IPU President Dr. Tulia Ackson Visits India: Strengthening Ties with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
New Delhi, India – On July 23, Dr. Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament House Complex. The meeting aimed to enhance the friendly relations between India and Tanzania.
Enhancing Bilateral Relations
Om Birla expressed hope that Dr. Ackson’s visit would further strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations and discussions on common interests.
Proposals for Cooperation
Birla proposed the establishment of Zonal Training Centres for Parliamentary Studies, Training, and Capacity Building to support democratic institutions globally. He also highlighted India’s commitment to mainstreaming women through significant legislations like the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Vidheyak’.
Warm Welcome and Observations
Birla welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Indian Parliament and its people. He recalled his interaction with Dr. Ackson during the BRICS Conference and expressed joy at her visit during the Budget Session, a critical period for reviewing and approving the government’s financial proposals.
New Parliament Building
Birla informed the delegation about the new Parliament building, which showcases India’s arts, crafts, culture, music, and history. He noted that the building symbolizes the aspirations of over a billion Indians and has already seen the passing of significant laws, including the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Indian General Elections
Birla spoke about India’s general elections, describing them as a grand festival with around 650 million participants out of an estimated one billion voters. He emphasized that India’s Constitution ensures every citizen’s right to vote, with efforts made to include every voter, even establishing polling stations for a single voter if necessary.
Doubts Revealed
IPU -: IPU stands for Inter-Parliamentary Union. It is an international organization that helps parliaments from different countries work together and share ideas.
Dr. Tulia Ackson -: Dr. Tulia Ackson is the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and also the Speaker of Tanzania’s National Assembly. She is an important leader who helps different countries’ parliaments cooperate.
Lok Sabha -: Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s Parliament. It is where elected representatives discuss and make laws for the country.
Om Birla -: Om Birla is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, which means he is in charge of running the meetings and making sure everything goes smoothly.
Bilateral relations -: Bilateral relations are the connections and cooperation between two countries. In this case, it means how India and Tanzania work together and help each other.
Parliamentary cooperation -: Parliamentary cooperation means that the parliaments of different countries work together, share ideas, and support each other to make better laws and policies.
Zonal Training Centres -: Zonal Training Centres are special places where people can learn about democracy and how to run a government. They help train leaders and officials to do their jobs better.
Women’s empowerment -: Women’s empowerment means giving women more power and opportunities to make decisions and take part in important activities, like politics and business.
New Parliament building -: India’s new Parliament building is a modern structure where the country’s lawmakers meet to discuss and make laws. It is designed to be more efficient and inclusive.
Inclusive general elections -: Inclusive general elections mean that everyone who is eligible can vote and take part in choosing their leaders, regardless of their background or status.
