Model Answer

Introduction

The practice of “Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker” implies that the Speaker should not return to active party politics even after their term ends. This approach aims to impart objectivity and neutrality to the office of the Speaker, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

Potential Benefits

1. Impartiality: Adopting this practice would reinforce the impartiality of the Speaker, as they would not be beholden to any political party during or after their term. This could lead to fairer decision-making and a more balanced approach to managing parliamentary debates.
2. Strengthening Democracy: Ensuring the neutrality of the Speaker would contribute to a healthier democratic process by promoting fair debate and discussion in the house. A non-partisan Speaker can facilitate a more inclusive environment for all political parties.
3. Enhancing Credibility: The perception of the Speaker as an unbiased figure would enhance the credibility of the office and boost public trust in the parliamentary process. This trust is essential for the effective functioning of democracy.

Potential Implications

1. Restriction of Political Career: The practice could be seen as a limitation on the political career of the individual serving as the Speaker, as they would not be able to return to active politics after their term. This might deter experienced politicians from accepting the role.
2. Reduced Incentive for Qualified Candidates: The prospect of not being able to rejoin their party after their term might discourage qualified individuals from taking up the position of the Speaker, potentially leading to a lack of experienced leadership in this critical role.
3. Detachment from Political Realities: A Speaker permanently detached from active politics might lose touch with the evolving political landscape, which could hinder their ability to effectively manage parliamentary proceedings and respond to the needs of the members.
4. Constitutional Challenges: Implementing such a practice might face constitutional challenges, as it could be perceived as an infringement on the individual’s right to participate in political activities, raising questions about the balance between impartiality and political freedom.

Conclusion

Balancing the need for impartiality with the individual’s right to engage in political activities and the practical realities of the political landscape is crucial for ensuring the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India. An alternative approach could be to focus on strengthening the existing norms and conventions that govern the office of the Speaker, rather than imposing a permanent restriction on their political career.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades. Once dismissed as a ‘useless stepney tyre,’ it has evolved into an indispensable supporting organ, playing a vital role in the legislative process and safeguarding the principles of Indian democracy.

Factors Contributing to Transformation

1. Checks and Balances:
   The Rajya Sabha serves as an essential check on the actions and policies of the Lok Sabha and the executive. By scrutinizing bills and legislation, it ensures that government decisions are well-considered and that minority voices are not suppressed. For instance, in 2015, the Rajya Sabha blocked the controversial Land Acquisition Bill, which was criticized for being anti-farmer and lacking adequate compensation for land acquisition.
2. Representation of States:
   Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies, ensuring equal representation for each state regardless of population size. This balanced representation upholds federalism and protects state interests, as seen in the passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in 2016, where the Rajya Sabha considered the interests of all states.
3. Special Powers:
   The Rajya Sabha has unique powers, such as initiating the creation of All India Services. This was evident in 1951 when it initiated the establishment of services like the Indian Administrative Service, which are crucial for governance.
4. Review and Reconsideration:
   The Rajya Sabha reviews and reconsiders bills passed by the Lok Sabha, allowing for thorough examination and preventing hasty decisions. For example, the Triple Talaq Bill was sent back by the Rajya Sabha for further scrutiny before being passed.
5. Role in Constitutional Amendments:
   The Rajya Sabha plays a critical role in amending the Constitution, as its approval is necessary for any amendments. The 123rd Constitutional Amendment Bill, which granted constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes, was passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2018.
6. Deliberation and Debate:
   The Rajya Sabha provides a platform for informed debate on key policy issues, often featuring experts and experienced politicians. This was evident during the debate on the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2019, which allowed for a detailed examination of its implications.
7. Stability and Continuity:
   Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent house, with one-third of its members retiring every two years. This structure ensures stability and continuity in legislative processes, as seen during the COVID-19 crisis when the Rajya Sabha continued its duties without disruption.

Conclusion

The Rajya Sabha has transformed into a crucial component of India’s parliamentary democracy, playing a vital role in upholding federalism and ensuring thorough legislative scrutiny. While it has made significant strides, there remains potential for further improvement, particularly in enhancing transparency and collaboration with the Lok Sabha.

Model Answer

Introduction

Committees are vital components of the legislative process in parliamentary systems, providing platforms for detailed scrutiny of legislative proposals, policies, and budgets. Comprising Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties, these committees function in a non-partisan manner, enhancing the overall efficiency of the parliamentary process.

Why Committees are Useful for Parliamentary Work

1. Expertise Development: Committees enable MPs to cultivate specialized knowledge in specific areas, enhancing their ability to evaluate proposals and policies effectively.
2. Detailed Scrutiny: They allow for in-depth analysis of legislative proposals and budgets, something that is often impractical during full parliamentary sessions.
3. Time Management: Committees help manage parliamentary workloads by addressing specific issues, preparing reports, and thus saving valuable time during sessions.
4. Non-partisan Approach: The cooperative atmosphere within committees encourages MPs to work collaboratively, focusing on substantive issues rather than political divisions.
5. Stakeholder Consultation: Committees can engage with various stakeholders, including experts and civil society, to gather diverse perspectives on pertinent issues.
6. Accountability: They play a crucial role in holding the government accountable by scrutinizing its policies and expenditures.

Role of the Estimates Committee

The Estimates Committee, a key standing committee, performs several critical functions:

• Scrutiny of Expenditure: It examines the government’s expenditure estimates and suggests economies in public spending.
• Performance Evaluation: The committee assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of government policies and programs.
• Ensuring Accountability: It scrutinizes government spending to ensure funds are utilized properly and efficiently.
• Recommendations: Based on its evaluations, the committee provides actionable recommendations to improve the management of public funds.
• Composition: The Estimates Committee consists solely of non-ministerial members, ensuring an unbiased review of government expenditure proposals.

Conclusion

Parliamentary committees, particularly the Estimates Committee, significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the legislative process. By facilitating comprehensive scrutiny, developing MP expertise, and promoting a cooperative atmosphere, these committees play a crucial role in ensuring transparent and accountable governance.