Demand for Holding Parliament Sessions Outside Delhi | 04 Dec 2024

Source: IE

Why in News? 

Recently, a YSR Congress Member of Parliament (MP) proposed the idea of conducting two Parliament sessions every year in south India highlighting the logistical and climatic challenges faced by MPs during the harsh winters and scorching summers in Delhi. 

• The idea, which has historical support from figures like B.R. Ambedkar and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, are now under fresh scrutiny. 

What was the Previous Demand for Holding Parliamentary Sessions Outside Delhi? 

• Idea Supported by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: 
  • The idea of decentralizing parliamentary sessions was proposed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who suggested holding sessions outside Delhi.  
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, in his book “Thoughts on Linguistic States”, proposed two capitals, arguing that Delhi is most inconvenient to the people of South due to cold and distance, making them feel ruled by the North. 
  • He also highlighted Delhi's vulnerability to attacks, being within bombing range of neighboring countries, as a critical defense concern. 
  • He proposed Hyderabad as a second capital for India, particularly for summer months, citing its central location and suitability for year-round parliamentary sessions, unlike Delhi's extreme climate.  
• Private Member’s Resolution: 
  • In November 1959, Independent Gurgaon MP Prakash Vir Shastri introduced a Private Member’s Resolution that proposed holding a Session of the Lok Sabha in South India, suggesting Hyderabad or Bangalore. 
  • Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was then a first-time MP backed the proposal, saying it had “been made to strengthen the unity of the country” and shouldn’t be looked at through a “political prism”. 

What are the Arguments for Holding Parliament Sessions Outside Delhi? 

• Enhanced Regional Representation: Holding sessions in South India could enhance the visibility and representation of southern states in national policy making. 
  • It would symbolize a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the voices from all regions are heard and considered. 
• Climate Considerations: The extreme weather conditions in Delhi can hinder effective governance. A more favourable climate could lead to better health and productivity among MPs, thereby improving legislative efficiency. 
• Decentralization of Power: This initiative could be a step towards decentralizing political power, aligning with the democratical principle that governance should be accessible to all citizens, regardless of their geographical location. 
• Historical Precedent: The support from historical figures for similar proposals lends credibility to the current initiative, suggesting that this is a longstanding concern that merits serious consideration. 

What Challenges Might Arise from Shift? 

• Logistical Hurdles: Relocating parliamentary machinery, infrastructure, and personnel to another region would be complex and resource-intensive. 
  • This has been termed as "tedious" and wastage of time and resources by critics. 
• Political Polarization: Critics argue that this move might deepen the North-South divide by reinforcing regional identities over national unity. 
• Institutional History: Parliament has operated from Delhi for over 75 years without impacting southern states’ integration into the Union. Critics suggest that existing mechanisms are sufficient for regional representation. 

Way Forward 

• Pilot Regional Sessions: There is a need for conducting occasional parliamentary committee meetings or winter sessions in southern cities like Bengaluru or Hyderabad to assess logistical challenges and public response.  
  • Gradually increase the frequency of sessions held outside Delhi. 
• Strengthening Regional Representation: Addressing underrepresentation through increased parliamentary seats for southern states post-census reforms could balance regional equity without logistical disruptions. 
• Enhancing Accessibility: Investments in better communication technology and streamlined logistics could ensure smoother integration for MPs from all regions, reducing travel and climate challenges. 

Conclusion 

The proposal to hold parliamentary sessions in South India underscores ongoing debates about regional representation and political decentralization. While it highlights valid concerns about inclusivity and climate challenges, its feasibility remains contested. A balanced approach with strengthening existing systems, leveraging technology, and conducting regional pilot sessions can address these issues effectively without compromising efficiency. This debate is an opportunity to reimagine governance structures for a more inclusive and resilient India.