PANAJI
Goa Governor, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju urged legislatures across the country to devote more working days each year to meaningful debates, stressing that democracy thrives only when elected representatives engage in serious discussion.
He was speaking at the valedictory function of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone VII Conference in Panaji. The event was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Goa Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar, along with legislators from western States.
In his address, the Governor said, “Democracy is strengthened when legislatures dedicate sufficient days for debate and deliberation. Without meaningful discussion, the very purpose of these institutions is defeated.”
He emphasized that elected representatives must rise above routine and engage in substantive debate on issues that affect people’s lives.
“The House is not merely a place for passing laws. It is the forum where diverse voices must be heard, where ideas must be tested, and where consensus must be built,” he added.
The Governor reminded legislators that citizens expect accountability and transparency.
“People look to their representatives for solutions. If legislatures do not devote time to debate, the gap between citizens and institutions widens,” he cautioned.
He also underlined the importance of discipline and seriousness in legislative functioning saying the credibility of legislatures depends on the quality of the debates.
"We must ensure that sessions are not curtailed or reduced to token meetings,” he said.
The CPA conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen democratic institutions and foster cooperation among legislatures.
The Governor’s comments come at a crucial time when the Opposition and sections of civil society including Justice (retd) Ferdino Rebello, who is spearheading the 'Enough is Enough' movement have voiced the demand for reconvening the Goa assembly whose budget session was curtailed under the pretext of the now cancelled Ponda by-poll.
