Question 12GS2GS2

Identifying the designated role of Parliament, discuss the consequences of inefficiency in parliamentary functioning in India. Also, suggest some measures for improving the functioning of Parliament.

Main Body

Parliament is the legislative unit of Indian system. The Constitution has guaranteed certain roles to parliament under Article 79-122. Role of Parliament: (1) Frame laws - It makes laws on issues in central list of schedule 7 and also on concurrent list. (2) Discuss issues of National Importance - current national situation like economic situation due to war in eastern Europe. (3) Check excesses of executive - by no confidence motion, question hour, zero hour and other parliamentary procedures.

Consequences of inefficiency: (1) Passing bills in haste eg Three farm laws which had to be repealed later. Low parliamentary committee scrutiny - Only 27 bills referred to Committee in previous lok sabha (2014-19). (2) Low parliamentary committee scrutiny. (3) Clotting of bills. On an average it took 10 mins per bill in lok sabha and ½ an hour in Rajya sabha in previous session and all bills are passed together. Low no debates and discussions. (4) Weak opposition leads to ex reduced check on executive government. Majoritarian rule without check. (5) Important bills pending like Privacy laws, Protection of Data Bill, etc. (6) Boycott by Opposition - Disturbs procedure.

Measures to improve function: (1) Refer bills to Parliamentary committees for scrutiny. (2) As number of days in each session. Calendar like British Parliament. (3) Educate ministers on parliamentary proceedings and technical know-how. (4) Enhance opposition participation like in UK 20/100 days fixed for opposition. (5) Introduce pre-bills legislative scrutiny so that parliament provide becomes less cumbersome. (6) Virtual meetings - In COVID crisis, everything became digital & efficient.

— Surabhi Yadav · AIR 14

258 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

Parliament is the sole of Indian Democratic system. Thus it's important to improve its efficiencies and utilise the institution to the maximum. Speaker should ensure smooth running of presiding.

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Topper

Surabhi Yadav

AIR 14

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Parliament and State Legislatures - Structure, Functioning, Powers & Privileges

Structure and Functioning

Role of Parliament

Writing Stats

287

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone

Linked PYQ

As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have access to important policy decisions and upcoming big announcements such as road construction projects before they are notified in the public domain. The Ministry is about to announce a mega road project for which the drawings are already in place. Sufficient care was taken by the planners to make use of the government land with the minimum land acquisition from private parties. The compensation rate for private parties was also finalized as per government rules. Care was also taken to minimize deforestation. Once the project is announced, it is expected that there will be a huge spurt in real estate prices in and around that area. Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you realign the road in such a way that it comes closer to his 20-acre farmhouse. He also suggests that he would facilitate the purchase of a big plot of land in your wife’s name at the prevailing rate which is very nominal, in and around the proposed mega road project. He also tries to convince you by saying that there is no harm in it as he is buying the land legally. He even promises to supplement your savings in case you do not have sufficient funds to buy the land. However, by the act of realignment, a lot of agricultural lands has to be acquired, thereby causing a considerable financial burden on the government, and also the displacement of the farmers. As if this is not enough, it will involve cutting down of a large number of trees denuding the area of its green cover. Faced with this situation, what will you do? Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what your responsibilities are as a public servant.

20M2018Critically examine