Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed the inaugural ceremony of the silver jubilee celebrations marking 25 years of the Goa Legislative Assembly Building, emphasizing that strong democracies are built on dialogue, diverse views, and meaningful public participation. He stated that legislatures serve as forums for discussion, debate, and exchange of diverse views, and democracy strengthens when there is space for both agreement and disagreement within the legislative process.
Birla highlighted technology's role in enhancing public understanding of legislative processes by enabling citizens to access information about rules, laws, policies, debates, and committee work. He called for greater transparency and accessibility to deepen the connection between legislatures and people, urging healthy competition among state legislatures in adopting innovations, sharing best practices in technology, legislative procedures, and institutional reforms.
The Speaker stressed the importance of youth participation in democratic institutions, noting that India's youth are at the forefront of technology, education, research, and innovation. Their involvement in the legislative process would contribute to better policy and law formulation. He welcomed Goa Legislative Assembly's four-day program highlighting the history of the Goa Liberation Movement and the state's legislative journey, which would help connect young people with legislative institutions.
Birla acknowledged Goa's distinctive identity encompassing natural beauty, coastline, rich cultural heritage, and harmonious way of life. He congratulated present and former Chief Ministers, Speakers, Ministers, MPs, and MLAs who contributed to the state's socio-economic development over 25 years, particularly noting Goa's success in balancing industry, trade, tourism, and education development with preservation of heritage and natural environment.
The Speaker proposed that the silver jubilee should serve as an opportunity to envision the next 25 years, urging the Goa Legislative Assembly to prepare a forward-looking roadmap aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision. This roadmap should be developed with maximum participation of citizens, youth, and women, ensuring that democratic institutions become stronger, more accessible, accountable, responsive, and results-oriented. He emphasized that every citizen, particularly those at the last mile, should feel the Legislative Assembly represents and responds to their aspirations.
During the event, Birla released 'Customised My Stamp and Special Cover with Special Cancellation' of the Goa Legislative Assembly and Secretariat Building and felicitated eminent personalities. The event was attended by Goa Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant, Speaker Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Minister for Legislative Affairs Shri Mauvin Godinho, and Leader of Opposition Shri Yuri Alemao, among other dignitaries.