Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday inaugurated the Parliamentary Outreach Programme for the empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions of the Union Territory of Ladakh at the Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra, Leh.
The programme was also attended by Union Ministers Nityanand Rai, Bhagwant Khuba, Ladakh UT LG Lieutenant Radha Krishna Mathur; Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal amongst others.
Referring to the just concluded Monsoon Session, Birla observed that Parliament is the supreme democratic institution and it is the responsibility of the Parliament to strengthen democracy at all levels including at the Panchayat level.
Emphasising on the role of Parliament as a forum of discussion, Birla shared that Parliament, as the supreme democratic institution, should be the centre of discussion and not disruption. He appealed the Members to maintain the sanctity of the House.
Birla also said that recently 13 parliamentary standing committees of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with more than two hundred Members have visited the UT of Ladakh which speaks about the commitment of the Parliament of India to further the development of Ladakh without compromising its identity and culture.
Emphasizing active participation of people in the democratic processes and legislation process to make democracy more successful and stronger, Birla said that democracy is the basis of socio economic development and empowerment of people.
Underlining the importance of the spirit of solidarity and collective efforts for development, Birla spoke about the role of local representatives in the process of development.
Birla appreciated the beauty and serenity of Ladakh and its peace loving people. The Speaker also commended the spirit of Ladakhi people, saying that the way Ladakh is emerging as a self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) entity in the face of adverse geographical and other challenges is an example for the rest of the nation. Secretary General, Lok Sabha, Utpal Kumar Singh, presented the Vote of Thanks. PNS