Speakers can help strengthen democracy: Sumitra Mahajan

Panaji, Feb 12: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Thursday asked the presiding officers of the state Legislative Assemblies and Councils to play a pivotal role in strengthening the country's democracy, which is looked upon by the world.

"Speakers can play an important role in bringing together people of all the different ideologies. He is a neutral person in the entire parliamentary set up," Mahajan said. She was addressing the 5th India Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference which began here.

"A Speaker can ensure that there is discussion on the bills and laws passed on the floor of a House. This will help India to be the best democracy in the world," she said.

In India, language changes after every 20 kms. The country has different languages and castes. Everyone wants to make India strong, but we have different sets of thinking, she said.

"Every region has to strengthen itself. But we have to see how we can build the nation while strengthening the state," Mahajan said.

"We can come together and unitedly discuss the issues. We are considered as the best democratic system in the entire world," the Speaker added. During the two-day conference, papers will be presented and discussions will be held on strengthening parliamentary democracy.

PTI