Indian delegation leaves for Commonwealth conference

Imphal, Aug 26 (UNI) Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Maniruddin Shaikh and MLA M Nara were part of the strong Indian delegation, which left India yesterday for the the 52nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference to be held at Abuja in Nigeria from September 1 to 10.

Dr Maniruddin Shaikh before leaving the country said he had prepared himself for active participation in two workshops, particularly on " The Role of Parliamentarians in Promoting Good Governance Through Increased Fiscal Transparency " and " Strategies in the Care and Support of HIV/AIDS Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children: The Role of Parliamentarians " in the conference.

Dr M Nara said he would take part actively in the plenary session on the gender-related theme - " Equal Participation of Women and Men in decision making processes at all levels with particular Emphasis on Political Participation and Leadership " in the conference.

He would also participate in the discussions on HIV/AIDS, environment degradation and good governance in the conference.

Dr M Nara said the Indian government had allowed the delegates to visit another three countries to observe and study their parliamentary system. They had chosen three countries - China, the United Kingdom and Germany, he added.

UNI NS SJC RD 1312