STAFF CORRESPONDENT SHILLONG: Using the phrase "Vocal for Local", the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held high the role of the Autonomous Districts Councils in the State and the region. Delivering his inaugural speech on the 'Outreach & Familiarisation Programme' for local bodies of Meghalaya and other north-eastern States, in Shillong on Friday, the Lok Sabha Speaker stated, "The Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) hold a pivotal place in the process of local development. Their members have full knowledge of the strengths of local areas which can be optimally utilized for the socio-economic development of the people living in those areas." Stating that the Union government intends to give a boost to the local area development, Om Birla further pointed out, "The Autonomous District Councils function as a mini legislative body. Therefore, the objective of the discussion and dialogue held there should be to ensure accountability of the executive.