Tripura Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul to represent State at 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town

Tripura is poised to make its presence felt on the international stage as Deputy Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Ram Prasad Paul, has been selected to represent the state at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. 

His participation is being hailed as a proud moment for Tripura, offering the state an opportunity to highlight its parliamentary practices and democratic journey before a global audience.

The announcement came after an All India Presiding Officers’ CPA Meeting held on Tuesday at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi. Chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the meeting brought together Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and presiding officers from across the country, along with officials from state legislatures and the central government. 

The session, which lasted from 2 pm to 6 pm, focused on preparations for the Cape Town conference, including the composition of the Indian delegation, the programme schedule, and the proposed study tour.

India is expected to send a 125‑member delegation, comprising representatives from Parliament and state assemblies. Among them, Tripura’s Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul will attend the conference accompanied by his wife. His inclusion in the delegation is seen as an important recognition of Tripura’s contribution to India’s parliamentary traditions.

The CPA Conference, scheduled to begin on September 11, will bring together representatives from across the Commonwealth to deliberate on parliamentary practices, democratic governance, and legislative innovations. 

Apart from participating in the conference, the Indian delegation will also join a study tour designed to provide exposure to international parliamentary institutions and procedures. The delegation is expected to return to India on October 2.

Officials noted that the conference will provide Tripura with a platform to share its experiences in strengthening democratic institutions at the grassroots level. Paul’s participation is expected to highlight the state’s legislative achievements and its role in deepening democratic engagement.