New Delhi, 07 April (H.S.):
The first two-day conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone 7 will commence on April 9 in Panaji, Goa's capital, to bolster parliamentary democracy and accelerate a shared vision for regional development.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the event.
According to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Zone 7—comprising the legislative assemblies of Goa, Gujarat, and Maharashtra—was formed in 2024 following the restructuring of CPA India into nine zones; this marks its inaugural conference, currently chaired by the Gujarat Assembly Speaker.
The two-day deliberations will address two pivotal agendas: the role and responsibilities of young legislators in realising India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, and enhancements in trade, tourism, urbanisation, environment, and coastal connectivity across Zone 7 states.
The conference will conclude on April 10, with Goa Governor P. Ashok Gajapati Raju as the chief guest at the valedictory session, alongside Lok Sabha Speaker Birla.
This gathering will serve as a vital platform for strengthening parliamentary collaboration and exchanging legislative experiences, thereby steering comprehensive regional growth. Key participants include Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, and Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shankar Bhai Chaudhary.
Presiding officers from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Telangana assemblies will join, along with Goa's Union ministers, MPs, and legislators from the three Zone 7 states. Goa Assembly Speaker Dr.
Ganesh Gaonkar will deliver the welcome address, while Legislative Affairs Minister Mauvin Godinho will propose the vote of thanks.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
