The Vice President & Chairman Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the 83rd All India Conference of Presiding Officers’ in Jaipur today. In his inaugural address, he described India as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and stressed that the essence of democracy lies in the prevalence of the mandate of the people and securing their welfare.
Expressing concerns over the increasing instances of disruptions in Parliament and Legislatures, Shri Dhankhar urged the representatives to be conscious of the expectations and aspirations of the people. The Vice President hoped that the conference would deliberate upon ways to urgently address these issues.
Emphasizing the need for harmonious relations between all organs of the State as envisaged in our constitution, the Vice President said that democracy sustains and blossoms when the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive act in tandem and togetherness to realize the aspirations of the people.
Stating that in a democratic society, ‘the basic’ of any ‘basic structure’ is the prevalence of supremacy of the mandate of people. He further highlighted that the legislative sovereignty of Parliament is inviolable and will writ large as provided by our constitution.
Underscoring the historic importance of India’s assumption of the leadership of G-20, Shri Dhankhar urged the presiding officers to focus on their positive role during this historic moment. Further, he said that we have given New Mantra for sustainable development and inclusive prosperity of the world, “One Earth, One Family, One Future” in line with our civilizational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. Need of the hour is to work together towards realizing India’s rightful position in global community, he emphasized.
Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Dr Harivansh, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Ashok Gehlot, Speaker, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Dr CP Joshi and presiding officers of state legislatures were present.
Following is the full text of speech –
Indeed a privilege and an honour to inaugurate this 83rd conference of All India Presiding Officers’ in the Pink City after a decade.
मैं आशावान हूँ की इस महत्वपूर्ण सम्मेलन में मंथन और विचार विमर्शों से अमृत निकलेगा जो अवश्य ही हमारे देश और संसदीय व्यवस्था को अमृतकाल में नई ऊर्जा देगा।
Presiding officers hold august offices. In this capacity we are not stakeholders in politics.
Primary concern is optimisation of the contribution of the elected representatives in Parliament and Legislature for welfare of the people.
People in the Executive, Legislature and holding senior political positions must take care that high constitutional offices are kept away from their political stance.
India is privileged to be heading G20 at a critical time. It is an “opportunity to showcase India’s capability to the world”.
With such a sizable nation, the mother of democracy, such diversity, and such potential, India has the chance to introduce itself to the world and demonstrate its prowess. This is going to be a milestone development.
This Conference is being held in the context of rising global profile of India. Today we are in the Amrit Kaal of our Independence on way to laying firm foundations of what Bharat will be in 2047, at the centenary of its independence.
We need to rise above partisan stance, take pride in being Indians and be proud of our historic achievements.
These achievements are due to collective efforts and genius of our people coupled with governmental initiatives and affirmative policies.
Bharat is on the rise as never before. The world has acclaimed our Covid handling. Some of the recent milestones make us hold our head high.
In October 2022 India surpassed the United Kingdom, to become the 5th largest economy of the world. By turn of the decade we’ll be the third largest global economy.
According to the most recent industry figures, India overtook Japan in auto sales in 2022, moving to the third place for the first time.
India has edged past China to add most number of new unicorns-startups, valued at $1 billion or more – another accomplishment to be proud of.
Our rich human resource, skilled workforce and affirmative governance policies guided by the principle of more governance and less government contributed to the growth trajectory.
Bharat today is a favoured destination of investment, innovation and opportunity in the post- pandemic world.
The country has shown resilience and Aatma Nirbharta in the wake of Covid. The world is surprised that we provided 230 crore vaccine doses largely free.
Our vaccination certificates are digitally available. Not even the most developed nations in the world have so achieved.
India delivered around 16.29 crore doses of vaccines to 96 countries. Of these, 1.43 crore were gifted.
Through our Vaccine- Maitri mission we have shown that we are a responsible partner in global welfare and growth.
It is with this spirit of global cooperation that India as the largest democracy, assumes the leadership of G 20.
Inspired by our age- old ethos- वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् – Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, we have given New Mantra for sustainable development and inclusive prosperity of the world, “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
Essence of Democracy is prevalence of the mandate of the people and securing their welfare.
