Chandigarh, Feb 14 (NationPress) Emphasizing the need for meaningful discussions, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed Haryana's lawmakers on Friday, urging them to engage in extensive research and possess comprehensive knowledge while crafting legislation.

During the inauguration of a two-day orientation program for the newly elected members of Haryana's 15th Legislative Assembly in Chandigarh, he remarked, "Haryana plays a crucial role in the economic and social development of our nation."

Birla stated, "The most effective legislator is one who engages in meaningful discussions within the Assembly, tackles issues through thorough research, and leverages technology in this era of innovation."

He expressed that the Assembly serves as the ideal platform for members to evolve as state leaders, asserting, "The more public engagement we have in democracy, the greater the transparency in governance will be."

Birla encouraged the newly elected legislators to strive to be the "best MLAs," fulfilling the public's aspirations by maximizing the House's processes through effective dialogue and discussion.

This orientation program is organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) and the Lok Sabha secretariat, in partnership with the Haryana Legislative Assembly secretariat.

Among the attendees were Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini; Haryana Legislative Assembly Speaker, Harvinder Kalyan; state government ministers; and Assembly members.

During the orientation, attendees will hear from Union Ministers, Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons, Members of Parliament, and experts regarding effective legislative practices, including Do's and Don'ts for Members; legislative and financial operations in Parliament and the Haryana Legislative Assembly; the committee system as the essence of parliamentary democracy; executive accountability through inquiries and other mechanisms in legislatures; the minister's role in legislative processes; parliamentary privileges; and the National eVidhan Application (NeVA).

Among the 90 elected MLAs are political stalwarts like former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister Saini, BJP's seven-time lawmaker Anil Vij, and seasoned politician Raghuvir Singh Kadian from Congress.

The BJP has the highest number of first-time legislators, with 23, followed by Congress with 13. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Independents each have two newcomers. A record 13 women legislators were elected, with Congress's Geeta Bhukkal being the most senior, having served five terms.

Savitri Jindal, India's wealthiest woman with a net worth of $33 billion, stands out as the only Independent woman MLA, having been elected three times.