Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, 15 July called on Rajasthan legislators to embrace accountability, transparency, and active participation in debates, describing the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly as a 'pathshala' — a school of governance — capable of producing national leaders. He was speaking at the 'Amrit Manthan' programme organised in Jaipur to mark the 75th anniversary of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.

Debates Online: A Digital Archive for Future Leaders

The most concrete proposal Birla made was a push to digitise legislative debates across all state assemblies. He urged Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani to ensure that MLA debates are made available on digital platforms without delay.

'We are trying to ensure that within a year, the debates of MLAs from all Vidhan Sabhas are available online. A person's debates should appear as soon as his or her name is searched,' Birla said. The initiative, he argued, would serve as a living repository of legislative wisdom for future generations of public representatives.

Assembly as a Training Ground

Birla drew on his own legislative journey to underline the Assembly's formative role. Returning to the Rajasthan House, he said, brought back memories and made him emotional. He recalled learning 'invaluable lessons on legislative functioning' during his tenure as an MLA in the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly before transitioning to Parliament, where building an identity among over 500 members was, by his account, considerably harder.

'The first pathshala gives lessons for life, and I received those lessons from this pathshala,' he said. He cited former Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat as an example of a leader remembered for simplicity and conduct rather than disruption, and referenced MP Rao Rajendra Singh as a legislator who spoke effectively in the Assembly.

What the Government and Public Now Expect

Birla noted that the nature of governance and public expectations have shifted substantially. 'The times have changed. People now expect an accountable government and accountable public representatives. Voters want transparency, responsibility and answers from those they elect,' he said, adding that leaders who deliver on these qualities will succeed.

He also cautioned against a growing trend of legislators leaving the chamber immediately after delivering their own speeches. 'A person speaks well only if he listens well. Many members now come only to deliver their speeches and then leave, but listening is equally important,' he said. He stressed that disruption in the House is not a marker of leadership — thoughtful contributions to debate, he argued, are what leave a lasting legacy.

Advice on the Speaker's Chair

Birla also shared protocols he follows as a presiding officer. He said a Speaker should never stand during proceedings, as it diminishes the dignity of the Chair, and should never allow stress to show on his face. 'A worker once advised me that the person occupying the Chair should never reflect tension on his face. I followed that advice and have always tried to conduct proceedings with composure,' he said. He indicated he had passed the same counsel on to Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Devnani.

The Road Ahead for Legislative Culture

Birla urged legislators to strengthen the culture of debate and increase participation in proceedings. 'When questions are raised, give appropriate answers. This House is your platform. From here, you can become national leaders. There should be more discussions, more debates and greater participation in the proceedings,' he said. The push to put MLA debates online is expected to be rolled out across Vidhan Sabhas nationally within the next year, potentially transforming how legislative records are accessed and studied.