The Indian Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping the country's governance. However, several challenges have emerged over the years that affect its efficiency and effectiveness. From shorter parliamentary sessions to declining quality of debates, the legislature faces multiple issues that need urgent attention.

Declining Parliamentary Sessions

One of the most pressing issues is the decreasing number of working hours in Parliament. The 17th Lok Sabha functioned for a total of 1,615 hours, which, despite being 20% more than the 16th Lok Sabha, remains 40% lower than the average of all full-term Lok Sabhas (2,689 hours). Shorter sessions limit the time available for discussions on crucial national policies, reducing the overall effectiveness of legislative proceedings.

Weak Legislative Scrutiny

A significant concern is the declining scrutiny of bills before their passage. Over a third of the bills in the 17th Lok Sabha were passed with less than an hour of discussion. This trend raises concerns about the depth of debate and the thorough examination of laws that directly impact citizens.

Marginalization of Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary committees play a vital role in detailed legislative scrutiny. However, their influence has been gradually decreasing. Only 16% of bills in the 17th Lok Sabha were referred to standing committees, a sharp decline from 28% in the previous term. A notable example is the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, which faced criticism for bypassing extensive committee review.

Declining Quality of Parliamentary Debates

The focus of parliamentary discussions has shifted from substantial national issues to localized matters and political controversies. While earlier debates revolved around economic policies, national security, and governance, recent discussions have included social media controversies and entertainment-related topics. This shift undermines the fundamental purpose of the legislature—to address pressing national issues and draft effective policies.

Disruptions and Suspension of MPs

Parliamentary disruptions have become a recurring problem, leading to significant time loss. Since the first session of the 17th Lok Sabha, a total of 435 hours were lost due to interruptions. Additionally, this Lok Sabha set a record with 115 MP suspensions, further affecting legislative productivity. Such disruptions hinder meaningful discussions and slow down the legislative process.

Low Representation of Women

Women’s representation in the Lok Sabha has gradually improved but remains significantly low compared to other democracies. As of the 18th Lok Sabha, women constitute only 15% of the house, which is much lower than countries like the United States, where female representation stands at 32%. Increasing female participation in the legislature is essential for a more inclusive and representative democracy.

Conclusion

The challenges facing the Indian legislature, including shorter sessions, weakened scrutiny, declining quality of debates, disruptions, and low representation of women, highlight the need for urgent reforms. Strengthening parliamentary committees, ensuring thorough discussions on bills, and promoting meaningful debates can help restore the credibility and effectiveness of the Indian Parliament.