Prime Minister Modi opened the 28th Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference (CSPOC) today at the Parliament House. He noted that the location where everyone is seated is significant in India’s democratic history.
He mentioned that during the final years of colonial rule, when India’s independence was already determined, the Constitution Assembly meetings were held in this very Central Hall to draft India’s Constitution. After independence, this building served as India’s Parliament for 75 years. Many discussions and decisions about India’s future took place in this hall. Committed to democracy, India has named this place the Constitution House.
Five key issues PM Modi discussed at the conference
A session led by Malaysia will focus on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in parliamentary work. It will consider how to maintain oversight and balance while embracing new technologies.
A session presented by Sri Lanka will look at how social media influences the work, conduct, and public image of lawmakers.
A joint session with Nigeria and South Africa will discuss how to improve public participation in parliament and democracy beyond just voting. One session will tackle issues related to the safety, health, and working conditions of MPs and parliamentary staff.
A special plenary session will explore in detail the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in strengthening democratic institutions.
The conference will run from Jan 14 to 16
Before the conference, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired a meeting of the Standing Committee on Wednesday. The 28th CSPOC is hosted by the Indian Parliament from January 14 to 16 and is the largest CSPOC so far in terms of participation.
Most of the work will be done online, and there will be no use of paper. In a press conference on Monday, Om Birla said that the conference would focus on shared parliamentary values, democratic governance, and cooperation. He emphasized that most conference-related tasks were completed online.
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