Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that frequent disruptions — once a recurring feature — have now significantly reduced in Parliament of India, resulting in enhanced productivity and meaningful debate.
Inaugurating the first-ever National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of States and Union Territories in Manesar, Gurugram he mentioned that the Lok Sabha has increasingly witnessed late-night sessions and long-duration debates, reflecting a matured and responsible democratic culture.
He called upon urban local bodies to incorporate structured procedures, including regular sittings, robust committee systems and citizen engagement, to further strengthen grassroots democracy. Held at the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), IMT Manesar, Gurugram, the two-day national conference, on July 3 to 4, 2025, marks a historic initiative to discuss the role of Urban Local bodies in strengthening the constitutional democracy and nation building through participatory governance structures in cities across India.
In his address, Birla emphasised the importance of incorporating proven democratic practices such as Question Hour and Zero Hour in ULBs, noting that such provisions in Parliament have played a vital role in holding the executive accountable and raising public concerns systematically.
He pointed out that short, irregular, or ad-hoc municipal meetings weaken local governance, and advocated for regular, structured sessions, standing committees and open civic consultations. As in Parliament, ULBs too must shun disruptive behavior and focus on constructive and inclusive discussions.
He cited the example of the Lok Sabha, where reduction in protests and placard-waving has led to significantly higher productivity, improving public perception and enabling better lawmaking. Birla emphasised that disruptions do not reflect the strength of democracy but rather weaken it. He asserted that it is through dialogue, patience and depth of discussion that democracy truly thrives, and he urged municipal representatives to lead by example in their respective cities and towns.
Birla described Urban Local Bodies as the closest tier of governance to the people, deeply aware of the challenges and needs of citizens.
He noted that India’s urban transformation, symbolised by cities like Gurugram, reflects both economic vitality and democratic participation. From being associated with India’s civilisational legacy to becoming a hub of innovation and enterprise, Gurugram, he said, illustrates what coordinated efforts of governments and empowered local institutions can achieve. Birla stressed that with over 600 million people expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the scale and scope of urban governance must evolve accordingly. He stated that ULBs must not remain confined to traditional roles of service delivery but should rise as true institutions of self-governance and catalysts of nation-building. He reiterated that the theme of the conference—”Role of Urban Local Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and Nation Building”—was timely and forward-looking.
Regarding increased participation of women in governance, Birla expressed pride that in many ULBs across the country, women’s representation has reached nearly 50 per cent. He lauded this as a transformational shift, stating that women leaders bring unique sensitivity and insight to governance and public welfare.
He called for more investment in training, leadership development and policy exposure for women municipal leaders so they can take on key roles in administration and public life.