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India's Role in the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers

Strengthening Parliamentary Democracy in the Commonwealth

India's Role in the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers

  • 13 Jan, 2026
  • 256

India Hosts the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers

India is set to host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi. This three-day conference, commencing on Wednesday and continuing until 16 January, will gather Speakers and Presiding Officers from over 60 Commonwealth nations and semi-autonomous parliaments.

Objective and Significance of CSPOC

The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth serves as a premier parliamentary forum. Its aim is to promote knowledge and understanding of parliamentary democracy in its varied forms. The conference seeks to enhance parliamentary institutions through dialogue, sharing best practices, and collaborative learning. Hosting the 28th edition highlights India’s robust parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth.

Leadership and Inaugural Programme

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chairs the 28th CSPOC. The opening day will feature a CSPOC Standing Committee meeting led by him. The Conference will be officially inaugurated on 15 January by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. During this event, the Prime Minister will engage informally with the attending Speakers and Presiding Officers.

Key Themes and Deliberations

The conference will host several thematic sessions that address contemporary challenges and innovations in parliamentary practice. Significant topics will include the integration of Artificial Intelligence in Parliament, sharing innovative ideas, the influence of social media on parliamentarians, improving public understanding of parliamentary functions, and addressing the health and wellbeing of Members of Parliament. These discussions aim to modernize legislative practices while upholding democratic values.

Important Facts for Exams

  • CSPOC stands for Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth.
  • The 28th CSPOC is hosted by India in New Delhi.
  • The Conference unites parliamentary leaders from over 60 Commonwealth countries.
  • Key themes include AI in Parliament and strengthening democratic institutions.

Transition of CSPOC Chairmanship

Upon the conclusion of the Conference, the Lok Sabha Speaker will officially transfer the Chair of CSPOC to Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the UK House of Commons. This occasion is viewed as a landmark event, underscoring India's proactive role in fostering parliamentary collaboration and democratic governance across the Commonwealth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the CSPOC?
Answer: The CSPOC stands for the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, a forum for discussing parliamentary democracy and best practices among member nations.

Q2. When and where is the 28th CSPOC being held?
Answer: The 28th CSPOC is being held in New Delhi, India, from 15 to 16 January 2023.

Q3. Who is the chairperson of the 28th CSPOC?
Answer: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla serves as the chairperson for the 28th CSPOC, leading important discussions during the conference.

Q4. What are the key themes of the conference?
Answer: Key themes include the use of Artificial Intelligence in Parliament, enhancing public understanding, and improving the health and wellbeing of Members of Parliament.

Q5. Who will take over the chairmanship after the conference?
Answer: After the conference, the chairmanship will be transferred to Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the UK House of Commons.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What does CSPOC stand for?
A) Conference of Special Parliamentary Officers
B) Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth
C) Council of Speakers and Parliamentary Officers
D) Conference of Speakers in the Commonwealth
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Who inaugurated the 28th CSPOC?
A) Om Birla
B) Narendra Modi
C) Lindsay Hoyle
D) Kamini Kaushal
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: How many countries are participating in the 28th CSPOC?
A) 50
B) 60
C) 70
D) 80
Correct Answer: B

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