Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Define the role of Parliament in a parliamentary democracy.
- State the importance of ensuring accountability of the executive.
- Outline the purpose of the answer: to evaluate the extent of Parliament’s ability to ensure executive accountability in India.
2. Mechanisms for Ensuring Accountability
- Question Hour:
- Explain how MPs can question ministers about their ministries’ functioning.
- Provide an example from August 2021 regarding COVID-19 responses. (Source: Parliamentary records.)
- Parliamentary Committees:
- Discuss the role of committees in scrutinizing budgets and government policies.
- Mention the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and its investigation of the 2G Spectrum Scam in 2010. (Source: Reports of the PAC.)
- No-confidence Motion:
- Describe how a no-confidence motion can compel the government to resign if it loses majority support.
- Cite the 1999 instance where Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government fell by one vote. (Source: Lok Sabha records.)
- Adjournment and Calling Attention Motions:
- Explain how these motions allow MPs to address urgent matters.
- Use the 2019 air pollution discussion in the Rajya Sabha as an example. (Source: Rajya Sabha proceedings.)
- Debates and Discussions:
- Highlight the importance of parliamentary debates in holding the executive accountable.
- Reference the extensive debates on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. (Source: Parliamentary debates.)
3. Limitations on Accountability
- Frequent Disruptions:
- Discuss how disruptions can limit the time for scrutiny.
- Party Discipline:
- Mention how ruling party MPs may refrain from criticizing the government.
- Weak Opposition:
- Explain how a fragmented opposition may struggle to challenge the executive.
- Bypassing Parliament:
- Note instances where the executive has used ordinances or executive orders to bypass parliamentary oversight.
4. Conclusion
- Summarize the mechanisms available to Parliament and the limitations it faces.
- Reflect on the importance of addressing these challenges to enhance executive accountability.
Relevant Facts
- Question Hour: MPs questioned the government’s COVID-19 response in August 2021.
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Scrutinized the 2G Spectrum Scam in 2010, leading to significant political implications.
- No-confidence Motion: The NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee fell in 1999 due to a one-vote margin.
- Calling Attention Motion: In 2019, opposition MPs raised air pollution concerns in the Rajya Sabha.
- Debates on Citizenship (Amendment) Act: Extensive discussions reflected diverse opinions and concerns.
Using this roadmap, you can structure a comprehensive answer that effectively evaluates the extent to which the Parliament can ensure the accountability of the executive in India, supported by relevant facts.
Model Answer
Introduction
In India’s parliamentary democracy, the Parliament plays a pivotal role in ensuring the accountability of the executive. This relationship is essential for maintaining transparency and governance through various mechanisms that allow Parliament to scrutinize the actions and policies of the executive.
Body
Mechanisms for Accountability
Limitations on Accountability
Despite these mechanisms, certain factors limit Parliament’s effectiveness:
Conclusion
While the Indian Parliament possesses various mechanisms to ensure executive accountability, challenges such as disruptions, party discipline, and a weak opposition can impede its effectiveness. Addressing these issues is vital for fostering a robust environment for oversight and constructive debate, ultimately enhancing accountability within the executive branch.
Parliament’s Role in Ensuring Executive Accountability in India
1. Legislative Oversight: The Parliament plays a crucial role in holding the executive accountable through debates and discussions on government policies and decisions. Members of Parliament (MPs) question the executive, scrutinizing their actions and decisions.
2. Committees: Parliamentary committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Estimates Committee, review and audit government spending and performance, ensuring transparency and accountability.
3. Motion of No Confidence: The Parliament can pass a motion of no confidence against the government, which, if passed, can compel the resignation of the executive. This serves as a critical check on the executive’s power.
4. Question Hour and Debates: Regular sessions like Question Hour and parliamentary debates provide platforms for MPs to challenge and review executive actions and policies.
Conclusion: While the Parliament has mechanisms to ensure executive accountability, challenges such as party loyalty and political dynamics can sometimes limit its effectiveness.