HARAYANA NEWS : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized the critical role urban local bodies play in reinforcing the democratic framework of the nation. He stated that elected representatives of these bodies must carry out their duties with dedication, guided by the vision of a Developed India by 2047. He encouraged them to embrace innovation, exhibit strong leadership, and adopt practical approaches in governance. Urging commitment to excellence, he called on representatives to pledge: “My corporation, my council, my municipality, and my city should be among the cleanest and most beautiful in the world.”
Birla was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day National Conference on “Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and the Role of Urban LoBodies in Nation Urban Local Building,” held at the ICAT-2 Campus Auditorium in Manesar on Thursday. The event brought together public representatives from across the country.
As the Chief Guest, Om Birla formally opened the conference by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The inaugural session was attended by prominent leaders including Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Speaker of Haryana Vidhan Sabha Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel, and Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha Secretariat Utpal Kumar Singh.
Om Birla highlighted that if urban local representatives approach their roles with a positive mindset, they can bring transformative energy to city governance. He noted that urban local bodies, as the smallest yet vital units of governance, are now shaping a new direction for the country. The conference, he said, aims to enhance democratic institutions by fostering dialogue and sharing best practices.
Throughout the two-day conference, representatives will exchange ideas, experiences, and suggestions to help shape a New India and contribute to the national vision of a Developed India.
Birla also underlined the unique contribution of urban local bodies in nation-building, pointing out that these representatives engage directly with people at the grassroots level and address real-world challenges. In a democratic setup, he said, urban and Panchayati Raj institutions form a strong bridge between citizens and the government, complementing the legislative work of the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha with effective on-ground implementation. Local self-governance, he affirmed, is a cornerstone of democracy, and urban local bodies are crucial in ensuring its reach and impact at the ground level.