Agartala, Sept 2:** Tripura Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Ram Prasad Paul has been selected to represent the state at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference, scheduled to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from September 11.
Paul’s participation is being viewed as a significant opportunity for Tripura to showcase its parliamentary practices, democratic institutions and legislative journey on an international platform. His inclusion in the Indian delegation is also being seen as recognition of the state’s contribution to India’s parliamentary traditions.
The decision was announced following an All India Presiding Officers’ CPA Meeting held on Tuesday at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and attended by Speakers, Deputy Speakers and presiding officers from Parliament and state legislatures, along with officials from the central government.
The meeting, held from 2 pm to 6 pm, primarily focused on preparations for the upcoming CPA Conference in Cape Town. Discussions included the composition of the Indian delegation, the conference programme and arrangements for the proposed study tour.
India is expected to send a 125-member delegation comprising representatives from Parliament and various state legislative assemblies. Tripura’s Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul will be part of the delegation and is expected to attend the conference accompanied by his wife.
The 69th CPA Conference will bring together parliamentarians and representatives from across the Commonwealth to deliberate on issues related to parliamentary practices, democratic governance, legislative reforms and institutional innovation. The event is expected to provide participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss ways to strengthen democratic institutions.
As part of the programme, members of the Indian delegation will also participate in a study tour aimed at providing exposure to international parliamentary institutions and legislative procedures. The delegation is expected to return to India on October 2.
Officials said Paul’s participation would give Tripura an opportunity to present its experiences in strengthening democratic institutions and grassroots participation. His presence at the international conference is also expected to highlight the role of state legislatures in deepening democratic engagement.
The conference is likely to serve as an important platform for Indian and Commonwealth parliamentarians to share best practices and explore new approaches to effective legislative functioning and democratic governance.
