KOHIMA, Nov 10: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday praised the legislatures of the Northeastern states for their commitment to strengthening democracy through collective deliberation, transparency, and people-centric governance. He also called for development strategies that balance rapid progress with environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Addressing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region, Zone–III Conference at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima, Birla highlighted that the region’s legislatures have set “new standards of democratic engagement and good governance,” reflecting India’s democratic spirit through inclusivity and active public participation.
“The legislatures in the Northeast are setting examples of participatory democracy while responding to regional aspirations and ensuring inclusive growth,” Birla said, noting significant progress in road, rail, and air connectivity that has accelerated the region’s transformation.
He emphasized that the Northeast is emerging as a crucial hub in India’s Act East Policy, with its vibrant culture, rich traditions, and natural beauty making it integral to India’s national growth story. He urged lawmakers to promote local products, arts, and traditional crafts to advance Atmanirbhar Bharat and foster community-led economic empowerment.
Calling for a stronger Centre–State partnership, Birla underscored that constructive dialogue between all levels of government is essential for effective and inclusive governance. “While each level of government operates within defined constitutional frameworks, collaboration is key to achieving tangible outcomes,” he said.
The Lok Sabha Speaker also highlighted the growing risks posed by climate change, such as landslides and cloudbursts, urging the formulation of region-specific development plans that incorporate climate resilience, green infrastructure, and community participation. “Development in the Northeast must balance progress with preservation. Climate resilience and community participation are key to sustainable and long-term growth,” he remarked.
Commending the digital transformation of Northeast legislatures, Birla lauded the Nagaland Legislative Assembly’s transition to a fully paperless system, calling it a pioneering model of digital governance. He said such innovations improve transparency, accessibility, and citizen engagement but cautioned against the irresponsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “AI must be used responsibly to strengthen democracy, not distort it,” he warned.
The Speaker also appealed to all political parties to ensure decorum and cooperation during the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, scheduled to begin on December 1.
The two-day CPA conference, themed “Policy, Progress & People: Legislatures as Catalysts of Change,” included discussions on “Role of Legislatures in Achieving Viksit Bharat @2047” and “Climate Change – In Light of Recent Cloudbursts and Landslides in the Northeast.”
The event saw participation from key leaders and presiding officers from seven Northeastern states, including Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Nagaland Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkümer, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister K.G. Kenye
