The Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, recently attended a familiarization program with newly elected representatives of Zilla Parishad, where he emphasized the importance of empowering villages as a path towards vibrant democracy. Birla extended his warm congratulations and urged the representatives to fulfill their roles with utmost dedication, stressing the significance of democratic decentralization and local self-governance.
Birla recognized the vital role played by Panchayati Raj Institutions in shaping the Indian democratic system and empowering ordinary citizens to participate in the democratic process. He also urged the representatives to prioritize the aspirations of their constituents and strive for excellence in their policies.
To foster greater accountability and transparency within the system, the Lok Sabha Speaker proposed that Zilla Parishads could adopt certain features of state and central legislatures, such as a question hour and providing replies. This resonated with the representatives, who pledged to uphold the values of democracy and the welfare of their people.
The success of grassroots-level initiatives in Panipat and Karnal villages serve as a testament to the strength of vibrant democracy, as they flourished with unprecedented growth in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. The Lok Sabha Speaker’s vision had come to fruition, as India took a significant step towards becoming a stronger and more inclusive nation.
In this journey of progress, the villages emerged as the true pillars of democracy, embodying the belief that vibrant democracy begins at the grassroots level. As the nation moves forward, empowering villages will be crucially important for strengthening democracy and bringing about positive change across India.
