Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla stated that digital technology has significantly improved the efficient management of resources, transparency in service delivery and public participation in policymaking. He said that good governance is no longer merely an ideal but has become a practical approach.
The Governor was addressing the valedictory session of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-2 Conference on Tuesday held at the Vidhan Sabha complex in Tapovan.
Congratulating the organizers on successfully hosting this significant annual conference of CPA India Region Zone-2, Governor Shukla said that holding such a dialogue at the sacred venue of Tapovan in Himachal Pradesh would certainly strengthen the rich traditions of our democracy. He expressed his delight that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla inaugurated the conference and said it was a privilege for him to address the concluding session.
The Governor extended a warm welcome to the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh and all the delegates from various states, on behalf of the people of Himachal Pradesh.
He said that on 30th June, a meaningful deliberation was held on the theme "Role of Legislatures in Resource Management and State Development". He emphasized that in a democracy, the legislature is not merely a body for enacting laws, but it also plays a decisive role in determining the fair, transparent and accountable use of the state's overall resources economic, natural and human.
He cautioned that we must not forget that while resources are limited, expectations are infinite. In such a scenario, it becomes the responsibility of the legislature to play a positive, visionary and public-spirited role in the formulation and oversight of budgets, policies, and schemes.
The Governor said that the conference also deliberated on important subjects such as "Anti-Defection Law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution" and "Use of Artificial Intelligence in Legislatures". He said that the anti-defection law was enacted to preserve the sanctity of democracy, however over time interpretative complexities and political considerations have increased. Therefore, it is imperative to initiate a broad national dialogue on this subject to ensure continued public trust in democratic institutions and prevent the erosion of public mandate.
Speaking on Artificial Intelligence, the Governor said that this technology is no longer the future but very much a part of our present. Through AI, legislatures can enhance transparency, accessibility and efficiency in areas such as recording of proceedings, digitization of documents, legislative research, virtual meetings and data analytics.
He said that strength of our democracy lies in the culture of debate, discussion, and dialogue and this conference is a powerful example of that tradition. He expressed confidence that the ideas and thoughts exchanged over the two days would not only improve the functioning of state legislatures but also deepen the roots of parliamentary democracy.
He said that today’s conference focused on the theme “Good Governance in the Digital Age: Resource Management, Safeguarding Democracy, and Embracing Innovation” a theme that not only addresses the needs of our times but also provides direction for future generations.
He said that digital technology has led to efficient resource management, enhanced transparency in service delivery and greater public participation in policymaking. Good governance is no longer an ideal; it is now a pragmatic approach one where strengthening democracy through innovation and digital empowerment must be our priority. This transformation inspires legislatures to become more accountable and sensitive while embracing technology and transparency.
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Dr. Harivansh, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar also shared their views on the occasion.