Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday inaugurated the 19th Annual Zone III Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region, in Gangtok, Sikkim, stressing that discussion and dialogue are the biggest strength of democracy.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang; Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh; Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Chairman of CPA India Region, (Zone–III) Pasang D Sona; Sikkim Assembly Speaker Arun Kumar Upreti and a galaxy of presiding officers and members of legislative bodies was present.

Birla said the legislature, as a forum to solve people’s problems, must be a center of unhindered debate sans disruption which will increase peoples’ faith in democratic institutions, thereby strengthening democracy.

Speaking on the varied subjects of the Conference, Speaker Birla said that Cyber Bullying is extremely relevant in today’s context, as a lot of people, especially teenagers and youth are getting affected by it. He said that laws are enacted to provide security and safety to all citizens.

Information technology should be used to improve efficiency in governance and improve the lives of people but at the same time safeguards should be taken to protect institutions and people from its demerits, he said. The Speaker hoped that the conclusions that emerge from the Conference would lead to improved solutions.

Speaking on ‘Drug abuse and its solutions’, Mr Birla said that drug abuse is affecting the young generation. This problem is not only present in the NorthEast region, but in the entire country. Referring to the detailed discussions held on this matter in the Parliament on 20 and 21 December 2022, Mr Birla said that after a detailed and in-depth discussion on this topic, it emerged that Members must conduct a comprehensive public awareness campaign across the country to educate the youth.

Referring to making Parliament and Legislatures more accessible to the public and citizens, Mr Birla said that the manner in which active participation between Legislatures and the public has increased through the use of IT is remarkable, but a more active role is required.

Birla said that the work of the legislature is being taken to the public with the help of technology; social media has also emerged as an important tool for interaction. He called for greater participation of people in the lawmaking process so that laws can be made as per the hopes and aspirations of people.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh pointed out that the Indian Parliament has also moved towards digitization to prepare for the future. He said that new IT reforms are being undertaken to enhance public interface with the legislative bodies. The Digital Parliament App and the National e-Vidhan Application are revolutionary steps in this direction.

Delivering the keynote address, Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the CPA Zone III Pasang D Sona said that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has been at the forefront of bringing together legislators from around the nation and the world to discuss pertinent matters affecting the people.