Kolkata, Jul 4 (PTI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday asked public representatives to be the voice of the last person in society, and said leadership is built through reasoned arguments and constructive ideas, not sloganeering, disruptions or legislative deadlocks.
Addressing the valedictory session of a two-day orientation programme for the newly elected MLAs of the West Bengal Assembly, Birla also said that public representatives derive their strength from the trust reposed in them by citizens.
Elected representatives are expected to raise the concerns, challenges and aspirations of the people and work towards finding solutions through democratic institutions, he said.
“Leadership is built through reasoned arguments, facts and constructive
ideas and not through sloganeering, disruptions or legislative deadlocks,” Birla said.
His remarks bear significance ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which will begin on July 20 and continue till August 13.
Parliament has seen long disruptions of proceedings due to opposition protests and sloganeering on different issues, leading to adjournments and virtually no work for days in several past sessions.
Stressing that legislatures are forums for discussions, deliberations and solutions, the Lok Sabha speaker urged the MLAs to enrich the quality of parliamentary discourse and ensure that debates in the House contribute to addressing public concerns and advancing the development of the state.
He said that democratic institutions derive their strength from informed dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to public welfare.
Birla also expressed confidence that the members would justify the faith reposed in them by the people of Bengal through dedicated public service and responsible conduct.
He said that MLAs are not merely representatives of their constituencies but stakeholders in the overall development and future of the state.
The speaker also urged the members to adopt a broad and inclusive vision while discharging their responsibilities and work collectively towards shaping policies, laws and developmental initiatives capable of providing a new direction to Bengal.
Bengal’s rich spiritual, intellectual and cultural heritage has consistently guided the nation and continues to inspire India’s democratic and developmental journey, he said.
Appreciating the enthusiastic participation of members in the two-day programme, Birla observed that learning, sharing experiences and exchanging ideas are continuous processes in public life.
He noted that there can be no pause in learning and that legislators must constantly update themselves in an era marked by rapid technological and digital transformation.
He urged the members to carry forward the knowledge and insights gained during the programme and apply them in their legislative responsibilities.
Birla also urged them to effectively utilise legislative forums to articulate the concerns and expectations of people.
Every voice raised in the House represents the aspirations and challenges of citizens and should be viewed as an opportunity to improve governance and bring about positive changes in society, he said.
The speaker also emphasised that governments should positively consider the constructive suggestions and concerns raised by the legislators, as solutions emerge when diverse viewpoints are heard and addressed.
Calling upon the legislators to maintain simplicity in life, humility in conduct and transparency in public affairs, Birla said that public trust is the greatest strength of democratic institutions.
He said that popularity and respect in public life are earned not through position or authority but through sincerity, integrity, accessibility and service.
Birla also urged the members to strengthen the trust reposed in them by the people through ethical conduct and accountable public service.
The speaker expressed confidence that the MLAs would work towards enhancing the quality of debates and deliberations in the Assembly and carry forward its rich democratic traditions.
He also encouraged the legislators to seek public feedback on laws and policies and actively contribute suggestions that make governance more responsive, transparent and citizen-centric.
Birla urged the members to dedicate themselves to the cause of public welfare and ensure that the benefits of governance reach every section of society, especially the last person in the queue.
The orientation programme featured sessions on legislative functioning, parliamentary conventions and etiquette, executive accountability, committee systems, legislative processes, financial and budgetary procedures, parliamentary privileges and ethics, and digital legislative initiatives.
The valedictory session was also attended by Bengal Governor R N Ravi and Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, among others. PTI ACB ARI
