Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
4. The neutrality and independence of the speaker is quintessential for having consultative and constructive debates and deliberations in our legislatures which in turn enriches our democracy. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Past few years, there are various instances of speakers showing Partisan behaviour. This article suggests measures for having independent and impartial speaker.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of having non-partisan speaker and suggest steps to ensure his/her neutrality.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Mention the role of speaker as envisaged by the constitution – their roles and responsibility.
Body:
Write about how over the recent year’s speakers have acted in political manner with respect to discharge of their constitutional duties. Cite examples from the parliament and state legislatures and bring out the impact of partisan conduct of speakers.
Suggest reforms to ensure the speaker remains independent, impartial and performs his duty according to ideals guided by the constitution and not any political affiliations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
