Patna, Jan 20: Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly speaker Tesam Pongte on Monday emphasized the importance of justice, liberty, equality, and the unity of India while attending the two-day 85th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) in Patna.
In his address, Pongte highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s key legislative contributions to strengthening democratic values, including the introduction of Panchayati Raj institutions in 1969. This initiative empowered rural communities, particularly women and youth, by fostering grassroots political participation.
He noted that the enactment of the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Bill in 2001 established a 3-tier system, further enabling local representation and development.
The speaker also spoke about integrating traditional dispute resolution systems with modern judicial frameworks in Arunachal Pradesh. He explained how the state has successfully balanced customary laws with the legal systems established by the Indian Constitution.
The Arunachal Pradesh Civil Code Act, 2022, which recognizes traditional village councils as 'Traditional Courts,' is a significant step in promoting inclusive justice while preserving traditional practices, he pointed out.
The conference, inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and hosted by the Bihar Legislative Assembly, has brought together Presiding Officers from across the country. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘75th Anniversary of Constitution: Contribution of Parliament and State Legislative Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Values.’
Pongte further highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s historical and cultural significance, emphasizing its role as the “Land of the Rising Sun.” He spoke about the state’s rich heritage, mentioning ancient texts like the Kalika Purana and the Mahabharata.
He also discussed the 75th Anniversary of the Indian Constitution Day, noting that Arunachal Pradesh actively celebrated this milestone in 2024 through various educational initiatives, such as seminars, essay-writing competitions, and workshops aimed at raising constitutional awareness among students and the general public.
Pongte expressed his gratitude to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla and Bihar Legislative Assembly speaker Nand Kishore Yadav for organizing the event. He highlighted that the discussions at AIPOC would play a vital role in strengthening parliamentary democracy, upholding constitutional values, and addressing governance needs across the country.
The conference serves as a crucial platform for meaningful dialogue among legislative leaders, he added.
Earlier in the day, the speaker also met with the Bihar governor.