At the opening ceremony, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Shri Satish Mahana read out a message from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In his message, the Prime Minister conveyed his greetings to all participants and extended his best wishes for the successful organisation of the conference.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of Presiding Officers in upholding democratic values and ensuring the smooth functioning of legislatures, while appreciating the role of AIPOC as a platform for collective reflection and institutional strengthening.
Presiding Officers Must Be Above Politics: Om Birla
Delivering the keynote address, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla laid strong emphasis on the impartial role of Presiding Officers. He said that irrespective of political affiliation, the conduct of a Presiding Officer must be above party politics and must be completely fair.
“It is not enough to be fair; it must also appear to be fair,” Shri Birla observed, highlighting that public trust in legislative institutions depends heavily on the neutrality and integrity of those who preside over proceedings.
Concern Over Declining Sitting Days
Shri Birla expressed concern over the declining number of sitting days in State Legislatures across the country. He said legislatures are the primary platforms through which the aspirations and voices of the people reach the government for resolution.
Emphasising the need for fixed and adequate time for legislative functioning, the Lok Sabha Speaker noted that longer sittings allow for more meaningful, serious and outcome-oriented discussions. “The longer the House functions, the stronger and more effective democracy becomes,” he said.
Maintaining Decorum in the Digital Age
Referring to the growing influence of social media and modern communication technologies, Shri Birla pointed out that the conduct of public representatives is now under constant public scrutiny. In such an environment, adherence to parliamentary decorum and discipline has become even more essential.
He stressed that in an era of rapid information flow, maintaining the credibility and dignity of the House is a collective responsibility of all members, led by the Presiding Officer.
Role of AIPOC in Strengthening Democracy
The Lok Sabha Speaker observed that platforms such as the All India Presiding Officers’ Conference play a vital role in promoting cooperation among democratic institutions. These interactions help strengthen mutual coordination and make governance more effective across States and Union Territories.
Such conferences, he added, also contribute to greater harmony in policies and welfare measures by encouraging the sharing of best practices among legislatures.
Focus on Young and New Legislators
Highlighting inclusivity within legislative functioning, Shri Birla said Presiding Officers have a responsibility to provide adequate opportunities to all members of the House, particularly new and young legislators.
This approach, he noted, ensures that legislatures remain the most effective and credible forums for raising public issues and concerns, thereby deepening democratic engagement.
Agenda for the Next Two Days
Over the next two days, the conference will hold detailed plenary discussions on key themes such as the use of technology in legislative processes, capacity building of legislators, and enhancing accountability of legislatures towards citizens.
Uttar Pradesh is hosting the All India Presiding Officers’ Conference for the fourth time, having earlier hosted it in December 1961, October 1985 and January–February 2015. The current edition will conclude on January 21, 2026, with a valedictory address by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, followed by a press interaction.