Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today urged the legislators to actively engage with the House proceedings during sessions and listen to all the emanating view points, which would help them develop a broader perspective on understanding and addressing public issues.

Addressing the inaugural session of an Orientation Programme for newly elected Members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Maharashtra Legislative Council at the Parliament House Complex, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla expressed concern over the declining participation of Members in legislative proceedings and resulting political logjam. He also expressed concern over the decline in the number of sittings of legislative bodies and low productivity in legislatures.

Stressing that planned disruptions in legislatures are against the democratic spirit of the Constitution, Shri Birla urged the legislators to raise public issues using effective legislative tools like Question Hour, without causing disruptions to the proceedings of the House. He also advised legislators to come prepared with facts for debates in the House. Shri Birla said that the more prepared legislators are, the more effective their participation will be, and the more productive the proceedings of the House will be. He said that the best legislator is the one who participates fully in House proceedings and engages in well-researched, logical discussions after understanding parliamentary procedures.

On the completion of 75 years of the Constitution and the Republic, Shri Birla noted that it was a matter of pride that India is the world's largest democracy, and that the Indian Constitution provides equal rights and freedom of expression to all.

Appreciating the productivity of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shri Birla observed that while it is a matter of concern that the number of sittings of legislative bodies is decreasing in general, the productivity of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is commendable compared to other state assemblies. Referring to the glorious history of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shri Birla mentioned that from its establishment in 1937, it has laid the foundation for socio-economic changes. He told the elected representatives that being part of such a democratic system is a matter of pride. Shri Birla further remarked that Maharashtra has made significant contributions to the freedom movement, social reform, and spirituality, making the state an inspiration for the nation.

Emphasizing the importance of efficient legislative drafting and the effectiveness of parliamentary committees, Shri Birla opined that it is a crucial responsibility for any legislator to ensure proper legislative drafting during the law-making process, as even a small error in legislative drafting can have long-term effects for our people. He said that there should be extensive discussions in the House during legislation, so that the issues of public welfare become part of the law in a positive way.

Referring to parliamentary committees as "mini-parliaments," Shri Birla urged all elected representatives to participate actively in Committee proceedings. He emphasized that legislators must ensure, that government spending is directed toward socio-economic change, especially in the Public Accounts and Estimates Committees, so that elected representatives can deliver positive outcomes towards public welfare.

Referring to the importance of the Orientation Programme organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), Shri Birla noted that the legislators attending the programme would gain in-depth knowledge of parliamentary procedures, traditions, and the functioning of legislative bodies in various states, which will help them discharge their parliamentary duties effectively. He added that continuous education and training are essential for understanding and effectively carrying out parliamentary work.

Shri Birla exhorted the elected representatives, not to limit their work to constituency issues alone, but to also address state-level problems and challenges, bringing about socio-economic transformation with a positive outlook.

On the occasion, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar addressed the gathering and expressed gratitude to Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla. Shri Narwekar said that all legislators must follow the provisions of the Constitution and present their actions as a role model to society, so that people's trust in parliamentary democracy is strengthened. He also highlighted the negative impact of planned disruptions in parliamentary work and stressed on the need to adopt better practices. Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Shri Ram Shinde also addressed the attending legislators on this occasion.

Lok Sabha Secretary General Shri Utpal Kumar Singh delivered the welcome address. On this occasion, Shri Birla led the legislators in taking the pledge to uphold the preamble to the Constitution of India.

***

AM