Sambhav-2025

Approach In introduction, define collective responsibility and its role in Cabinet functioning. Explain provisions ensuring collective responsibility. Discuss challenges in maintaining it, especially in a coalition government. Conclude with the significance of collective responsibility.

Introduction

The doctrine of collective responsibility, as enshrined in Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution, mandates that the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This ensures that decisions are made collectively and that all ministers stand by them. However, maintaining collective responsibility in coalition governments presents significant challenges, given the presence of multiple political parties with diverse ideologies and interests.

Body

Constitutional Provisions on Collective Responsibility:

• Article 75(3) states that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• If a minister disagrees with a decision, they must either accept the decision or resign.
• The entire Cabinet must step down if a no-confidence motion is passed in the Lok Sabha, reinforcing the principle of unity.
• The President appoints ministers on the Prime Minister’s advice, ensuring the PM’s authority over the Cabinet.

Significance of Collective Responsibility

• Ensures unity and coordination in decision-making.
• Strengthens parliamentary accountability.
• Prevents policy contradictions and governance paralysis.
• Enhances executive efficiency by ensuring a unified government stance.

Challenges in Coalition Governments:

• Ideological Differences: Coalition partners often have contrasting political ideologies, leading to conflicts.
  • Example: UPA-I (2004-2009) faced opposition from the Left Front on the Indo-US nuclear deal, leading to their withdrawal from the alliance.
• Policy Paralysis and Delays: Different alliance partners push for conflicting policies, leading to delays in decision-making.
  • Example: During NDA-I (1999-2004), economic reforms were delayed due to resistance from certain coalition partners.
• Individual Ministerial Autonomy vs. Cabinet Unity: Coalition-era ministers often take independent stands that conflict with the Cabinet's collective decisions.
  • Example: In 2012, the then Railway Minister from a coalition party of the government, had to resign after proposing a rail fare hike against his party’s stance.
• Frequent Instability & Floor Tests: Coalition governments are vulnerable to alliance withdrawals, leading to government collapses.
  • Example: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government (1998-99) fell after AIADMK withdrew support.
• Pressure from Regional Parties & Populism: Coalition partners often prioritize regional demands over national interests.
  • Example: The AIADMK and DMK influence over Sri Lanka policy during UPA-II.

Strengthening Collective Responsibility in Coalition Governments:

• Clear Pre-Election Alliances: Avoid opportunistic coalitions by forming alliances before elections, ensuring ideological consistency.
• Common Minimum Programme (CMP): Frame a governing agenda agreed upon by all partners to avoid policy conflicts.
• Stronger Anti-Defection Laws: Prevent coalition partners from exploiting internal dissent for political gains.
• Institutional Reforms:
  • Empowering the Prime Minister with greater say in ministerial appointments.
  • Regular coalition meetings to resolve policy disagreements proactively.
• National Interest Over Regional Demands: Coalition governments must prioritize national governance over regional politics.

Conclusion

The doctrine of collective responsibility is vital for the stability of India’s parliamentary system. However, coalition politics often weakens its effectiveness due to ideological conflicts, policy deadlocks, and regional pressures. Strengthening institutional mechanisms, enforcing pre-election commitments, and ensuring internal consensus can help uphold the principle of collective responsibility while accommodating coalition politics. India’s governance must balance coalition compulsions with national interest to ensure stability and policy continuity.