Two-Day Conference of Young Legislators Held in Bhopal

Jaipur/Bhopal: Vasudev Devnani, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, emphasized that legislative assemblies should not become places of noise and disruption, but rather temples of serious, dignified, and constructive deliberation that guide public welfare and strengthen democracy.

He was addressing the उद्घाटन session of a two-day conference of young legislators आयोजित at the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Bhopal. The conference was also attended by Mohan Yadav, Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, and the Leader of the Opposition.

Assembly as the Soul of Democracy

Vasudev Devnani stated that a legislative assembly is not merely a building but a symbol of the soul of democracy. It is a मंच where elected representatives voice the hopes, expectations, and concerns of the जनता. Turning such a sacred institution into a center of chaos and disruption, he said, goes against democratic values and public trust.

He stressed that discussions in the assembly should be based on logic, facts, and decorum, focusing on public interest issues, policy analysis, and constructive solutions. A healthy democracy, he noted, thrives on respectful dialogue despite differences of opinion. Representatives must carry out their responsibilities with discipline, dignity, and restraint, rising above personal आरोप-प्रत्यारोप and prioritizing the interests of the state and nation.

Role of Youth in Democracy

Calling the conference a meaningful platform to shape the future of Indian democracy, he described the participation of legislators under 45 from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan as a “confluence of legislative energy.” He emphasized that young legislators represent a significant section of the population—the demographic dividend—and their active participation in policymaking can guide future development.

He advised young MLAs to speak in the House with thorough preparation, raise maximum questions on public issues to ensure accountability, learn from senior leaders, and make use of libraries for research and reference.

Vision of Developed India @2047

Referring to the vision of Narendra Modi, he said that achieving the goal of Developed India @2047 requires active participation from all जनप्रतिनिधि, especially the youth. He stressed that true development is inclusive and cannot be achieved unless the last person in society is uplifted.

He also highlighted the importance of technology in strengthening democracy. Initiatives like the NeVA Platform under the “One Nation, One Application” framework are making legislative processes more transparent and accessible. Young legislators, he said, must play a key role in bridging the digital divide and enhancing citizen participation through digital tools.

Strengthening Legislative Functioning

Vasudev Devnani suggested that legislative committees act as “mini legislatures” and active participation in them ensures accountability in governance. He also advocated for increasing the number of assembly sessions, noting that efforts are underway to expand sittings in Rajasthan from 24 to 35 annually.

He encouraged young leaders to focus on innovation, startups, skill development, climate change, and digital inclusion while maintaining a balance between modern development and cultural heritage. He stressed that development models must remain rooted in local traditions and values.

Conclusion

Congratulating the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly for hosting the event, he expressed confidence that the outcomes of the conference would further strengthen democratic systems. He also shared that 97% of questions raised by MLAs in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly have received responses from the state government, with a target of achieving 100%.

The conference concluded as a significant step toward fostering responsible, informed, and future-ready leadership in India’s democratic framework.