Om Birla Urges MPs to Foster Cooperation Ahead of Budget Session

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called on political parties to set aside political differences and ensure a smooth Budget Session in Parliament. His remarks came during a media interaction following the conclusion of the 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC), which took place at the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Bhavan in Lucknow from January 19 to 21, 2026.

Birla emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum in Parliament, stating that “continuous planned disruptions and disturbances in the House are not appropriate for the country’s democracy.” He highlighted that such disruptions ultimately harm the citizens, urging leaders and Members from all parties to collaborate for the effective functioning of the legislative process.

Strengthening Democratic Processes

In his address, Birla underscored that the essence of democracy rests with the people, asserting that accountability extends beyond elections to daily governance. He noted that Presiding Officers play a critical role, acting not merely as facilitators of proceedings but as guardians of the Constitution.

During the conference, discussions focused on enhancing legislative efficiency and citizen engagement. A significant outcome of the conference was the announcement of a National Legislative Index, aimed at making legislative bodies more effective and accountable. This initiative is expected to foster healthy competition among legislatures, improving the quality of dialogue and legislative processes.

Birla recommended that State Legislatures should convene a minimum of 30 sittings per year to effectively express the aspirations of the populace. “The more the House functions, the more serious and result-oriented discussions will be possible,” he stated.

Resolutions and Future Directions

Six key resolutions were adopted during the conference, including commitments to enhance legislative transparency through technology and to support the capacity building of legislators. These resolutions aim to ensure that legislative bodies remain accountable and responsive to the public.

“To create a ‘National Legislative Index’ for objective evaluation and comparative assessment of the performance of legislative bodies,” said Birla, highlighting the importance of accountability in governance.

The conference saw participation from 36 Presiding Officers representing 24 States and Union Territories, marking it as the largest AIPOC to date. Birla articulated that such platforms not only strengthen cooperation among democratic institutions but also enhance the effectiveness of governance.

Concluding the event, Birla expressed gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh Government and all participating delegations for their contributions to the success of the conference. He affirmed that the 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference represents a significant step toward reinforcing India’s parliamentary democracy, making it more accountable and people-centric.