Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction: Contextualizing the Question (30-40 words) Start with a brief introduction about the role of Parliament in the democratic setup. Define its core functions: deliberative lawmaking and holding the executive accountable. Mention the increasing concerns over the decline in ...
Model Answer Introduction The Parliamentary Committee system is a vital mechanism in the legislative functioning of Indian democracy. It consists of various committees categorized into Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, each playing a crucial role in investigating and analyzing legislative proposals, bRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Parliamentary Committee system is a vital mechanism in the legislative functioning of Indian democracy. It consists of various committees categorized into Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, each playing a crucial role in investigating and analyzing legislative proposals, budgets, and government activities.
Structure of the Parliamentary Committee System
1. Standing Committees
These are permanent committees established to work continuously on matters allocated to them. For instance, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reviews the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
2. Ad Hoc Committees
Formed to address specific issues, these committees exist for a limited duration. A recent example is the Joint Parliamentary Committee set up to scrutinize the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019.
3. Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs)
These committees scrutinize the demands for grants from various ministries, playing a critical role in examining bills and government policies related to their respective ministries.
4. Financial Committees
Financial committees, such as the Estimates Committee and the PAC, delve into financial matters, presenting detailed reports that help in the effective oversight of government expenditure.
Role of Financial Committees in Institutionalization
1. Scrutiny of Government Expenditure
Financial committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing government expenditures. For example, the PAC’s report on the 2G spectrum allocation brought significant irregularities to light, ensuring accountability.
2. Expert Consultations
These committees often consult experts to enhance their understanding of complex issues. During the formulation of the GST Bill, various economists and industry experts were consulted, ensuring a comprehensive tax system.
3. Cross-Party Deliberations
Financial committees facilitate cross-party discussions, promoting cooperative approaches. The consensus-building during GST discussions in the Rajya Sabha is a testament to this collaborative spirit.
4. Accountability and Transparency
Reports from financial committees have increased accountability and transparency in government actions. The PAC’s detailed report on the Rafale deal underscored the commitment to transparency.
5. Focused Discussions
Committees enable focused discussions, allowing for in-depth exploration of issues. The Joint Parliamentary Committee’s deliberations on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (2016) exemplify this.
Conclusion
The Parliamentary Committee system is essential for enhancing the efficiency, accountability, and inclusivity of the legislative process in India. Financial committees have significantly contributed to the institutionalization of the Indian Parliament by ensuring scrutiny, transparency, and expert involvement. Addressing existing challenges will further strengthen their role in upholding the democratic ethos of the Indian Parliament.
See less
Model Answer Decline in Parliamentary Functioning and its Impact on Lawmaking and Accountability The effective functioning of Parliament is essential for fulfilling its role in deliberative lawmaking and holding the executive accountable. However, recent trends indicate that a decline in parliamentaRead more
Model Answer
Decline in Parliamentary Functioning and its Impact on Lawmaking and Accountability
The effective functioning of Parliament is essential for fulfilling its role in deliberative lawmaking and holding the executive accountable. However, recent trends indicate that a decline in parliamentary operations is undermining these critical responsibilities.
Reduced Time for Discussion and Scrutiny
One of the most significant factors affecting parliamentary functioning is the decreasing number of sitting days. According to the PRS (Public Affairs Centre), the Lok Sabha’s annual sitting days have sharply fallen from 121 days between 1952-70 to just 56 days in 2022. This reduction in sitting time leaves limited opportunities for MPs to debate and scrutinize important legislation or question the executive (PRS, 2022). Furthermore, the rapid passage of bills, with the Lok Sabha passing laws in less than 10 minutes on average, bypasses the necessary scrutiny. This hasty approach diminishes the role of Parliament as a deliberative body and weakens accountability mechanisms.
Overuse of Ordinances and Reduced Committee Scrutiny
Another factor is the increasing reliance on ordinances, which limits Parliament’s ability to debate and hold the executive accountable. Between 2014-2021, 76 ordinances were issued, often circumventing parliamentary processes and reducing opportunities for opposition to question executive actions (PRS, 2021). Additionally, the sidelining of parliamentary committees, such as the Standing Committees, further weakens scrutiny. Only 27% of bills were referred to committees in the 16th Lok Sabha, compared to 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha (PRS, 2019).
Diminished Role of the Opposition and Rajya Sabha
The growing dominance of the ruling party, especially through the use of the money bill route, has further weakened the role of the Rajya Sabha, which traditionally acted as a counterbalance to the Lok Sabha. The lack of short duration discussions—only 6 since 2019—has also stifled the opposition’s ability to raise urgent national issues (PRS, 2019). Moreover, the absence of private members’ bills being passed for over fifty years highlights the diminishing space for non-government voices in lawmaking.
In conclusion, these trends point to a significant erosion of parliamentary functions, limiting its ability to act as a deliberative body and an effective check on the executive. Strengthening parliamentary norms and ensuring adequate time for debates, scrutiny, and opposition involvement are crucial for restoring its accountability role.
See less