Speaker Om Birla Urges Tech-Driven, Transparent Legislatures at CPA Meet

Addressing the inaugural session, Shri Birla emphasized the transformative role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in redefining legislative processes.

In a resounding call for innovation and institutional excellence, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today inaugurated the Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region, Zone–II, at the scenic Tapovan, Dharamshala, urging legislators across India to embrace technology, efficiency, and transparency in legislative functioning. The event brought together key parliamentary leaders from across the nation to deliberate on strengthening democratic institutions through innovation, dialogue, and collaborative governance.

Strengthening Legislatures Through Innovation

Addressing the inaugural session, Shri Birla emphasized the transformative role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in redefining legislative processes. He noted that the Parliament of India is extensively deploying AI-driven tools to streamline documentation, automate procedural workflows, enhance research capacities, and improve legislative efficiency.

He further offered technical collaboration with state legislatures, stating, “Parliament of India is ready to share these advancements with all state assemblies to foster greater accountability, transparency, and participatory governance.” He called on legislative bodies to become innovation labs that model excellence in governance and digital transformation.

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‘One Nation One Legislative Platform’ to Unite Indian Legislatures

Highlighting the central government’s vision, Shri Birla spoke about the ongoing ‘One Nation One Legislative Platform’ initiative, conceptualized under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This digital initiative, expected to be operational by 2026, aims to establish a common digital interface for all state legislatures and Parliament, facilitating the seamless exchange of:

• Legislative records and debates

• Budget documents and reports

• Best practices and research

“This initiative will foster healthy competition and innovation among state legislatures while also bringing consistency in legislative practices and documentation,” Shri Birla remarked.

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Legislative Institutions Must Lead by Example

The Speaker stressed the importance of democratic conduct and ethical responsibility, drawing inspiration from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who said that the success of any constitution depends on the behavior of its citizens and institutions.

Shri Birla stated, “Legislative institutions—from Gram Panchayats to Vidhan Sabhas—must transform into centers of dialogue and solutions. Our debates must be constructive, our arguments grounded in facts, and our collective conduct should enhance the dignity of our democracy.”

He urged public representatives to meet the rising expectations of citizens through diligent governance, inclusive development, and respectful discourse.

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Himachal’s Legacy in Democratic Reforms Celebrated

Shri Birla paid tribute to Himachal Pradesh’s proud democratic heritage, recalling that the first Presiding Officers' Conference in 1921 was held in Shimla, laying the foundation for India’s evolving parliamentary practices.

He also lauded the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly for becoming the first paperless assembly in India, setting a benchmark for digital governance in legislative institutions. “The Himachali people are known for their patriotism and commitment to democratic values,” he noted, expressing confidence that the CPA Conference would help shape new legislative innovations and stronger democratic institutions.

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Focus on Development, Sustainability, and Inclusive Dialogue

In his address, Shri Birla underscored the importance of legislatures in shaping policies on:

• Development and infrastructure planning

• Environmental conservation and sustainable growth

• Public welfare and inclusive service delivery

He emphasized that while adopting modern tools, legislative bodies must remain rooted in dialogue, debate, and consensus-building, which are the pillars of India’s democratic ethos.

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Dignitaries and Participants from Across India

The conference witnessed participation from prominent dignitaries including:

• Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh

• Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha

• Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly

• Shri Harshwardhan Chauhan, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Himachal Pradesh

Presiding Officers and Members from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and the Himachal Pradesh Legislature were also in attendance.

The CPA Conference provided a crucial platform for inter-legislature dialogue, helping chart the course for more responsive, tech-savvy, and accountable governance across Indian states.

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Looking Ahead: A Vision for Future-Ready Legislatures

With India marching towards its centenary of independence in 2047, Shri Birla concluded by stressing the need for adaptive and futuristic legislative institutions that can meet 21st-century challenges.

“India’s diversity is its strength, and our legislatures must reflect this through inclusion, innovation, and integrity,” he said.