GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Indian Parliament, Democracy
Source: IE
Context: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s article discusses the significance and legacy of Parliament in India’s democracy.
What is a Parliament?
Parliament is the supreme legislative body in a democratic country responsible for making and passing laws, representing citizens, and overseeing the government’s actions.
Significance of Parliament in India’s democracy:
| Aspect | Significance and Legacy | Examples |
| Historical Legacy | Deeply rooted in India’s historical and cultural heritage, reflecting participative governance for millennia. | India is widely regarded as the “mother of democracy”. Ancient texts and local self-governance traditions—Sabhas, Samitis, Republic |
| Founding Fathers’ Vision | India’s founders had faith in people’s wisdom, leading to the adoption of an enlightened Constitution. | Adoption of a democratic system post-independence |
| Accommodative Democracy | Effective management of conflicts, celebration of diversity, and promotion of unity for development and prosperity. | Unity in diversity is a fundamental national ethos. |
| Watchdog of Public Exchequer | Oversight of public finances, budget approval, and accountability of the Executive | Approval of budgets and financial allocations. |
| Voice of the People | Platform for citizens to raise concerns, and promote socio-economic change through legislation and debates. | E.g., the issue of the Manipur crisis discussed in Parliament sessions. |
| Living Institution | Vibrant representation of the will of over a billion Indians, dedicated to citizens’ welfare and unity. | Consistent legislative work for national progress. |
| Symphony of Democracy | Creation of an elegant symphony of democracy, upholding constitutional values and national interests. | Successful parliamentary functioning despite disagreements. |
| Evaluation: Parliamentary Committees | Detailed scrutiny of bills, budget proposals, and ministries, enhancing oversight and accountability. | Committees’ role in policy evaluation and formulation. |
| Autonomy: Parliamentary Privileges | Protection of members’ autonomy and dignity through immunity and privileges for free expression. | Immunity from prosecution for parliamentary speech. |
| Accountability | Parliament is entrusted with securing accountability of the Executive through various instruments such as the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, tradition and well-settled precedents. | |
To read: Is India a parliamentary democracy?: Click Here
Challenges to India’s democracy by Parliament include:
- Disruptions and Productivity: Frequent disruptions during parliamentary sessions hinder legislative work and reduce productivity.
- Unruly Behaviour: Instances of unruly behaviour by some members have become more common, affecting decorum and debate.
- Lack of Detailed Debates: Important legislation may be passed without thorough debate due to disruptions.
- Public Perception: Citizens may lose trust in Parliament due to its inability to function effectively.
Conclusion:
As the nation undergoes transformative change during Amrit Kaal, the Parliament of India continues to serve as a beacon of peace and hope for all societies and nations that aspire to provide a parliamentary forum to give expression to the collective will of the people.
Insta Links:
India’s New Parliament: Need and Significance
Mains Links:
The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result, healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention? (UPSC 2013)
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2021)
Which of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy?
- A committed judiciary
- Centralization of powers
- Elected government
- Separation of powers
Ans: 4
