Disruptions in Parliament ‘Significantly Reduced,’ Says Speaker Birla
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has asserted that parliamentary disruptions have “significantly reduced” in recent sessions, reflecting a more disciplined and mature legislative environment. Speaking at a national conference of Urban Local Body (ULB) chairpersons in Manesar, Haryana, Birla praised the evolving decorum of the 18th Lok Sabha and called for similar democratic discipline at the grassroots level.
Parliamentary Conduct Shows Signs of Maturity
Birla highlighted that the 18th Lok Sabha has seen fewer protests, placard displays, and forced adjournments compared to earlier sessions. Instead, the House has increasingly engaged in extended debates, even during late-night sittings. This, he said, marks a shift toward responsible lawmaking and is a welcome sign of institutional maturity in Indian democracy.
Urban Local Bodies Urged to Embrace Parliamentary Norms
He urged ULB chairpersons to mirror Parliament’s procedural integrity by incorporating tools like Question Hour, Zero Hour, and committee-led oversight into municipal functioning. Birla warned against disorder in civic bodies and stressed the importance of structured debate in addressing local issues and ensuring transparency in governance.
Debate, Not Disruption, is the Essence of Democracy
Reiterating the foundational role of discussion in a democracy, Birla stated that true accountability emerges from dialogue and deliberation—not noise or stalling. He emphasized that a culture of debate enhances the credibility of institutions and helps citizens better trust public processes.
Urban India Needs Structured, Inclusive Governance
With India projected to have over 600 million urban residents by 2030, Birla called for stronger urban governance systems. He highlighted the rising number of women representatives in urban local bodies and encouraged them to be torchbearers of democratic values, institutional discipline, and inclusive development.
