Om Birla Calls for Greater Public Participation in Democracy

• Om Birla calls for stronger public participation in democracy
• Technology and youth urged to strengthen legislative institutions
• State Assemblies encouraged to share innovations and best practices
• Goa Assembly urged to prepare a 25-year roadmap

GG News Bureau
Panaji, 7th Oct: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called for stronger public participation in democratic institutions, saying that healthy democracies depend on dialogue, diverse viewpoints and meaningful engagement with citizens. He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Silver Jubilee celebrations marking 25 years of the Goa Legislative Assembly building.

The celebrations were inaugurated by Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Birla said legislatures must remain spaces where agreement and disagreement can coexist, with different perspectives finding room in the legislative process.

He stressed that India’s democratic strength has been shaped by institutions capable of accommodating diverse opinions and viewpoints. He also highlighted the responsibility of elected representatives to remain connected to people, particularly in smaller states such as Goa, where representatives have relatively close interaction with citizens.

Technology can bring legislatures closer to people
Birla said technology can make legislative processes easier for citizens to understand by improving access to information on laws, rules, policies, legislative debates and committee proceedings.

He called for greater transparency and accessibility and urged State legislatures to learn from one another by sharing best practices in technology, legislative procedures and institutional reforms.

The Speaker also called for a “healthy competition” among State legislatures in adopting innovations that can strengthen democratic institutions.

Youth participation seen as key to future policymaking
Birla emphasised the need to bring more young people into democratic institutions. He noted that India’s youth are already active in technology, education, research and innovation and said their greater participation in legislative processes could contribute to better policies and laws.

He welcomed the Goa Assembly’s four-day programmes highlighting the history of the Goa Liberation Movement and the legislative journey of the state, saying such initiatives could help young people better understand democratic institutions.

Goa’s development and heritage
Birla highlighted Goa’s distinctive identity, noting its natural beauty, coastline, cultural heritage and way of life. He said the state had faced the challenge of promoting industry, trade, tourism and education while protecting its heritage and natural environment.

He credited successive governments and elected representatives for contributing to Goa’s socio-economic development through legislation, policies and public-oriented initiatives.

The Speaker said the Assembly’s Silver Jubilee should look beyond its past achievements and provide an opportunity to plan for the next 25 years.

He urged the Goa Legislative Assembly to prepare a forward-looking roadmap aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, with greater participation from citizens, youth and women.

Birla said democratic institutions over the next 25 years should become more accessible, accountable, responsive and results-oriented, with citizens at the centre of the legislative process.

During the programme, Birla released a Customised My Stamp and Special Cover with Special Cancellation commemorating the Goa Legislative Assembly and Secretariat building and felicitated eminent personalities.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Assembly Speaker Dr Ganesh Gaonkar, Legislative Affairs Minister Mauvin Godinho, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and other dignitaries also addressed the gathering.