In a democratic system, the medium of dialogue is the best medium for not allowing the debate to become a dispute, said the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind while speaking on the occasion of inauguration of the 80th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference at Kevadia, Gujarat today.

The President said that in a parliamentary democracy, the opposition also has an important role along with the ruling party, and, therefore harmony, cooperation and meaningful deliberation between the two is necessary. It is responsibility of Presiding Officers to provide congenial atmosphere for a healthy debate to the peoples’ representatives in the House and to encourage courteous dialogue and discussion.

The President said that fairness and justice is the bedrock of our parliamentary democratic system. The Chair of the Speaker of the House symbolizes both - dignity and duty. It demands sincerity and sense of justice. It also symbolizes impartiality, righteousness and fairness and it is expected from Presiding Officers that their conduct is inspired by these lofty ideals.

The theme of this year’s Conference ‘Harmonious Coordination between Legislature, Executive and Judiciary- Key to a Vibrant Democracy’.

The Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla said that "the Constitution Day is the occasion to reflect on our duties as enshrined in our constitution and pledge to follow the path shown by our great leaders. We stand for the welfare, thoughts, hopes and wishes of the citizens". He added that people’s representatives should perform their duties by remaining sincere towards values enshrined in the Constitution.

Vice president Shri Venkaiah Naidu said all three organs - the legislature, executive and judiciary should show mutual respect by respecting the sanctity of each others jurisdictions. "I prefer to call the presiding officers as the high priest of the temple of democracy.

You are mandated to uphold he sanctity of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple of democracy" Vice President added. O

On this occasion, the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani, recalled the stellar role played by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in creating a united India. He also mentioned about the role played by Kanhaiyalal Munshi and Hansa Mehta in framing of the Constitution as members of the Constituent Assembly from Gujarat.

Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harish Narayan Singh, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Shri Prahlad Joshi, MoS – Parliamentary Affairs and Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Leader of Congress Parliamentary Party in the Lok Sabha Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Speaker of Gujarat Assembly Shri Rajendra Trivedi, Presiding Officers of various State Assemblies, Legislatures and Councils were present amongst the dignitaries. The senior staff members of the secretariat of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and various assemblies were also  present.

Exhibition on Constitution Day

As part of this conference, the Bureau of Outreach Communication,  Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with Parliamentary Museum & Archives has put up a special exhibition at the conference venue.

This Exhibition traces the journey of democratic tradition in our country, right from Vedic Times through the Lichchavi period to the making of Modern Democratic India.

It is a 1,600 sqft multi media exhibition with a number of  still exhibits, Plasma display, interactive Digital Flip Book, RFID Card Reader, Interactive screen,Digital Touch Wall etc.

The framing of the Constitution of India has been dealt in detail making use of archival material. Rare film footage showing events associated with the framing of the Constitution, speeches made by important national leaders etc, made available by the Films Division is also on display.

The two day Conference will conclude on 26 November on the occasion of Constitution Day.  Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will address the concluding session.

On the concluding day tomorrow all delegates at the conference will recite the Preamble to the Constitution of India under the leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

Additionally, all Presiding Officers and Secretaries of Legislatures shall take a pledge to make legislatures more accountable, while strengthening and empowering them according to constitutional values. This event will take place at the Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The conference will conclude with the adoption of a Declaration.

 

MD/DK

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