Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today urged the Prime Minister Narender Modi to set up the National e-Academy of states at Dharamshala, citing the rich tradition of constitutional history of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan sabha, which was first to start e-Vidhan sabha in India.
Prime Minister had earlier addressed the conference virtually from Delhi and batted for “One Nation, One Legislative Platform” urging all presiding officers, members from all states to work on this to take Indian democracy to heights.
Speaking at the centenary year of the 82nd All India conference of presiding officers in Shimla in Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, Jai Ram Thakur said Himachal Pradesh was the first state in India, which started paperless work in its Vidhan Sabha which was today known as e-Vidhan.
Recounting the constitutional history of Himachal vidhan sabha, Thakur said the former Presidents Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherjee addressed this august House. Recently, President of India Ram Nath Kovind has also addressed this august House on the occasion of golden jubilee year of statehood of the state and enhanced its pride, he added.
Chief Minister said the state achieved new milestones and dimensions in its development journey since its formation in the year 1948. Today, Himachal had emerged as a front runner State in matter of development due to the efforts of honest and hardworking people of the state.
He said that per capita income of the state was Rs. 240 in 1948 which increased to more than Rs.1.95 lakh in the year 2020-21. In the year 1948, the length of the roads in the state was 288 km, while today 37,808 km of roads were connecting every nook and corner of the State.
Chief Minister said the Vidhan shabha of Himachal Pradesh was known for its democratic tradition and positive discussions .
He said from the first Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Jaywant Ram to present Speaker Vipin Parmar, various dignitaries presided over this august House and conducted and guided the proceedings in a dignified manner. He also remembered the first Chief Minister of the State Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, former Chief Minister's Ram Lal Thakur, Virbhadra Singh, Shanta Kumar and Prem Kumar Dhumal for their contributions towards the state.
Chairperson of the Conference Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the main objective of the conference was to secure appropriate coordination of parliamentary procedure throughout India and express need for more use of technology in bring effectiveness in the functioning of House.
Om Birla also expressed hope that the conference would go a long way in strengthening the democratic set up of the country. He said that the Parliament and State Legislatures were the first fora to ventilate public grievances and to ensure the responsibility of executives. The problems and situations that arise in the floor of the House should be redressed effectively, he said.
Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Harivansh said that the All India Presiding Officers Conference was not only an event to celebrate the 100 glorious years of our democracy, but also a time to ponder over the targets and objectives for next 100 years. He expressed concern over the delay in implementation of assurances given in the House.
Leader of Opposition in the state Mukesh Agnihotri said that first conference of Presiding Officers was held here in 1921 and we all were fortunate that we were celebrating this event as a Centennial Year. Vidhan Sabha should not hesitate in providing information as at times it had been felt that one could get information through RTI more promptly.
Speaker Vidhan Sabha Vipin Singh Parmar welcomed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Rajinder Vishvanath, who joined the event virtually, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and other dignitaries present on the occasion. He said that this august House had passed over 1300 legislations during its glorious past.
Deputy Speaker Dr Hans Raj presented the vote of thanks.
Speakers of various Vidhan Sabhas of the country, Secretary General of Lok Sabha, former Speakers of H.P. Vidhan Sabha, Ministers, MPs and MLAs were also present on the occasion among others.
