COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARIANS FROM THE CPA INDIA REGION FOCUS ON YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AT 8TH CPA INDIA REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN ASSAM

Elected representatives from the 31 State Legislatures and the Federal Parliament of India convened for the 8,h Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Regional Conference in Guwahati, Assam, India from 11 to 13 April 2022. Hosted by the Assam Legislative Assembly and the CPA Assam State Branch on behalf of the CPA India Region, the Regional Conference brought together Commonwealth Parliamentarians to share their experiences of parliamentary democracy with a special focus on youth engagement. The Chairperson of the CPA India Region, Hon. Om Birla MP, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha of India officially opened the Regional Conference and spoke to delegates of India as the largest functioning democracy in the world, adding that democracy in India runs from village to central level, giving a direct voice for the people. The Speaker of Lok Sabha also stressed the need for more sensitive and active efforts by Legislatures for the welfare of marginalised sections of society. He also addressed the main theme of the Regional Conference and said that youth has always had a special contribution in bringing about a comprehensive change in India as youth have been the main drivers of socio-economic change and active participation in democracy.