Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan inaugurated the 6th Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) of India Region in Patna today. The 2-day conference will discuss subjects of ‘Parliament’s role in the development agenda’ and ‘Legislature and Judiciary’. Over 100 delegates from India and abroad, including Australia, Britain and Uganda, will participate in the conference. Speakers of State Assemblies, Chairpersons of Legislative Councils and delegates from across the country will also take part.
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and former Union Minister Murli Manohar Joshi will deliver key note address at the two plenary sessions of the event. Addressing the conference, Mrs Mahajan said, there should not be any politics in development. She said, development is meant for society and it is not an achievement of any particular party. The Lok Sabha Speaker stressed for sustainable development for all sections of society. She urged Legislative and Executive to give way for effective participation of civil societies in the democratic process.
The Chairperson of CPA Executive Committee Emilia Lifaka pitched for participation of state and non-state actors to achieve the goals of sustainable development. She said, efforts are needed to increase representation of women in Parliament and Legislature.