245/2024-2025

Dated Aizawl, the 27th September, 2024: The 21st Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region Zone-III started today in the Mizoram Legislative Assembly Session Hall at Aizawl. The conference was graced by the Hon'ble Speaker of Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla, who is also the Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, India Region. Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Assembly and Chairman of India Region Zone - III and Shri Lalduhoma, Chief Minister, Mizoram also graced the first Session of the CPA India Region Zone-III Conference.

In his inaugural speech, Shri Om Birla said that the northeastern region has recently witnessed a significant shift toward development. He remarked that upon his arrival in Aizawl yesterday, he had observed the ongoing construction of a railway line, a crucial step toward enhancing infrastructure, and that improved road and air connectivity was essential for the economic growth of the Northeast and the country as a whole. Many foreign investors have already shown keen interest in India, and with better connectivity, the Northeast's untapped potential in agriculture, art, culture, and tourism could attract even more substantial investments, he said.

The Lok Sabha Speaker continued to say that as elected representatives of the people, it was their duty to be the people's voice in a democracy. "We must strive to address their needs and requirements to the best of our ability," he said. Adding that it was equally important to maintain the sanctity and smooth functioning of the legislative assembly, Shri Om Birla said that every debate in the House should be constructive, upholding the values of democracy and contributing positively to the nation's development.

In his address, Shri Lalduhoma, Chief Minister, Mizoram said that legislative sanctity builds trust between the government and its citizens. When people believe that laws are made fairly, transparently, and in their best interest, they are more likely to engage with and support democratic processes, he added. It reinforces the principle of the rule of law, ensuring that laws apply equally to all citizens and that justice is accessible. This principle is fundamental to maintaining peace and order in society. Shri Laduhoma also reiterated that strong legislative frameworks enable effective governance and when laws are clear, consistent, and well-enforced, they facilitate efficient administration and accountability.

In today's inaugural session, Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, also addressed the gathering. Shri Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Assembly and Chairman of India Region Zone - III, delivered the keynote address, while Shri Lalbiakzama, Speaker of the Mizoram Assembly, delivered the welcome address.

The plenary session and deliberation on the topic of 'Inclusion of the Northeast Region in the India-ASEAN vision for Trade and Cooperation' followed in the afternoon.

The theme of this conference is 'Fostering the Legislative Sanctity'.