Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has voiced his concerns regarding the increasing trend of "planned deadlocks" in legislative houses, emphasizing the need for comprehensive dialogue among all political parties and elected representatives to address this issue. Birla believes that such disruptions undermine the essence of democracy and erode public trust in institutions.
Speaking at the Valedictory Session of the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference in Bengaluru, Birla stressed that ideological or political disagreements should not halt the functioning of legislatures. He appealed to all political parties to prioritize comprehensive dialogue, underscoring that democratic forums exist to solve differences, not deepen them. "Rather than stopping proceedings, members must resolve to keep the House functioning," he stated.
Birla highlighted that frequent disruptions in Parliament, once a recurring feature, had significantly declined, paving the way for improved productivity and more substantive debate. However, he cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts to ensure smooth and constructive debates. He described India's vibrant democracy and Constitution as a guiding light for the world, rooted in the country's ancient traditions of self-governance.
The Lok Sabha Speaker has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and dignity in the House. He has called upon elected representatives to uphold these values to strengthen democratic traditions. Birla has also urged lawmakers to engage in high-level discussions to resolve issues for the greater good, emphasizing that creating chaos or stalling proceedings through slogans and protests undermines democracy.
Birla has also stressed the need to make legislative institutions more transparent, accountable, and responsive. He believes that utilizing technical tools positively and to the maximum extent can help fulfill the aspirations of the people. Furthermore, he has emphasized the importance of strengthening the library, research, and reference branches of legislatures to ensure that debates in the houses are more in-depth, meaningful, and fact-based.
The 11th CPA India Region Conference concluded with the adoption of four key resolutions aimed at eliminating deadlocks and disruptions to increase public trust in democratic institutions. These resolutions also focused on strengthening research and reference branches of state legislative institutions with parliamentary collaboration, ensuring greater use of digital technologies in legislative institutions, and increasing the participation of youth and women in democratic processes.
Birla has also reminded elected representatives of their fundamental duty to frame better policies for the nation, states, and the people. He has stated that differences must not result in disruptions and that fact-based and constructive debates strengthen governance and deepen public trust. He also urged the media to highlight factual, issue-based debates by elected representatives to encourage healthy competition in constructive dialogue.
The Lok Sabha Speaker has acknowledged that contemporary challenges, including cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, climate change, digital rights, and constitutional reforms, now occupy center stage in legislative debates. He stressed that addressing these complex challenges will require committee-based deliberations, dialogues with experts, and increased participation from local representatives.
In conclusion, Om Birla's concerns over "planned deadlocks" reflect a broader commitment to strengthening parliamentary institutions and ensuring that they function effectively andAccountability. His emphasis on dialogue, transparency, and constructive debate underscores the importance of upholding the dignity of the House and fostering public trust in democratic processes.