GANGTOK, (IPR): The executive meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone III was held this evening at a local hotel in Gangtok, under the chairmanship of Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman of CPA India Region Zone-III, Sharingain Longkumer.
Longkumer was accompanied by Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, MN Sherpa, and Speaker, Assam Legislative Assembly, Biswajit Daimary along with key members of the CPA India Region Zone III, including Speakers, Deputy Speakers, secretaries and senior officials from the State legislative assemblies of Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Assam, as well as representatives from Manipur.
The meeting commenced with the welcome address by Chairman of CPA India Region Zone-III, Longkumer, who also serves as the president of North East Regional Institute of Parliamentary Studies Training and Research (NERIPSTR), wherein he emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in legislative affairs. He also extended gratitude to the State of Sikkim for hosting the significant meeting to ensure parliamentary democracy.
One of the key agendas discussed was the finalisation of dates for the 22nd Annual CPA India Region Zone-III Conference, which is set to be held in Kohima, Nagaland and aims to foster dialogue among legislators and strengthen democratic governance in the region. The tentative dates have been unanimously fixed for November 9-15, 2025, subject to the approval of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, it was informed.
Reports from commissioner &secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Andrew Simons, and secretary in-charge of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly &secretary, CPA India Region Zone-III, Khruohituonuo Rio, were presented, detailing on the developments, current undertakings and initiatives undertaken by CPA India Region Zone III.
The reports were followed by an in-depth discussion among the members that were focused on parliamentary proceedings and administrative improvements.
During the meeting, it was decided to form two three-member committees—one to oversee CPA workshops and another to facilitate the publication of a bimonthly newsletter covering the activities of the CPA India Region Zone III. The Speaker of Meghalaya shall be the chairman of the Workshop Committee, while the Speaker of Sikkim shall be the chairman of the Newsletter Committee.
A report by the additional director, NERIPSTR, Guwahati, Kshitish Talukdar, was also tabled, outlining the financial overview and considerations of the institution.
The financial segment of the meeting included a financial report and suggestive fiscal measures presented by chartered accountant, NERIPSTR, Vikash Nagpuria. The house engaged in a discussion on the fiscal recommendations aimed at enhancing budgetary planning and financial governance.
One of the notable proposals deliberated was the establishment of a forum named Former Presiding Officers of Northeast India (FOPON), comprising former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the eight Northeastern States. The forum aims to promote the welfare of former presiding officers, uphold their dignity, and provide a platform to channel their rich experience and wisdom into constructive and collaborative initiatives. Speaker, Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Lalbiakzama, presented a draft report on the proposal, with further discussions scheduled for the next executive committee meeting.
The meeting concluded with discussions on additional issues with the Chair’s permission, reflecting the CPA’s commitment to parliamentary excellence and regional collaboration. Key issues included strengthening road connectivity and addressing the drug menace in the region, and ensuring the revival and welfare of NERIPSTR.
In his concluding remarks, Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, MN Sherpa, expressed gratitude to the Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and senior officials for their participation. He extended his best wishes for their study tour in Sikkim.
Among the prominent delegates present during the meeting were Speaker, Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Lalbiakzama; Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Tesam Pongte; Speaker, Tripura Legislative Assembly, Biswa Bandhu Sen; Deputy Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Raj Kumari Thapa; Deputy Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Timothy D Shira; Deputy Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, S Toiho Yeptho; Deputy Speaker, Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Lalfamkima; Deputy Speaker, Tripura Legislative Assembly, Ram Prasad Paul; secretary, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Lalit K Gurung; secretary, Manipur Legislative Assembly, Rohit Sapam; secretary, Tripura Legislative Assembly, Sanjib K Majumder; secretary, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Tadar Meena;and principal director, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Karma T Gyatso Bhutia.