India, March 19 -- New Delhi

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla on Tuesday urged Delhi members of legislative assembly (MLAs) to turn the state assembly into a model legislature citing "very high expectations and aspirations", at the inauguration of the two-day orientation and training programme for legislators.

The inaugural session was attended by Delhi speaker Vijender Gupta, chief minister Rekha Gupta, leader of Opposition Atishi and 45 other MLAs. Lok Sabha secretary-general Utpal Kumar apprised Birla that 40% are first-time MLAs and most were younger than 50 years.

Addressing the MLAs, Birla said, "The members should focus on development of Delhi as a whole, instead of thinking restrictively to their constituencies. Delhi is a microcosm ...