Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that the spirit of the Indian Constitution is to treat all citizens equally, provide equal opportunities and integrate the marginalised and backward sections of society into the mainstream of progress. Mr Birla stated this while addressing the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on the theme of Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice at Tashkent in Uzbekistan today.

The Lok Sabha Speaker observed that in recent years, the Indian Parliament has passed several legislations that promote social justice and security and encourage the inclusion of all sections of society. He added that the Indian Parliament has taken several measures prioritising justice and the rule of law. Mr Birla mentioned that by replacing the Indian Penal Code with the ‘Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita’, India has established the primacy of justice. Mr Birla also said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has achieved the distinction of being the world’s fastest-growing major economy and is rapidly progressing towards its goal of Viksit Bharat in 2047.

Speaking on the role of the IPU in the present world order, Mr Birla mentioned that the IPU continues to add new dimensions to global parliamentary cooperation. He underlined that the theme chosen for the 150th IPU Assembly reflects the expansion of the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which is deeply rooted in Indian culture, tradition, and philosophy.