Voters should take into account behaviour and conduct of their representatives in House: LS speaker Om Birla

New Delhi [India], August 21 : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday inaugurated the ninth Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference at Udaipur.
Addressing the Presiding Officers and legislators present in the Conference, Birla observed that Legislatures, be it the Parliament or the State Legislative Assemblies and Councils, represent the hopes, dreams and aspirations of 140 crore Indians.
"It is the responsibility of public representatives to uphold the faith of the people in the Legislature," he said. 
He noted that it is the duty of public representatives to ensure that Legislatures work for the socio-economic welfare of the people.
"Legislators should strive to strengthen democracy and enrich parliamentary traditions," he said. 
Observing that people expect legislators to hold meaningful discussions in the legislatures to solve their difficulties by guiding the Executive in formulating public welfare policies, Birla said, "This can happen only when the public representatives behave and act as per the highest standards of discipline and decorum in the House and in public life."
Observing that the public's faith in parliamentary democracy is strengthened when well-thought-out decisions are taken for the progress of the nation by adopting a positive approach.
Birla noted that disruption within legislatures hinders the functioning of parliamentary democracy, which in turn slows down the pace of national development.
"The tendency of planned disruptions and disturbances lower the dignity of the House and there is a need to curb such a tendency," he said.
He further said that the time has come that voters while exercising their democratic rights, take into account the behaviour and conduct of their representatives in the House and make their assessments.
"Voters should elect their representatives carefully who will contribute positively to their welfare," he said. 
Lok Sabha speaker also emphasized on the impartiality and neutrality of Presiding Officers and said that Presiding Officers have a special responsibility to conduct themselves according to the dignity of the Chair and ensure that the House runs in an impartial manner.
"When a Member occupies the Chair of Presiding Officer, his responsibility enhances manifold. All Presiding Officers will try their best to maintain the dignity and prestige of their exalted position. Legislatures are for debates and discussions on all issues beyond political partisanship," he said. 
Mentioning the immensely important role of legislatures in good governance, Birla observed that constructive and meaningful debates on citizen-centric governance must be at the heart of legislative functioning. 
"People's representatives must maintain exemplary conduct and etiquette that enhance the prestige and dignity of the House and thereby deepen and strengthen people’s faith in legislative institutions," he said. 
Referring to the impact of technological innovations in contemporary times, Birla said that in this era of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, appropriate use of innovative technologies like robotics, machine learning, blockchain and artificial intelligence will go a long way in bringing efficiency and transparency in the functioning of legislative bodies.
He further said that the widespread use of information technology will lead to increased accountability and transparency in governance and will ensure that Legislatures function more effectively and efficiently contributing to the socio-economic betterment of the people.
"Using modern technology, we have to create such an effective system, within which the public can give their suggestions and feedback to the public representatives or democratic institutions regarding the rules or if there are any discrepancies in the laws," he said. 
Birla said that the State Legislatures must come forward and implement the ‘One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ for the sake of uniformity. 
Speaking about nation’s democratic journey of 75 years, Lok Sabha Speaker mentioned that strong democratic traditions and conventions have been established in our democratic institutions and it is the responsibility of all legislators to preserve these healthy traditions and develop and enrich them as per the needs of the changing times.
Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot also addressed the conference and said that in the current era, Information Technology is most beneficial in achieving the goal of good governance for the people. 
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh appreciated the role of the CPA Conference as an important platform for Presiding Officers to discuss serious challenges facing legislatures from across the country. He added that sharing innovative ideas and experiences at this platform contributes to good governance.
Delivering a welcome address, the Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, CP Joshi mentioned the pioneering contribution of the State of Rajasthan towards establishing healthy traditions of parliamentary democracy.
CP Joshi thanked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his strident efforts towards strengthening parliamentary democracy across the nation. He also recalled the aims and objectives of the CPA which entail promoting democracy, good governance and the rule of law for the benefit of the people.
Addressing the inaugural event, Chairperson of CPA HQ Ian Liddel Grainger underlined the enormous importance of India to the Commonwealth. He said that India is of crucial importance to CPA. Grainger also appreciated India’s global leadership in using digital resources for the benefit of its people.
"India has shown the way forward to all nations in the use of digital technology for public welfare," CPA Chairperson said. 
The theme of the two-day Conference is "Strengthening Democracy and good governance in the digital age." 
The Conference will conclude on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 with the valedictory address of Vice-President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar. Governor, Rajasthan, Kalraj Mishra and other dignitaries will grace the valedictory session.