Itanagar: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday urged legislators in Arunachal Pradesh to uphold the highest traditions of democracy and place public service above electoral considerations, saying the state’s progress is integral to India’s development and security.
Addressing a special session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Itanagar, Radhakrishnan said legislative work should be guided by the principles of ‘Rashtra Pratham’ (Nation First) and the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’.
‘Debates, discussions, even disruptions must lead to a decision’
Radhakrishnan, who is the Presiding Officer of the Rajya Sabha, stressed the importance of dialogue, debate and discussion in the functioning of legislatures.
“Debates, discussions, or even disruptions must always lead to a decision,” he said, adding that healthy debate strengthens democracy while constructive cooperation helps advance the interests of the state and the nation.
He urged MLAs to make effective use of Question Hour and Zero Hour to raise matters relating to public policy and the concerns of their constituencies.
The Vice-President said elections may be won through votes, but the respect and trust of people can only be earned through dedicated public service.
Radhakrishnan described Arunachal Pradesh as a state of immense strategic importance, rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources.
He said people living in the state play a vital role in safeguarding India’s borders and noted that the country’s security is closely linked to the protection of its frontiers in Arunachal Pradesh.
Highlighting India’s unity in diversity, he said the country is bound by one Constitution, the vision of ‘Rashtra Pratham’ and the goal of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He also invoked national poet Subramania Bharati to underline the unity of thought behind India’s diverse languages and traditions.
The Vice-President highlighted the Centre’s growing focus on the North-East, recalling the establishment of the Ministry of DoNER during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure and the emphasis on the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy.
He congratulated Arunachal Pradesh for its development achievements, including its emergence as a leading kiwi-producing state, expansion of road infrastructure, issuance of more than one lakh Soil Health Cards and progress in education and per capita income.
Radhakrishnan said there can be no Viksit Bharat without a Viksit Arunachal Pradesh, stressing that development must be inclusive and tribal and marginalised communities should not be left behind.
He called for a balance between environmental protection and responsible use of natural resources. Arunachal’s substantial hydropower potential, he said, could generate higher revenue and accelerate the state’s development.
The Vice-President also congratulated the Assembly on completing its Golden Jubilee and appreciated initiatives including the Legislative Secretariat’s plastic-free efforts and the Assembly Library and Museum.
