Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Friday, urged the lawmakers of the country to rise above party lines on issues of national interest.
He expressed anguish over the decline in the number of sittings of legislatures and the disruptive behaviour of members in legislative bodies.
Inaugurating the National Conference of Chairpersons of Committees of Parliament and State Legislatures on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Bhubaneswar, he said that the decline in the level of discussion and dialogue in legislatures is a matter of concern.
Mr Birla reaffirmed the timeless vision of the Constitution. He underlined that social justice and equality of opportunity are not only the defining features of our Constitution but also the guiding spirit of India’s democratic journey for the last 75 years.
Recalling Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision of an India where Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and marginalised sections would live with dignity, respect, and equal opportunities, he noted that this vision has taken concrete shape over the decades, enabling members of these communities to occupy the highest offices of the land, thereby reflecting the maturity and inclusiveness of Indian democracy.
The First Conference of Chairpersons of Committees on the Welfare of SCs and STs was held way back in 1976 in New Delhi. Thereafter, successive Conferences have been held in 1979, 1983, 1987, and 2001, contributing to robust dialogue on the varied dimensions of welfare and constitutional safeguards for SCs and STs. However, it is for the first time that such a conference is being organised outside Delhi.
Mr Birla emphasised the critical need for effective utilisation of government funds and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that welfare schemes truly reach and empower the marginalised sections of society and highlighted the pivotal role that financial discipline and administrative accountability play in driving inclusive development.
He noted that substantial public resources are allocated each year toward social welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised sections and underscored the importance of timely implementation and regular monitoring to ensure that the benefits of development are equitably distributed.
Stressing that true empowerment goes beyond financial aid and must foster self-reliance, dignity, and opportunities for growth, the Speaker reiterated Parliament’s commitment to social justice and inclusive governance through more responsive and result-oriented policy execution.
Highlighting the important role of Committees, Mr Birla said that they are the backbone of parliamentary democracy. Unlike the political compulsions that drive debates in the House, he said that Committees examine issues in detail, free from partisan politics, and arrive at consensus-based recommendations.