New Delhi, Jan 16 (UNI) Asserting that the strength and relevance of democratic institutions depend on their ability to remain open and people-centric, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday said Parliaments can endure and command public trust only when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and fully accountable to citizens. He was delivering the valedictory address at the conclusion of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi.
“Transparency in decision-making fosters public trust, while inclusivity ensures that every voice—especially those on the margins of society—is heard and respected,” Birla said, adding that together these principles “sustain the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the enduring bond between the citizens and the State.”
The conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, concluded with a renewed collective commitment by Commonwealth legislatures to make democratic institutions more people-centric, accountable and effective. During the valedictory session, Birla formally handed over the chairmanship of the 29th CSPOC to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, and wished him success for the next conference to be held in London.
Reflecting on CSPOC’s 56-year journey, the Lok Sabha Speaker recalled that the forum was conceived to ensure continuous dialogue among Commonwealth legislatures and to explore innovative ways to enhance parliamentary efficiency and responsiveness. He said the 28th edition had carried this legacy forward “with renewed vigour and substance,” noting that it witnessed the largest-ever participation of countries in CSPOC’s history. This unprecedented representation, he said, would ensure that the New Delhi conference is remembered as “a significant milestone in the history of Commonwealth parliamentary cooperation.”
Birla said deliberations during the conference on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in Parliaments, the impact of social media, citizen engagement beyond elections, and the health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff were particularly thought-provoking. These discussions, he noted, provided greater clarity to Presiding Officers about their evolving roles at a time when democratic traditions are intersecting with rapid technological change.
“Technology, inclusion and global partnerships will shape the new world order,” Birla remarked, underlining that initiatives such as e-Parliament, paperless functioning and digital databases have significantly enhanced transparency, efficiency and responsiveness of legislatures. Responsible use of technology, including for linguistic inclusion, he said, is a key enabler of more citizen-centric Parliaments.
He also expressed confidence that bilateral meetings and informal interactions on the sidelines of the conference had further strengthened bonds of friendship and mutual understanding among member countries. Appreciating the “enthusiasm and constructive spirit” of all delegations, Birla said the discussions underscored the enduring relevance of CSPOC as a unique platform for collective reflection on strengthening parliamentary democracy.
The Lok Sabha Speaker conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating the conference at the historic Constitution House and for his address highlighting India’s rich democratic heritage and its commitment to the global community. He also acknowledged the presence and contributions of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Vice-President of India, whose interactions with Presiding Officers, he said, further enriched the conference.
Earlier in the day, chairing a Special Plenary Session, Birla observed that modern democracies face complex, multi-dimensional challenges alongside new opportunities. He stressed that the foremost duty of Presiding Officers is to continuously adapt democratic institutions to contemporary needs while remaining firmly anchored in constitutional values.
“The true relevance of Parliaments lies in their ability to respond to citizens’ expectations and aspirations,” he said, adding that meaningful debate directly enhances transparency, accountability and public trust.
Emphasising that both consensus and dissent are strengths of democracy, Birla said they must be expressed within the framework of parliamentary propriety. He described the role of the Presiding Officer as decisive in safeguarding the dignity of the House, ensuring impartiality and reinforcing institutional credibility.
“Parliaments belong to the people and must provide space for the voices of all sections of society, including the last person in the social hierarchy,” he said, calling for balanced use of House time and fair opportunities for all sides. Drawing attention to rising public expectations in the digital age, Birla also highlighted the pivotal role of Parliamentary Standing Committees—often referred to as “mini Parliaments”—in scrutinising legislation and the Budget. He urged Presiding Officers to further strengthen these committees and closely supervise legislative drafting, noting that parliamentary laws have far-reaching impacts on citizens’ lives.
The 28th CSPOC concluded on a note of optimism and solidarity, with delegates reaffirming their resolve to strengthen parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth through sustained dialogue, cooperation and innovation.
