies, AIPOC called upon all political parties to build consensus among themselves against any disruption in the Houses of legislature particularly during Question Hour.
Recognizing the role of Committees as engines of our Legislature, AIPCO stressed that all legislative bodies in India should take meaningful steps to empower the Committee System and expand breadth and scope of scrutiny of executive action.
All Presiding officers decided that Chairperson AIPOC be authorized to Conduct wide ranging consultations with State Governments for realization of financial autonomy in managing the affairs of State Legislatures.
AIPOC decided to institute an annual Best Legislature Award for legislative bodies to be selected through an objective criteria based mechanism. AIPOC opined to take all possible steps for education of all sections of the population, particularly women and youth, in constitutional provisions, legislative practices and procedures.
Addressing the joint press conference, Dr C P Joshi, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker, expressed thanks to the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for extending financial autonomy to the Speaker saying, the state would be the first to get this opportunity.