On the occasion of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly completing 68 years of its remarkable journey, a special one-day session was convened. Addressing the House, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar highlighted the significant role state legislatures play in strengthening the democratic framework and praised the Assembly’s illustrious history in upholding parliamentary traditions.

Speaker Tomar recounted that after India gained independence on August 15, 1947, the reorganization of states in 1956 led to the formation of Madhya Pradesh. The first session of the newly formed Assembly commenced on December 17, 1956. He emphasized that over the past seven decades, the Assembly has taken numerous historic decisions that have contributed to the development of the state and the welfare of its citizens. "Today, under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are working swiftly towards the vision of a ‘Developed India.’ In the words of Kunji Lal Dubey, Madhya Pradesh is emerging as the pride of the nation," Tomar stated.

Highlighting the Assembly's role in governance, Tomar said the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly has consistently worked towards good governance and the welfare of its people by adhering to parliamentary rules, traditions, and processes. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Assembly's former speakers, deputy speakers, chief ministers, opposition leaders, ministers, committee chairpersons, members, and Assembly staff.

Tomar also emphasized the Assembly’s efforts towards women's empowerment, noting the decision to include questions from women members and first-time legislators during every session's Question Hour on Tuesdays. On this occasion as well, seven women members' starred questions were addressed.

Further, the Speaker elaborated on the Assembly's public-centric initiatives, citing the "Applications and Petitions Committee." Any citizen whose grievances remain unresolved at the administrative level can approach this committee with evidence for redressal.

To empower new legislators, Tomar mentioned a special initiative where first-time MLAs' questions during Zero Hour are given top priority. Provisions have been made for their questions to be accepted on the same day they are submitted, setting a new precedent in the 16th Assembly. Another innovative step ensures that responses to pending questions are not nullified when the Assembly term ends, with a review process carried out by the Questions and References Committee.

Tomar underscored the importance of integrating technology to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Assembly proceedings. Initiatives such as the e-Vidhan portal and mobile app have been launched to modernize and digitize the Assembly's operations, enabling it to become fully high-tech.

Reflecting on the Constitution's 75th anniversary in 2024, Tomar recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to Parliament outlining 11 resolutions. He urged Assembly members to uphold these resolutions both as citizens and representatives of the legislature.

The Speaker emphasized collaboration between the government and opposition to ensure the smooth functioning of the House and called for more extensive participation in such special sessions in the future.

In the special session, Deputy Chief Ministers Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Deora, Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar, former Assembly Speakers Dr. Sitasaran Sharma and Girish Gautam, former Deputy Speaker Rajendra Singh, and former Minister Gopal Bhargava also addressed the House. Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for overseeing the signing of the tripartite agreement for the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project in Jaipur.