गोवा खबर
Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurates first CPA India Region Zone VII Conference in Goa
Goa Khabar : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today urged lawmakers to rise above personal and political interests, emphasizing the importance of diligence and integrity in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people they represent. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region, Zone-VII (West Zone) Conference at Panaji, Goa.
Inaugurating the conference which is being held on 9th and 10th of April, the Lok Sabha Speaker said that elected representatives are entrusted with the mandate to translate public expectations into concrete actions, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure governance that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive. Upholding citizens’ trust requires vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare, he said.
Talking about the roles and responsibilities of young lawmakers in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, Birla said that, as emerging leaders, they are entrusted with driving innovative policies, promoting inclusive development, and strengthening democratic institutions. Emphasizing the importance of healthy competition among state legislatures in promoting public welfare and good governance, he said that parliamentary democracy is globally recognized as the best system of governance. The steady increase in voter turnout in every election in India since 1952 reflects the country’s enduring success as a vibrant democracy, he said.
Emphasizing the importance of research, innovation, and technology, Birla underlined that people’s representatives must be adept at addressing citizens’ issues by harnessing the transformative power of science and technology. He noted that in an era of advanced tools like artificial intelligence, human sensitivity remains equally essential. He also urged legislators to engage closely with the public, resolving their concerns with empathy and goodwill.
Those who actively participate in thoughtful discussions on policies and laws often emerge as prominent leaders in their states. The more legislators familiarize themselves with legislative processes, the greater and more effective their participation will be in the House, he said.
Speaking about the newly created Zone VII of the CPA India Region, which includes Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat, Birla said that while each state faces unique challenges, their spirit of public cooperation and collective effort has turned these challenges into opportunities for growth. He added that all states can benefit by sharing and adopting best practices from one another, especially in advancing coastal development.
Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, said that the States of Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat must work together to boost trade, tourism corridors, urban infrastructure and coastal management. The Chief Minister informed the delegates about the expansion of over 240 citizen services across the 40 departments.
Highlighting the vision of “Viksit Bharat” the Chief Minister said that India is on a historic journey towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 and for achieving this vision, the country needs the energy, creativity and dedication of the entire nation especially the youths.
“The Prime Minister has emphasized on Yuva Shakti as one of the four pillars of a Vikasit Bharat, alongside Nari Shakti, Kisan Shakti and the commitment to Garib Kalyan. The young legislators are in a unique position to be bridges between generations, guiding older colleagues with new solutions and guiding the young citizens to trust and participate in democracy,” he said.
Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha; Ram Shinde, Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairperson; and Rahul Narvekar, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker, also addressed the gathering on the occasion. Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker, welcomed the gathering while Joshua D’Souza, Goa Legislative Assembly Deputy Chairman, delivered the vote of thanks.
The two-day conference is bringing together senior parliamentary leaders from across the western India for discussions on key governance and development priorities, with a focus on strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation and promoting meaningful dialogue on regional and national issues.