It is early days yet, but it remains to be seen whether in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament our lawmakers will, in all earnestness, debate the crucial issues wracking the country, besides passing pending legislation or, resort to disruptions and walkouts as in previous sessions. A productive session, even at the fag end of the 15th lok Sabha, will go a long way in restoring the people’s faith in Parliament.
Over the years there has been a steady decline in the work accomplished by Parliament. Compared to the 140 days that it used to meet in the 1950s and 1960s, Parliament now meets for just 60 to 70 days a year, its functioning affected both because of the Opposition’s obstructive behaviour and the Government’s mismanagement. The current lok Sabha has lost over a quarter of its scheduled time. Almost the entire second half of the Budget Session was lost to disruptions, with only the essential financial business being transacted. A long list of about 100 Bills awaits Parliament’s attention.
Given this scenario it is indeed heartening that the principal Opposition, the Bharatiya Janata Party wants the Monsoon session to run smoothly. While this change of strategy is woefully late in the day, it could be because the BJP wants to change the perception that it is an ‘impediment’ to the smooth functioning of Parliament. It is also aware that since bringing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on the national stage, the Opposition unity has been somewhat disturbed, especially after the Janata Dal (United)’s withdrawal. Also, there is reluctance on the part of some others to be on the same side as the BJP. Earlier the left and the Right were on the same page on many issues; there was a kind of informal floor coordination, something which is not evident during this Session. And the Government is taking advantage of this division in Opposition ranks.
There are several issues of concern, including the handling of the Uttarakhand calamity, food security Ordinance, spiraling inflation and sinking economy. There are demands for Gorkhaland, Bodoland, Vidarbha, even as Samajwadi Party joins issues with the Government on the controversial suspension of IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal.
This brings us to the matter of the functioning of Parliament. If disruptions and adjournments continue, Parliament’s credibility and effectiveness as an institution will be eroded further. Unfortunately, over the years, the hallowed precincts have been reduced to a battlefield rather than a forum for genuine debate.
Gone are the days of repartee, wit, and debating skills provided by people like Piloo Modi. The instruments that Parliament can use for accountability — motions on the floor, oversight powers, the committee system — are increasingly being rendered dysfunctional. International treaties now govern much of economic decision-making.
The number of Bills passed by Parliament has also declined. While the first lok Sabha passed an average of 72 Bills each year, it has come down to 40 Bills a year in the 15th lok Sabha. Parliament passed 118 Bills, the highest in 1976 and the lowest number of Bills in 2004. It is pathetic that quite often laws are passed within minutes and the budgetary demands for ministries cleared without much discussion.
Political parties, particularly the Opposition fail to appreciate the fact that the people want their representatives to debate and discuss issues of public importance rather than resort to unruly behaviour and walkouts. Another matter of concern is the dismal attendance in the House. The young MPs who come with great expectations are disappointed that they are not able to participate in debates and discussions due to frequent adjournments, especially when such adjournments have a significant bearing on the public exchequer as well.
It is time to restore the glory and credibility of this great institution before it is too late. Parliament remains the link between the people and the Government. The elected representatives should use the Parliament to raise issues of national import and strengthen the voice of the people.
While we can be proud of the reasonably successful working of Parliament during the last six decades, it is time now for political parties across the board to confront the challenges and demands of the time and work to fulfill the expectations of the people. A sincere and conscious effort should be made to refurbish Parliament’s sagging image and restore people’s faith in this most important pillar of Indian democracy.