Mizoram: NE witnessing "significant development", says Om Birla

Aizawl: Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla during his visit to Mizoram on Friday said that the northeastern region has recently witnessed a significant shift toward development.

Addressing the annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India zone-3 in Aizawl, Birla said that the work done in recent years to increase physical, digital and social connectivity has transformed the Northeast region from a marginal region to the first region. 

He said that the ongoing construction of railway lines, which is a crucial step towards enhancing infrastructure, improved roads and air connectivity are essential for the economic growth of the Northeast.

"Many foreign investors have already shown keen interest in India, and with better connectivity, the Northeast's untapped potential in agriculture, art, culture, and tourism could attract even more substantial investments," Birla said.

He further said that the Northeast region has a big role in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to develop the country.

The two-day CPA conference is being held in the Mizoram assembly. The event will conclude on Saturday. 

Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Nagaland assembly speaker and CPA zone-3 chairman Sharingain Longkumer, Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma, Mizoram assembly Lalbiakzama and other dignitaries from Mizoram and outside the state attended the event.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, ‘‘Democratic sanctity, transparency, accountability and results from democracy’, Birla observed that the sanctity and transparency of legislatures help in strengthening democracy which in turn increases the trust of the people in democratic institutions. 

"It is the duty of the elected representatives to be the people's voice in a democracy. We must strive to address their needs and requirements to the best of our ability," he said. 

He said that the graceful conduct of members of the legislatures ensures their efficient functioning.

Emphasizing fruitful discussions and dialogue in the Houses in accordance with the hopes and expectations of the public, Birla said that democracy is reinforced only when the legislatures, despite agreement and disagreement, collectively discuss and debate on matters of public interest.

 Birla suggested that elected representatives should use the houses to find solutions to the problems of the people.

"If members work with the commitment to the service of their constituents, the quality of lawmaking will also be enhanced and the dignity of legislative institutions will increase," he said.

Harivansh Narayan Singh and Lalduhoma also addressed the first day of the conference.