Dormant Parliament, Fading Business

Context: An overview highlighting deterioration in Parliament’s functioning in India.

Deterioration in Parliament’s functioning

• Misplaced priorities: 2021-22 Budget session of Parliament ended two weeks ahead of the original plan, as many political leaders are busy campaigning for forthcoming State Assembly elections.
• Impact of pandemic: which affected the fiscal year 2020-21 saw Lok Sabha sitting for 34 days and Rajya Sabha for 33, the lowest ever.
• Inertia to change: Not adopting the global trend of remote/virtual Parliaments.
• Missing bill scrutiny: In all, 13 Bills were introduced in this session, and eight of them were passed within the session.
  • The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was passed in 9 days.
  • This quick work should be read as a sign of abdication by Parliament of its duty to scrutinise Bills rather than as a sign of efficiency.
  • Percentage of Bills referred to committees declined from 60% and 71% in 14th Lok Sabha (2004-09) and 15th Lok Sabha, respectively, to 27% in 16th Lok Sabha and 11% in 17^th Lok Sabha.
• Dubious practice of bill introduction:
  • Aadhar was classified as Money Bill to bypass Rajya Sabha, while some sections of the Aadhaar Act struck down by Supreme Court due to this procedure.
  • Expanding ambit of Finance Bills: Contained several unconnected items such as restructuring of tribunals, the introduction of electoral bonds, and amendments to the foreign contribution act.
• Missing debates and discussions: Last 15 years trend is 70% to 100% of the Budget passed without discussion. Budget 2021-22 -> 76% of the total budget was approved without any discussion.
• Absence of Deputy Speaker: Not elected despite being a Constitutional post under Article 93.

Conclusion

• Role of Parliament: Central role in democracy as a representative body that checks work of government.
• Reforms to bring back Parliamentary scrutiny:
  • Creating a system of research support to Members of Parliament,
  • Providing sufficient time for MPs to examine issues,
  • Requiring that all Bills and budgets are examined by committees and public feedback is taken.