The 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone–III Conference concluded on November 11 in Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kohima, with participants reaffirming their collective commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy and fostering sustainable and inclusive development across the North Eastern region.
In his closing address, Rajya Sabha, Deputy Chairman, Harivansh called upon legislatures to play a proactive role in planning for structural shifts caused by climate change, not merely adapting but also preventing future damages through resilient policy frameworks. Harivansh lauded the deliberations over the two plenary sessions, describing them as a “true reflection of the spirit of parliamentary democracy vibrant debates, thoughtful exchanges, and a shared commitment to the people we serve.”
Harivansh noted that India@2047 is not merely a milestone but a continuing journey marked by smaller, measurable goals tailored to each state’s unique needs. He praised members from across the region who shared insightful perspectives during the plenary discussions, particularly Assam Speaker, Biswajit Daimary, who underscored the need to raise awareness on the meaning of Viksit Bharat at the constituency level.
He observed that as India’s economy evolves, the nature of work and employment will also transform. Legislatures, therefore, have a crucial role not just in framing policies but also in guiding citizens through this socio-economic transition.
Citing the Deputy Speaker of Sikkim, Harivansh lauded the state’s exemplary achievement in becoming India’s first fully organic state in 2016, demonstrating how economic growth can be aligned with environmental sustainability and the national Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlighting the Union Government’s sustained focus on the Northeast, Harivansh said that 10% of the Union Budget is earmarked for the region. From 2017 to August 2023, the Ministry of DoNER has supported 126 Externally Aided Projects worth ₹1.35 lakh crore, while the Department of Economic Affairs has recommended 124 projects worth ₹1.26 lakh crore for external funding during the last decade.
He stressed that the real impact of these initiatives depends on effective legislative oversight and accountability. “Legislatures must ensure there are proper monitoring and that implementation matches intent,” he remarked.
Quoting Meghalaya Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh, he said that addressing inefficiencies in land and labour laws and ensuring inclusivity will strengthen investor confidence and attract new opportunities to the region. He urged every state legislature to hold annual discussions on Viksit Bharat, focusing on policy reviews that drive long-term development.
He also noted that improved infrastructure, the rise of agro-processing industries, and eco-tourism in the Northeast are already yielding promising growth outcomes, adding that the Prime Minister’s emphasis on the Act East Policy places the region at the centre of India’s development vision.
Acknowledging the progressive approach of North Eastern legislatures in embracing technology, Harivansh emphasised that innovation and research will play a defining role in shaping governance and economic growth.
He also underlined the region’s unique ecological challenges, recalling Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s remarks on the delicate balance between abundant natural resources and the limitations on their commercial use. He urged that the dialogue on environmental protection and sustainable development must continue through the next decade.
Drawing from his visit to Khonoma Village, Asia’s first green village, he praised it as a “living example of sustainable living,” noting that small individual actions can collectively make a significant difference in protecting the environment.
Referring to discussions during the session on climate change, Harivansh observed that natural disasters in the Northeast demonstrate how environmental shocks can cause profound social and economic disruptions.
He called upon legislatures to play a proactive role in planning for structural shifts caused by climate change, not merely adapting but also preventing future damages through resilient policy frameworks.
Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye mentioned in his closing remarks that the Conference not only featured plenary sessions, exhibitions, and cultural programmes showcasing legislative innovation, procedural reforms, transparency, and inclusive governance across the region, but a representative of the very spirit of the Commonwealth itself.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) was founded in 1911. It is the same year in which Delhi was made the capital of India during the British Raj.
The CPA facilitates collaboration among its members through conferences, workshops, and the sharing of knowledge and best practices. And as an international organisation, the CPA is made up of over 180 legislatures from 53 Commonwealth countries, including national, state, and territorial parliaments. Presently, the Commonwealth is home to 2.7 billion people. Over half of them are from India, now the most populous country in the world.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has a Vision to make India a developed country by the year 2047 with a 10 Trillion Dollar economy. If we are to realise Vision 2047, a sustained high GDP and per capita income growth has to be achieved by devising policies that foster innovation and self-reliance through local capacity building while ensuring social inclusion and equity by reducing poverty and inequality, ensuring universal access to quality healthcare and education, achieving gender equality, and bridging the urban-rural divide, he added.
India needs to have localised solutions and software ready not only to act as a substitute but to counter the dependence, like China does, that will protect us in a situation of the US blocking access to its software as we saw recently. A lot of progress has been made in terms of the size of economy, and various other socio economic, health and development parameters corroborate what is obvious and manifest to all, he said.
KG Kenye opined the need to harness the opportunities that our neighbourhood offers. ASEAN is a very vibrant trading block, which is the third largest trading block globally with a total trade reaching USD 3.5 trillion, he said adding India-ASEAN trade is almost $ 123 billion and growing.
From the perspective of the Northeastern States, cooperation in the services sector especially in Tourism and Health services should be a priority area, he said and added that physical connectivity plays a very important part and the Trilateral Highway Project between India, Myanmar and Thailand will be the real game changer.
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On the theme “Policy, Progress & People: Legislatures as Catalysts of Change,” there was a resonance as these are the very issues we have been pondering about over the years, during our political journeys where we serve the peoples of our states in our capacities as Parliamentarians.
He hoped that the interaction as per the charter and remit of the CPA will continue to foster collaboration through exchange of ideas, good practices and a network for a better world, better Commonwealth, better India and a better Northeast.
Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and Vice Chairman, CPA India Region Zone-III, Thomas A Sangma, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the meaningful proceedings and extended his appreciation and gratitude.
He also said the spirit of dialogue, unity, and democratic commitment has illuminated each session, strengthening the bonds that unite our region’s legislatures. He expressed grateful to the Speaker and the Deputy Chairman of the Lok Sabha for their presence and inspiring words that have elevated the conference, providing vision and purpose that have added distinct value to the deliberations.
Thomas A Sangma also extend his appreciation and gratitude to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers of Nagaland, along with all the Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, and Members of the Legislative Assembly for their support with their presence and also to the participating Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and Members of the Legislative Assemblies from every corner of Northeast India.
He urged all that the lessons, friendships, and shared aspirations from Kohima back to our homes and Parliaments would remain ever mindful of the high ideals that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association upholds.
Deputy Speaker, NLA, S Toiho Yeptho, expressed gratitude and deep appreciation to each and every one who has contributed in making the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference a resounding success.
He extended his heartfelt thanks to all the distinguished speakers and panellists for their thoughtful presentations that have deepened the understanding of parliamentary practices, good governance, and the shared challenges and opportunities of our region. He hoped that the deliberations, resolutions, and friendships forged at this conference, guide toward stronger democratic institutions, deeper regional cooperation, and a more inclusive and progressive future for all.
Earlier during the closing ceremony, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer, expressed profound grief over the demise of Advisor, Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L. Imchen and paid tribute to his exemplary service to the people of Nagaland. As a mark of respect, the House observed a two-minute silence in his memory.
The conference concluded with a Cultural Soirée at Nagaland Legislative Assembly Complex, hosted by Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland.
