A delegation from the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (CPA Sikkim Branch), led by Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa and Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, participated in the inaugural ceremony of the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference at Vidhan Soudha, Bengaluru, on Thursday. The team also included Assembly Secretary Lalit Kumar Gurung, Principal Director Karma Tshering Gyatso Bhutia, Senior PS to the Deputy Speaker Pradeep Gurung, and PS to the Speaker Aadarsh Chhetri. Before the formal proceedings, Speaker Sherpa joined the Executive Committee Meeting at the Vidhan Soudha conference hall.
The conference was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker and CPA India Region Chairperson Om Birla, in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraja Shivalingappa. The welcome address was delivered by Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader Fareed. The event saw participation from presiding officers, secretaries, and senior officials of legislatures across states and union territories. The inaugural programme also featured a patriotic light-and-sound show and cultural performances, showcasing India’s diversity. In a unique highlight, Speakers from Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka attended in traditional attire. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla felicitated Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Uttarakhand Speaker Ritu Khanduri, and Uttar Pradesh Speaker Satish Mahana for their outstanding representation of regional culture.
The two-day conference, scheduled for September 12–13, will deliberate on the theme: “Debates and Discussion in the Houses of Legislature: Building People’s Trust, Meeting People’s Aspirations.” Adding to Sikkim’s recognition, Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa was nominated by Om Birla to serve as one of the Panel of Chairmen for the Plenary Session of the conference. The nomination was seen as a mark of appreciation for Sikkim’s active participation in parliamentary affairs.