A delegation of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (CPA Sikkim Branch), led by Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa and Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, attended the inaugural ceremony of the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference at Vidhan Soudha. The delegation also included Secretary Lalit Kumar Gurung, Principal Director Karma Tshering Gyatso Bhutia, Senior PS to Deputy Speaker Pradeep Gurung, and PS to Speaker Aadarsh Chhetri.

Before the inauguration, Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa participated in the Executive Committee meeting at the Conference Hall of Vidhan Soudha. The conference was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who also serves as Chairperson of the CPA India Region. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraja Shivalingappa addressed the gathering. Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader Fareed delivered the welcome address.

Presiding officers, secretaries, and senior officials from various state and union territory legislatures were present. The inaugural ceremony also featured a patriotic light and sound show and a cultural programme.

As part of the session, dignitaries represented their states in traditional attire. Speakers from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim were adjudged to have the best traditional attire and were felicitated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa was also nominated to the Panel of Chairmen for the Plenary Session.

The conference will continue on September 12 and 13, focusing on the theme “Debates and discussion in the Houses of Legislature; Building people’s trust, meeting people’s aspirations.”