KOLKATA: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate a two-day Orientation Programme for the newly elected Members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on July 3 in Kolkata. The initiative aims to equip first-time legislators with a deeper understanding of parliamentary traditions, legislative procedures, constitutional responsibilities and effective governance.
The programme, organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) under the Lok Sabha Secretariat in collaboration with the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, will bring together constitutional authorities, senior parliamentarians, legislative experts and newly elected lawmakers for an intensive learning experience.
Senior Leaders to Attend Inaugural Session
The inaugural session will witness the presence of several prominent political and constitutional leaders. Along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh, and Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Ritabrata Banerjee are expected to attend the event.
The session will begin with a welcome address by West Bengal Legislative Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose, while the vote of thanks will be delivered by the state’s Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Dr. Shankar Ghosh.
The gathering is expected to underline the importance of strengthening democratic institutions by preparing newly elected legislators for their constitutional and legislative responsibilities.
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Comprehensive Training for First-Time Legislators
The orientation programme has been carefully designed to provide practical knowledge on various aspects of legislative functioning. Over two days, participants will attend a series of technical sessions covering parliamentary traditions, legislative practices and governance mechanisms.
Among the major topics included in the programme are How to be an Effective Legislator, Customs, Conventions and Etiquettes for Members, Executive Accountability through Questions and Other Procedural Devices in Legislatures, Committee System in the Indian Parliament, Legislative Process including Private Members’ Bills, Financial Business and Budgetary Process in Parliament, Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics, and the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA).
These sessions are intended to help newly elected MLAs understand the functioning of legislative institutions while enhancing their ability to participate effectively in debates, committee work and lawmaking.
Experts and Parliamentary Practitioners to Lead Sessions
The technical sessions will be chaired and addressed by distinguished Presiding Officers of various State Legislatures, Members of Parliament, constitutional experts and experienced parliamentary practitioners from across the country.
The organisers believe that interactions with experienced legislators and parliamentary experts will enable participants to gain practical insights into legislative functioning and adopt best practices from different legislatures.
The programme also seeks to promote informed decision-making, accountability and ethical conduct among elected representatives while encouraging meaningful discussions on democratic governance.
Focus on Digital Transformation and Legislative Innovation
A key component of the orientation programme is the introduction to the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), a digital platform designed to modernise legislative functioning across the country.
The session on NeVA will familiarise participants with technology-driven legislative processes, including digital documentation, paperless functioning of legislatures and efficient access to parliamentary records. The initiative reflects the growing emphasis on integrating digital technology into legislative institutions to improve transparency, accessibility and efficiency.
The programme will also explore financial oversight mechanisms, committee systems and procedural tools that enable legislators to hold the executive accountable.
Platform for Exchange of Ideas
Apart from classroom-style sessions, the orientation programme has been designed as a platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing among legislators, constitutional experts and parliamentary officials.
Participants will have opportunities to exchange experiences, discuss legislative challenges and learn from successful parliamentary practices followed in different states and at the national level.
The organisers expect the programme to strengthen institutional understanding and encourage collaborative learning among elected representatives.
Valedictory Session on July 4
The two-day orientation programme will conclude on July 4 with a valedictory session in the historic Chamber of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
The concluding ceremony will feature an address by West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, West Bengal Legislative Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose and other dignitaries will also address the gathering.
The valedictory session is expected to highlight the importance of informed, responsible and ethical legislative functioning in strengthening India’s democratic institutions.
Strengthening Democratic Institutions
The orientation programme reflects the continuing efforts of the Lok Sabha Secretariat through PRIDE to enhance the capacity of elected representatives by providing structured training in parliamentary procedures, legislative responsibilities and governance.
By introducing newly elected MLAs to constitutional principles, legislative practices, committee systems, financial scrutiny and digital innovations, the initiative aims to prepare lawmakers for effective participation in the democratic process and enable them to serve their constituents with greater competence and accountability.
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