Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Urges Tech Boost for Stronger Democracy in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Sep 12: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla made a strong case for using Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make democratic institutions more people-friendly. He said that embracing these technologies brings governance closer to everyday citizens.
This message comes at an interesting time. The Karnataka government recently decided to switch back to traditional ballot papers for local body elections, ditching Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Birla shared these thoughts during his opening speech at the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Regional Conference in Karnataka. The event took place at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Thursday.
"In this tech-driven era, integrating IT and AI into our institutions helps us connect better with people," Birla explained. He pointed out how parliamentary committees already amplify the voices of ordinary folks. "We must weave technology into these systems to make them more effective," he added.
Birla highlighted efforts led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to unite state assemblies and Parliament on a single digital platform. "This digital Parliament initiative lets us share debates and discussions directly with the public," he said. It aims to make parliamentary proceedings accessible and interactive for everyone.
Praising Karnataka’s role in India’s democratic story, Birla noted the state’s blend of rich heritage and cutting-edge technology. "Since independence, this land has driven the nation’s progress. Today, we’re here to explore ways to build greater trust in democracy, its institutions, and processes," he remarked.
Reflecting on India’s Constitution, Birla recalled the heated debates in the Constituent Assembly after independence. "Despite differences, we crafted a strong framework that embeds our democratic values," he said. He thanked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other framers for creating a living document that still guides the world’s largest democracy.
"India stands tall amid diverse languages, regions, and ideas because of our Constitution’s strong roots," Birla emphasized. He stressed the need to nurture democracy by respecting differing opinions while uniting on national issues.
Building public trust in democratic institutions is key, Birla urged. "We must promote transparency in administration, and citizens play a big role in this. The power of Indian democracy shines when the common man’s voice echoes in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies," he said. Discussions on vital state and national matters should always take center stage.
He called on all political parties to protect the dignity of these institutions. "Elected representatives must turn legislatures into hubs of meaningful debate. Politics shouldn’t derail sessions—it’s worrying when discussions get disrupted," Birla warned.
"Our goal is to make democratic bodies true platforms for dialogue," he continued. "India’s democracy has grown so robust that it inspires trust worldwide."
Wrapping up, Birla celebrated Bengaluru as the global tech hub. "In this digital age, Indian youth lead with their smarts, tech skills, and innovation. Bengaluru in Karnataka deserves huge credit. I’ve met tech experts abroad, and many started their journeys right here," he concluded.
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