"Parliamentary committees should not oppose government", says Om Birla
Addressing the Valedictory Session, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, underscored the importance of fostering institutional synergy, enhancing financial accountability, and embracing technology-driven governance to strengthen democratic processes. He highlighted that seamless coordination among various arms of governance is crucial for efficient policy implementation and citizen-centric administration. Emphasising transparency and fiscal responsibility, the Speaker called for robust mechanisms to ensure prudent use of public funds.
Furthermore, he advocated for the integration of advanced digital technologies to improve administrative efficiency, promote real-time public service delivery, and uphold the values of good governance in the digital age.
Emphasising accountability and innovation in governance, he emphasised that Parliamentary Committees, whether at the Centre or in States, are not opposed to the government but act as supportive and corrective instruments, offering constructive guidance.
He added that these committees contribute to transparent, accountable, and effective governance by offering well-researched recommendations and acting as a bridge between the executive and the legislature.
The Speaker urged members to uphold the spirit of collaboration and responsibility, reinforcing the committees' role as pillars of parliamentary democracy. He also called for coordination between the Estimates Committees of Parliament and the states/UTs legislatures.
Advocating for a robust Committee oversight and technology integration in public spending, Birla noted that by leveraging modern technological tools such as AI and data analytics, oversight mechanisms can become more precise and impactful. He called for empowering Committees with the necessary resources and digital capabilities to monitor expenditures closely, thereby reinforcing fiscal discipline and promoting good governance.
Birla stressed that public representatives, given their direct connection with the people, have a deep understanding of ground-level issues and can significantly enhance budget scrutiny through meaningful engagement.
The Lok Sabha Speaker mentioned that Estimates Committees must ensure that every rupee spent is for people's welfare. He emphasised that the country's fiscal resources must be utilised efficiently and responsibly. He reiterated that the role of Estimates Committees is not just to monitor expenditure but to ensure that welfare schemes are relevant, accessible, and effective for the common citizen, with a special emphasis on social justice and welfare.
Birla stated that technology-driven governance, such as Direct Benefit Transfers, has reduced pilferage and ensured that benefits reach the intended recipients, a goal that Estimates Committees must continue to support.
Reflecting on the purpose and impact of the Conference, Birla said that the platform reaffirmed the collective commitment of legislative institutions to fiscal discipline, transparency, and public accountability. Birla also called for wider public engagement with the Committee process and encouraged dissemination of Committee findings to build greater trust in democratic institutions. He suggested that similar conferences be held for other Committees, such as the Privileges Committee, Petitions Committee, and the Committee on Empowerment of Women, to encourage inter-legislative dialogue and promote adoption of best practices. Birla expressed confidence that the consensus and ideas forged at this conference would translate into more efficient, accountable and people-centric governance.
The Conference unanimously adopted six key resolutions that lay out a forward-looking roadmap for strengthening Estimates Committees.
The Valedictory Address was delivered by the Governor, Maharashtra, C.P. Radhakrishnan. Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, and Chairperson, Committee on Estimates, Parliament of India, Sanjay Jaiswal also spoke on this occasion. Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, delivered the Welcome Address and Deputy Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Anna Dadu Bansode, delivered the Vote of Thanks. Chairman, Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ram Shinde; Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Rahul Narwekar; Members of Committee on Estimates, Parliament of India; Chairpersons of Committees on Estimates in States and Union Territories Legislatures; Members of Maharashtra Legislature and other dignitaries remained present during the Valedictory Session.
Chairpersons and Members of Estimates Committees from 23 States and Union Territories participated in the Conference.
The conference, which marks 75 years of the Estimates Committee's journey, brought together key stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen institutional mechanisms of financial oversight and improve administrative efficiency in the world's largest democracy. The theme of the Conference was, 'Role of Estimates Committee in effective Monitoring and Review of Budget Estimates for ensuring Efficiency and economy in Administration'. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
153 countries importing toys from India: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): India's toy industry, once heavily dependent on imports, is now manufacturing domestically and exporting to 153 countries, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal addressing the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Expo 2025 on Friday said as he highlighted this remarkable transformation. He said that this shift has been made possible through consistent policy support, the enforcement of quality standards, and the strengthening of local manufacturing clusters. The implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO), he added, has helped make India a quality-conscious country and enabled domestic toy manufacturers to meet global benchmarks. The Minister stated that India's population of 1.4 billion offers a vast captive market, which creates a natural advantage for scaling up manufacturing. With this scale, the industry can achieve cost efficiency and become globally competitive. The large domestic market, he said, not only supports expansion but also acts as a foundation for international growth. To capture the global market, Goyal stressed the need for the industry to focus on good branding, attractive packaging, and strong product design. He said that if these three aspects are prioritised, Indian toys can gain stronger appeal across international markets. The growth of the toy industry, Goyal noted, reflects the broader journey of development in the country. He recalled that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Vocal for Local initiative, it was met with skepticism by many, as foreign products dominated consumer preference. However, under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the belief that Local can go Global, awareness and support for home-grown industries have steadily increased. Goyal stated that startups developing innovative toy concepts have received significant support through the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which has now been extended to 20 years. This, he said, has provided access to collateral-free loans for small businesses. He further informed that to promote domestic production, 18 toy clusters across the country have been supported by the Ministry of MSME. To build on this progress, the Minister said that the government is planning to introduce a new promotional scheme for the toy sector. The scheme, he explained, will aim to help Indian toy manufacturers become world-class by enhancing design capabilities, ensuring quality manufacturing, strengthening packaging, and supporting brand building. With sustained focus on innovation, quality, and market development, Goyal expressed confidence that India's toy industry is poised to become a key player in the global market. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
Over 20,000 devotees conclude pilgrimage to Amarnath: J-K LG Manoj Sinha
Ganderbal (Maharashtra) [India], July 4 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that over 20,000 devotees coming from different parts of the country have already finished their pilgrimage to Amarnath in the Ganderbal district. He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming the devotees with 'open hearts'. LG Sinha apprised the reporters about the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Shrine Board in expanding their services for devotees. 'More than 20,000 devotees had 'darshan' of Baba Amarnath so far. They are coming from different parts of the country. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming them with an open heart. J-K administration, the government and the Shrine board have expanded their services to the people, and ONGC, under their CSR initiative, has built Yatri Niwas to help the devotees,' Sinha told reporters here. LG Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board Yatri Niwas in Baltal, Ganderbal district, and flagged off around 6,000 devotees for the Amarnath Yatra, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage. 'For the past two days, an unprecedented spiritual celebration has begun in Jammu and Kashmir. With the start of the Baba Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a new energy...A huge crowd of devotees from across the country and abroad has thronged for this pilgrimage. On the morning of July 2, I had the privilege of flagging off around 6,000 devotees... I feel blessed to dedicate this pilgrim accommodation to the devotees of Baba,' Sinha said while addressing the gathering here. He also inaugurated the Disaster Management Complex at Baltal. On Wednesday, Sinha paid obeisance at Daati Maa Dev Sthan in the border village of Changiya, in the Arnia area of the Jammu region. Upon his visit, LG Sinha reiterated the Government of India's commitment to the inclusive development of the border area. 'The sacred Daati Maa Dev Sthan will be brought to the religious tourism map,' the LG said, adding, 'I also pray to Mata Daati for a safe and smooth pilgrimage for all the devotees of Shri Amarnath Ji.' This came after he flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Yatra from Jammu, amidst multi-tier security. J-K LG Manoj Sinha lauded the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board for making excellent facilities for the Yatra. 'Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces have also maintained tight security. Devotees from all over the country are here. The enthusiasm is very high. The devotees of Bholenath have neglected all the terror attacks and have reached in huge numbers. I am hopeful that this year's Yatra would be even better than the previous ones,' he said. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
"Dalai Lama has full right to declare his successor": Ajmer Dargah head Hazrat Dewan Syed Zainul Abedin
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): The spiritual head of Ajmer Dargah, Hazrat Dewan Syed Zainul Abedin Sahab, on Friday said that the Dalai Lama has the 'full and unquestionable right' to declare his successor, according to an official release issued on the occasion of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. On the auspicious occasion, Hazrat Dewan Syed Zainul Abedin Sahab extended heartfelt greetings and conveyed his blessings for the long life and continued good health of the revered Tibetan spiritual leader. As per the release, Hazrat Dewan Sahab said, 'Dalai Lama is a purely religious and divine personality whose guidance has brought peace and spiritual strength to millions across the world. As a spiritual leader, he has the full and unquestionable right to declare his successor.' Expressing deep concern over recent controversies surrounding the succession of the Dalai Lama, he emphasised that this is a matter of faith for millions of followers globally and must not be politicised. 'China or any other political authority should refrain from interfering or diverting this purely religious matter for political interests,' he added. The release further stated that the Ajmer Dargah head praised the Dalai Lama for his lifelong message of compassion, non-violence, and interfaith harmony, and called upon global religious and spiritual communities to support the Tibetan people's right to preserve their spiritual traditions. His remarks come in the backdrop of China's ongoing attempts to assert control over Tibetan Buddhist practices, particularly the reincarnation process of high-ranking lamas such as the Dalai Lama--a matter that the Ajmer Dargah head believes should remain purely spiritual and free from political interference. Over a lifetime in exile, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has become synonymous with Tibet and its quest for genuine autonomy under Beijing's tightening grip on the Himalayan region. From his adopted hometown of Dharamshala, where he established a government-in-exile, the spiritual leader has unified Tibetans at home and in exile and elevated their plight onto the global stage. Dalai Lama emphasized that the process will be guided by centuries-old religious traditions and in consultation with senior Tibetan Buddhist leaders and spiritual protectors and rejected China's claims of authority over the reincarnation process, stating that no one else has the right to interfere in this matter. In a statement on Wednesday, Dalai Lama stated, 'The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition.' 'I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,' he added. The Dalai Lama noted that he had not made any public statements on the issue over the past 14 years. However, leaders of Tibet's spiritual traditions have written to him with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. 'Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet's spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,' he said. (ANI)
