Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed the Valedictory Session of the two-day Orientation Programme for Members of the 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly on July 4, 2026. The program was organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), Lok Sabha Secretariat, in collaboration with the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
Shri Birla emphasized that meaningful democratic dialogue lies at the heart of effective legislative functioning, stating that leadership is built through reasoned arguments, facts, and constructive ideas rather than sloganeering, disruptions, or legislative deadlocks. He stressed that legislatures are forums for discussion, deliberation, and solutions, and urged Members to enrich the quality of parliamentary discourse to address public concerns and advance state development.
The Speaker called upon Members to become the voice of the last person in society and work toward fulfilling people's aspirations, noting that public representatives derive strength from citizen trust. He stated that Members of Legislative Assemblies are not merely constituency representatives but stakeholders in the overall development and future of the State, urging them to adopt a broad and inclusive vision while discharging responsibilities.
Shri Birla emphasized that public trust is the greatest strength of democratic institutions, advising legislators to maintain simplicity in life, humility in conduct, and transparency in public affairs. He expressed confidence that West Bengal would once again provide leadership and direction to the nation, referencing the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and noting that India's development is intrinsically linked to state development.
The Orientation Programme featured intensive sessions on legislative functioning, parliamentary conventions and etiquette, executive accountability, committee systems, legislative processes, financial and budgetary procedures, parliamentary privileges and ethics, and digital legislative initiatives. Eminent Presiding Officers, parliamentarians, and parliamentary experts from across the country participated as Chairpersons, Speakers, and Resource Persons.
The valedictory session was attended by Governor of West Bengal Shri R, Governor of Haryana Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Shri Rathindra Bose, Ministers of the Government of West Bengal, Members of Parliament, Members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, and other distinguished dignitaries.
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