New Delhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday highlighted the role of democratic institutions in nation building and said that these institutions are being seen as effective platforms to solve the problems of the people and for fulfilling their expectations.
He made the statement, while speaking at the Centennial Year Celebration of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the Central Hall of Parliament here, in presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and other dignitaries.
"Our biggest achievement has been that despite several problems, in these seven decades, we have emerged as the largest and most effective democracy in the world. The main responsibility of democratic institutions is to make the government accountable, and transparent to the people. Parliamentary committees have contributed significantly in making this possible through their functions," said Birla.
In its journey of hundred years, the PAC has made a significant contribution in maintaining the supremacy of the Legislature and Parliament, he added.
Speaking on the role of the PAC, the LS Speaker said that in a developing country like India, the constructive suggestions of this Committee have not only promoted the optimal use of financial resources but have also helped in improving the policies and programs of the government.
"Non-partisan functioning of Parliamentary Committees and the tradition of generally accepting the recommendations of the committee by the government, shows the maturity of our parliamentary system," he said.
Emphasising on the need for better coordination of the PACs at the Central and State levels, Birla suggested that since there are many issues of common interest between the PAC of Parliament and the PAC of the States, there should be one common platform for PACs of the Parliament and the State Legislatures. This will ensure better coordination and greater transparency and accountability of the Executive, he said.
The basic objective of every democratic institution should be to serve the public, fulfilling their expectations and expectations, he added.