Panaji, June 15 (Representative) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday addressed a special session of the Goa Legislative Assembly here, on the theme ‘Viksit Bharat 2047: Role of Public Representatives’. Addressing the gathering, in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, Birla highlighted that it is the responsibility of legislative bodies, from Panchayat to Parliament, to effectively convey issues of the public interest to the executive. He emphasised that it is necessary that there should be a high level of discussion and dialogue in our legislatures and their proceedings should be conducted with decorum upholding the dignity of the House. “There are enough avenues to express dissent in a parliamentary democracy. If dissent is expressed in a dignified manner inside the House, it adds to the prestige of the nation and democracy,” Birla said. He said that public representatives must voice the hopes and aspirations of the people adequately in the House to ensure that their problems are addressed effectively.
Referring to proper participation of legislators in the process of lawmaking, Birla said, “There should be a comprehensive debate and discussion on the legal proposals brought by the government. The aim of this discussion should be to assess the effect of the laws on the lives of common people. The wider the discussion on the laws, the more effective the laws eventually become.” The Speaker further observed that in the present times, people have higher hopes and aspirations from the Legislature. “It is necessary that we set our priorities right and try our best to fulfill them. As public representatives, it is our moral responsibility to continuously work for the socio-economic development of the people, and try to fulfill their needs,” Birla said. Referring to the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India a developed nation by the year 2047, the Speaker said that the achievement of this great resolution is possible only when every citizen and all institutions of the nation make a dedicated, collective effort. He said that the nation’s legislative bodies will have to play a leading role towards the fulfillment of this resolution.
Emphasising that proper use of information and communication technology will reduce the distance between the public and the legislature, Birla said, “Besides public trust in democratic processes, people’s participation must also be strong. All the Legislative Assemblies across the country should make maximum use of technology.” In his address, the CM said, “It it is his firm belief that the new Parliament building will prove to be the gift of Amrit Kaal for generations to come.” He added that the Lok Sabha has a rich tradition and legacy of discussion, agreement, disagreement and unity on issues of national importance. Remembering veteran leaders like Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Indira Gandhi, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj etc, Sawant said that these inspirational leaders have enhanced the dignity of the House through their word and deed. Opposition parties including Congress boycotted the Speaker’s address.