LOK SABHA SPEAKER TO INAUGURATE ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF WEST BENGAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Why in news

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla will inaugurate a two-day Orientation Programme for Newly Elected Members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in Kolkata.

Exam relevance

GS2 · Polity, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla will inaugurate a two-day Orientation Programme for Newly Elected Members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
2. The program will be held in Kolkata.
3. Technical sessions are designed to cover 'How to be an Effective Legislator', Customs, Conventions, Etiquettes, Privileges for Members, other Parliamentary Practices, Legislative Procedures, and Good Governance.
4. Dignitaries expected to grace the inaugural session include Chief Minister, West Bengal, Shri Suvendu Adhikari; Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju; Deputy Chairperson, Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh; and Leader of Opposition West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Shri Ritabrata Banerjee.
5. Speaker, West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Shri Rathindra Bose will deliver the Welcome Address.
6. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of West Bengal, Dr. Shankar Ghosh will deliver the Vote of Thanks.
7. The program will conclude with the valedictory address of the Governor, West Bengal.

Prelims pointers

• Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurates orientation for West Bengal MLAs.
• Program covers parliamentary practices, legislative procedures, and good governance.
• Key participants include Lok Sabha Speaker, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha, and West Bengal Chief Minister and Governor.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of orientation programs for newly elected legislators in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance. What challenges do new members often face, and how can such programs address them?

Static linkage

The event highlights the importance of capacity building for legislators in a parliamentary democracy, emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of elected representatives and the functioning of legislative bodies at both Union and State levels. It connects to the broader principles of parliamentary procedures, legislative ethics, and good governance as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Significance

Such orientation programs are crucial for equipping newly elected members with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively discharge their legislative duties. They help in understanding parliamentary customs, conventions, and procedures, thereby enhancing the efficiency and decorum of the legislative assembly. By focusing on good governance and effective legislative practices, these programs contribute to strengthening democratic institutions and improving public service delivery. The participation of high-ranking officials from both Union and State legislatures underscores the collaborative spirit in upholding democratic values and legislative excellence.