To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?. UPSC IAS Mains 2021 General Studies (Paper – 2)
Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government, where the Executive is responsible to the Parliament for its policies and acts.
Mechanisms of Parliamentary control over the Executive:
- Question-hour, zero-hour,half-an-hour discussion, short duration discussion, calling attention motion, adjournment motion, no-confidence motion, censure motion, and other discussions.
- General Discussion, Voting on policy/law;censure motion; no-confidence motion.
- Budgetary control – appropriation of grants and post-budgetary control through financial committees like Public Accounts Committee, etc.
- Walkouts, abstain from voting, use of live-streaming to put pressure on the executive.
Parliament unable to ensure accountability of the executive:
1. Tendencies to evade route of debates/discussions/checks through instruments –
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- Money bill route [Aadhar bill];
- Use of voice vote mechanism [Farm bills];
- frequent ordinances.
2. Sidelining parliamentary institutions–
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- lesser bills referred to parliamentary committees;
- low productivity of question-hour.
3. During the pandemic – a complete session [Winter session] was missed.
4. Lack of discipline/decorum –frequent disruptions [PRS – LS lost 1/6th; RS lost 1/3rd of its time to disruptions]
Suggestion to improve
- Following 15-point reform charter for better functioning of Parliament as suggested by Vice President
- Making scrutiny of all bills by Parliamentary Committees mandatory.
- Providing adequate time to opposition members to debate issues of public importance.
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