(Assessment of 17th Lok Sabha: mixed results, minimal sittings, legislative shortcomings, highlighting wins, and addressing challenges for future parliamentary efficiency.)
The 17th Lok Sabha functioned between June 2019 and February 2024 and has completed its full term. The Election Commission has announced the schedule for electing the 18th Lok Sabha. General elections will be held across the country in 7 phases during April and May 2024. The 18th Lok Sabha will be constituted in the first week of June 2024.
Despite the successful completion of the full term by the
17th Lok Sabha, there is a notable
lack of discussion, both among the public and in the media, regarding its
performance and the contributions made by the elected Members. Analogous to how
we review the performance of our children monthly to improve their education, it
is essential to assess the accomplishments and shortcomings of the Lok Sabha upon completion of its term. Before casting
our votes, it is imperative to scrutinize the performance of the completed Lok
Sabha and its Members.
In this editorial, we will evaluate the performance of the
Lok Sabha from the Government's perspective, as they are
responsible for running the Parliament. We will also examine
the role of the Opposition in effectively running the Parliament. Additionally,
a separate article in this edition will review the performance of MPs based on
factors such as State, gender, party affiliation, and age.
Role of Parliament
Though the role of Parliament is not explicitly defined in any law,
conventionally, it encompasses four main functions: (1) passing legislation,
(2) approving the finance bill, (3) supervising the executive, and (4)
discussing and finding solutions to problems related to constituencies, States,
and the nation. Members are equipped with tools such as debates, Private
Members' Bills, and questions to fulfil these functions. Through effective
participation and under the guidance of the Speaker, Parliament serves the
people effectively. As the largest democracy globally, the role of Parliament
is paramount in ensuring smooth governance.
Sittings and Legislative Business
Graphics courtesy: PRS Legislative Research
The 17th Lok Sabha functioned for 88% of its scheduled time,
holding 274 sittings over five years. This Lok Sabha set a record for the "least number of
sittings among the full-term Lok Sabhas" in the post-Independence era. Out
of the 15 sessions held, 11 were adjourned earlier than scheduled, resulting in
the cancellation of 40 scheduled sittings. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in
2020, 33 sittings were held. There is a significant gap of 57 sittings between
the 16th and 17th Lok Sabhas. This decrease in sittings is reflected in the
total participation of Members. Additionally, disruptions caused by opposition
parties also contributed to the loss of time in Parliament, with 206 instances of
MPs being suspended across both the Houses.
During the 17th Lok Sabha, 179
bills (excluding finance and appropriation bills) were passed. Of these, 58%
were passed within two weeks of introduction, and 35% were passed with less
than one hour of discussion. Remarkably, 80% of budgets were passed without any
discussion, with the entire budget for 2023 being passed without debate.
Several important bills, including new criminal laws, were passed in the
absence of opposition members who were under suspension. In September 2023, a Special Session was held
in the New Parliament House making the beginning of future Sessions.
Role of Committees
Graphics
courtesy: PRS Legislative Research |
Private Members Bills (PMB)
Private Members' Bills allow Members to introduce
legislation of national interest without permission from their party
leadership. During the 17th Lok Sabha, 729
PMBs were introduced, with only 2 being discussed. This is the highest number
among all the Lok Sabhas, except the 16th Lok
Sabha, where 1116 PMBs were introduced. Additionally, only 3 out of 11 Private
Members Resolutions were discussed during this Lok Sabha. PMBs often receive
less priority due to their discussion typically being scheduled for Friday evenings.
It is suggested that the Business Advisory Committee of the 18th Lok Sabha should consider moving PMB discussions to
weekdays.
Questions
A total of 101,999 questions were raised during the 17th
Lok Sabha, with an average of
195 per Member. Starred Questions receive oral answers from Ministers, while
Unstarred Questions receive written replies. During the Question Hour, 60% of
the scheduled time was used for oral responses, with 24% of listed questions being
answered.
Election of Deputy Speaker
As per Article 93 of the Indian Constitution, the Deputy Speaker
should be elected as early as possible. However, no Deputy Speaker was elected
during the 17th Lok Sabha, making it the only
Lok Sabha without one in the post-Independence era.
Conclusion
The 17th Lok Sabha, with
its minimal sittings and lack of a Deputy Speaker, faced challenges in
effectively conducting legislative business. Many significant Bills were passed
without discussion, and only a fraction of the Bills were referred to
Committees for scrutiny. Furthermore, disruptions by opposition parties added
to the inefficiency. Both the Government and the opposition leaders must
collaborate and strategize effectively to utilize Parliament's time for the
nation's benefit.
Data courtesy: PRS Legislative Research,
Delhi
Source: Review published in March 2024 edition of PreSense
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