In this regional conference of CPA Zone-2, we are honoured by the presence of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu ji; the Hon'ble Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Dr. Harivansh Narayan Singh ji; the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania ji; the Hon’ble Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Harshwardhan Chauhan ji; the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Shri Vinay Kumar ji; and all the Hon’ble Presiding Officers, Deputy Chairpersons, Whips, and MLAs from various states.

Today, this conference is being held on the brave, spiritual, and culturally rich land of Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala has its own deep cultural history, a strong democratic heritage, and is a center of spiritual energy. It stands as a symbol of peace and goodwill. Undoubtedly, this conference being held on this land will provide new energy and fresh guidance. Our democratic institutions will be empowered with new ideas and perspectives to meet the changing expectations and aspirations of the public.

The land of Himachal Pradesh holds a great legacy of democracy. The very first Presiding Officers’ Conference in 1921 was held in Shimla, on this land, and the respected Vitthalbhai Patel ji was chosen as the Chairman of the Central Legislative Assembly here. This land has always been a pioneer in democratic reforms.

Time and again, whenever democracy witnessed transformative changes, the land of Himachal Pradesh has played a significant role. Today, as we gather here, Hon’ble Harivansh ji has highlighted a few crucial topics. We will deliberate on these issues in detail, and our respective Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils will also hold meaningful discussions around them. We will share experiences, adopt innovations, and use technology to strengthen our legislative institutions. These three areas — experience-sharing, innovation, and technology — are vital and essential in today’s context.

Nature and humanity have together created the resources we have today. It is our responsibility to monitor them wisely and manage them properly. We must conduct a comprehensive review of the anti-defection law. Through the use of Artificial Intelligence, we can bring legislative institutions closer to the people. Our Hon’ble Members can use AI to enhance their capabilities and better fulfill the expectations and aspirations of the citizens.

Friends, we are the world’s largest democracy. India’s Constitution is the most vibrant constitution. Ours is the most diverse country in the world. Therefore, it becomes our duty to further empower our democratic institutions, make them more accountable, and ensure transparency. The innovations happening within democracy should make India and its legislative institutions a source of guidance for the world. For this, Babasaheb Ambedkar had laid out a vision.