The 86th All India Presiding Officers Conference was inaugurated in Lucknow. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stressed the importance of a strong legislature, public trust, paperless assemblies and democratic dialogue.
Lucknow. The 86th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC) was inaugurated in a grand and dignified manner in the historic Assembly complex of the capital Lucknow. This three-day national conference organized with the message of ‘Strong Legislature-Prosperous Nation’ has become an important platform towards strengthening the democratic institutions of the country. Presiding officers of Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils from across the country are present together in the conference.
Important role of legislatures in strengthening democracy: Om Birla
On the inaugural occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla said that by the year 2026, all the assemblies of the country will become paperless and their proceedings are being telecast live. Through this, the public is getting direct information about the proceedings of the House.
He said that maintaining public trust and credibility is the biggest responsibility of the legislatures. Even though the members may be from different political parties and ideologies, the public wants their issues to be raised vigorously in the House. Shri Birla said that consent and dissent are the strengths of democracy, and India is proud to be the world’s largest democracy.
Image of Uttar Pradesh changed under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
Addressing the program, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana said that it is a matter of pride for the state that it has got the opportunity to host such a big national conference. Congratulating Governor Anandiben Patel, he said that under her patronage this event has become more dignified. Shri Mahana said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the image of Uttar Pradesh has changed in the last 9 years and a positive attitude towards the state has developed across the country.
Satish Mahana’s question on negative perception about politics
The Assembly Speaker said that after independence, the country has seen many such leaders who gave direction to the nation. Questioning the negative perception about politics, he said that only the one who understands every section of the society can become a leader. He told that even PhD holders, retired IAS-IPS officers, grassroots workers and sanitation workers come to the Assembly as MLAs and give direction to the society.
The legislature, executive and judiciary have their own limitations, but democracy progresses only with mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message was read
Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana read out the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the permission of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Expressing happiness over the 86th All India Presiding Officers Conference held in Lucknow, the Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for its successful organization. He said that dialogue and discussion are the basic foundations of democracy, which help in increasing transparency and respecting diverse opinions.
The conference started with lighting of the lamp and national anthem.
The conference was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp as per Sanatan tradition in the presence of Governor Anandiben Patel. On this occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Legislative Council Chairman Kunwar Manvendra Singh, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana and Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey were present. The program started with the national anthem and chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” echoed throughout the campus.
AIPOC is being organized in Lucknow for the fourth time
This is the fourth time that the All India Presiding Officers Conference is being organized in the capital Lucknow. Presiding Officers of Legislative Assemblies of 28 States, Union Territories and State Legislative Councils are participating in the conference.
Conference is a platform for introspection and self-improvement: Mata Prasad Pandey
Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey welcomed all the guests and said that this conference is a platform for introspection and self-improvement. He said that democracy is not just a medium to win elections, but a process of continuous dialogue between the government and the society. The Constitution is bigger than the government and citizens are above power.
Uttar Pradesh, Heartland of India: Harivansh
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that Lucknow is a symbol of culture and Uttar Pradesh is the heart state of India. Holy lands like Kashi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Naimisharanya, Chitrakoot and Sarnath are its identity. Praising the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, he said that Uttar Pradesh is becoming a state of opportunities and there has been a significant increase in the GDP of the state.
Cultural and historical glimpse of Uttar Pradesh seen in short films
During the programme, a short film based on the theme “How Uttar Pradesh is becoming the best state” was shown. The film depicted the pilgrimage sites of the state, contribution in the freedom struggle, Rani Lakshmibai, Ramprasad Bismil, Chandrashekhar Azad, traditions of Kashi and great personalities like Bismillah Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar and Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Intensive brainstorming on democracy will continue for three days
During the three-day conference, there will be detailed discussions on topics like legislative efficiency, use of technology, new era of education, accountability of legislature towards the public and developed India. This churning will spread the message of democratic strength from Uttar Pradesh to all the assemblies of the country.