Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today met with 40 foreign delegates from 12 countries, who are participating in the 37th Parliamentary Internship Programme at the Lok Seva Bhawan.
The delegates, as part of the programme organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies, New Delhi, engaged in discussions with Majhi on various aspects of governance and development.
CM Majhi welcomed the delegates and highlighted Odisha’s strong democratic traditions and the 89-year legacy of dedicated public service by the State Legislative Assembly. He stated that the parliamentary procedures of the Odisha State Legislative Assembly are among the best in the country.
Majhi informed the delegates that between June 2024 and June 2025, the Odisha Legislative Assembly conducted 62 sessions and spent a record 12 hours and 25 minutes deliberating on the Odisha University (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that Odisha is a pioneer in the digital transformation of the legislative process. He highlighted various initiatives, including the implementation of the National e-Vidhan Application, e-Office for administration, a fully digital library, and the use of AI for research and indexing.
Majhi further informed the delegates that the Odisha Legislative Assembly has received a national award for excellence in digital technology. He emphasised the importance of various parliamentary committees, stating that 25 committees, including 10 departmental standing committees, have been formed to ensure good governance, functioning as ‘mini-parliaments.
Chief Minister also mentioned that Odisha successfully hosted the National Conference of Chairpersons of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Committees, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive governance.
Majhi described Odisha as the cultural hub of Eastern India, highlighting its rich cultural heritage.
The foreign delegates had previously visited historical sites such as Puri, Konark, Dhauli, and others, and praised Odisha’s heritage and hospitality.
Rajya Sabha MP Sujit Kumar praised the Odisha Legislative Assembly as a national model, citing its discipline, constructive debates, and innovative use of technology. He stated that the parliamentary internship program provides a unique opportunity for young global representatives to learn about India’s parliamentary traditions.
Kerimguly Gurbangulyyevich Geldiyev, member of the Turkmenistan Majlis (Parliament), praised Odisha’s commitment to cleanliness and digital culture in governance, calling the internship program a memorable experience for all delegates.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary (Parliamentary Affairs) Surendra Kumar, Secretary of the Odisha Legislative Assembly Satyabrat Rout, and Director PRIDE. Prashant Mallick and senior officials from the Chief Minister’s Office.
