By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi — A delegation of 43 participants from 18 countries visited the Delhi Legislative Assembly under the International Training Programme in Legislative Drafting, where Speaker Shri Vijender Gupta emphasised that clarity and precision in lawmaking are fundamental to a strong democracy.
Addressing delegates from countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Oman, Kenya, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Tanzania, Shri Gupta said legislative drafting lies at the heart of democratic governance, shaping citizens’ daily lives by ensuring accountability and protecting rights. The programme is being organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) under the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Highlighting the historical significance of the Assembly, the Speaker noted that the building, constructed in 1912, once served as the seat of the Imperial Legislative Council and later the Central Legislative Assembly under the Government of India Act, 1919. He recalled the election of Shri Vitthalbhai Patel as the first Indian President of the Assembly in 1925, describing it as a milestone in asserting legislative autonomy during colonial rule.
Shri Gupta also reflected on the presence of Mahatma Gandhi and other national leaders during key deliberations held in the Assembly, calling it both a centre of governance and a platform for democratic expression.
As part of the visit, delegates toured the Assembly House, watched a documentary on Shri Vitthalbhai Patel, and attended a presentation on the publication Ek Shatabdi Yatra. A copy of the book was presented to PRIDE Director Shri Rajkumar for inclusion in the Lok Sabha Library.
The Speaker outlined several modern initiatives undertaken by the Assembly to enhance transparency and sustainability. He said the institution now operates entirely on solar power and has implemented the National e-Vidhan Application, enabling fully paperless proceedings. Efforts are also underway to digitise the Assembly Library and develop a Sangrahalaya (museum) to preserve its institutional history, along with plans for a light and sound programme to showcase its evolution.
Emphasising the broader value of the training programme, Shri Gupta said legislative drafting goes beyond technical precision and must reflect the core values of democracy. He encouraged delegates to exchange best practices and approach lawmaking with responsibility and clarity.
The visit concluded with interactive sessions, offering participants insights into the functioning and legislative processes of the Delhi Assembly.
