*Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani said in a roundtable discussion: Rajasthan is making efforts to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level*

 

*Local innovations will enrich the nation's democratic structure - Devnani*

 

Gopendra Nath Bhatt

 

Bridgetown/New Delhi/Jaipur, October 9. At the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference held in Bridgetown, the capital of the Caribbean country Barbados, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani said that local innovations will enrich the nation's democratic structure. He said that Rajasthan is making efforts to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level. The Rajasthan Assembly is ensuring future stability by maintaining the vitality of democracy through local innovations such as NeVA, digitization of legislative records, welfare legislation, and voter awareness campaigns.

 

At the conference, Speakers of legislatures from across the world held in-depth discussions on the topic of strengthening institutions. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani said that democracy resides in the soul of institutions that command public trust. The credibility, financial autonomy, and transparency of constitutional institutions are the true hallmarks of democracy. He stated that the Rajasthan Assembly has taken several steps towards institutional strengthening through public participation, digital innovation, and transparent functioning. Innovations such as the online question hour system, the e-legislative process, and the Assembly Museum are contributing to making democracy more accessible and accountable.

 

Parliamentary representatives from various countries shared their experiences during a roundtable discussion held at the conference. The main topics discussed were the financial autonomy of institutions, the role and effectiveness of parliamentary committees, 33 percent reservation for women, institutional transparency and accountability, technological innovation, and public participation. Devnani, while participating in the discussion, stated that 33 percent reservation for women in democratic institutions would be a historic step towards sensitive policymaking. Democracy will truly emerge when all sections of society participate in the decision-making process. He stated that the true power of democracy lies in institutions that listen to, understand, and act on the voice of the people. Mr. Devnani presented his suggestions from the Indian perspective, stating that democratic decision-making takes place in the legislative assemblies of various states in India.

 

Delegates from various countries, while discussing institutional autonomy, agreed that financial independence is the foundation of an institution's efficiency. In this context, Mr. Devnani stated that only when legislative institutions can make their own financial decisions will they be able to work in the public interest, free from administrative pressures. This is essential for the health of democracy.

 

It is noteworthy that this conference focuses on crucial issues such as the role, transparency, accountability, and financial autonomy of democratic institutions. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is leading the Indian delegation. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, and state assembly speakers are also participating. The 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Union Conference brought together the world's democratic nations on a common platform, conveying the message that institutions will be strengthened only when they are integrated with transparency and ethical accountability. This event is a historic effort to strengthen global partnerships and improve the quality of democratic governance.

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