PATNA, Feb. 8 -- The Speaker of Lok Sabha Om Birla on Saturday expressed anguish over the decline in dignity and decorum in state legislatures while stressing the need for legislatures to be well versed in legislative practices, rules and precedences so that they could participate meaningfully in parliamentary debates and also fulfil the expectations of people who have chosen them as public representatives to raise public issues in the houses. The Speaker , while giving the inaugural address of a symposium on"Empowered Legislators, Stronger Democracy" on the occasion of foundation day of Bihar Legislative Assembly in Patna in attendance of Union parliamentary affairs and minority affairs Kiren Rijiju, deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Speaker Bihar state assembly Prem Kumar and deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha and other dignitaries, maintained that the legislature is a vital institution of democracy, and its dignity must be respected and preserved at all times. Incidentally, CM Nitish Kumar, deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav were conspicuous by their absence. Parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said the CM could not attend the event due to prior engagements. Expressing concern over instances of disruptions and disorderly conduct in legislative proceedings, Birla said that such practices adversely affect the image of democratic institutions. He urged members to place greater emphasis on dialogue, reasoned debate and constructive engagement. Outlining how Bihar has big historical importance in terms of democracy with Lichavi state in Vaishali laying the foundation of a republic state, the Speaker also highlighted that the "One nation One application" system being already implemented in state assemblies across the country and Parliament would be completed by 2026. Birla also inaugurated the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) Digital House in Bihar Legislature. He said that legislators would be able to gain knowledge of laws, debates and proceedings via this application....