Om Birla Calls for Stronger, More Accountable Legislatures; Urges Minimum 30 Sitting Days in State Assemblies
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the declining number of sittings in legislative institutions and stressed the need for renewed commitment to strengthen democratic functioning across the country.
He noted that while several important decisions had been taken in recent years and had yielded positive outcomes, the present time demanded greater resolve and determination to move forward.
Birla proposed that all state legislatures should mandatorily hold at least 30 days of House sittings every year.
He emphasized the importance of constructive debate, healthy discussion, and the creation of an environment conducive to the development of states, despite political differences.
He urged political parties to engage in dialogue and arrive at a consensus to ensure that protests do not disrupt proceedings inside legislative chambers.
Democratic Institutions Must Reflect People’s Aspirations
Addressing the closing ceremony of the 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, Om Birla called for democratic institutions to be made more effective, accountable, transparent, and aligned with public aspirations.
He said legislatures are the most important platforms through which the voice of the last person standing in society reaches the government.
According to him, voters expect their elected representatives to raise public issues and challenges on the floor of the House and to take meaningful initiatives toward solutions.
Legislatures, he said, are central to sustaining public trust in democracy.
Repeated Disruptions Are Not in the Interest of Democracy
Expressing concern over frequent disruptions in legislative houses, Birla underlined that every moment of a House session is extremely valuable. Legislatures, he said, are meant for discussion, dialogue, and committee work—not for deadlock.
He emphasized that while political opposition is natural in a democracy, the House should serve as a forum for debate based on words, logic, and reason, thereby fostering meaningful outcomes and preserving public confidence.
He reiterated that protests should take place outside the House and that demonstrations inside legislatures are inappropriate. For this, he said, all political parties must engage in discussions and arrive at a collective understanding.
Praise for Uttar Pradesh’s Democratic Progress
Birla said that under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, democratic values in Uttar Pradesh have been strengthened.
He noted that the state has made significant progress in good governance, social welfare, robust law and order, infrastructure development, and investment promotion.
Leveraging Technology and AI to Strengthen Legislatures
The Lok Sabha Speaker emphasized that the use of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is essential to make legislative institutions more transparent and accountable.
He said all state legislatures have now become paperless, and past debates, budgets, and legislative proceedings have been digitized.
This digital transformation, he added, will enhance the capacity of legislators and encourage research-based, informed debates.
To support this goal, research wings have also been established within legislative bodies.
Regional Languages in Parliament
Birla announced that the Budget Session of Parliament will begin on January 28 with the President’s Address.
The Economic Survey will be tabled on January 29, and the Union Budget will be presented by the Finance Minister on February 1.
He highlighted that from this very session, Members of Parliament will be able to express themselves in regional languages.
India, he said, will become the only country in the world where members can speak in 22 languages within the House, giving due respect to all languages recognized by the Constitution and further strengthening democracy.
Legislatures Working Together for Better Governance
Birla said digitization will make essential references readily available during law-making, enabling more meaningful debates.
Collective efforts between Parliament and state legislatures will help build the capacity of public representatives and make legislatures more accountable. This will also strengthen oversight of governance and administration.
Uttar Pradesh: Described as the Land of Transformation
The Lok Sabha Speaker thanked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his guidance in organizing the conference and also expressed gratitude to Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana and all distinguished guests.
He described Uttar Pradesh as a land of social, spiritual, and transformative energy, saying that representatives would carry this inspiration back to their respective states.
Special Emphasis on the ‘Legislative Index’
Birla laid special emphasis on the concept of a ‘Legislative Index’, stating that it would encourage healthy competition among legislatures and bring forward new processes, rules, and innovations, making legislative institutions more effective.
He reminded presiding officers that they function within the framework of the Constitution and carry significant responsibility.
They must remain impartial, fair, and just while ensuring that institutions remain accountable to the people. He expressed confidence that all representatives in their respective states would implement the resolutions emerging from the conference.
Committee to Be Formed Within a Week
The Lok Sabha Speaker announced that a committee to develop the Legislative Index would be constituted within a week.
He also said that the Lok Sabha Secretariat would assist all state legislatures in using AI tools and modern technologies.
By 2026, proceedings of all state legislatures will be available on a single platform.
He stressed the need to further improve the work culture of legislative institutions, making them more accountable and responsive.
Presiding officers, he said, must remain impartial, beyond controversy, and maintain balance with all stakeholders.
Six Key Resolutions Adopted on the Final Day
First Resolution: All presiding officers will recommit themselves to the effective functioning of their legislatures, contributing toward the national goal of a ‘Developed India’ by 2047.
Second Resolution: Through consensus among all political parties, state legislative bodies will hold a minimum of 30 sittings annually, ensuring constructive and efficient use of time and resources so that democratic institutions remain accountable to the people.
Third Resolution: Continuous strengthening of technology use to facilitate legislative work, enhance public-legislature engagement, and ensure meaningful participatory governance.
Fourth Resolution: Sustained efforts to provide exemplary leadership to all institutions of participatory governance, deepening and strengthening democratic traditions and values.
Fifth Resolution: Ongoing support for capacity-building of MPs and MLAs in the effective use of digital technologies, alongside stronger research and analytical support to ensure informed participation in legislative debates.
Sixth Resolution: Creation of a National Legislative Index based on objective benchmarks to evaluate and compare legislative performance, fostering healthy competition and greater accountability in the public interest.
Conference Attended by Senior Parliamentary Leaders
At the press conference, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, Legislative Council Chairman Kunwar Manvendra Singh, and senior officials from the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and state assemblies were present.
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