Cape Town/Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 16 (IANS) Kerala Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan showcased the state’s parliamentary innovations and inclusive governance initiatives at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town on Wednesday, saying Kerala’s legislature has emerged as a model for democratic institutions worldwide.
Speaking at the conference, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, an eight-time legislator, highlighted several pioneering measures introduced by the Kerala Assembly in law-making, parliamentary procedures and democratic governance.
He said the state’s subject committee system, which enables detailed scrutiny of legislation and administrative matters, was the first of its kind in India and has strengthened legislative oversight.
The 76-year-old Speaker said Kerala was also working to deepen engagement between citizens and legislative institutions. As part of these efforts, steps have been initiated to introduce a mechanism that would allow members of the public to directly raise questions in the Assembly, providing citizens with a more direct link to the legislative process.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to inclusivity, Radhakrishnan said Kerala has adopted a rights-based approach towards persons with disabilities, aimed at ensuring empowerment, equality and dignity rather than merely providing infrastructure support.
He noted that the state has implemented a comprehensive legal framework under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and formulated policies covering education, healthcare, employment and social security. The approach goes beyond providing basic infrastructure, he said.
The Speaker said Kerala’s efforts were focused on making democratic institutions more inclusive, representative and responsive to people’s needs. He also underscored the growing role of technology in enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of legislative bodies.
The discussions at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town centred on the functioning of parliamentary institutions and ways to strengthen democratic systems.
Radhakrishnan’s presentation brought Kerala’s legislative practices before parliamentarians and legislators from across Commonwealth countries.
–IANS
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