CPA North Zone Conference Strengthened Democratic Dialogue, Focused on Future Challenges and Viksit Bharat Goals: Harivansh

Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Tuesday said that parliamentary conferences and regional forums are playing an important role in strengthening dialogue, cooperation and knowledge-sharing among elected representatives across the country, helping democratic institutions address national challenges more effectively.
Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the two-day Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II Conference in Chandigarh, Harivansh said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has been consistently working to promote greater interaction among lawmakers from Parliament and state legislatures.
He said the conference, organised under the aegis of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, provided a valuable platform for legislators from different political parties and ideological backgrounds to exchange ideas, discuss national issues and share best legislative practices.
According to Harivansh, nearly 40 speakers participated in the conference and deliberated on a wide range of subjects. Representatives from various states and political parties engaged in discussions with a common objective, resulting in the unanimous adoption of several important resolutions.
He said that apart from formal resolutions, an “unwritten commitment” emerged from the conference, reflecting the collective spirit of cooperation and mutual respect among participants. Delegates also expressed appreciation for the hospitality, arrangements and collaborative environment provided by the Haryana Legislative Assembly, the Haryana Government and the Chandigarh Administration.
The Deputy Chairman noted that decisions taken at CPA meetings and other parliamentary forums are regularly reviewed to assess progress and ensure effective implementation. Continuous consultations with state legislatures are also undertaken to strengthen such initiatives, he added.
Highlighting efforts to make legislative discussions more productive and result-oriented, Harivansh said recent years have witnessed significant attempts to improve parliamentary conferences and policy dialogues under the guidance of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
He pointed out that India has nearly 5,000 elected representatives, including Members of Parliament, MLAs and Legislative Council members, making institutional dialogue and cooperation essential for effective governance.
On the issue of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Harivansh said participants extensively discussed both the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies. He stressed the importance of leveraging AI and technological innovations in legislative institutions and governance systems.
“Technology can play a significant role in strengthening research support, information sharing, policy analysis and legislative efficiency,” he said.
Speaking at the press conference, Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan described the conference as a meaningful platform for strengthening democratic institutions, advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and deliberating on future governance challenges.
He said interactions among representatives from different political parties and ideologies helped build consensus on issues of public interest and reinforced democratic values.
Kalyan also highlighted the inauguration of the Parliamentary Research and Innovation Centre (PRIC) and the Constitution Gallery at the Haryana Legislative Assembly by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. He said the research centre would provide lawmakers with improved legislative and policy support, while the Constitution Gallery would help educate young people and citizens about constitutional values and democratic traditions.
The Assembly Speaker said delegates also appreciated the theatrical presentation titled “Constitution Ke Nayak”, which showcased the contributions of the Constitution’s framers and conveyed the significance of citizens’ rights and duties.
He added that three technical sessions were held during the conference, where legislators, presiding officers and experts discussed a variety of issues. Several key resolutions were adopted following these deliberations.
Kalyan said the conference concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen democratic institutions, encourage the responsible use of technological innovations and work together towards achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.
He also praised the coordinated efforts of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, Haryana Government and Chandigarh Administration in ensuring the successful organisation of the event in line with the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava”.