Patna: Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar returned to Patna on Friday after attending the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference in Cape Town, South Africa, and completing a study tour of four countries—Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the Maldives.A large number of Assembly officials, employees, political workers and well-wishers received him at Patna airport.Speaking to reporters outside the airport, Kumar said the Indian delegation presented India’s position at the CPA conference on key global and parliamentary issues, including protection of human rights, promotion of peace, parliamentary leadership in climate adaptation and resilience, the changing world order, protection of rights, Parliament as the first line of defence for human rights, and India’s contribution to the shared journey of the Commonwealth.Kumar addressed the conference on “Parliamentary leadership in promoting climate adaptation and resilience.” He said climate change was not the challenge of one nation alone, but a common challenge for humanity. Highlighting India’s initiatives, he briefed delegates on the country’s green energy expansion, International Solar Alliance, Namami Gange programme and National Clean Air Programme.During his study tour, the Speaker interacted with members of the Indian community and the Bihari diaspora in all four countries. He urged them to contribute to the goal of “Viksit Bharat-Viksit Bihar” by 2047, saying the diaspora could play an important role in Bihar’s development through knowledge, technology and investment.Kumar said the tour was aimed at studying parliamentary functioning and best practices in different countries. He said the experience would help in efforts to make Bihar Assembly more effective, modern and people-oriented. He also said such exchanges strengthened democratic institutions and widened cooperation among legislatures across the Commonwealth in the years ahead.
