Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurates 21st CPA Zone III India region conference in Aizawl

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 21st Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Zone III Conference at the Mizoram Legislative Assembly Complex on Friday. This gathering, which aims to foster legislative sanctity, brings together key political figures and representatives from across the northeastern region.

Among the dignitaries present at the inaugural session were Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Chief Minister of Mizoram Lalduhoma, Speaker of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly Lalbiakzama, Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly Sharingain Longkumer, and members of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, alongside nine Presiding Officers from the legislatures of the northeastern states.

The conference not only serves as a platform for discussion on vital legislative issues but also addresses the inclusion of the Northeast region in the India-ASEAN Vision for Trade and Cooperation, and the proposal to merge the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) with the North Eastern Council (NEC) for better strategic planning and coordination of various projects.

The CPA, established in 1911, is one of the oldest organizations within the Commonwealth, representing over 180 legislatures from 54 member countries. It aims to strengthen commitments to democratic governance and the parliamentary system, providing opportunities for collaboration among MPs and parliamentary staff on mutual interests and best practices.

The CPA India Region was formed in 2004, consisting of 31 member branches, including the Parliament of India and state/union territory legislatures. The ongoing commitment to strengthening democracy in the northeastern region has led to the regular organization of regional conferences, with the first taking place in 1997. These initiatives reflect the people’s faith in democratic institutions and processes, particularly in a region characterized by diverse cultures and socio-economic challenges.

The Indian government has made significant investments in the northeastern states, establishing the North Eastern Council in 1971 and the Ministry of DONER in 2001 to promote socio-economic development. The adoption of the Look East Policy in 1992, later evolving into the Act East Policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further underscores the government’s commitment to the region’s growth.

The northeastern region of India is one of the most diverse regions of Asia, and a land of opportunities. With immense potential in natural resources, water resources, agriculture and horticulture, the North-East region is rapidly developing as a center for tourism, medicine, arts and handicrafts.

Efforts are also underway to increase the capacity of various economic sectors, promote MSME, strengthen telecommunication, power system, organic farming etc. There is immense potential for developing tourism in this area and the Government of India is working very actively in this direction.