Introduction:
In recent times, the Indian Parliament has witnessed a concerning escalation in both the duration of disruptions and the associated costs of running its sessions.
Historical data reveals an escalating trend: 5% time lost in disruptions during the 11th Lok Sabha, surging to over 10% in the 12th Lok Sabha, and a staggering 22.40% in the 13th Lok Sabha. The 14th and 15th Lok Sabhas experienced at least 30% of session time lost to disruptions.
Main Body:
Critical Role of Parliament in Democracy:
Parliament is the cornerstone of a representative parliamentary democracy.
Debating Function: Debates in Parliament facilitate thorough examination of national issues, forming the core of democratic decision-making.
Legislative Function: Parliament enacts laws, guided by constitutional procedures.
Executive Accountability: It ensures the executive remains accountable and within its defined jurisdiction.
Financial Function: Parliament allocates resources through budgetary processes, exerting fiscal control over the government.
Representation: It represents diverse perspectives from varied regions, backgrounds, and groups within the nation.
Reasons for Disruptions:
Protest Over Debate: Opposition’s constructive criticism and alternative governance responsibility are often overshadowed by disruptive protests.
Fragmented Polity: The rise of regional parties due to electoral fragmentation brings regional issues into the parliamentary discourse, contributing to disruptions.
Quality of Representatives: The presence of MPs with criminal cases impacts adherence to democratic norms, as indicated by reports from the Association for Democratic Reforms and National Election Watch.
Consequences of Disruptions:
Government Accountability Erosion: Disruptions hinder proper scrutiny of government actions.
Diminished Debates: Reduced parliamentary functions lead to fewer discussions on public issues, suppressing diverse viewpoints.
Credibility Erosion: Disruptions diminish the respect citizens have for their representatives.
Financial Loss: Frequent disruptions result in substantial financial losses for the public exchequer.
Ordinance Resort: Disruptions can lead to the increased use of ordinances, bypassing proper legislative procedures.
Conclusion:
It is imperative to heighten political awareness among citizens regarding the significance of Parliament and the detrimental impact of disruptions on public interest.
A well-informed citizenry can actively engage in encouraging responsible and effective parliamentary proceedings, reducing the recurrence of disruptions.