Legislative Assemblies strengthen federal edifice of nation: Assam Guv

Guwahati: Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi has said Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), a global platform with a regional perspective, is promoting parliamentary democracy around the world.

Mukhi said this during the concluding day of 8th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (India Region) Conference on Tuesday, which was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at Assam Legislative Assembly here on April 9.

Observing that State Legislative Assemblies strengthen the democratic and federal edifice of the nation, Mukhi said that Presiding Officers have a very important role in the smooth functioning of the Legislature.

Mukhi observed that India’s growth and future will be powered by its youth power and democratic dividend. In this regard, he welcomed initiatives taken by the CPA- India region to ensure that youth-centric legislation is mainstreamed around the world. Mentioning Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, he said in India’s democratic journey since Independence, people’s confidence on democracy has been strengthened. 

“It is a proud feeling that Assam Legislative Assembly is one of the oldest assemblies of India where legendary figures like Bharat Ratna Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi and Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika once represented the people,” Mukhi said.

The Governor also highlighted that during the last 85 years, Assam Legislative Assembly witnessed many historic debates and the passing of several important legislations to bring about transformative changes in the lives of the people of the state.

He also said that India is a flourishing and vibrant democracy and is celebrating the 75 years of independence as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. Participation of institutions and people across the country in Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is indeed a testimony of sound and participatory democracy in India.

Observing that Members should protest within the dignity and decorum of the House, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said it is the responsibility of every Member to ensure that the dignity and prestige of the House is enhanced.

Birla felt that youth are not only the future of the country but they are the hope of the present also. 

Highlighting the role of youth in New India, Birla said that it is the responsibility of democratic institutions to ensure active participation of youth and women in policymaking and legislative processes, and to make maximum use of them for the development of the country.

Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh laid emphasized on timely legislation on important issues after a thorough discussion in the House. He suggested that involving young legal professionals and domain experts in drafting legislation will improve quality of legislation.

Earlier, welcoming the delegates, Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Biswajit Daimary said the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is working towards strengthening parliamentary procedures and democracy. He hoped that the exchange of ideas in the conference will go a long way in ensuring the democracies around the world to have a voice at the global level.

Acting Chairperson of CPA, Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP, UK, also spoke on this occasion. Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Dr Numal Momin, delivered the vote of thanks.

The mid-year Executive Committee meeting of CPA and the 8th CPA India Region Conference are organized during the 85th foundation celebration month of Assam Legislative Assembly. Assam Legislative Assembly also hosted the 17th CPA India Region Zone-III Conference in Guwahati in 2019.

Nurse, husband arrested for theft at Sonam Kapoor’s Delhi house