Dharamshala: CPA Conference Begins in Tapovan, Focus on Anti-Defection Law and Special Policy for Hill States

Dharamshala, June 30:
The two-day annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region Zone-2, commenced on Monday at the Tapovan Assembly Complex in Dharamshala. The event was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The conference is being attended by Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and delegates from the legislative assemblies of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

Addressing the gathering, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of the Anti-Defection Law to safeguard the integrity of Indian democracy. He also called for a separate policy tailored to the unique needs of hill states.

Highlighting Himachal’s leadership in embracing digital governance, the Chief Minister proposed holding all by-elections once a year under the “One Nation, One Election” framework.

He also outlined several progressive initiatives of the state government, including:

• Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme

• Launch of the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Samman Nidhi Yojana for women

• Promotion of border tourism through Shipki La Pass

• Introduction of a stringent anti-drug trafficking law, which includes provisions for capital punishment and confiscation of property

Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania expressed satisfaction over the successful organization of the event. The conference was also attended by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Dr. Harivansh Narayan Singh, and several other dignitaries.