SPEAKER PARTICIPATES IN COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE, BARBADOS

Panaji: November 28, 2025

Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly Shri Ganesh Gaonkar, participated in the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) held in Bridgetown, Barbados, recently. The global gathering, themed “The Commonwealth: A Global Partner,” brought together parliamentary leaders, experts, and delegates from across member nations to discuss modern challenges and explore ways to strengthen democratic institutions.

Speaker, Shri Gaonkar informed that the discussions at the CPC were practical, forward-looking, and focused on improving governance in ways that are non-political, people-centric, and adaptable to regional needs. Many of these insights are highly relevant to Goa and can support steady, balanced improvements in public service delivery and legislative functioning.

Delegates at the conference highlighted that strong institutions are the foundation of credible governance. They shared strategies such as setting performance benchmarks, improving support systems for members, and ensuring quality training for newly elected representatives.

For Goa, strengthening research and secretariat services within the Legislative Assembly would help MLAs prepare better for debates, ask informed questions, and contribute effectively to policymaking. Regular, structured training programmes–non-political in nature can create a more efficient and professional legislative environment.

Speaker Shri Gaonkar further informed that, the key takeaway for Goa is balanced digital growth and suggested possible initiatives such as live-streaming Assembly sessions with searchable archives in local languages, A citizen-friendly digital petition portal to simplify public interaction with the Assembly and digital skilling programmes in rural areas, while maintaining offline channels for those without internet.

The conference also emphasized ethical use of emerging technologies. Goa can explore data protection norms and fair-use guidelines for automated tools to maintain transparency and public trust.

Delegates discussed climate change not only as an environmental issue but also as a growing public health challenge. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and coastal erosion increase health risks and affect livelihoods.

Transparency remains a cornerstone of public trust. CPC sessions highlighted simple but effective steps for financial openness. For Goa, potential measures includes Publishing clear, concise summaries of Assembly proceedings, Making procurement processes more transparent and Ensuring regular audits and accessible reports. These administrative improvements build confidence in government functioning.

The insights from the 68th CPC present a roadmap of practical, non-political improvements that can strengthen the functioning of the Goa Legislative Assembly and enhance public engagement.

Speaker Shri Ganesh Gaonkar expressed that the conference reaffirmed the importance of continuous learning, cooperation, and innovation in parliamentary work. With thoughtful planning and collaborative effort, Goa can convert these ideas into meaningful action for the benefit of all its citizens.

DIP/NB/AXP/SF/SM/2025/977