Context:
• Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the 22nd CPA India Region, Zone–III Conference at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kohima.
• The conference gathered Speakers, Deputy Speakers, MPs, and MLAs from seven Northeastern states to deliberate on strengthening democratic institutions and legislative processes.
• The theme of the 2025 conference: “Policy, Progress, and Citizens: Legislature as Catalysts of Change.”
Key Highlights:
- Call for Responsible Parliamentary Conduct & Democratic Dignity
• Shri Om Birla appealed to all political parties to uphold the dignity of legislative institutions by ensuring peaceful and orderly proceedings.
• He cautioned against planned disruptions, noting they undermine democracy and deprive citizens of effective debate and accountability.
• Ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament (from 1 December 2025), he urged parties to ensure smooth conduct of House business. - Legislature as a Catalyst of Change
• Legislatures must translate public opinion into policy and ensure citizens’ aspirations are reflected in governance.
• Emphasized that democracy thrives through active public participation — true progress occurs when citizens are engaged in policymaking.
• Legislatures should be transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric, shaping welfare-oriented policies through informed debate. - Digital Transformation & Technological Integration
• Shri Birla highlighted the impact of technology in strengthening citizen engagement and modernizing legislatures.
• Praised Nagaland Legislative Assembly for becoming a fully paperless legislature, calling it a model of digital governance.
• Encouraged all legislative bodies to adopt live telecasts, citizen-friendly digital platforms, and outreach mechanisms for greater transparency.
• Urged responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency while safeguarding democratic integrity. - Centre–State Relations & Cooperative Federalism
• Stressed that while governments function within constitutional boundaries, collaboration between Centre and States is vital for effective policy outcomes.
• Noted that dialogue-based cooperation has improved infrastructure, connectivity, and service delivery across the Northeast.
• Advocated for inclusive and region-specific policymaking responsive to local priorities. - Sustainable Development & Climate Resilience in the Northeast
• Called for a comprehensive action plan for the holistic development of Northeastern states, factoring in geographical and climatic challenges.
• Urged policies integrating climate resilience, green infrastructure, and community participation for sustainable progress.
• Emphasized that the region’s development must balance growth with biodiversity and cultural preservation. - Strengthening Regional Identity & Economic Empowerment
• Praised Northeastern legislatures for fostering collective deliberation and transparency.
• Highlighted the region’s rapid progress in infrastructure and connectivity — road, rail, and air.
• Linked the regional growth vision with Prime Minister’s Act East Policy, positioning the Northeast as a hub of trade, culture, and connectivity.
• Encouraged promotion of local industries, crafts, and culture to advance Atmanirbhar Bharat and grassroots entrepreneurship. - Conference Outcomes & Cultural Diplomacy
• The two-day CPA Zone–III Conference is expected to produce recommendations to strengthen democratic institutions and legislative practices.
• Shri Birla extended greetings for Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, calling it a global celebration of culture and community spirit.
• Appreciated Nagaland’s hospitality and leadership, noting the event as a symbol of regional unity and collaborative governance.
Relevant Mains Points:
• GS2 – Governance & Polity:
- Upholding legislative dignity and ensuring constructive debate strengthens democratic accountability.
- Legislatures as policy catalysts embody deliberative democracy, ensuring inclusiveness in governance.
• GS2 – Federal Relations: - Highlights the role of Centre–State cooperation in regional development and effective federalism.
- Encourages participatory governance tailored to regional socio-economic needs.
• GS3 – Infrastructure & Sustainable Development: - Integrating digital transformation, climate resilience, and green infrastructure in policymaking aligns with SDG goals.
- Northeast’s development model can pioneer eco-sensitive growth and cultural preservation.
• GS4 – Ethics in Public Administration: - Emphasis on transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement reflects the ethical core of democratic governance.