Kolkata, 04 July (H.S.): The two-day Orientation Programme for members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly concluded at the Assembly building in Kolkata on Saturday. The valedictory session was addressed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and West Bengal Governor R. N. Ravi.

Addressing the legislators, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged both newly elected and sitting MLAs to uphold democratic values, parliamentary traditions and place public interest above all else. He said the Legislative Assembly is the highest democratic forum for representing people's aspirations, and it is the responsibility of elected representatives to maintain the dignity of the House through meaningful and constructive debate.

Birla emphasised that a thorough understanding of legislative procedures, rules and parliamentary conventions is essential for effective public representation. He said the orientation programme was aimed at enhancing the legislative competence of members and equipping them to perform their responsibilities in the House more effectively.

West Bengal Governor R. N. Ravi, in his valedictory address, also called upon legislators to strengthen democratic institutions and discharge their duties in accordance with the values and spirit of the Constitution.

During the two-day programme, members of the Assembly were familiarised with legislative rules and procedures, Question Hour, the functioning of various committees, financial business and other aspects of parliamentary functioning. The initiative was designed to improve the legislative skills of MLAs and enable them to contribute more effectively to the proceedings of the House.

The concluding session was attended by the Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, ministers, MLAs and senior parliamentary and administrative officials.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh