Democratic institutions must be transparent, inclusive: Om Birla

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Friday that democratic institutions remained strong and relevant when they were transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people.In his valedictory address to the 28th conference of Speakers and presiding officers of the Commonwealth, he said transparency fostered public trust by ensuring openness in decision-making, while inclusivity guaranteed every voice was heard and respected. "These principles sustain the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the enduring bond between the citizen and the state," he said.Birla also called upon representatives to raise public concerns in a disciplined manner, stressing that consensus and dissent were both stren-gths of democracy but must be expressed within the framework of parliamentary propriety. He said the true relevance of parliaments was in their ability to respond to citizens' expectations and aspirations, ensuring debates led to meaningful solutions.