New Delhi : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is increasingly being seen as a source of guidance in addressing global challenges.
Addressing the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), Birla said the conference provides a vital platform for lawmakers to exchange best practices, innovative ideas and experiences related to parliamentary democracy at a time when democratic institutions worldwide are undergoing rapid technological and social transformation.
Highlighting India’s democratic evolution, the Lok Sabha Speaker said that over the past seven decades, Parliament and State Legislatures have strengthened democracy through people-centric policies and welfare-oriented legislation. He also underscored the role of India’s impartial and transparent electoral system in ensuring wide citizen participation and fostering public trust.
Addressing delegates from 42 Commonwealth countries and four semi-autonomous parliaments, including 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers, Birla said India, often described as the “Mother of Democracy,” continues to promote democratic dialogue, cooperation and shared values through its strong parliamentary traditions.
He noted that Parliament and the government have worked together to repeal obsolete laws and enact time-relevant, public-interest legislation, helping India move steadily towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.
Referring to the growing impact of technology on democratic systems, Birla said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media have improved the efficiency of democratic institutions but have also given rise to serious challenges such as misinformation, violence, crime and social polarisation. Describing ethical AI and accountable use of social media as the “need of the hour,” he called for balanced policy responses that prevent misuse while harnessing technology for democratic good.
Birla expressed confidence that the CSPOC conference would result in concrete policy recommendations and a clear roadmap for the responsible use of AI and social media in legislatures.
He further said that the use of AI is steadily expanding in India’s Parliament and State Legislatures, with legislative work increasingly shifting towards paperless processes. Efforts are also underway to digitally connect all legislative institutions through a common platform, setting new standards in transparency and efficiency.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, Birla said, the digital integration of legislatures represents a significant step towards democratic empowerment. He added that the conference would also deliberate on strengthening institutional impartiality, enhancing public trust, and preserving the dignity and credibility of parliaments, expressing confidence that its outcomes would help legislatures effectively respond to contemporary democratic challenges.