Legislators Must Drive Change from the Grassroots, Says Om Birla

Describing the current century as a period of rapid global change, Birla noted that many countries are facing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called the vision of Viksit Bharat a national commitment that requires participation from every citizen and institution. Speaking at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II (North Zone) Conference in Chandigarh, he said the country's development journey can succeed only when policies, welfare schemes, and budgetary decisions create meaningful improvements in the lives of people at the grassroots level.

Addressing legislators and parliamentary leaders from across the country, Birla stressed that elected representatives play a crucial role in bringing social change because they remain closely connected with local communities and their concerns. He said lawmakers must ensure that governance remains focused on public welfare while encouraging positive social transformation and stronger moral values.

The conference was attended by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahipal Dhanda, and representatives from several state legislatures.

India's Youth Strength Can Help Achieve Development Goals Earlier

Describing the current century as a period of rapid global change, Birla noted that many countries are facing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Despite these challenges, he said India continues to move forward through stable governance, strong institutions, and long-term policy planning.

He observed that India has carefully adapted global best practices to suit its own social and economic realities. According to him, the country's growing international standing has created fresh opportunities, making this an important moment for collective action.

Birla urged the creation of a nationwide public movement that encourages every citizen to feel personally connected to the goal of building a developed India. He expressed confidence that broad participation could help the country achieve its development targets even before 2047.

Highlighting the importance of India's young population, he said a demographic once viewed as a challenge has now become one of the nation's greatest strengths. He emphasized the need for quality education, skill development, and innovation-driven thinking so that young people can contribute more effectively to the country's progress. He also suggested that future laws and policies should reflect the aspirations of the younger generation.

Public Participation and Strong Institutions Key to Faster Progress

Birla underlined that democracy becomes stronger when citizens actively engage with public institutions. He said legislative debates and policy discussions should inspire confidence among people that their concerns are being represented effectively in elected bodies.

According to him, stronger public participation generates new ideas, practical solutions, and diverse perspectives that can accelerate development. Whether at the level of village councils, municipalities, state assemblies, or Parliament, citizen involvement remains essential for meaningful progress.

The Lok Sabha Speaker also pointed to the importance of transparent governance and a stable legal framework. States with clear policies and predictable laws attract greater investment because businesses and investors seek certainty and continuity. Maintaining such stability, he said, is a key responsibility of governments and legislatures. The two-day conference has brought together presiding officers and legislative representatives from several states, including Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, and West Bengal. Discussions are focusing on the role of society and elected representatives in addressing future challenges and advancing the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Before the conference began, Birla inaugurated the Parliamentary Research and Information Center (PRIC) at the Haryana Legislative Assembly, a facility expected to strengthen research support for legislators. Delegates attending the event are also using e-buses for transportation, highlighting the conference's focus on sustainable practices.