Thomas A Sangma, the Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, has delivered a powerful address highlighting the crucial role of state legislatures in shaping national policy and economic development. His speech came during the 22nd annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, India Region Zone-III, hosted by the Nagaland assembly in Kohima.
Beyond Law-Making: Legislatures as Policy Architects
Speaker Sangma emphasized that state legislatures are not merely law-making bodies but serve as architects of national policy. He articulated that these legislative institutions provide the comprehensive framework that drives economic growth and national development.
Through the enactment of progressive and far-sighted legislation, legislatures shape the fundamental structure for multiple aspects of national progress. This includes economic growth, social equity, environmental protection, and technological advancement across the country.
Transforming Vision into Reality Through Legislation
The Meghalaya Speaker made a compelling case about how sound legislation serves as the bridge between aspiration and achievement. "It is through sound laws that we can transform aspirations into action and vision into reality," Sangma declared in his address.
The conference, which runs from November 9 to 13 in Kohima, was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This gathering brings together parliamentary representatives from across the region to discuss crucial governance matters.
Ensuring Accountable and Transparent Governance
Speaker Sangma highlighted another vital function of legislatures: ensuring governance remains accountable, transparent and people-centric. He explained that through various parliamentary mechanisms, legislatures maintain crucial oversight over the executive branch.
Through questions, discussions, and committee deliberations, legislatures hold the executive accountable for the execution of policies and programs. This systematic oversight is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that development benefits reach every citizen effectively.
The Speaker stressed that this accountability mechanism forms the backbone of democratic governance, making sure that government actions align with public expectations and developmental needs.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's Regional Role
The 22nd annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, India Region Zone-III, serves as an important platform for legislators to exchange ideas and best practices. The event, hosted by Nagaland assembly, focuses on strengthening parliamentary democracy and improving governance systems across participating states.
Speaker Thomas A Sangma's address underscored the evolving role of state legislatures in contemporary governance, positioning them as crucial institutions that not only create laws but also shape the nation's developmental trajectory through comprehensive policy frameworks.
