Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday emphasized that policies and laws enacted by legislatures must align with the aspirations and evolving needs of the younger generation, asserting that India’s demographic strength can accelerate the country’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II Conference hosted by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh, Birla called for greater public participation in governance and a nationwide mass movement to achieve the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Addressing delegates from several state legislatures, Birla said the success of India’s development agenda depends on ensuring that every citizen feels personally involved in nation-building. He expressed confidence that the country could achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation before 2047 if the collective strength of its people, particularly the youth, is effectively harnessed. He stressed the importance of skill development, quality education and innovation-driven thinking to transform India’s large youth population into a powerful engine of growth.

Highlighting the significance of democratic participation, Birla said legislative institutions must strengthen public trust through meaningful debates and transparent decision-making. He noted that citizens should feel that legislative houses truly represent their voices and concerns. According to him, laws and policies framed by elected representatives must always be guided by national interest while encouraging broader public engagement. Increased participation at every level of governance, from village councils to Parliament, can generate fresh ideas and accelerate social and economic progress, he added.

Also Read: 20 TMC MPs Wrote To Om Birla Seeking NDA Entry, Claims Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar

Birla also pointed to the rapidly changing global landscape, marked by geopolitical uncertainties and emerging challenges, and said India continues to advance due to its long-term planning, stable governance and strong legal framework. He noted that the country has consistently adapted global best practices to suit its own social and economic realities. As India gains greater international recognition and influence, he said, this is the time for collective efforts and shared responsibility to strengthen democratic institutions and drive inclusive development.

The conference brought together presiding officers and representatives from legislatures across 12 states and union territories, including Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim and West Bengal. Discussions during the event are focused on the theme of strengthening public participation and preparing democratic institutions to address future challenges while contributing to the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also addressed the gathering, highlighted emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, climate change, energy security and social inequality as key areas requiring legislative attention. He said Haryana has adopted the Viksit Bharat vision through concrete policy initiatives, including the creation of a Department of Future in 2025 to proactively address long-term challenges. Saini also announced plans for a special Chintan Shivir for Haryana legislators to discuss constituency-specific development strategies and prepare a roadmap for a developed state aligned with the national vision.

Also Read: Rekha Gupta Urges Youth To Take Lead In Building Viksit Bharat