Lok Sabha Speaker’s Address: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the keynote address at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on April 6, 2025.
Theme: The address focused on ‘Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice’.
Indian Legislation: Birla highlighted recent Indian legislation promoting social justice, inclusion, and security, such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights)
Labor Laws: Mentioned new labor laws and codes for the welfare of unorganized sector workers.
Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita: Replacing the Indian Penal Code with Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.
Parliamentary Committees: Highlighted the role of Parliamentary Committees in ensuring effective implementation of schemes.
Economic Growth: Emphasized India’s economic growth and progress towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ in 2047, including Ayushman Bharat.
India’s Global Role: Mentioned India’s progress in innovation, AI, startups, space and defence technology, IT, fintech, and pharmaceuticals.
Meeting with Vietnam: On the sidelines, Birla met with the President of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Tran Thanh Man, discussed strengthening ties, especially in defence and technology.
IPU Overview: The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments, founded in 1889. It comprises 181 member parliaments and promotes democracy and parliamentary strengthening.
IPU Assemblies: The IPU convenes assemblies twice a year. The Governing Council, with representatives from each member parliament, is its principal administrative body.
IPU Headquarters and Funding: Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and funded primarily by its members.
