Om Birla Highlights Decline in Parliamentary Disruptions and Calls for Reforms in Urban Local Bodies

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered a detailed address on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the first national conference of the heads of urban local bodies in Manesar, Haryana. His remarks drew attention to two critical aspects of India’s democratic functioning: the improvement in parliamentary productivity and the urgent need to reform urban local governance.

Decline in Parliamentary Disruptions

Om Birla began by acknowledging a notable shift in the functioning of the Lok Sabha. He observed that frequent disruptions, which once routinely marred parliamentary proceedings, have significantly reduced in recent sessions.

This decline in disruptions, he said, has led to:

• Improved productivity

• Longer, more substantive debates

• Late-night sittings that demonstrate commitment

• A sign of a mature and responsible democratic culture

He credited this change to the growing sense of accountability among elected representatives and a renewed commitment to debate and deliberation rather than obstruction.

These improvements, Birla suggested, are critical for ensuring that laws and policies passed by the Parliament are well-considered, debated, and reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

Parliament as the Model for Local Bodies

Drawing on the positive changes in Parliament, Om Birla used his platform to urge urban local bodies across India to adopt similar reforms.

He identified urban local bodies—municipal corporations, councils, and committees—as the frontline institutions of democracy. Their proximity to citizens, he argued, gives them enormous responsibility for delivering governance that is transparent, accountable, and effective.

Birla stressed that the roots of Indian democracy are deep and ancient. He invoked the traditional village assemblies and community deliberations, describing India as the “Mother of Democracy”. These traditions, he said, should inspire local bodies to function with dignity and responsibility.

The State of Urban Local Governance

Om Birla did not shy away from criticising the current state of many urban local bodies. He observed that in numerous municipalities:

• Meetings are rare or perfunctory

• Some councils meet only once a year for budget approvals

• Even these meetings are chaotic and adjourned within half an hour

Birla called this a poor democratic tradition that fails to serve the people. He emphasised the need for regular, structured, and dignified meetings where elected representatives can deliberate thoroughly on proposals and plans.

Proposals for Reform

Om Birla offered concrete suggestions to improve the functioning of urban local bodies:

1. Regular Sittings
   Urban local bodies should hold scheduled meetings throughout the year to address local governance issues continuously.

2. Robust Committee Systems
   Just as Parliament has standing committees, municipal bodies should develop committees focused on key areas like health, sanitation, infrastructure, and finance to allow for detailed, expert-driven discussions.

3. Question Hour and Zero Hour
   Birla proposed that municipalities should institutionalise procedures like Question Hour and Zero Hour. These mechanisms, common in Parliament, would allow local representatives to:

   • Raise questions about the administration

   • Hold the executive accountable

   • Surface urgent issues affecting constituents

4. Citizen Engagement Mechanisms
   Birla stressed the importance of engaging citizens directly, through public hearings, ward meetings, and feedback systems, to ensure that governance remains responsive and inclusive.

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