LS Speaker Birla calls for broad dialogue to address Parliament disruptions

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Saturday emphasised the need for a broad dialogue with all political parties and people’s representatives to address the increasing trend of disruptions in the houses.

Speaking at the Valedictory Session of the 11th CPA India Region Conference, the Speaker noted that while differences of opinion are natural in politics, discussions and dialogue should never cease.

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“The increasing trend of disruptions in the houses is a serious concern for all of us. To put an end to this trend, a broad dialogue with all political parties and people’s representatives is necessary,” Birla said.

“It’s natural to have differences of opinion in politics, as it’s the soul of democracy. But despite these differences, discussions and dialogue should never cease,” he asserted.

“In democracy, dissent is also a fundamental value. Therefore, dissent should be accepted with maturity and tolerance, and debates should be limited to issues, not personal attacks,” he added further.

The Speaker highlighted the need to make legislative institutions more transparent, accountable, and responsive. “To fulfill the aspirations of the people, our legislative institutions need to be more transparent, accountable, and responsive, and for this, we should utilise technical tools positively and to the maximum extent,” the Speaker said.

The Speaker also emphasised the importance of strengthening the library, research, and reference branches of legislatures. “Strengthening the library, research, and reference branches of legislatures is a necessity of time, so that debates in the houses can be more in-depth, meaningful, and fact-based,” Birla noted.

The Speaker also highlighted the role of digitalisation in making legislative assemblies more accessible to the public. “Due to digitalisation, most legislative assemblies have become more accessible to the public. In the coming times, we will further strengthen the connection between the public and legislative institutions by utilising digitalisation more positively,” the Speaker said.

Emphasising India’s role as a guiding light for democracy and constitution globally, Birla said: “India’s democracy and constitution have become a guiding light for the world. In this context, it’s our responsibility to make our institutions more robust, inspiring, and exemplary.”