Mains Marathon 2024

Approach Briefly introduce the concept of parliamentary democracy in India. Mention relevant parliamentary provisions that establish the accountability mechanisms. Conclude Suitably

Introduction

India, as a parliamentary democracy, ensures that the executive is accountable to the legislature. This accountability is fundamental to maintaining the checks and balances essential for a healthy democracy. Through these various tools, Parliament maintains oversight, fosters transparency, and holds the executive responsible for its actions, thus upholding the principles of good governance and public trust.

Body

Relevant Mechanisms Ensuring Executive Accountability :

• Constitutional Framework
  • The Indian Constitution provides a robust framework for ensuring executive accountability. Article 75 states that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
  • This principle of collective responsibility ensures that the executive must always have the confidence of the majority in the lower house.
• Parliamentary Questions:
  • Question Hour, the first hour of a parliamentary sitting, is dedicated to questions that Members of Parliament (MPs) pose to ministers.
  • This mechanism allows MPs to seek information, demand explanations, and ensure transparency in governmental operations.
    • Starred Questions: Require an oral answer and may have supplementary questions.
    • Unstarred Questions: Require a written answer and do not allow supplementary questions.
    • Short Notice Questions: Questions asked on matters of urgent public importance, requiring a notice shorter than ten days.
• Zero Hour:
  • Zero Hour is an Indian innovation where MPs can raise urgent matters without prior notice.
  • This period is crucial for addressing immediate concerns and holding the government accountable for current issues that may arise unexpectedly.
• Debates and Discussions:
  • Regular debates on bills, budgets, and policies allow MPs to scrutinize the executive’s actions.
  • These discussions are vital for highlighting issues, suggesting improvements, and ensuring that the executive’s decisions are in the public interest.
• Committees:
  • Parliamentary committees such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Estimates Committee, and Departmentally Related Standing Committees play a pivotal role in examining the workings of various ministries.
  • These committees scrutinize reports, conduct detailed examinations, and submit findings to the parliament. They provide detailed scrutiny which may not be possible in full parliamentary sessions.
  • For instance:
    • Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Examines how public money is spent and ensures it is used efficiently.
    • Estimates Committee: Examines how budget estimates are implemented.
    • Departmentally Related Standing Committees: These committees review the functioning of specific ministries and can summon ministers and officials for questioning.
• Motions:
  • Motions like No-Confidence Motions and Censure Motions are powerful tools. A successful No-Confidence Motion can force the resignation of the entire Council of Ministers, ensuring that the executive remains answerable to the legislature.
  • Other motions include:
    • Adjournment Motion: Used to draw attention to a matter of urgent public importance.
    • Censure Motion: Expresses disapproval of specific government policies or actions.
• Parliamentary Privileges:
  • MPs enjoy certain privileges that allow them to question the executive freely.
  • These privileges include freedom of speech within the house and immunity from legal action for statements made in parliament. This ensures that MPs can perform their duties without fear of reprisal.

Conclusion

Despite these mechanisms, there are challenges such as frequent disruptions in parliament, inadequate time for thorough discussions, and the influence of party loyalty, which can sometimes hinder the effectiveness of these accountability tools. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) - 2009 recommended the regular performance evaluation of MPs and parliamentary committees to ensure their accountability and effectiveness.