Om Birla Urges Newly Elected West Bengal MLAs to Uphold Democratic Values, Embrace Innovation and Work for Developed India
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday called upon the newly elected members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly to uphold the highest democratic traditions, embrace innovation, and work with dedication to fulfil the aspirations of the people. Addressing the inaugural session of a two-day Orientation Programme for newly elected MLAs, Birla said legislators play a vital role in strengthening democracy and shaping the future of both West Bengal and the nation.
Highlighting Bengal’s rich historical and cultural legacy, Birla said the state has produced some of India’s greatest visionaries who made remarkable contributions to spirituality, religion, culture, social reform and the country’s freedom struggle. He noted that Bengal gave a powerful voice to the independence movement through the inspiring slogan “Vande Mataram,” which became a symbol of patriotism and national awakening.
Describing the role of elected representatives as one of great responsibility, the Lok Sabha Speaker said every MLA is not only a representative of their constituency but also a custodian of the collective hopes and aspirations of the people of West Bengal. He urged legislators to work beyond political boundaries and focus on public welfare, inclusive development and good governance.
Birla advised newly elected MLAs to learn from experienced legislators and study the proceedings of previous Assembly sessions to better understand parliamentary practices and legislative procedures. He said continuous learning is essential for becoming an effective public representative and encouraged members to develop a strong desire to learn, understand complex issues and adopt innovative approaches in policymaking.
Referring to the rapid advancement of technology, Birla stressed that legislators must keep themselves updated with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital governance. He said digitalisation is transforming governance and public service delivery, making it essential for lawmakers to understand technological developments and use them effectively while framing policies and addressing citizens’ concerns.
The Lok Sabha Speaker also encouraged first-time legislators to spend as much time as possible inside the Assembly. He said members should actively participate in debates, carefully listen to the views and speeches of fellow legislators, and use every discussion as an opportunity to broaden their understanding of public issues. Healthy debate and informed discussions, he added, strengthen legislative institutions and improve the quality of governance.
Calling for the preservation and revival of West Bengal’s glorious heritage, Birla said the state must once again emerge as a centre of spiritual consciousness, cultural renaissance and intellectual leadership. He urged legislators to work collectively towards restoring Bengal’s historic legacy while ensuring balanced economic and social development.
Birla emphasised that democracy becomes stronger through meaningful dialogue, mutual respect and constructive discussions. Differences of opinion are natural in a democratic system, he said, but disagreements should never weaken democratic institutions or the tradition of respectful debate. Legislators, he added, should always maintain the dignity of the House and contribute to healthy democratic discourse.
Highlighting the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Birla said achieving the goal of a developed India requires the active contribution of every state, including West Bengal. He asserted that a Developed Bengal is essential for building a Developed India by the centenary of the country’s independence in 2047.
The Speaker further said the primary objective of every public representative should be to fulfil the expectations of the common people and improve the lives of the most disadvantaged sections of society. Public service, he noted, should remain the guiding principle of every elected representative, with special emphasis on ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last person in society.
The two-day Orientation Programme aims to familiarise newly elected MLAs with legislative procedures, parliamentary conventions, constitutional responsibilities and best practices in governance. The programme is designed to equip members with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their legislative duties effectively while contributing to stronger democratic institutions and better governance in West Bengal.
