Sambhav-2024

• Begin with a brief introduction to the parliamentary system of government in India.
• Provide an overview of the Advantages of the Parliamentary System of government in India.
• Discuss about the disadvantages of the Parliamentary System of government in India.
• Conclude by providing the balanced approach to the parliamentary system of government in India.

Introduction

• The parliamentary system of government, adopted by India, has both advantages and disadvantages. This system, derived from the British model, is characterized by the fusion of the executive and legislative branches.

Body

• Advantages of the Parliamentary System:
  • Political Stability:
    • One of the key advantages of the parliamentary system is its potential to provide political stability. The executive branch is drawn from the majority party or coalition in the legislature, ensuring a harmonious relationship and reducing the likelihood of frequent political deadlock.
  • Accountability and Responsiveness:
    • Parliamentary systems foster accountability as the executive is directly accountable to the legislature. The frequent question-answer sessions, like the Question Hour in India, ensure that the executive is responsive to the concerns and queries of the legislature.
  • Efficient Decision-Making:
    • The cooperation of the executive and legislative branches facilitates quicker decision-making. Policies can be formulated and implemented swiftly without the prolonged legislative processes often seen in presidential systems.
  • Flexibility in Leadership Change:
    • In a parliamentary system, leadership changes can occur swiftly without the need for a separate election. If the majority party loses confidence in the head of the government, a vote of no-confidence can lead to a change in leadership, ensuring adaptability in governance.
  • Inclusivity and Coalition Governments:
    • The parliamentary system accommodates coalition governments effectively. In a diverse country like India, where multiple parties play a crucial role, the parliamentary system allows for the formation of coalition governments, ensuring representation of various interests.
• Disadvantages of the Parliamentary System:
  • Instability in Coalition Governments:
    • While coalition governments can be inclusive, they are often characterized by inherent instability. The need to maintain a delicate balance between coalition partners can lead to frequent disagreements and disruptions, impacting governance.
  • Potential for Authoritarianism:
    • The concentration of power in the hands of the majority party or coalition may lead to a lack of checks and balances, potentially paving the way for authoritarian tendencies. The absence of fixed terms can result in prolonged dominance by a single party.
  • Limited Separation of Powers:
    • The parliamentary system lacks a clear separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches. This fusion can sometimes lead to a blurring of roles and responsibilities, raising questions about checks and balances.
  • Lack of Direct People's Mandate for the Executive:
    • In a parliamentary system, the head of government is not directly elected by the people. While they emerge from the majority in the legislature, critics argue that this might dilute the concept of a direct mandate from the electorate.
  • Potential for Horse-Trading:
    • The formation and survival of coalition governments may involve political horse-trading, leading to compromises that may not align with the best interests of the nation. This can erode public trust in the political process.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of the parliamentary system lies in how well above challenges are navigated, and reforms are implemented to address the system's shortcomings. Ultimately, the success of any governance system depends on the adaptability and responsiveness of its institutions to the ever-evolving needs of the society it serves.