GUWAHATI: The second quarter
function of the centenary celebration of the All India Presiding Officers'
Conference (AIPOC) was held in the Central Hall of the Assam Legislative
Assembly today, with several dignitaries taking part in a round table
discussion on the topic "Parliamentary Democracy in India with Special
reference to Assam".
Initiating the round table, Assam Assembly Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami gave a brief outline of the AIPOC and its nationwide centenary celebrations, and also spoke about the need to deliberate more on strengthening Parliamentary Democracy in the country.
Speaking in the round-table Justice (Retd) B.P. Kataky recalled the history of democratic practices in Assam, and underlined the need for representation of all communities and ethnic groups in the elected decision making bodies. He also suggested further strengthening the office of the Speaker in the State Legislative Assembly.
Taking part in the discussion, former Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Prithibi Majhi said that in a Parliamentary Democracy, the people are the masters of their own destiny.
Others who took part in the roundtable discussion included Prof. (Dr.) Akhil Ranjan Dutta, Head of the Department of Political Science, Gauhati University and J.B. Ekka, Principal Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs Department, Govt. of Assam.
Dr. Dutta spoke about the landmark speeches and debates that took place in the Assam Legislative Assembly in the past, and how those have contributed towards strengthening the democratic institution. Ekka, on the other hand, spoke on the journey of the Assam Legislative Assembly since the colonial era, and also about the proposal to establish an Upper House in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Leader of the Opposition of the Assam Legislative Debabrata Saikia spoke about the need to further educate and empower the common people about democratic norms, so that the trust on the democratic institution are further galvanized.
Former Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker, Ranjeet Kr. Dass, Present Deputy Speaker AminulHaque Laskar, former Deputy Speakers Dilip Paul and Balobhadra Tamuly also took part in the deliberation, a press release said.
Also Watch: #CandidConversation with guest M Suresh, Regional Executive Director, AAI, Northeast Region
Also Read: Assam: State BJP district committees meet held in Guwahati