Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has made a significant appeal to policymakers across India's northeastern region, urging them to design initiatives that simultaneously drive industrial expansion and celebrate local cultural heritage. He delivered this powerful message while inaugurating the 22nd annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III conference at the Nagaland assembly in Kohima on Monday.
A Vision for Balanced Regional Development
During his keynote address, Birla emphasized the tremendous potential he sees in the people of northeast India. "The people of the northeast are vibrant, industrious, and full of potential," he declared, stressing that they deserve expanded opportunities to fully realize their capabilities.
The Speaker articulated that through collaborative dialogue and active public participation, state legislatures can formulate policies that lead to genuinely inclusive and sustainable development. He specifically highlighted the need for initiatives that would not only promote regional development and industrial growth but also nurture local art, culture, and traditional crafts to secure them national and international recognition.
CPA Conference as Democratic Catalyst
Birla emphasized the crucial role of CPA conferences as platforms for deliberating development challenges, public expectations, and democratic aspirations. These gatherings enable participants to exchange best practices and strengthen democratic institutions through shared learning experiences.
He particularly commended Zone-III of the CPA as one of the organization's most active zones, consistently organizing conferences across different state legislative assemblies throughout the northeastern region. "Such interactions provide valuable opportunities for discussions within legislative institutions and contribute significantly to their capacity building," Birla observed.
The conference theme 'policy, progress & people: legislatures as catalysts of change' received special mention from the Speaker, who noted that it perfectly captures the core philosophy and values of democratic governance.
Technological Advancement and Democratic Maturity
Birla highlighted the significant technological progress made by legislative assemblies across the northeast, noting that most have now transitioned to paperless operations. The integration of new technologies and artificial intelligence has enhanced governmental accountability and transparency, marking a substantial step forward in modern governance.
The Speaker expressed particular satisfaction with the minimal disruptions occurring during assembly proceedings, attributing this positive trend to the robust democratic culture and effective practices shared among the northeastern states.
Connectivity and infrastructure development in the region also earned praise from Birla, who observed that each new project creates fresh opportunities for progress and economic advancement.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his address, echoed the call for enhanced cooperation among northeastern states. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, foster regional growth, and promote inclusive development that benefits all citizens equally.
