Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today expressed anguish over decline of dignity and decorum in legislatures. Emphasising the need to preserve the sanctity of legislative institutions, Shri Birla stated that maintaining the dignity and decorum of the House is a fundamental responsibility of every public representative. The Legislature, he said, is a vital institution of democracy, and its dignity must be respected and preserved at all times. He expressed concern over instances of disruptions and disorderly conduct in legislative proceedings and observed that such practices adversely affect the image of democratic institutions.  He   urged members to place greater emphasis on dialogue, reasoned debate and constructive engagement. He further added that criticism should be policy-oriented, fact-based and aimed at public welfare. Parliamentary discipline and meaningful legislative oversight through constructive criticism strengthen democracy, the Speaker mentioned. Shri Birla made these remarks while delivering inaugural address on the programme on “Empowered Legislators, Stronger Democracy” on the occasion of foundation day of Bihar Legislative Assembly in Patna, today.

Observing that empowered legislators form the very foundation of a strong democracy, Shri Birla stated that the strength of democracy is directly linked to the capacity, competence and integrity of its elected representatives. He observed that democratic institutions derive their effectiveness not merely from constitutional provisions, but from the manner in which public representatives discharge their responsibilities. A legislator derives strength from the trust and confidence of the people, he noted. By raising public issues, articulating citizens’ concerns and working towards their resolution through legislative processes, legislators contribute significantly to strengthening democracy, he added. Shri Birla opined that empowerment of legislators lies in their ability to understand public needs, engage meaningfully in legislative procedures and contribute constructively to policy formulation. Such empowerment, he added, is rooted in ethical conduct, responsibility and accountability. These values alone enable legislators to consistently act in the larger public interest. When legislators are empowered, informed and responsive, democratic institutions gain renewed credibility and public confidence, stressed Shri Birla.

Observing that constitutional awareness and procedural knowledge enhance the credibility of legislators, Shri Birla emphasized that a legislator, who is well-versed in parliamentary procedures, is better equipped to make meaningful interventions and ensure transparency and accountability in governance. He stated that an effective legislator acts as an important link between public expectations and government policies. He further stated that familiarity with rules enables legislators to participate more effectively in the house proceedings and articulate their views in a structured and logical manner. Through informed participation in debates, discussions and committee work, legislators contribute to improvement in the quality of governance. Public trust, the Speaker observed, is the most valuable asset of democracy and must be preserved through sincere and principled conduct both inside and outside the House.

He emphasized on the need to pay special attention to issues affecting rural and remote areas, which often remain underrepresented. Shri Birla suggested that the robust responses to the aspirations of women and youth must be reflected in public policies and legislative initiatives. Women and youth, he observed, are key stakeholders in the nation’s development, and addressing their concerns through appropriate legislation is essential for achieving inclusive growth.

Shri Birla also inaugurated the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) Digital House in Bihar Legislature. Referring to the implementation of NeVA in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, the Speaker described it as a significant step towards transparency and efficiency. Digitalisation, he stated, facilitates access to records, enhances research capabilities and reduces dependence on paper. He encouraged legislators to make effective use of digital tools in legislative work. With the collective efforts of the legislatures, the clarion call of the Prime Minister for ‘One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ is going to be a reality soon, noted Shri Birla.

Referring to the historical significance of Bihar in the journey of India’s democracy, Shri Birla noted that the traditions of collective deliberation, public dialogue and participatory governance practised in ancient Bihar remain relevant even today. He stated that the democratic values nurtured on this land have provided a strong ideological and moral foundation to India’s contemporary parliamentary framework. He further observed that Bihar has consistently remained a centre of political thought and leadership. Leaders from the State, he said, have played an important role in shaping the nation’s political discourse and democratic institutions. He emphasised that preserving this rich heritage and making it relevant to present-day governance is a collective responsibility of elected representatives.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and of Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju; Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh; Chairman, Bihar Legislative Council, Shri Awadhesh Narain Singh; Deputy Chief Minister, Bihar, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha; and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Government of Bihar, Shri Vijay Kumar Chaudhary also addressed the distinguished gathering on this occasion. Speaker, Bihar, Legislative Assembly, Dr. Prem Kumar delivered the Welcome Address and Deputy Speaker, Bihar Legislative Assembly, Shri Narendra Narayan Yadav delivered the Vote of Thanks.

आज बिहार विधान सभा के स्थापना दिवस के अवसर पर, बिहार विधान मंडल के सेंट्रल हॉल में आयोजित समारोह में सहभागिता कर माननीय सदस्यों के मध्य “सशक्त विधायक-सशक्त लोकतंत्र” विषयक व्याख्यान में अपने विचार भी साझा करूँगा।
बिहार की यह भूमि उन प्राचीन गणराज्यों की विरासत लिए जानी जाती है,…

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) February 7, 2026

बिहार विधान सभा के स्थापना दिवस के उपलक्ष्य में "सशक्त विधायक, सशक्त लोकतंत्र" विषय पर व्याख्यान कार्यक्रम के लिए पटना पहुँचने पर बिहार विधान परिषद के माननीय सभापति श्री अवधेश नारायण सिंह जी, विधान सभा अध्यक्ष डॉ. प्रेम कुमार जी, राज्य के उप मुख्यमंत्री श्री विजय कुमार सिन्हा जी,… pic.twitter.com/72HIv8qFhH

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) February 7, 2026

बिहार विधान सभा के स्थापना दिवस के उपलक्ष्य में, बिहार विधान मंडल के सेंट्रल हॉल में आयोजित समारोह में सहभागिता कर माननीय सदस्यों के मध्य “सशक्त विधायक-सशक्त लोकतंत्र” विषयक व्याख्यान को सम्बोधित किया।

बिहार की यह पावन भूमि प्राचीन गणराज्यों की लोकतांत्रिक परंपराओं का वह केंद्र… pic.twitter.com/8L40Xi3RKJ

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) February 7, 2026

जनप्रतिनिधि विधायी सदन का सामर्थ्य होते हैं। सदन की मर्यादा जनप्रतिनिधि पर टिकी होती है।

सदनों की मर्यादा और प्रतिष्ठा में कमी हम सभी के लिए चिंता का विषय है। इसीलिए लगातार राजनीतिक दलों से चर्चा कर सदनों को मर्यादित और संवाद का केंद्र बनाने की ओर हमारा प्रयास रहता है। pic.twitter.com/H1rghmcABj

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) February 7, 2026

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