Technology Is the New Pillar of Parliamentary Transparency – Speaker Adv. Rahul Narvekar86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, January 2026 : Technology is emerging as a decisive tool in strengthening transparency, efficiency, and a citizen-centric approach in the functioning of legislatures, stated Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Adv. Rahul Narvekar. He was speaking at the 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) held in Lucknow.

Speaking on the theme “Effective Use of Technology to Create Transparent, Efficient, and Citizen-Centric Legislative Processes,” Speaker Narvekar said that parliamentary democracy today stands at a stage where harmonizing long-standing traditions with future-oriented governance is essential. Digital transformation is not merely mechanization; it is a process of restoring public trust and strengthening the relationship between citizens and the legislature, he clarified.

Addressing the conference attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, and presiding officers of various legislatures from across the country, Speaker Narvekar noted that the All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) is a highly significant platform for introspection and innovation in India’s democratic journey.

The inevitability of digital democracy…

Speaker Adv. Narvekar stated that the digital revolution has significantly reduced the distance between governance and the people. Democracy can no longer remain a one-way communication process; it must be interactive and participatory.

Referring to the visionary leadership of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, he emphasized the concept of a “Digital Parliament,” stating that through technology, the voice of the last citizen must reach the highest temple of democracy. He underlined that the concept of “One Nation – One Legislative Platform” is not merely an administrative convenience, but a moral commitment to democratic accountability.

Maharashtra’s digital journey: Preserving heritage, enhancing transparency…

Highlighting Maharashtra’s pioneering role, Speaker Narvekar said that the Maharashtra Legislature has been at the forefront of legislative digitization for the past two decades. He informed that complete digitization of Assembly proceedings since 1937—including pre-Independence debates and records from the period of the formation of Samyukta Maharashtra—has been undertaken.

As these records are now accessible and usable for study by the general public, legislators, researchers, students, and citizens are benefiting significantly. “A legislature without history is like a tree without roots,” he said, adding that democratization of legislative memory strengthens institutional continuity.

Immediate access to references…

Emphasizing the importance of visual media for transparency, Speaker Narvekar noted that since 2012, Maharashtra has been carrying out complete audio-visual recording of Assembly proceedings. This has enabled citizens to witness legislative functioning directly and has helped curb misinformation.

He explained that the immediate availability of records of Question Hour, debates, and discussions on bills has proved useful in enhancing executive accountability and public awareness.

Empowering legislators and citizen-centric governance…

Speaker Narvekar observed that technology has reduced dependence on paper and made legislative work more convenient and efficient. Even legislators from remote and tribal areas are able to raise questions, access reports, and participate effectively in House proceedings through digital tools.

For the way forward, he emphasized the need for digital feedback systems, multilingual facilities, and further citizen-centric reforms in legislative processes.

Firm resolve for a transparent legislature…

Concluding his address, Speaker Adv. Rahul Narvekar said that the use of technology should go beyond mere modernization of offices and aim at making governance more humane. On behalf of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, he reiterated Maharashtra’s firm commitment to digital integration of legislatures across the country and to strengthening democratic institutions through a cooperative federal framework.