Planned disruption of House has no room in democracy: Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The two-day 8th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (India Region) Conference concluded today with the resolution to ensure youth participation in democracy. The conference called all Assemblies of the country to hold youth-related programmes with school, college and university students under the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' to make them an essential part of democracy.

Talking to the media after the conference, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said, "Youth are not only the future of the country. They are the hope of the present also. Greater youth participation will make democratic institutions more accountable and participatory. With their energy, potential and innovative thinking, youth can bring positive changes in society and meaningful solutions for the future.

"It is the responsibility of the democratic institutions to ensure active participation of youth and women in policymaking and legislative processes to make maximum use of them for the development. Our policies and programmes should be youth-centric to reap the demographic dividend. We need to impart education and training in modern technology across India, including rural India and encourage them in sports. I urge youth to be mindful of their duties and responsibility towards the nation. The conference made it a point to all Assemblies of the country to resolve to ensure youth participation in democracy."

Speaker Birla also said, "When an Assembly discusses a new law, the legislators should discuss it with the youth before the discussion in the House. Youth's innovative ideas should get a reflection in Assemblies."

On the dignity of Houses, the Lok Sabha Speaker said, "Members should protest within the dignity and decorum of the House. It is the responsibility of every member to ensure that the dignity and prestige of the House are enhanced. Members should not resort to planned disruption. It is not appropriate in parliamentary democracy. I appeal to all political parties to maintain the dignity of the House."

Referring to 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the Speaker said, "It is for harnessing the potential of all sections of society. I urge the legislators to go the extra mile to fulfil the needs and aspirations of all. We need to design our plans and programmes so that by the centennial year of Independence, India leads the world — economically, politically and culturally.

"The conference will be fruitful not only for India but also for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association fraternity. Such conferences play an important role in establishing sound democratic traditions and parliamentary systems and procedures in our legislative bodies."

Meanwhile, Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary thanked the Lok Sabha Speaker for staying five days in the state at a stretch. He said that Assam had the opportunity to host India's first-ever Mid-Year Executive Committee Conference of the CPA due to the Lok Sabha Speaker's initiative. "We tried to offer hospitality to every delegate – domestic or abroad. We tried to showcase our culture before the delegates from Commonwealth nations. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's full support to the conference made it a success," he said.

Speaker Daimary also thanked all stakeholders, including the media for the successful conclusion of both the conferences.

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