Indian Parliament: Pillar of Democracy, Functioning and Imperative Reforms

Introduction

The Indian Parliament stands as a central pillar in the architecture of the world’s largest democracy. It serves as the primary legislative body of India, responsible for lawmaking, holding the executive accountable, representing the public, and deliberating on issues of national importance. Established under the Indian Constitution in 1950, Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Over the years, the Parliament has played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of Indian governance and democracy. However, with evolving socio-political dynamics, it is important to reflect upon the functioning, challenges, and the need for reforms to ensure it continues to serve the democratic ideals of the nation.

Historical Context and Evolution of Indian Parliament

The Indian Parliament’s origins can be traced to the colonial era. The Government of India Act of 1919 introduced the concept of a legislative assembly, which was later expanded in the Government of India Act of 1935. After independence, the Constituent Assembly was responsible for drafting the Constitution and laying the foundation for India’s democratic structure. The first general elections in 1951–52 marked the inauguration of a fully elected Indian Parliament.

Role of Indian Parliament

1. Legislative Function

The primary function of Parliament is to legislate, meaning to create, amend, and repeal laws governing the country. The legislative process is intricate, involving multiple readings, discussions, and debates in both houses. Every law passed by Parliament has far-reaching consequences for citizens, institutions, and governance.

2. Control over the Executive

One of the essential roles of Parliament is to ensure that the executive, i.e., the government, is held accountable. This function is achieved through various tools like Question Hour, Zero Hour, and parliamentary committees. These mechanisms allow members of Parliament (MPs) to scrutinize government policies, expenditures, and decisions. No-confidence motions and adjournment motions also provide opportunities for MPs to express dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.

3. Financial Control

The Parliament exercises significant control over public finances. The government cannot levy taxes or incur expenditures without parliamentary approval. The annual budget, which includes both the Union Budget and the Railway Budget, must be passed by Parliament. The government also seeks permission for additional expenditure through the Appropriation Bill. Committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) play a pivotal role in ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively.

4. Representation

The Lok Sabha represents the people of India, with members directly elected by the citizens. The Rajya Sabha represents the states, ensuring that regional interests are reflected in national legislation. MPs are expected to voice the concerns and needs of their constituents in Parliament, ensuring that the legislative process is democratic and inclusive.

5. Deliberation and Debate

Parliament is a forum for discussing national and international issues of significance. It provides a platform for MPs to debate policies, bills, and the direction of the country’s governance. These debates contribute to a more informed and transparent policymaking process.

6. Constitutional Amendments

Parliament plays a pivotal role in amending the Constitution of India. Article 368 empowers Parliament to make changes to the Constitution, ensuring that it remains dynamic and adaptable to changing times. Over the years, several important amendments have been made, addressing issues related to fundamental rights, governance structures, and federalism.

Functioning of Indian Parliament

1. Sessions of Parliament

The Indian Parliament typically holds three sessions annually – the Budget Session, the Monsoon Session, and the Winter Session. During these sessions, bills are introduced, debated, and passed. The Parliament’s functioning is characterized by formal procedures, including the President’s address, Question Hour, Zero Hour, and discussions on various issues.

2. Lawmaking Process

The process of lawmaking begins with the introduction of a bill. Bills can be categorized into two types: ordinary bills and money bills. While ordinary bills can be introduced in either house, money bills must be introduced in the Lok Sabha. A bill goes through multiple stages of discussion, including a first reading (introduction), second reading (detailed discussion), and third reading (voting). Once passed by both houses, the bill is sent to the President for assent.

3. Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary committees are an integral part of the legislative process. These committees examine bills, budgets, policies, and the functioning of government departments in detail. Committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Estimates Committee, and Standing Committees on various ministries enhance the efficiency of parliamentary work by allowing more focused scrutiny.

Challenges in the Functioning of Indian Parliament

1. Disruptions and Lack of Productivity

One of the most significant challenges faced by the Indian Parliament is frequent disruptions during sessions. Members often resort to protests, walkouts, and unruly behavior, resulting in the loss of precious time. This affects the overall productivity of the institution, as important bills remain undiscussed or hastily passed without adequate debate.

2. Decline in Quality of Debates

While Parliament is supposed to be a forum for constructive debate and discussion, the quality of debates has been declining over the years. The focus often shifts from policy discussions to political rhetoric, with members resorting to personal attacks rather than meaningful discourse.

3. Underutilization of Parliamentary Committees

Although parliamentary committees are an essential part of the legislative process, their potential is often underutilized. Reports from these committees, which could provide valuable insights, are sometimes ignored by the executive. Moreover, committee meetings are sometimes poorly attended by members, affecting their efficiency.

4. Lack of Transparency

The functioning of Parliament is often criticized for its lack of transparency, especially concerning the legislative process. Important bills are sometimes introduced and passed without sufficient public consultation or debate. The lack of live telecasting of committee proceedings also limits public engagement with the legislative process.

5. Criminalization of Politics

The increasing number of MPs with criminal backgrounds raises concerns about the integrity of Parliament. This trend undermines the credibility of the institution and erodes public trust in the democratic process.

Reforms in the Indian Parliament

To address the challenges and enhance the functioning of Parliament, several reforms have been proposed and implemented over the years. However, much more needs to be done to ensure that Parliament remains a vibrant, efficient, and transparent institution.

1. Code of Conduct for MPs

To address the issue of frequent disruptions, a comprehensive code of conduct for MPs could be introduced. Such a code would specify the acceptable standards of behavior during parliamentary sessions and impose penalties for unruly conduct. This would ensure smoother functioning of Parliament and minimize disruptions.

2. Strengthening Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary committees play a vital role in scrutinizing legislation and holding the government accountable. Strengthening these committees by making their reports more binding on the executive and ensuring better attendance and participation from members can lead to more effective governance.

3. Improving Transparency

Introducing reforms that ensure greater transparency in the legislative process can strengthen public trust in Parliament. This could include live telecasting of committee proceedings, mandatory public consultation on important bills, and ensuring that every bill introduced is adequately discussed in both houses.

4. Electoral Reforms

The criminalization of politics can be addressed through electoral reforms, including stricter disqualification norms for candidates with criminal charges, transparency in political funding, and improving internal democracy within political parties.

5. Increasing Productivity

To improve the productivity of Parliament, the number of days Parliament is in session each year could be increased. Ensuring that sessions are not prematurely adjourned due to disruptions, and extending the time available for discussions on important bills would lead to more effective lawmaking.

Conclusion

The Indian Parliament, as the repository of the sovereign will of the people, plays a pivotal role in ensuring democratic governance in India. While it has made significant contributions to India’s progress, it faces several challenges in its functioning. Addressing these challenges through comprehensive reforms can ensure that Parliament continues to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity. Strengthening parliamentary procedures, enhancing the quality of debates, and increasing public engagement with the legislative process are crucial steps towards making Parliament a more effective institution. As Indian democracy evolves, so too must its Parliament, ensuring it remains the vibrant heart of the nation’s political system.