Om Birla Calls for Tech-Driven Governance, Fiscal Discipline to Strengthen Democracy

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 24th June: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, while delivering the valedictory address at the National Conference of Estimates Committees of Parliament and State/UT Legislatures in Mumbai, called for deeper institutional synergy, enhanced financial accountability, and robust integration of technology in governance to ensure transparency and people-centric policymaking.

“Estimates Committees must ensure every rupee is spent for people’s welfare,” Birla said, underscoring that public funds must be efficiently utilized with a clear focus on social justice. He also emphasized that Parliamentary Committees should not oppose the government but act as “supportive and corrective instruments, offering constructive guidance.”

Highlighting the need for coordination between Estimates Committees of Parliament and State/UT legislatures, Birla advocated for greater use of digital tools like AI and data analytics in public spending oversight. “Technology-driven governance can improve real-time service delivery and accountability,” he added.

The Speaker stressed that legislative committees, through detailed scrutiny and citizen-oriented recommendations, serve as crucial pillars of democracy. He noted that initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) have curbed pilferage and helped deliver welfare directly to the intended beneficiaries—an effort that Estimates Committees should continuously reinforce.

Six key resolutions were unanimously adopted at the conference, providing a roadmap for strengthening committee oversight and public engagement. Birla suggested organizing similar conferences for other parliamentary committees to enhance inter-legislative dialogue and promote best practices.

The two-day conference, held at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhawan, saw participation from 23 States and UTs. It was also addressed by Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Estimates Committee Sanjay Jaiswal. Maharashtra Legislative leaders, including Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Council Chairman Ram Shinde, were also present.

Commemorating 75 years of the Estimates Committee, the conference carried the theme “Role of Estimates Committee in effective Monitoring and Review of Budget Estimates for ensuring Efficiency and Economy in Administration.”