Dharamshala Prepares for Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference

Dharamshala is gearing up for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference, taking place on June 30 and July 1. This significant event marks the first time the conference is hosted in this picturesque hill town. With 178 delegates from various states, including key speakers and officials, the conference will focus on themes like good governance and the role of technology in legislative processes. Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions and sessions that explore the future of governance in the digital age.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 29, 2025, 21:45 IST

Dharamshala's Grand Preparations for the CPA Conference

Subhash Mahajan

Chamba: The TapoVan complex in Dharamshala has been exquisitely decorated in anticipation of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone II Annual Conference, set to take place on June 30 and July 1. The venue is adorned like a bride, reflecting the significance and honor of hosting this event for the first time in Dharamshala.

Delegates from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh have already arrived in the picturesque hill town by air to participate in the conference. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh is present in Dharamshala, while Lok Sabha Speaker and CPA India Region Chairman Om Birla is expected to land at Gaggal Airport on the morning of June 30 to officially open the event at 10 a.m.

During the inauguration, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will address the attendees. This historic conference will host 178 delegates, including Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Leaders of Opposition, Chief Whips, Deputy Chief Whips, and Members of Legislative Assemblies from eight states across India.

Himachal Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, who is coordinating the participating states—Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir—announced that the central theme of the conference is:

“Good Governance in the Digital Era: Managing Resources, Defending Democracy, and Embracing Innovation.”

The two-day event will consist of three significant sessions. On June 30, following the inaugural ceremony, the first session will focus on:

“The Role of Legislatures in Managing State Resources in Comparison to Development Goals.”

On July 1, two additional sessions are scheduled:

“Disqualification on Grounds of Defection under Articles 102(2) and 191(2) as per the Tenth Schedule,” and

“The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Legislative Assemblies.”

The conference will wrap up on July 1, with Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla overseeing the closing ceremony. Additional speeches will be given by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. The vote of thanks will be presented by Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar.

Secretaries from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, along with secretaries from the participating state assemblies, will also be in attendance. All arrangements for this landmark conference have been finalized.