Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that legislature, as a forum to solve people’s problems, must be a centre of unhindered debate sans disruption, as this will increase people’s faith in democratic institutions, thereby strengthening democracy.
Birla inaugurated the 19th Annual Zone III Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region, in Gangtok, Sikkim on Thursday. He said that discussion and dialogue are the biggest strength of democracy.
Speaking on different subjects at the Conference, the Speaker said that Cyberbullying 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.
Referring to ‘Drug abuse and its solutions’, Mr Birla said that the problem is affecting the young generation. It is not only present in the NorthEast region, but in the entire country. He recalled the detailed discussions held on this matter in Parliament on 20 and 21 December 2022, and 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.
On making Parliament and Legislatures more accessible to the public and citizens, Mr Birla said that the manner in which active participation of the public in Legislatures has increased through the use of IT is remarkable, but a more active role is required.
Mr 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.
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.
The Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman pointed out that the Indian Parliament has 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 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.