Agreement & disagreement are strengths of democracy: Speaker Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday inaugurated the 21st Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region, Zone-III, organized at Mizoram Legislative Assembly in Aizawl.Speaking on the theme of the Conference, ‘Democratic sanctity, transparency, accountability and results from democracy’, Speaker Birla observed that sanctity and transparency of legislatures help in strengthening democracy which in turn increases the trust of the people in democratic institutions. Opining that it is the responsibility of the Presiding Officers to maintain the probity of the legislatures, he stressed that graceful conduct of members of the legislatures ensures their efficient functioning. Emphasizing on  discussions and dialogue in the Houses in accordance with the hopes and expectations of the public, he observed that democracy is reinforced only when the legislatures, despite agreement and disagreement, collectively discuss and debate on matters of public interest.
Stressing that legislatures are platforms for constructive discussions on issues related to the common people, Shri Birla suggested that elected representatives should use these platforms to find solutions to the problems of the people. He also praised the richness of cultural heritage of the Northeast region.Birla  further said that the legislatures of the Northeast region have passed many enabling laws and have also taken result-oriented decisions.
Lalduhoma, Chief Minister, Mizoram, Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman, CPA, India Region, Zone – III, Lalbiakzama, Speaker, Mizoram Legislative Assembly and  Lalfamkima, Deputy Speaker, Mizoram graced the occasion. Members of Mizoram Legislative Assembly and other dignitaries were also present.