New Delhi, 21 April (H.S.):

A 43-member delegation from 18 nations, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Oman, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Tanzania, visited the Delhi Legislative Assembly Tuesday as part of Lok Sabha Secretariat's PRIDE 37th International Training Program.

Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta addressed the group, emphasizing legislative drafting as governance's cornerstone. A law's precision determines its efficacy in safeguarding rights, ensuring accountability, and impacting citizens' lives, he stated.

Gupta revealed plans to transform the premises into a heritage site featuring a museum chronicling the Assembly's journey and light-and-sound shows for public engagement.

Historic Legacy from Imperial Council to Democratic Bastion

Built in 1912 as the Imperial Legislative Council's headquarters, the building later served as Central Legislative Assembly under the 1919 Government of India Act. Gupta recalled Vithalbhai Patel's historic election as first Indian President on August 24, 1925—a colonial-era autonomy milestone. Presence of Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders underscored its role beyond governance: a democratic aspirations platform.

Delegates toured the premises, viewed a documentary on Patel, and received 'A Century's Journey' coffee table book—gifted to PRIDE Director Raj Kumar for Lok Sabha library.

Gupta highlighted solar-powered operations, paperless proceedings via National e-Vidhan Application, and ongoing library digitization for research and archival safety.

Stressing training's value, he described drafting as embodying democratic values—urging dialogue, experience-sharing, and responsible lawmaking. The visit fostered institutional learning through officer interactions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar