Declining Legislative Productivity

Syllabus: Polity 

Source:  PRS

 Context: The recent Winter Session of Parliament was marked by significant disruptions, leading to a substantial reduction in legislative productivity.

Ineffectiveness of Winter Session 2024: [Source: PRS]

1. Low Functioning Hours: Lok Sabha functioned for only 52% of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha operated at 39%, with both houses frequently disrupted.
2. Question Hour Impacted: Question Hour did not function for 15 out of 19 days in Rajya Sabha and for more than 10 minutes on 12 out of 20 days in Lok Sabha, undermining legislative scrutiny.
3. Legislation Backlog: Only one bill, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, was passed, marking the lowest legislative productivity in the last six Lok Sabha terms.
4. No Private Members’ Business: Lok Sabha conducted no private members’ business due to disruptions and a discussion on the Constitution, while Rajya Sabha managed to discuss only one resolution.
5. Deputy Speaker Vacancy: The 18th Lok Sabha continued without electing a Deputy Speaker since 2019, violating constitutional mandates for timely appointments.

Reasons behind the disruptions:

1. Political Polarization: Deepening ideological divides between the ruling party and the opposition have led to confrontational politics, resulting in frequent disruptions.
2. Contentious Legislation: The introduction of controversial bills without adequate pre-legislative consultations has sparked resistance and protests within the Parliament.
3. Unaddressed Opposition Demands: The government’s reluctance to address pressing issues raised by the opposition has led to protests and walkouts.
4. Procedural Violations: Instances of unparliamentary behaviour, such as sloganeering and rushing to the well of the house, have disrupted proceedings.
5. External Events Influencing Proceedings: External controversies and scandals have spilled over into parliamentary sessions, causing further disruptions.

Consequences of disruptions:

1. Legislative Delays: Important bills face delays, hindering policy implementation and governance.
2. Resource Wastage: Disruptions lead to the wastage of public funds allocated for parliamentary sessions.
3. Erosion of Public Trust: Frequent disruptions diminish public confidence in democratic institutions.
4. Missed Debates: Crucial discussions on socio-economic challenges are often sidelined.
5. International Image: Persistent disruptions can tarnish India’s reputation as a functioning democracy.

 Way ahead:

1. Strengthening Parliamentary Procedures: Implementing stricter rules to curb unruly behaviour and ensuring adherence to parliamentary decorum.
2. Promoting Bipartisan Dialogue: Encouraging constructive dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition to address contentious issues amicably.
3. Ensuring Pre-Legislative Consultations: Engaging stakeholders in discussions before introducing significant legislation to build consensus.
4. Enhancing Disciplinary Measures: Empowering parliamentary authorities to take prompt action against members violating decorum.
5. Public Awareness and Accountability: Increasing transparency and making MPs accountable to the public for their conduct in the house.

 Conclusion:

Addressing the root causes of parliamentary disruptions is essential to uphold the sanctity of democratic institutions. Implementing the suggested measures can lead to more productive sessions, ensuring that Parliament effectively fulfils its legislative and deliberative roles.

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