LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS FOR MAKING LEGISLATURES MORE EFFICIENT BY MANAGING RESOURCES, DEFENDING DEMOCRACY AND ADOPTING INNOVATIONS LIKE AI

LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS FOR MAKING LEGISLATURES MORE EFFICIENT BY MANAGING RESOURCES, DEFENDING DEMOCRACY AND ADOPTING INNOVATIONS LIKE AI

New Delhi/Dharamshala, 30 June 2025: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today called for making legislatures more efficient by managing resources, defending democracy and adopting innovations like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Inaugurating the Annual Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region, Zone – II at Tapovan, Dharamshala, today, he urged the state legislatures to share best practices, innovations, and technology to strengthen democratic institutions, increase the efficiency and transparency of legislative work and better address the challenges and aspirations of their constituencies.

He said that Parliament of India is extensively using technological innovations like AI to improve efficiency in parliamentary work. He further said that Parliament of India stands ready to share these latest technological advancements with state legislatures to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.

धर्मशाला, हिमाचल प्रदेश में राष्ट्रमंडल संसदीय संघ (CPA) भारत क्षेत्र जोन-2 के वार्षिक सम्मेलन का उद्घाटन कर सम्मेलन को संबोधित किया।
देवभूमि हिमाचल लोकतांत्रिक नवाचारों की धरा रही है। वर्ष 1921 में पीठासीन अधिकारियों का पहला सम्मेलन भी इसी प्रदेश में हुआ था। आज समय के साथ हमारे… pic.twitter.com/VtuxroBaWU

On the occasion, Shri Birla recalled the  ongoing ‘One Nation One Legislative Platform’ initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and expressed confidence that by 2026, the Parliament of India will establish a common platform for all state legislatures which would enable seamless exchange of information on legislative discourse, budgets, and other legislative initiatives. He added that this initiative will foster healthy competition and innovation among State legislatures, ultimately benefiting the public.

Urging public representatives from across the nation, Shri Birla said that from Gram Panchayats to Nagar Palikas and state assemblies, elected representatives must turn their institutions into centers of dialogue, innovation, and excellence. Shri Birla said that India, being the world’s largest democracy with immense diversity, carries the responsibility of making democratic institutions more effective, transparent, and innovative.

Quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Shri Birla said that that the success of any constitution or institution depends on the conduct of its members and followers. He added that it is essential to empower legislative institutions and maintain their dignity by fostering dialogue and debate within them. He also emphasized that constructive discussion and well-reasoned arguments enhance both individual and institutional prestige.

राष्ट्रमंडल संसदीय संघ (CPA) भारत क्षेत्र जोन-2 के वार्षिक सम्मेलन के लिए तपोवन, धर्मशाला (हिमाचल प्रदेश) पहुँचने पर राज्य द्वारा पारंपरिक ‘गार्ड ऑफ ऑनर’ दिया गया।
इस अवसर पर राज्य विधानसभा के अध्यक्ष श्री कुलदीप पठानिया, मुख्यमंत्री श्री सुखविंदर सुक्खू तथा अन्य गणमान्यों द्वारा… pic.twitter.com/2HqWtWDuZu

Underlining that the expectations of the public must be met through respectful conduct and effective governance, the Speaker noted that legislative bodies must address key issues—development plans, infrastructure, environmental conservation—while embracing modern methods for progress.

Noting that Himachal Pradesh has a proud democratic heritage, he recalled that the first Presiding Officers’ Conference was held in Shimla in 1921, marking a historic moment for democratic reforms. He added that even Vitthalbhai Patel was elected as the Chairman of the Central Legislative Council from Himachal Pradesh. He lauded Himachal Vidhan Sabha for becoming the first paperless Legislative Assembly in the country. He added that the Himachali people are known for their patriotism and dedication to the nation. Shri Birla expressed hope that the Conference will spark new ideas and perspectives and will help build stronger legislatures and empower elected representatives to serve the public better.

Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh; Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha; Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania; Speaker, Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly; Shri Harshwardhan Chauhan, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Himachal Pradesh and other dignitaries also addressed the Inaugural Session. Presiding Officers from Zone – II ⁠Punjab, ⁠Haryana and ⁠Delhi and Presiding Officers from Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Telangana Legislative Assembly and Council and Members of Himachal Pradesh Legislature graced the inaugural Session.