Lok Sabha speaker unveils proceedings of Central Legislative Assembly from 1924-30

New Delhi: Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla on Thursday unveiled an 89-volume compilation of proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly from 1924 to 1930 at an event at the Delhi Assembly, opening a major archive of India’s parliamentary history to scholars and the public.

Describing the initiative as an important step towards preserving India’s democratic and legislative heritage, Birla said the archival series would help future generations understand the functioning, dignity and resilience of democratic institutions under British rule.

“India’s democratic institutions are rooted in discussion, dialogue and consensus, and today the country stands as a model of democratic values at the global level,” Birla said, adding that the proceedings captured the spirit of the freedom movement and documented how Indian leaders challenged colonial policies through debates and legislative interventions.

The event was attended by Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Assembly speaker Vijender Gupta and legislative affairs minister Parvesh Verma, among others.

“If legislative institutions weaken, democracy weakens. Every elected representative has a collective responsibility to uphold the dignity of Parliament and assemblies,” Rijiju said.

Gupta said the historical documentation project had already compiled nearly 32,000 parliamentary questions from 407 sittings, with a long-term goal of preserving around five lakh legislative records. He also proposed setting up a dedicated parliamentary museum within the assembly complex to showcase India’s legislative heritage.

The restored proceedings include debates and speeches by prominent nationalist leaders such as Madan Mohan Malaviya, Motilal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal and Vitthalbhai Patel, the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly. The records document discussions on swadeshi, education, caste discrimination, women’s rights, economic policy and resistance to colonial laws.