During the opening speech of the 21st Annual Conference of CPA India Region, Zone III at the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency for public representatives in India’s flourishing democracy.
“We, as public representatives, are responsible to the public.” Om Birla emphasized the importance of promoting transparency along with ensuring it.
Om emphasized the vast opportunities in the Northeast by stating, “In a democratic country like India, we are highly competitive. We must harness this competitive drive for the benefit of society and implement top strategies.”
Om Birla stated that democracy allows for dialogue, discussion, debate, and dissent to take place. The Lok Sabha Speaker also discussed the potential role that the Chair can fulfill. The legacy we leave for future generations is determined by each individual. Birla stated that we have a duty to ensure the dignity of democratic institutions is safeguarded.
Deputy chairman of Raiva Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh praised the Center’s work in the Northeast during the past decade while speaking at the two-day conference’s opening day. He emphasized that over Rs 50 trillion has been allocated, along with the increase in the annual budget from Rs 25 trillion in 2014 to Rs 1 trillion. Geographical challenges and historical problems have hindered the development of the north-eastern states for many years. “He said that India is on the right path now, especially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedication to developing India into Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Om Birla also emphasized that PM Modi has visited the Northeast 70 times, creating road and air connectivity opportunities. Since 2014, over eight new airports have been established in this area, and there have also been advancements in the railway system. In 2022, Nagaland established its second railway station in a span of a hundred years. Nagaland can now have a direct connection to Guwahati in Assam. He mentioned that Vande Bharat trains are now operational in several states in this area.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma emphasized on the importance of transparency in legislations. “Legislative sanctity pertains to the honesty, trustworthiness, and unalterability of our laws and procedures. It is the basis on which democratic governance relies.” He stated that in a diverse and vibrant region like Northeast India, ensuring legal respect is not just important but necessary.
Inclusive stakeholders like civil society, local communities, and marginalized groups should be included in legislative processes. It is necessary to introduce civic education initiatives that educate individuals on their rights and the process of creating laws. The CM stated that awareness campaigns have the ability to give individuals the power to actively interact with their representatives and demand accountability.
The main focus of the conference that will last for two days is ‘Promoting the Legislative Integrity’. The conference will also address the integration of the Northeast Region into the India-ASEAN Vision for Trade and Cooperation and the consolidation of the Ministry of DONER with NEC to enhance strategic planning and coordination of projects in the area.
The CPA is a global group of Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures collaborating to enhance the Commonwealth’s dedication to democratic governance and the parliamentary system. The Commonwealth holds the distinction of being one of the oldest organizations. The federation, founded in 1911, consists of over 180 legislatures spread across nine geographical regions in the 54 Commonwealth countries.
It offers MPs and parliamentary staff a chance to work together on common issues and exchange best practices. Up to now, 20 Regional Conferences have been conducted in the Northeastern States, which includes events arranged by both the North Eastern Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) and CPA Zone-III. The North East Region of СРА has been hosting this annual regional Conference since 1997.