Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
3. The House leaders — the Speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman, who preside over parliamentary proceedings and represent the institution, are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the legislative process and must act in a non-partisan manner. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The Lok Sabha speaker and Rajya Sabha chairman need to conduct proceedings in a non-partisan way.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of having non-partisan house leaders and suggest steps to ensure their neutrality.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Mention the role of the House leaders — the Speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman as envisaged by the constitution – their roles and responsibility.
Body:
Write about how over the recent year’s house leaders have acted in political manner with respect to discharge of their constitutional duties. Cite examples from the parliament.
Suggest reforms to ensure the house leaders 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.
