Frequent disruptions in legislatures pose a serious challenge to democratic institutions: Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) that frequent interruptions and disruptions in the Houses of Parliament and the State Assemblies pose a serious challenge to democratic institutions. He underlined that the solution to this problem lies within the legislative institutions themselves, urging them to promote conduct aligned with public expectations, dialogue, and meaningful discussion.

He was speaking at the second conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II (North Zone), which concluded in Chandigarh.

He called on the public representatives to ensure that their conduct in legislative institutions is exemplary, so that the welfare of the last person in society can be secured. “Society is shaped by the conduct and behaviour of its leadership. The public has elected and sent us here, hence our conduct has a direct impact on society,” he said.

‘Public cooperation essential’

Mr. Birla said the conference concluded with four important resolutions aimed at making legislative institutions more effective, accountable, and people-centric. They form a strong foundation for the future, through which the legislative and democratic institutions of the country will progress with public cooperation, he said.

“The dream of a developed India, ‘Viksit Bharat’, is anchored on strong parliamentary and legislative institutions. To achieve this, it is absolutely essential to increase public participation, maximise the use of technology, enhance the capacity of legislators, ensure the involvement of citizens in framing policies and laws, and raise awareness toward the Constitution and constitutional institutions,” he added.

‘Centre, States must work together’

In India’s federal structure, the States and the Centre can fulfill the aspirations of the people only by working together through schemes, laws, and policies, he said. “The 21st century is India’s century, and we must move forward by keeping the aspirations of the youth, women, and all sections of society at the centre,” he said.

Presiding Officers from the legislatures of 12 States participated in this two-day CPA India Region Zone-II (North Zone) conference. In addition to the member States of CPA Zone-II — Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi — Presiding Officers from other State legislatures, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and West Bengal, also participated.