Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, inaugurated a two-day orientation programme for the members of the Delhi legislative assembly on Tuesday. The event aimed at equipping the legislators with the knowledge and skills required for effective governance and legislative procedures.

The inaugural session was attended by Vijender Gupta, Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, along with Delhi government ministers and members of the Delhi legislative assembly.

In his inaugural address, Lok Sabha Speaker, praised the Delhi legislative assembly for its transition into a democratic system in the new India. He urged the members to strive towards making the Delhi assembly a model legislature that sets standards for others to follow.

Birla emphasized the importance of maintaining a smooth functioning of the Assembly, saying, “There should not be deadlock in the House. Dissent should be expressed in a dignified manner, with meaningful dialogue.” He also stressed that the expectations and aspirations of the public from the new government are exceptionally high, highlighting the critical role that Delhi’s elected representatives play in meeting those expectations.

“The public representatives of Delhi are accountable not just to the people of Delhi but to the entire nation, which will closely observe their work,” Birla said.

The Lok Sabha Speaker further underscored that to be an effective public representative, legislators must have an in-depth knowledge of the Constitution, the rules, and procedures of the House. He advised the members to actively participate in the House discussions to improve their understanding and effectiveness as public representatives.

“To discharge the responsibilities of a public representative effectively, one must constantly work to improve their capacity and efficiency,” said Birla, adding that the importance of the Question Hour and other legislative tools cannot be overstated. Members would only be able to take full advantage of these processes if they are well-versed in the rules and procedures of the House.

He also highlighted the vital role of committees, describing them as “mini assemblies,” and encouraged members to actively participate in their meetings.

Speaking about the role of the Opposition, the Lok Sabha Speaker emphasized the need for a positive and constructive approach, stating, “The foundation of democracy is based on dialogue and consensus.”