Annual CPA India Region Zone-II Conference Inaugurated in Dharamshala(Himachal)
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), 30 June 2025
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today emphasized the need for adopting innovation and technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance efficiency and transparency in legislative processes. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region Zone-II, held at Tapovan, Dharamshala,HP North India .
Shri Birla highlighted that extensive use of AI in the Parliament of India is playing a significant role in improving parliamentary functioning. тАЬThe use of AI and other digital tools can bridge the gap between the public and legislative bodies, making governance more responsive and transparent,тАЭ he said.
Calling on public representatives to embrace technology and best practices, Shri Birla said that effective use of resources, positive debates, and well-informed discussions not only strengthen democratic institutions but also enhance the image of legislators and legislatures. He stressed that sharing innovations and adopting a collaborative approach across state legislatures is key to advancing democratic governance.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra ModiтАЩs тАЬOne Nation, One Legislative PlatformтАЭ initiative, the Speaker expressed confidence that a unified digital platform connecting all state legislatures would soon become a reality. He noted that such a platform would streamline legislative debates, budget discussions, and law-making processes, while also fostering healthy competition and innovation among states.
Shri Birla reiterated the ParliamentтАЩs responsibility to share its technological advancements with state legislatures, promoting good governance and accountability across all levels of the federal structure.
Highlighting the need for inclusive development, the Speaker urged legislators to work proactively for the welfare of marginalized communities. тАЬElected representatives must lead with sensitivity and effectiveness to meet the growing expectations of citizens,тАЭ he said.
He also called upon elected bodiesтАФfrom Gram Panchayats to Municipalities and State AssembliesтАФto become centres of dialogue, innovation, and excellence. тАЬConstructive dialogue empowers institutions and is vital for achieving economic and social transformation,тАЭ he added.
Citing IndiaтАЩs democratic legacy, Shri Birla recalled that the first conference of presiding officers was held in Shimla in 1921 and praised Himachal PradeshтАЩs contribution to democratic reforms. He lauded the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly for becoming the first paperless assembly in the country and commended the people of the state for their patriotism and commitment to national service.
Shri Birla concluded by quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: тАЬThe success of any constitution or institution depends on the conduct of its members,тАЭ emphasizing the need for preserving the dignity and credibility of legislative institutions.
The inaugural session was also addressed by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania, and State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Harsh Vardhan Chauhan.
Presiding officers from CPA Zone-II statesтАФPunjab, Haryana, and DelhiтАФalong with delegates from Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and other state legislative bodies were also present on the occasion.
