HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, June 26: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Thursday addressed the inaugural session of a two-day Orientation Programme for Members of the Eighth Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and capacity building for legislators.
According to an official statement, the programme, being held at the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA), aims to equip newly elected legislators with a deeper understanding of parliamentary procedures, legislative responsibilities, and the evolving dynamics of governance.
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It is being organised in collaboration with the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) under the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Mein, who is also the seniormost MLA in the State, urged his fellow legislators to view the orientation as a vital step towards becoming more effective policymakers.
“As elected representatives, we shoulder the aspirations of our constituencies and the State. To honour these expectations, we must constantly enhance our legislative knowledge and administrative insight,” he said.
He emphasised the role of the Legislative Assembly as the highest law-making body in the State and said it plays a pivotal role in translating public aspirations into meaningful and actionable policies.
Mein encouraged MLAs to familiarise themselves with the Assembly’s rules, procedures, and legislative tools, including the drafting of substantive questions and private member resolutions.
Highlighting the importance of informed debate and constructive discussions, Mein stated that such programmes are crucial for refining the legislative process.
“Only through rigorous training and a spirit of inquiry can we ensure effective governance and uphold the democratic values of our Constitution,” he remarked.
The Deputy Chief Minister also reflected on the Assembly’s legacy and called upon members to learn from the historical evolution of the institution, beginning with the contributions of Arunachal’s first Speaker, Nokmey Namati.
He said this historical context helps lawmakers better appreciate the State’s democratic journey.
Mein lauded the efforts of APLA Speaker Tesam Pongte, Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, Director of PRIDE Prashant Kumar Mallick, and senior officials from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats for organising the much-needed programme.
He expressed confidence that the sessions would significantly boost the efficacy and preparedness of the newly elected MLAs.
The orientation is expected to cover several key areas of legislative functioning, including lawmaking processes, ethical responsibilities, parliamentary conduct, and constituency development.
Experts and senior parliamentary officials from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats are participating in the sessions to offer detailed insights and facilitate interactive discussions.
Also present on the occasion were Ministers, MLAs, APLA Secretary Tadar Meena, Director of PRIDE Prashant Kumar Mallick, and other senior dignitaries.
The programme marks a significant step in strengthening the legislative framework of Arunachal Pradesh and fostering a culture of informed, responsible, and accountable governance.
