Patna, Jan 20: The Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Tesam Pongte, accompanied by the Secretary, Tadar Meena and senior officers of the Assembly, is attending the 85th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) in Patna, Bihar, from January 20. The two-day conference, inaugurated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla and hosted by the Bihar Legislative Assembly led by Nand Kishore Yadav, has brought together Presiding Officers from across the country.
The theme of the conference is ‘75th Anniversary of Constitution: Contribution of Parliament and State legislative bodies in strengthening constitutional values.’
In his address,Tesam Pongte spoke with pride about Arunachal Pradesh, which is known as "the Land of the Rising Sun," marking its position as the first Indian state to greet the rising sun.
He emphasized the state's rich cultural heritage, referencing its mention in ancient texts such as the Kalika Purana and the Mahabharata. The Speaker also expressed his appreciation for the 75th Anniversary of the Constitution Day of India, noting that Arunachal Pradesh actively celebrated this milestone in 2024. The state organized various educational initiatives, including seminars, essay-writing competitions, and workshops, to enhance awareness about the Constitution among students and the general public.
Pongte stressed that these efforts aimed not only to educate the youth about constitutional values but also to instill in them the importance of justice, liberty, equality, and the unity of India. These values were reinforced during the National Constitution Day celebrations organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in November 2024, which included active participation from the Chief Minister, ministers, and students from various colleges and schools.
The Speaker also highlighted Arunachal Pradesh's key legislative contributions to strengthening democratic values, particularly the introduction of Panchayati Raj institutions in 1969. He emphasized how this move empowered rural communities, especially women and youth, in shaping the political landscape of the state. The enactment of the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Bill in 2001 brought in a 3-tier system, which furthered representation at the grassroots level and facilitated localized development.
Further, Pongte discussed the integration of traditional dispute resolution systems in Arunachal Pradesh with the modern judicial framework. He explained how the state recognized the need to balance customary laws with the legal systems established by the Indian Constitution. The Arunachal Pradesh Civil Code Act, 2022, which acknowledges traditional village councils as 'Traditional Courts,' was a significant step in reconciling these two systems, promoting inclusive justice, and ensuring that traditional practices remain respected while aligning with the national legal framework.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to Om Birla and Nand Kishore Yadav for their leadership and for organising this vital platform that fosters meaningful dialogue and exchange among legislative leaders. He emphasised that the deliberations at the conference would play a crucial role in strengthening parliamentary democracy, upholding constitutional values, and addressing the evolving needs of governance in the country.
Pongte also met the Bihar Governor in the morning.