Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar urges to carry forward rich tradition of Vidhan Sabha

At the concluding session of the 82nd Conference of Presiding Officers in Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that debate and dialogue has been a part of our rich tradition and culture and we need to establish it in the Vidhan Sabhas.

The Governor said that it was a historic occasion that we have gathered and it should be our endeavour to share whatever discussions and resolutions were taken here during these two days.

“Every state may have different problems, but their solution is possible according to the conditions of that place. But, Vidhan Sabha or Vidhan Parishad is a place where meaningful discussions take place and it is necessary to give opportunity to every member to put forth his problem and speak on it, said shri Arlekar.

He added that the tradition of our country was such that everyone’s views should be heard. Citing the example of Rigveda, he said,” Good thoughts should come towards us from every direction and Assembly is one such place”. He said that the Speaker should give the opportunity to all the members to speak and this has been our tradition as well.

Shri Arlekar said that our democracy was not only for 100 years. It was mentioned in the ‘Smritis’ that committees were formed to run the country and the state and the word assembly was also used there, he added. He said that the king was also bounded to listen to those committees. “We did not ignore the idea of debate, dispute, discussion which our ancestors put before us”, said the Governor. He said that democratic traditions were not new to us, they were natural ideas and we need to establish these traditions.

Stressing the need for the presiding officers to be techno-savvy, he said that when he was the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, he made it a paperless assembly. He also supported the establishment of ‘One Nation One Legislative Platform’ by the Prime Minister and said that under this we could share the good conduct of our states with others on this platform. He expressed hope that when we celebrate the centenary year of independence, we would achieve new heights. He hoped that all the members who came here would have had a pleasant visit to Himachal and would take with them sweet memories of the place.

On this occasion, Speaker of Lok Sabha Om Birla said that many resolutions and decisions have been taken for the strength of democracy in the Conference of Presiding Officers, which would be helpful in bringing about sweeping changes in the functioning of the Legislative Assemblies and would take a new journey of democracy. He said that efforts would be made to fulfill the resolution of ‘One Nation One Legislative Platform’ by making full use of information technology and by the year 2022, it would be made a reality. He also stressed on making parliamentary committees more effective and asked the presiding officers to review them in the year. He said that the resolution of this conference would be to have a meaningful discussion in the assembly and to make it accountable to the people.

Shri Birla said that there was a need to take effective steps to prevent indiscipline in the house and the responsibility of the presiding officers was more in this direction, who should try to maintain dignity and prestige in the house. Emphasizing on more discussion in the House, he said that every problem could be solved through debate. He urged the presiding officers that while framing the rules and procedures, care should be taken that people should be at their core.

The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur stressed on better use of technology and research in the Legislative Assemblies. “If there is research, there will also be a qualitative discussion”, he said. He added that the presiding officers do not belong to any particular party and they should give special opportunities to the youth representatives so that they could be encouraged. He stressed on further improving the discussion of our rich democratic process and also apprised the presiding officers about the historical aspects of the capital Shimla. He said that the Prime Minister has brought the country out of the difficult situation of the Corona pandemic and completed more than 100 crore vaccination doses. He suggested organizing Legislative Week and choosing 75 topics for discussion during Amrit Mahotsav.

Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh said that the roadmap prepared in the 82nd Conference would inspire for the next 100 years. This roadmap has been prepared according to the aspirations of the people, he added. He said that the suggestions given in these would work for the strengthening of democracy. He stressed on further strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions. He thanked the State Government for the successfully organizing the conference.

Earlier, Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Vipin Singh Parmar honoured the Governor and other dignitaries. He informed about the glorious history of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha and assured to carry forward the rich traditions.

Deputy Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Hans Raj presented a vote of thanks.