GUWAHATI, Oct 9 - Parliament is one of the key institutions in a democratic system of governance which has a critical role to play in promoting democracy and good governance, Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi said today.
Speaking during the valedictory function of the 17th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region, Zone III, held here, Prof Mukhi said that as the democratically elected representatives of the people, parliamentarians have the task to ensure government �of the people, by the people and for the people�.
�Parliamentary Democracy envisions to help the members of Parliament or State Legislatures in playing more effective role in law making, parliamentary debates, delivering governance and to respond to ever increasing issues of national and public importance to champion the cause of public welfare,� he said.
Expressing happiness that the CPA conference was held in Guwahati, Prof Mukhi said that the participation of delegates in the event demonstrated the region�s keen interests in furthering the ideals and values of the CPA in this part of the country.
�It is matter of great pleasure that CPA aims to endorse ethical practices and traditions of Parliamentary Democracy among the Commonwealth nations. This Association is the fusion of diversity of languages, values, culture, creed, colours, tastes, tradition and religion that foster the excellent bond amongst the Commonwealth Nations. It is also heartening that CPA brings together all the components through its conferences to familiarize the forces and legacies of each other to set an agenda for its forward march,� he said.
The Governor added, �I hope CPA India Region, Zone III which comprises of eight North Eastern states becomes a hub for good Parliamentary practices and development, to connect the North Eastern India with rest of the country through a spirit of cooperative federalism. It should also strive to strengthen the knowledge of constitutional, legislative, economic, social and cultural traditions to help the newly elected law makers to imbibe values of Parliamentary Democracy in them.�
He said that the very purpose of CPA exists to connect, develop, promote and support parliamentarians and legislators to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth.
�Thus, for imparting training and guidance for the newly elected parliamentarians and legislators for the matter, the North East Chapter of Speaker�s Research Initiative (SRI) which was inaugurated only yesterday can also play a major role... The North East wing of SRI, Lok Sabha, will definitely pave the way for the holistic growth and progress of the Legislative System as a whole for the entire region. I am sure SRI will seek to assist legislators in playing a more effective role in law making, parliamentary debates, good and responsive governance and respond to the ever increasing complex issues of national and international importance. This collective effort of the Presiding Officers of the North Eastern region is an exemplary one for the progress of the CPA India Zone III,� said Prof Mukhi.
He said that over the years the institution of Commonwealth has played a crucial role in promoting mutual cooperation and consultation among the members in all spheres of human life.
�The CPA aims at building an informed parliamentary community and facilitating cooperation among the law makers across the Commonwealth,� said the Governor.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly Hitendra Nath Goswami said that empowerment of legislators is of paramount importance to ensure good governance and assured that CPA India Region, Zone III, will focus on that aspect.
He said that focus must also be to ensure more representation of women in the Legislative Assemblies of the North Eastern states.
Goswami said that next annual conference of CPA India Region, Zone III, will be held at Itanagar in October next year and added that a decision has been taken to hold at least one or two Executive Committee meetings between two annual conferences.
He added that plans are also afoot to invite a delegation from CPA International to Assam.
The valedictory function was also addressed by Assam Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Chandra Mohan Patowary.
