Presiding officers remind lawmakers that their legislature conduct should reflect values and responsibility

The plenary session of the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, India Region Conference, being held here sought to remind legislators that their conduct in the House must reflect the values of respect and responsibility towards the public.

Speakers of various State Legislative Assemblies said that healthy debates, based on facts and sound reasoning, were essential for keeping the executive in check and for ensuring that policies aligned with public expectations.

The speakers stressed that debates in legislature helped in framing policies that represented the diverse voices of the nation, ensuring that governance remained accountable and inclusive.

The session was chaired by the Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj S. Horatti. Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surabha Padhy, and Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa participated in the debate.

They stressed that disruptions in legislature proceedings and insufficient debate on key issues undermined public confidence and hindered the democratic progress. The importance of ensuring proper discussion time for Bills, improving the quality of debates and addressing the challenges of limited sitting days were also discussed.

It was reiterated that the success of democracy depended not just on economic growth but also on social justice and inclusive participation. The conference concludes on Saturday.