LS Speaker Om Birla lays stress on greater participation of youth in democracy

Democracy and democratic values integral parts of Indian way of life: CM

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: After the successful conclusion of the Commonwealth Parliamentary mid-year executive meeting (International) on Sunday, the 8th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (India Region) conference was inaugurated today at the Assam Legislative Assembly by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Speakers of 22 Legislative Assemblies, one Acting Speaker, three Chairpersons, 11 Deputy Speakers and other dignitaries are attending the two-day conference. In his speech, Speaker Om Birla laid stress on the greater participation of youth in democracy.

Birla said, "The primary responsibility of the legislature is to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people. Therefore, it is important that laws should be made after thorough debate and discussions incorporating the needs of the aspirational sections of the society."

Calling for active participation of the youth and women in democratic processes, Birla said that democratic institutions, from Panchayat to Parliament, should keep the youth and women at the centre of policymaking. This will ensure greater accountability of the Executive. "India's Independence Movement saw the youth play a major role. Now, India is celebrating 75 years of Independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. So at this juncture, the youth must play a greater role in democracy," he added.

Birla highlighted the efficacy of initiatives like Youth Parliament and 'Know your Constitution' in making people aware of constitutional values. Youth's energy, ability, confidence, technical knowledge and innovation skills will strengthen democracy, he added. He said that ideas and visions of the youth should be used to make the administration transparent and accountable. He also said that lawmakers should voice the concerns of aspirational sections of society and debate issues of their welfare on the floor of the legislatures. Referring to Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Birla said, "Our policies and programmes should be in the direction of achieving the goals set by the founding fathers of the Constitution." Observing that vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his comprehensive action on education, health, infrastructure and other areas are remarkable steps in this direction, Birla called for active participation and discussion by people's representatives for robust and people-centric policymaking.

Remembering the former leaders of Assam, Birla said that the steps taken by them have deepened development in the State.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Democracy and democratic values are integral parts of Indian way of life. Democratic institutions are flourishing in India since ancient times and our reforms exemplified the true democratic values and traditions which continued in our society ever since."

Sarma said that democratic tradition was evident in Assam in the days of Ahom rule also. "Though the king, who was called Swargadeo, was the head of the State, all decisions were taken by him only in consultation with the ministers, which initially consisted of Buragohain, Borgohain and Borpatra Gohain," he said, adding that democratic spirit flourished in the social and religious landscape of Assam with the emergence of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, who through Ek Saran Naam Dharma sowed the seeds of an equal and just society.

He further underlined the rich heritage and democratic practices of Assam Legislative Assembly and said that over the years the state Assembly "unceasingly raised the voice of the voiceless, stood with the weakest among the weak, debated all important issues with zeal and zest and steered the State through thick and thin". He also highlighted the long history of the Assembly and many of its landmark initiatives as well as many political stalwarts who once were members of the House and enriched the proceedings of the Assembly.

The Chief Minister also said that considering the present day needs and to cope with the changing times, the Assam Government took the initiative to construct a state-of-the-art Assembly Building with all modern facilities and the new building is expected to be complete by December 31, 2022.

Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Biswajit Daimary thanked Lok Sabha Speaker for his august presence in the conference. He also said that the conference would give a boost to Assam Legislative Assembly in discharging its democratic responsibilities in a more effective manner.

Acting Chairperson of CPA, Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP, UK, enumerated several path-breaking initiatives of CPA and hoped that the deliberations at the conference would help the entire Commonwealth to respond to the challenges being faced by them in a more effective manner. Debabrata Saikia, Leader of Opposition, Assam Legislative Assembly, delivered the vote of thanks.

Later in the day, the conference commenced discussions on the theme 'Strengthening Legislative Oversight to help Optimize Development Outcome for the Aspirational Sections of Society'. During the conference, the delegates will be deliberating on the following subjects; (i) Mainstreaming youth-centric policies; and (ii) Harnessing youth Energies for National Development and the common good.

The valedictory session of the conference will be held on April 12, 2022. Assam Governor Prof. Jagadish Mukhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and other dignitaries will grace the occasion.

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