Democracy in Question

Context: Curtailing the Zero hour or cancelling the Question hour has anything to do with containment of COVID-19 but has posed a danger to democratic sentiments.

The decline of Democracy amidst COVID:

• Disaffection among citizens: 

• Failure of the US government to handle the pandemic has turned out be disadvantageous for the incumbent in the elections to be held this year.
• Indian citizens have not expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which their governments have dealt with the pandemic.

• Lack of just preparedness and intelligence response: 

• Immediate lockdown imposition with no arrangements for migrant class has led to the unprecedented migrant crisis.
• False raising of expectations: of declining pandemic and attainment of herd immunity.

• External Threats: Continues border skirmishes with China and the inability of the leaders to come to a decision is impacting on the resources when a load of the population is struggling amidst pandemic.
• Destruction of the fourth pillar: Media has failed to raise the questions on the suffering of the people.

• Democracy is judged by the debate/questioning it encourages and sustains. 

• Dilution of Parliamentary proceedings: in the form of discontinuation of Question Hour and Zero Hour.

• The Zero Hour is an example of etiquette and best behaviour, but the decibels, particularly when projected on the screen, bring out the passion of strongly felt opinions.
• The Question Hour is the heartbeat of democratic accountability. If ever there was a need for questions to be asked and answers to be given, it is now and here.

Conclusion: If the questions can lead to greater unity of national purpose, the government will do itself and the nation, a great injustice by attempting to stifle them.