Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, while addressing the valedictory session of the All India Speakers’ Conference held at the Delhi Assembly, on Monday said that legislatures are not merely buildings of brick and stone, but living institutions that embody the voice, aspirations, and democratic spirit of the people.
Recalling the rich history of the Delhi Assembly, Birla noted that the chamber once echoed with the voices of freedom fighters and national leaders such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Tej Bahadur Sapru.
He said their spirited debates and sacrifices had transformed the Assembly into a sanctum of India’s democratic aspirations.
Birla underlined that traditions of free expression, robust debate, and fearless representation form the bedrock of Indian democracy, and it is the responsibility of presiding officers to preserve these values with dignity and fairness.
He further stressed that legislatures today must meet citizens’ expectations by ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in law-making, reminding that freedom of expression must always be exercised responsibly and within parliamentary propriety.
The session also witnessed the presence of Union Minister of Housing, Manohar Lal Khattar, who said Vithalbhai Patel’s leadership had laid down the values of impartiality and accountability, which remain relevant even today.
He emphasised that while governments may change, the duty of presiding officers to uphold decorum, fairness, and dignity remains constant.
Khattar also highlighted the transformative role of technology, IT systems, and artificial intelligence in governance.
Drawing from his experience in Haryana, he cited initiatives like Parivar Pehchan Patra and CM Window, which delivered services, pensions, and welfare schemes directly to citizens’ homes, reducing bureaucratic delays and saving both time and resources.
At the same time, he cautioned against the risks of misuse, including cybercrime, and urged for responsible application of technology to strengthen public trust.