Urban Local Bodies Play Crucial Role in Building a Developed Nation: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

Chandigarh, July 3 — Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday underlined the crucial role of urban local bodies in strengthening democracy and contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047. He urged urban representatives to adopt innovative practices, effective governance, and practical skills to fulfil their responsibilities towards making India’s cities among the cleanest and most beautiful in the world.

Speaking at the inauguration of the first two-day National Conference on Urban Local Bodies held at the ICAT-2 campus auditorium in Manesar, Birla said urban local bodies represent the smallest yet most impactful units of the nation, directly addressing public issues and playing a pivotal role in nation-building.

The conference was inaugurated ceremonially with the lighting of the lamp by Speaker Om Birla, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel, and Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh, among other dignitaries.

Om Birla emphasized that urban representatives, with a positive outlook, can bring dynamic changes in urban areas. He said that urban local bodies are moving forward robustly, providing direction for India’s democratic institutions to grow stronger while shaping a bright future. He expressed confidence that the deliberations, dialogue, innovative practices, and collective experiences shared over the two days would contribute significantly towards realizing the dream of a new, developed India.

He further highlighted that urban local bodies play an invaluable role by listening to citizens at the grassroots level and ensuring their issues are resolved. He said that while Lok Sabha and state assemblies frame laws and ensure their implementation through the executive, urban and panchayati institutions serve as vital bridges connecting democracy directly with the people.

“Local self-governance is the strongest pillar of democracy,” Birla asserted. “Urban local bodies are essential for deepening democracy and ensuring that its benefits reach every corner of the nation.”