Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday inaugurated the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference in Kohima, calling the legislature “a catalyst for change” and lauding the North East for its strong democratic traditions and adaptability to modern governance.
Addressing the inaugural session held at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Birla said that the theme of the conference — “Policy, Progress and People: Legislatures as catalysts of change” — reflected the “core philosophy of democracy,” where institutions are expected to translate public aspirations into policy and progress.
Recollecting that the first CPA Zone-III conference was hosted in Nagaland in 1997, he noted that this year marks the third time the State is hosting the event. “Zone-III of the CPA remains one of the most active, holding regular conferences across the North Eastern region. Such interactions provide valuable opportunities for deliberation within legislative institutions and contribute significantly to their capacity building,” he said.
Birla observed that most Legislative Assemblies in the region have now adopted paperless proceedings and integrated technology and artificial intelligence tools to enhance accountability and transparency. He said that unlike disruptions witnessed elsewhere, “the Assemblies of the North East continue to uphold the values of dialogue and discipline.”
Emphasising regional development, the Speaker highlighted that the North East is witnessing “rapid strides in connectivity and infrastructure,” opening new opportunities for inclusive growth. He urged policymakers to frame initiatives that promote regional industries while nurturing art, culture, and traditional crafts.
“The people of the North East are vibrant, industrious, and full of potential,” Birla said. “Through collective dialogue and public participation, our legislatures can frame policies that lead to inclusive and sustainable development.”
He expressed confidence that the two-day conference would produce a concrete roadmap for strengthening legislative institutions and making them more responsive to citizens’ aspirations.
The conference, hosted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, brings together Speakers and Members of Legislative Assemblies from across the North Eastern states under the banner of CPA India Region Zone-III.