Last Updated on July 3, 2026 11:42 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
Our Correspondent / Kolkata
In an era where democratic frameworks face evolving global challenges, true democracy thrives on dialogue, consensus, and respectful dissent. This fundamental principle served as the cornerstone of Lok Sabha Speaker Mr. Om Birla’s address as he inaugurated a two-day Orientation Programme for the newly elected Members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in Kolkata today. Calling upon the legislators to strengthen democratic traditions and lead the State’s renaissance, Mr. Birla emphasized that elected representatives are the ultimate custodians of public aspirations. He urged the members to actively contribute to informed law-making, constructive debates, and good governance while preserving West Bengal’s rich democratic and cultural legacy.
Stressing that legislative debates must prioritize solutions over mere criticism, Mr. Birla noted that constructive debate remains the hallmark of a vibrant democracy. While acknowledging that criticism is an essential component of legislative functioning, he asserted that every discussion should offer practical, implementable solutions to public grievances. He highlighted that agreement and disagreement are natural features of democracy, but insisted that differences must always be expressed through reasoned, dignified, and respectful debate, allowing ideas to compete while democratic values prevail.
“The foremost duty of every elected representative is to become the voice of the people, especially the poor and the marginalized.” — Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr. Om Birla
A Focus on Growth and Lifelong Learning
Addressing an Assembly that features a significant number of first-time and young legislators, the Speaker described this demographic shift as a historic opportunity to inject fresh ideas and innovation into people-centric governance. He advised the assembly to observe rigorous parliamentary discipline:
- Maximize House Presence: Members should spend maximum time inside the chamber to carefully listen to peer arguments and enrich their legislative understanding.
- Commit to Continuous Research: Representatives must function as lifelong learners, regularly studying previous debates, landmark legislations, and global best practices.
- Leverage Technology: Digital tools, such as the Digital Sansad platform, should be fully utilized to access vast repositories of parliamentary knowledge and comparative experiences.
Mr. Birla reminded the lawmakers that their legislative footprint extends far beyond localized constituency concerns, as their decisions will directly shape the socio-economic reality of future generations.
Collaborative Governance and Technical Training
The inaugural session was graced by key dignitaries, including West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Mr. Suvendu Adhikari, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Kiren Rijiju, and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Mr. Harivansh. West Bengal Legislative Assembly Speaker Mr. Rathindra Bose delivered the welcome address, followed by a vote of thanks from state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Shankar Ghosh.
Organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) in collaboration with the state assembly, the two-day curriculum features intensive technical sessions. These modules cover executive accountability through procedural devices, the parliamentary committee system, budgetary processes, and the execution of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA). The orientation will conclude on July 4, 2026, with a valedictory address by the Governor of West Bengal, Mr. R.N. Ravi.