OCT 09: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla chaired a workshop on ‘Leveraging Technology: Enhancing Democracy through Digital Transformations and Tackling the Digital Divide’ during the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference held in Barbados.
Addressing parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth, Shri Birla urged them to promote the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while ensuring technology acts as a bridge, not a barrier, in democratic systems.
Highlighting India’s progress, he said AI-based systems have made the country’s parliamentary processes more efficient, transparent, and inclusive. He mentioned innovations like AI-based translation tools, e-Library systems, and speech-to-text reporting, which have revolutionized the functioning of Parliament.
Birla revealed that upcoming real-time AI translation tools such as “Sansad Bhashini” will soon enable every Member of Parliament to speak in their own language, making India’s democracy even more inclusive.
He emphasized that democracy is strongest when citizens are deeply engaged with their Parliament and noted that technology plays a pivotal role in strengthening this connection. Under the Digital Sansad initiative, Parliament has developed an integrated digital ecosystem connecting MPs, ministries, and citizens on one platform.
Commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Shri Birla noted that India’s AI Mission—AI for All and AI for Good—embodies a vision of citizen empowerment and transparent governance. He also cited India’s achievements in digital infrastructure, UPI-led payment revolution, and free AI training for one million citizens, making digital progress inclusive and people-centric.
