Develop Delhi Vidhan Sabha as ‘model’ Assembly: Speaker Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday emphasised the need to develop the Delhi Vidhan Sabha as a “model” Assembly, urging newly elected MLAs to adopt modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance legislative efficiency.

Speaking during the inauguration of a two-day orientation programme for Delhi legislators at the Assembly, Birla highlighted the high expectations that citizens have from their representatives and the new government.

“Delhi, as the national capital, represents a ‘mini-India,’ with people from diverse linguistic, cultural and religious backgrounds. It is the responsibility of the legislators to meet their aspirations through infrastructure development and social welfare,” he said.

The orientation programme, conducted by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), aims to equip MLAs with insights into parliamentary rules and legislative practices.

The inaugural session was attended by Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Leader of Opposition Atishi, Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht and Delhi MPs.

Birla emphasised the importance of active participation in legislative business, stating that a good orator is also the best listener. He encouraged MLAs to utilise AI for capacity building and effective communication, stressing that technology can improve both dialogue and decision-making.

“The Delhi Assembly should be developed as a model legislature by integrating maximum use of technology and enhancing the skills of its members,” he said.

The Speaker also underscored the need for legislators to master legislative drafting and familiarise themselves with rules and regulations to work efficiently for public welfare. He urged them to be innovative in problem-solving, ensuring transparency, honesty and accountability in governance.

Emphasising the role of the Assembly as a forum for discussion and consensus, Birla said disagreements should be handled through meaningful debate rather than leading to a deadlock.

Over the next five years, he said, MLAs must strive to find effective solutions to Delhi’s pressing challenges, ensuring that governance remains responsive, efficient and people-centric.