PATNA, Feb 7 : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed anguish over the decline in decorum in legislatures and emphasised the need to preserve the sanctity of legislative institutions.
Speaking at the Bihar Assembly’s foundation day ceremony in Patna on Saturday, Birla expressed concern over instances of disruptions and disorderly conduct in legislative proceedings and observed that such practices adversely affect the image of democratic institutions.
He stated that maintaining the dignity and decorum of the House is a fundamental responsibility of every public representative.
He urged members to place greater emphasis on dialogue, reasoned debate and constructive engagement. He further added that criticism should be policy-oriented, fact-based and aimed at public welfare. Parliamentary discipline and meaningful legislative oversight through constructive criticism strengthen democracy, the Speaker said.
Observing that empowered legislators form the very foundation of a strong democracy, Birla stated that the strength of democracy is directly linked to the capacity, competence and integrity of its elected representatives.
Birla also inaugurated the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) Digital House in Bihar Legislature. Referring to the implementation of NeVA, the Speaker described it as a significant step towards transparency and efficiency.
He said that digitalisation facilitates access to records, enhances research capabilities and reduces dependence on paper. He encouraged legislators to make effective use of digital tools in legislative work.
Referring to the historical significance of Bihar in the journey of India’s democracy, Birla noted that the traditions of collective deliberation, public dialogue and participatory governance practised in ancient Bihar remain relevant even today.
He stated that the democratic values nurtured on this land have provided a strong ideological and moral foundation to India’s contemporary parliamentary framework.
He observed that Bihar has consistently remained a centre of political thought and leadership. He said that leaders from the state have played an important role in shaping the nation’s political discourse and democratic institutions.
(UNI)
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