Om Birla Highlights Concern Over Shorter Assembly Sessions at Lucknow Conference
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has raised a critical issue about the functioning of state legislatures. He flagged the declining duration of Assembly sessions as a major concern. Birla made these remarks while addressing the 86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference in Lucknow on Monday.
Voice of the People Must Reach Government
Birla emphasized that the voice of the people should effectively reach the government for solutions. He stated that the reduced time devoted to state legislature operations worries everyone. The Speaker highlighted the need for fixed and adequate time for these proceedings.
Longer sessions lead to more meaningful discussions, according to Birla. He argued that extended House functions enable serious and outcome-oriented debates. This strengthens democratic processes across the country.
Presiding Officers Must Rise Above Party Politics
Birla stressed the importance of impartiality for presiding officers. He said their conduct must transcend party politics completely. "No matter which political party we come from, when we take the post of presiding officer, then we should be fair because the entire country and the public of the state is watching us", Birla told the conference.
He added that their role should remain just, impartial and undisputed. This approach builds public trust in legislative institutions.
Technology and Public Scrutiny in Modern Era
Birla noted that technology and social media have changed the landscape. Public representatives now face constant scrutiny from citizens. This makes adherence to parliamentary decorum and discipline even more crucial.
He recalled a 2015 decision from a previous Lucknow conference. That meeting advocated introducing technology into Assembly proceedings. As a result, many legislatures have become paperless today.
However, Birla warned that digitalization brings new challenges. Ensuring the credibility of legislative institutions remains a collective responsibility in this technology-driven era.
Conference Inauguration and Participants
The three-day conference began with an inauguration by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel. Legislative Assembly speaker Satish Mahana read greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister wished success for the conference proceedings.
Presiding Officers from various regions are attending this important gathering. Participants include representatives from:
- Legislative Assemblies of 28 states
- 3 Union Territories
- 6 Legislative Councils
Key Messages from Dignitaries
Prime Minister Modi's message highlighted the value of debates and discussions. He called them essential for democracy, promoting transparency, fairness and respect for differing viewpoints. The conference provides a platform for sharing perspectives on legislative practices and constitutional values.
Governor Anandiben Patel addressed the challenge of disruptions during House proceedings. She said these interruptions create hurdles for important discussions. They also affect public faith in democratic systems.
Patel noted that differences of opinion actually strengthen democracy. Disagreements should be accepted as part of healthy democratic functioning.
Historical Context and Future Discussions
Uttar Pradesh is hosting this conference for the fourth time. Previous editions occurred in December 1961, October 1985, and January-February 2015. This historical continuity shows the state's ongoing role in parliamentary discussions.
Officials outlined plans for the next two days. Detailed discussions will occur in plenary sessions on several key topics:
- Use of technology in legislative processes
- Capacity building of legislators
- Accountability of the legislature towards the people
These discussions aim to enhance democratic processes across India's legislative bodies.
