Latest news with #DelhiLegislativeAssembly
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi Legislative Assembly holds symposium to mark 50 years of Emergency
New Delhi, A symposium held at the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Saturday to mark 50 years of the Emergency saw leaders, journalists and civil society members reflect on the period as one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history. Delhi Legislative Assembly holds symposium to mark 50 years of Emergency The event, titled "Na Bhoolein, Na Shama Karen", called for renewed national introspection and a commitment to safeguarding democratic values, an official statement said. Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Emergency was imposed due to a "self-righteous and authoritarian mindset, combined with opportunism and a lack of democratic ethos," and added that such tendencies still exist in the country's political landscape. The symposium also saw the release of a commemorative booklet titled "Emergency at 50: A Call for Justice, Introspection and Accountability", along with the screening of a documentary on the events and impact of the 1975-'77 Emergency. Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta called for the formation of a new commission to investigate the full scale of excesses committed during the Emergency. He said the 1978 Shah Commission Report was unable to fully document the extent of constitutional violations, human rights abuses, and administrative overreach. "Those responsible have still not been brought to justice," he added. Gupta also questioned the controversial inclusion of the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment during the Emergency. "Such changes should be made through national consensus, not under the cover of authoritarianism," he said. Former Union Cabinet Minister Satyanarayan Jatiya said the Preamble reflects the core values of the Constitution, and its sanctity must be preserved. "No single leader can alter its structure based on personal ambition," he said, accusing the then government of acting in a manner similar to the colonial regime. Veteran journalist Rajat Sharma, Editor-in-Chief of India TV, shared a personal account of his arrest as a 17-year-old student activist during the Emergency. "We were detained for protesting and raising slogans. On the first night itself, censorship silenced the press. Despite this, my friend Vijay Goel and I secretly distributed a pamphlet called 'Mashall' to spread awareness. I was beaten by the police for speaking out," he said. The event also featured participation from Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, Chief Whip Abhay Verma, former MP Ramesh Bidhuri, MLAs, journalists, scholars, constitutional experts, and citizens who were directly affected by the Emergency. The Speaker also distributed copies of The Emergency Diaries, a book recounting personal stories and accounts from the period. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Delhi Assembly to Host Symposium Marking 50 Years Since Emergency
New Delhi: The Delhi Legislative Assembly will host a special symposium titled 'Bhartiya Loktantra aur Samvidhaan ka Sabse Andhkaarmaya Daur: Na Bhoolein, Na Shama Karen' on June 28, 2025, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in India between 1975 and 1977. The event will be held at the Vidhan Sabha premises. It will be held under the banner of #SamvidhanHatyaDiwas and is envisioned as a powerful national moment of reflection. The symposium will revisit one of the most turbulent and authoritarian phases in India's democratic journey and highlight the continued relevance of constitutional values, civil liberties, and institutional independence. The event will feature keynote addresses by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, former Union Cabinet Minister Satyanarayan Jatiya, and Rajat Sharma, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV. Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Assembly, Mohan Singh Bisht, will also attend the symposium. A wide spectrum of participants ,including constitutional experts, journalists, civil society members, former bureaucrats, and individuals who lived through the Emergency, will come together for this occasion. The day's program will include keynote speeches, reflective panel discussions, and personal testimonies exploring the long-lasting impact of the Emergency on India's democratic foundations. Speaker Vijender Gupta has emphasized that the symposium will serve not only as a tribute to those who resisted the Emergency but also as a call to the younger generation. He stated that it will remind citizens to remain vigilant and actively protect democratic principles to ensure that such a dark chapter is never repeated. To mark the occasion, a commemorative booklet titled 'Apatkaal@50' will also be released. The publication is expected to offer historical insights, critical reflections, and thought-provoking commentary on the legacy of the Emergency.
Hans India
15-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Speaker Gupta to pay tribute to Delhi's first CM Chaudhary Brahm Prakash tomorrow
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta will offer floral tributes to the National Capital's first Chief Minister Chaudhary Brahm Prakash on Monday on his 107th birth anniversary, an official said. Delhi government ministers and legislators will also pay tribute to the veteran leader at the Legislative Assembly's event to commemorate the birth anniversary of former CM and freedom fighter. The Assembly Secretariat has also made arrangement for Freedom Fighters to pay tribute to the first Delhi CM, an official said. Chaudhary Brahm Prakash became the first Delhi CM in 1952 and held the office till 1955. He also represented Delhi in Parliament and even served as Union minister, including as Minister for Food, Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperatives. Earlier, Speaker Gupta hailed Chaudhary Brahm Prakash's efforts for upliftment of villagers and development in Delhi. On Saturday, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju commended Speaker Gupta for steps taken for the quick introduction of e-Vidhan (Paperless Assembly) system in Delhi Assembly for transparent and efficient governance. Laying the foundation of the e-Vidhan (Paperless Assembly) in the presence of Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, the Union Minister said: 'The laying of the foundation stone for the e-Vidhan Project at the Delhi Legislative Assembly is a commendable step towards adopting technology for legislative efficiency and transparency.' He recalled the days of President's Rule in Delhi in 2014 when he prayed for election of an efficient and dedicated government. 'Now, I can say Delhi has got an that kind of responsive government. The e-Vidhan system is being implemented within 108 days, with the sanction of Rs 9 crore,' he said. Calling a legislature the heart of a government and democracy, he said the efficiency of the Assembly is indispensable for an efficient government. 'This event marks a significant milestone in the digitisation of legislative governance,' he said. 'While several states have already implemented the e-Vidhan system successfully, it is encouraging to see Delhi joining this important national initiative. I am pleased to be part of this progressive development. I want to see the Delhi Assembly as a model assembly, and this initiative will certainly help in achieving that goal,' he said.
India Gazette
14-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju lays foundation stone for e-vidhan project in Delhi Assembly
New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Saturday laid the foundation stone for e-Vidhan (Paperless Assembly) project at the Delhi Assembly in the presence of the Delhi Assembly speaker, Vijender Gupta, marking a significant milestone in the digitisation of legislative governance. Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta also graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while the Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Mohan Singh Bisht, Minister of Industries, Food & Supplies and Environment, Forest and Wild Life Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Chief whip Abhay Verma were present as the Guests of Honour, according to a release. Speaking on the occasion, Kiren Rijiju said, 'The laying of the foundation stone for the e-Vidhan Project at the Delhi Legislative Assembly is a commendable step towards adopting technology for legislative efficiency and transparency. While several states have already implemented the e-Vidhan system successfully, it is encouraging to see Delhi joining this important national initiative. I am pleased to be part of this progressive development. I want to see the Delhi Assembly as a model assembly, and this initiative will certainly help in achieving that goal.' Rijiju further noted that, given Delhi's unique and complex administrative structure, this digital transformation carries special relevance. He emphasized that the e-Vidhan initiative is not merely about going paperless, but about enhancing transparency, public participation, efficiency, and digital security in legislative processes, according to the release. Speaker Vijender Gupta described the initiative as a historic milestone aimed at making Assembly functioning more efficient, transparent, and environmentally conscious. The project, being implemented under the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), is expected to digitize legislative operations, reduce paper usage, and provide lawmakers with real-time digital access to legislative business. The Speaker also informed that the tripartite MoU to implement NeVA was signed on March 22 between the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, GNCTD, and the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. Gupta further said that the Delhi Assembly has received grants of over Rs 9 crore from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA), out which more than Rs 1 crore has granted in first instalment. He also said that the Delhi Assembly is on track to become the first in the country to run entirely on renewable energy, with a 500-kW solar power project being installed. Additionally, efforts are underway to transform the Assembly's traditional library into a modern e-library and to complete the renovation of the House before the upcoming Monsoon Session, according to the release. Gupta further highlighted plans to develop the Delhi Assembly premises--where India's first Parliament once convened--into a heritage and cultural site. A legislative museum, interactive exhibits, and guided tours are proposed, with support from institutions like IGNCA and the National Archives. The project aims to celebrate India's democratic legacy while integrating cultural, environmental, and technological innovation in governance. CM Rekha Gupta said the e-Vidhan project marks a significant leap towards strengthening transparency, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in legislative functioning. She emphasized that transitioning to a paperless system would not only modernize the legislative process but also set a benchmark for digital governance in the capital. Reacting to this, Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht called the project a decisive step towards transforming the Delhi Legislative Assembly into a technologically empowered and transparent institution. The e-Vidhan Project aims to make the Delhi Legislative Assembly fully paperless and digitally integrated. It includes provisions for electronic documentation of legislative proceedings, online access to bills and reports, digital mechanisms for questions and answers, and real-time updates of Assembly business. (ANI)
Hans India
14-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Kiren Rijiju lays foundation of e-Vidhan project for paperless Delhi Assembly
New Delhi: Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Saturday commended the quick introduction of e-Vidhan (Paperless Assembly) system in Delhi Assembly as a major step towards transparency and efficient governance. Laying the foundation of the e-Vidhan (Paperless Assembly) in the presence of Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, the Union Minister said: 'The laying of the foundation stone for the e-Vidhan Project at the Delhi Legislative Assembly is a commendable step towards adopting technology for legislative efficiency and transparency.' He recalled the days of President's Rule in Delhi in 2014 when he prayed for election of an efficient and dedicated government. 'Now, I can say Delhi has got an that kind of responsive government. The e-Vidhan system is being implemented within 108 days, with the sanction of Rs 9 crore,' he said. Calling a legislature the heart of a government and democracy, he said the efficiency of the Assembly is indispensable for an efficient government. 'This event marks a significant milestone in the digitisation of legislative governance,' he said. 'While several states have already implemented the e-Vidhan system successfully, it is encouraging to see Delhi joining this important national initiative. I am pleased to be part of this progressive development. I want to see the Delhi Assembly as a model assembly, and this initiative will certainly help in achieving that goal,' he said. Speaker Vijender Gupta described the initiative as a milestone aimed at making Assembly functioning more efficient, transparent, and environmentally conscious. The project, being implemented under the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), is expected to digitize legislative operations, reduce paper usage, and provide lawmakers with real-time digital access to legislative business. The Speaker also informed that the tripartite MoU to implement NeVA was signed on March 22 between the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, GNCTD, and the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat in the presence of Minister Rijiju. Gupta further said that the Delhi Assembly has received grants of over Rs 9 crore from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA), out which more than Rs 1 crore has been granted in first installment. He also said that the Delhi Assembly is on track to become the first in the country to run entirely on renewable energy, with a 500-kW solar power project being installed. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted achievements of her four-month-old government and reiterated her team's efforts to start new projects almost everyday. 'We had tried our best to do something new everyday and make the best use of each day of our four-month-old government,' she said. Hailing e-Vidhan as a green effort aimed at saving trees, she praised Speaker Gupta for initiating reforms and terminating corrupt and negative practices that were prevalent in under the previous government. Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Mohan Singh Bisht, Minister of Industries, Food and Supplies and Environment, Forest and Wildlife Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Chief whip Abhay Verma were present as Guests of Honour.
