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 17th 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.