Strengthen democratic institutions through meaningful debates: Speaker Om Birla to MLAs

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The Speaker of Lok Sabha, Om Birla in his address at the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly here on Thursday spoke on myriad issues while stressing on making the democratic institutions of the country more vibrant. He is on a two-day visit to the State from Thursday.

Citing the glorious democratic traditions which is the foundation of modern India and a model to the world, Birla said, "Our representative institutions such as the Parliament, Legislative Assemblies and the local bodies are the temples of democracy, where public representatives give voice to the hopes and aspirations of the people.

"It is important for these important institutions of governance including the Autonomous District Councils and the panchayats to work in coordination and harmony so that our collective responsibility towards the people is fulfilled."

Talking about the rich legacy of democratic participation in the country, the Lok Sabha Speaker reminded the legislators of the State about the need to inculcate the ''essentials'' -- the spirit and dedication -- to make the concept of democracy fructified so that the person at the last rung of the society is benefitted.

Referring to the issue of ''dissent in course of any discussion'', Birla said that it was apt in discussions, dialogues and meaningful debates in the representative institutions so that these institutions achieve their multifold objectives. "There can be dissent during discussions but we should avoid an impasse. Our discussions should lead to the welfare of the people of the Country", he stressed.

Taking a cue from Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh's speech where he described the House as one of the most "disciplined", Om Birla hailed the functioning of the Assembly even as he added that the State has all the enabling institutions for its inclusive growth. "The State government and the Autonomous Councils have to make collective efforts to find an amicable solution to the problems being faced by the people of the State," he added.

Alluding to the pandemic that has created a chaotic scene in the country including Meghalaya, the Lok Sabha Speaker spoke about the common commitment to combat the disease which is evident from the Parliament session and the Assembly session. "It indicates that our legislative institutions are discharging their Constitutional responsibilities with utmost sincerity," stated the Lok Sabha Speaker.

On the occasion, the Speaker spoke highly of the Meghalaya Assembly for the initiative of including the 'Zero Hour' in the practice and procedure of the Assembly. He said, ''You deserve accolades for this. Please share the conventions followed by your Legislative Assembly and also the initiative is taken so that the democratic institutions of the country may adopt them," urged the Lok Sabha speaker.

The Lok Sabha Speaker also visited the new Meghalaya Legislative Assembly site located in New Shillong township where he was briefed about the developments of the work progress.

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