Chandigarh: Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh, stated said under the leadership of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, sustained efforts are being made to strengthen dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing among legislators across the country. He said that various parliamentary conferences and regional forums are providing valuable opportunities for Members of Parliament and State Legislatures to exchange best practices, discuss national challenges, and collectively work towards strengthening democratic institutions.
Addressing a press conference at the conclusion of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II Conference along with Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan and Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody, Harivansh said nearly 40 speakers participated in the two-day event and representatives from various political parties and ideological backgrounds engaged in serious discussions with a common objective and unanimously endorsed important resolutions.
He further said that apart from the formal resolutions, an “unwritten resolution” emerged as a major achievement of the conference. All delegates unanimously expressed their gratitude to Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, officials associated with the event, the Haryana Government, UT Administration and everyone who contributed to the successful organization of the conference. He added that all visiting delegates appreciated the warm hospitality, excellent arrangements, and constructive atmosphere provided in Haryana and collectively conveyed their thanks.
He further stated that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and other parliamentary forums regularly review the decisions taken in previous meetings to assess progress, identify gaps, and ensure effective implementation. Continuous consultations with state legislatures are undertaken to further strengthen these initiatives and improve their outcomes.
Referring to the leadership of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Harivansh said significant efforts have been made in recent years to make parliamentary conferences and legislative interactions more effective and meaningful. He noted that one of the key initiatives under Sh. Birla’s guidance has been to enhance dialogue and cooperation among nearly 5,000 legislators, including Members of Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils across the country. These interactions provide a valuable platform for discussing issues of national importance and sharing best practices among legislatures.
He informed that CPA India Region has been divided into various zones to ensure broader participation and provide greater opportunities for legislators to contribute their views. The Zone-II Conference hosted by Haryana brought together delegates from Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab.
In response to a question, Harivansh also highlighted several national conferences organized in recent years under the guidance of the Lok Sabha Speaker, including conferences of Estimates Committees, Public Accounts Committees, Welfare Committees, and Committees on Empowerment of Women. These forums enable legislators from Parliament and State Legislatures to deliberate on common challenges and explore solutions for improving legislative functioning and governance.
On the subject of AI, he said that delegates extensively discussed both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies. Special emphasis was placed on the positive and responsible use of this evolving technology in legislative institutions and governance. He noted that technology can significantly strengthen research support, information sharing, policy analysis, and legislative effectiveness when used appropriately.
Responding to questions regarding parliamentary functioning, Harivansh said that discussions at conferences of Presiding Officers and CPA forums primarily focus on improving legislative processes, addressing challenges faced by legislatures, and ensuring that democratic institutions function more effectively. He emphasized that despite political differences, all legislators represent the people and are committed to strengthening democratic governance through dialogue and cooperation.
He also pointed out that a long-established parliamentary convention ensures that political parties are allotted speaking time in proportion to their numerical strength in the House. This arrangement helps ensure that all viewpoints are adequately represented and that every section of the House has an opportunity to participate in debates and discussions.
Extensive Deliberations on Democratic Empowerment, Viksit Bharat-2047 and Technological Innovation at CPA Zone-II Conference: Harvinder Kalyan
Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said the two-day North Zone Conference proved to be an important platform for meaningful deliberations on strengthening democratic institutions, realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat-2047, and addressing future challenges.
Kalyan said that the conference serves as a platform where public representatives belonging to different political parties and ideologies engage in serious discussions on issues related to democratic empowerment and public welfare. He noted that when representatives with diverse perspectives deliberate on a common subject, meaningful conclusions and significant resolutions emerge.
The Speaker further informed that prior to the inaugural session, the Parliamentary Research and Innovation Centre (PRIC) and the Constitution Gallery were inaugurated at the Haryana Vidhan Sabha. He said that the Research and Innovation Centre would enable the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat to provide enhanced research and legislative support to Members in the future. The Constitution Gallery, meanwhile, will play an important role in creating awareness among students, youth and visitors about the Constitution, democratic institutions and parliamentary traditions.
Kalyan said that a theatrical presentation titled “Samvidhan Ke Nayak” was also organized during the conference and received appreciation from delegates representing various states. The presentation effectively highlighted the contributions of the makers of the Constitution, its objectives, and the rights and duties of citizens.
Kalyan stated that three major technical sessions were organized on the second day of the conference, during which deliberations continued for nearly five and a half hours. Around 40 members, presiding officers and delegates shared their views during these sessions. Several important resolutions were adopted following the discussions.
The Speaker also informed that a special session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) would be organized for legislators prior to the valedictory session. The session would focus on how public representatives can utilize AI to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness while also understanding the precautions required for its responsible use.
Kalyan said that in keeping with the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, the Government of Haryana and the Chandigarh Administration jointly ensured excellent arrangements for the conference. He added that all concerned departments and officials worked with dedication to ensure that delegates from across the country return with positive memories of Haryana.
