Tashkent, Uzbekistan – On April 6, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took center stage at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, delivering a keynote address that spotlighted India’s unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and inclusive development. Speaking on the theme “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice,” Birla articulated a vision rooted in the Indian Constitution, which he described as a document designed to ensure equal treatment for all citizens, provide equitable opportunities, and uplift marginalized and backward sections of society into the mainstream of progress and development.
Birla’s address painted a detailed picture of India’s legislative journey in recent years, emphasizing the Parliament’s proactive role in enacting laws that prioritize social inclusion and security. “In recent years, the Indian Parliament has passed several legislations that promote social justice and encourage the inclusion of all sections of society,” he stated. He cited a series of landmark bills as evidence of this commitment, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, which strengthens protections and opportunities for individuals with disabilities; the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019, aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of transgender individuals; and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam of 2023, a law focused on advancing women’s empowerment. These measures, he argued, reflect a broader effort to ensure that no segment of society is left behind in India’s developmental trajectory.
Beyond these specific acts, Birla highlighted the introduction of new labor laws and codes tailored to improve the welfare and social security of workers in India’s vast unorganized sector. This sector, which employs millions of people in informal and often precarious conditions, has long been a focus of policy reform, and Birla underscored the Parliament’s determination to address its challenges through targeted legislation. “These laws are a testament to our perennial concern for safeguarding the interests of the vulnerable,” he remarked, framing the legislative agenda as a moral and practical imperative.
A key highlight of Birla’s speech was his discussion of India’s legal overhaul, particularly the replacement of the colonial-era Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. This shift, he asserted, marks a significant milestone in India’s judicial evolution. “By replacing the Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, India has established the primacy of justice,” he said, suggesting that the new framework prioritizes fairness and accessibility over outdated punitive structures. This reform, part of a broader trio of criminal justice laws, has sparked both praise and debate domestically, but Birla presented it as a bold step toward aligning India’s legal system with contemporary values.
Birla also delved into the operational mechanisms that support India’s legislative goals, spotlighting the role of parliamentary committees. Often referred to as “mini parliaments,” these bodies play a complementary role to the broader efforts of the legislature and the government. He singled out committees such as those on Social Justice and Empowerment, Women Empowerment, and Labour and Skill Development, explaining how they monitor welfare programs to ensure their effective implementation. “These committees bring accountability and transparency to the process,” he noted, emphasizing their function as watchdogs that bridge policy intent with on-the-ground outcomes. By scrutinizing government schemes and offering recommendations, these panels help fine-tune initiatives to better serve the public.
On the developmental front, Birla showcased India’s ambitious strides in human welfare, with a particular focus on the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Described as the world’s largest health insurance scheme, PM-JAY provides free healthcare coverage to the bottom 40% of India’s population—hundreds of millions of people who might otherwise lack access to quality medical services. “The Government of India works with a mission to achieve targets set for key human development indicators,” Birla said, positioning the program as a cornerstone of India’s efforts to improve public health and reduce inequality.
Turning to the economic sphere, Birla credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for India’s remarkable growth trajectory. He noted that the country has achieved a 105% GDP increase over the past decade, earning it the distinction of being the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Now the fifth-largest economy globally, India is poised to climb to the third spot in the coming years, Birla predicted. He tied this economic success to the nation’s broader aspirations, encapsulated in the goal of *Viksit Bharat*—a developed India—by 2047, the centennial of its independence. India’s leadership in fields such as innovation, artificial intelligence, startups, space and defense technology, information technology, fintech, and pharmaceuticals further bolsters its global standing, he added.
Birla expressed hope that the IPU Assembly’s discussions would yield fresh perspectives for parliamentarians worldwide, enabling them to take concrete steps toward building just, inclusive, and prosperous societies. He lauded the IPU’s role in fostering global parliamentary cooperation, describing it as an evolving platform that adds new dimensions to international dialogue. The theme of the 150th Assembly, he suggested, resonates with the Indian philosophy of *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam*—the idea that the world is one family—a concept deeply embedded in India’s cultural and traditional ethos.
On the sidelines of the summit, Birla held a bilateral meeting with Tran Thanh Man, President of Vietnam’s National Assembly, to explore avenues for deepening ties between the two nations. Recalling his visit to Vietnam in April 2022 to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, Birla emphasized the strong cultural and historical connections that bind India and Vietnam. Both countries, he observed, are pursuing sustainable development—India with its 2047 vision and Vietnam with its 2045 goals—and have strengthened their partnership through high-level engagements in recent years. Cooperation in defense, technology, infrastructure, and nuclear energy has laid the groundwork for future collaboration, he said.
Birla also highlighted India’s “Digital Parliament” initiative, which leverages emerging technologies to enhance parliamentary efficiency, transparency, and citizen participation. He pointed to the growing number of Vietnamese students benefiting from educational and training scholarships in India as another pillar of the relationship. Tran Thanh Man echoed Birla’s sentiments, stressing the cultural ties between the two nations and the importance of bolstering defense and technology partnerships. He extended an invitation to Birla for a future visit to Vietnam and raised the possibility of forming a parliamentary friendship group to further cement ties.
Birla wrapped up his participation in the IPU Assembly by extending Ram Navami greetings to the gathering, marking the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. The gesture added a cultural flourish to an event that underscored India’s growing influence in global parliamentary forums, as it balances domestic progress with international engagement. Hosted in Tashkent, the 150th IPU Assembly provided a platform for India to showcase its legislative achievements and diplomatic outreach, reinforcing its role as a key player in shaping a more equitable world order.
