Opportunity to Understand the Democratic Process Through Parliamentary Study Program – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Inauguration of the 51st Parliamentary Study Program in the Legislature

Nagpur, December 2025: Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar framed the Constitution of India, establishing a system to fulfill citizens’ hopes, aspirations, and expectations. Overcoming many challenges, India’s democracy and constitutional institutions have matured. The Constitution also provides a remarkably elegant structure for parliamentary democracy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that the parliamentary study program offers a valuable opportunity to understand the workings of democracy.

The 51st Parliamentary Study Program was inaugurated at the Legislature by the Chief Minister. Present on the occasion were Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, Legislative Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Assembly Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Chandrakant Patil, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Treasurer of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Adv. Ashish Shelar, and Legislative Secretary Meghna Talekar, among others.

Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that while textbooks teach the values and processes of democracy, the study program allows participants to observe these processes up close. The Constitution provides the rules for state administration, and the procedures of the Legislative Assembly and Council are grounded in constitutional provisions. The Constitution offers a well-structured framework for legislative functioning.

He further explained that laws passed in the legislature aim to meet the hopes and expectations of the people. Debates in the House are substantive, considering the impact of legislation on even the most ordinary citizen. Not a single rupee from the state treasury can be spent without legislative approval. Departments must present their demands to the legislature, discussions follow, budgets are prepared with approval, and laws enacted thereafter. Such laws act as the key to the state treasury.

Even minor events in the state are reflected in the legislature. The democratic process remains vibrant because of legislative activities. The Speaker and Chairman act as the “headmasters” of the House, and nothing can proceed without their approval. Various instruments within parliamentary democracy are crucial tools for strengthening democratic governance, the Chief Minister added.

Reflection of Democracy Through the Legislature – Speaker Prof. Ram Shinde

As India celebrates 75 years of the Republic, the 51st Parliamentary Study Program is underway. Parliamentary democracy holds exceptional importance in the country. The legislature reflects democracy, guiding citizens and shaping state progress. The study program provides opportunities to learn about dialogue, awareness, education, communication, and consistency in democratic functioning, Prof. Shinde said.

Parliamentary Study Program Strengthens Democracy – Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s study program is one of the oldest and most important initiatives aimed at strengthening parliamentary democracy. To strengthen parliamentary practices, knowledge about them must reach the public. The program provides insight into House functioning and constitutional provisions, Adv. Rahul Narwekar stated.

Useful for All – Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Indian democracy is the true strength of the nation. Citizens of diverse castes and religions coexist peacefully—an achievement of Indian democracy. Parliamentary democracy, as provided by the Constitution, directs national policies. The Indian Constitution is exemplary, forming the basis of governance and instilling awareness of democratic duties. The study program allows students to experience these processes firsthand. It is useful not only for students but also for legislators and officials, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said.

Students of political science from 12 universities across the state participated in the study program.