Withering Indian Parliamentary Democracy

Indian Constitution clearly lays down the institutional foundation for the functioning of democracy. It has established a structural power relationship based on the system of distribution of powers between the Union and the States and of separation of powers between the three organs of the state. Indeed, it is Parliament that has contributed the most to the consolidation and strengthening of democracy in the country. Over the years, Parliament has come to be identified, both in theory and in practice, and rightly so, to be the pivot of our political system.
Early Parliament had spent most of its time for socio-economic development of the nation. But at present healthy debate and discussions, the hallmark of Parliamentary democracy, was overshadowed by disruption, confrontation, forced adjournments of the house and other non-democratic alternatives. Even for single issue and very few members, the Parliament has been stalled and forced to close the session before its original schedule to conclude. This resulted in massive wastage of public money (for conducting one session of the parliament the government has been spending 250 crores) and confidence of the people. Because of this improvise experience important issues such as poverty, unemployment and price hike issue have not discussed properly or seriously in the Parliament. For instance, only 16 out of 543 members were present when the Lok Sabha discussed the on going project the Rural Employment Guarantee Programme. The speaker adjourned the house because of lack of quorum in the house. Similarly, for instance, on May 5, 2007 only six members were present, initially, in the House of People, which discussed the eradication of hunger in India. The attendance was less than one per cent. Later six more members joined the discussion. Totally 12 members attended the discussion, of which 7 belongs to Congress, 2 from Left parties, and one each from BJP, BJD and TDP.
Outcome of Parliament Sessions
Because of disruption and uproar in the
Parliament:
i.Prime Minister was not allowed to introduce Council of Ministers.
ii.Prime Minister and Speaker’s speech was also disturbed.
iii.In the presence of Prime Minister and opposition leader, in the recently concluded Parliament session (April-May 2008) the Law Minister H.R.Baradwaj was not allowed to introduce Women Reservation Bill in the Council of States. Further, the bill was also snatched by SP and JD(U) members.
iv.Between 1952 – 61 and 1992 – 2001 the number of Bills adopted annually declined by 18 %.
v.1952 – 61 The Council of States sitting was 90.5%, In 1992-2001 it was 71.3, a decline of 20%. During the same period the HOP sitting was declined to 34%.
vi.UPA’s first Budget was passed without any discussions.
vii.Between June 2004 and Dec.2007 the HOP lost a total of 370 hours.
viii.In 2007 the HOP worked only 66 days as against 144 days of House of Commons of UK.
ix. In Feb-March 2007 Budget the House of People has lost 73 hours.
x.In August-Sep. 2007 monsoon session, the House of People was adjourned for nearly 41 hours. The Council of States was adjourned 42 per cent.
Public money and people’s confidence is being eroded because of current turmoil over the working of Parliamentary Democracy in India. Public, especially the youth, were disillusioned about the relevance of Parliamentary system as they found the legislatures were not functioning in a manner that would evoke the admiration of the people. “Scenes of unruly behaviour in the house naturally invite adverse public comments, to which we cannot take exception”, said the speaker, Somnath Chatterjee.
To be effective, Parliament has to function in a disciplined and organized manner, as a living institution. The decision by the speaker of the House of People, Somnath Chatterjee, to refer to the committee of Privileges cases of disorderly behaviour by 32 MPs of several political parties on two occasions on April 24, 2008 was right decision in restoration of values of Parliamentary democracy.
Falling attendance in the Parliament should be controlled. The members should realize the importance of Parliament session. Strict enforcement of Code of Conduct for Peoples representatives; implementing the policy of ‘No Work No Pay’, if the Parliament session was disturbed by the members; Devoting most of the time for quality debate and discussions; and disqualifying the tainted MPs are some of the urgent measures should be implemented, which would definitely make the Parliamentary democracy more useful and meaningful. Above all the people should be more serious and vigilant over the working of Parliament and state legislatures. If we failed to restore Parliamentary democratic values “No force, No army, can help to save the system”, said Somnath Chatterjee.