Individual Parliamentarian's role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.

Introduction

The role of individual parliamentarians as national lawmakers is pivotal in a parliamentary democracy like India. However, recent trends indicate a decline in their effectiveness, as reflected in the deterioration of debates and the quality of legislative outcomes. This decline raises concerns about the health of parliamentary democracy and its ability to address the aspirations of the people.

Value Addition Block — Key Indicators of Decline in Parliamentarian's Role

Factors Contributing to the Decline in Individual Parliamentarian's Role

1. Excessive Party Control

• Party Whip System: Limits the ability of MPs to express independent views, reducing their role to mere voting machines.
• Substantiation: For example, the Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule) discourages dissent, even on issues of conscience.

2. Decline in Parliamentary Sittings

• Reduced Time for Deliberation: The number of sittings in Parliament has declined from an average of 120 days in the 1950s to around 60-70 days in recent years.
• Impact: Limited time for detailed discussions on bills and policies.

3. Rise in Ordinances and Money Bills

• Bypassing Parliamentary Scrutiny: Increasing reliance on ordinances and money bills undermines the role of MPs in legislative scrutiny.
• Example: The contentious passage of the Farm Laws (2020) as money bills.

4. Weakening of Parliamentary Committees

• Low Attendance: Many MPs fail to attend committee meetings, which are crucial for detailed policy discussions.
• Impact: Reduces the effectiveness of committees in shaping robust legislation.

5. Focus on Constituency Work Over Lawmaking

• Electoral Pressures: MPs often prioritize constituency work over their legislative responsibilities to secure re-election.
• Example: MPs spending more time on local development projects rather than national policy debates.

6. Disruptions and Lack of Constructive Debates

• Frequent Disruptions: Parliamentary sessions are increasingly marred by walkouts and protests, reducing time for meaningful debates.
• Data: According to PRS Legislative Research, 26% of Lok Sabha time was lost to disruptions in 2021.

Impacts of the Decline on Debates and Legislative Outcomes

1. Superficial Debates

• Lack of Depth: Debates often lack substantive discussion on policy implications.
• Example: The hurried passage of the Finance Bill 2017 with minimal debate.

2. Poor Quality of Legislation

• Hasty Lawmaking: Bills are often passed without adequate scrutiny, leading to poorly drafted laws.
• Example: The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 faced criticism for being reactionary and poorly deliberated.

3. Erosion of Accountability

• Weakened Oversight: MPs are unable to hold the executive accountable due to limited opportunities for questioning and debate.
• Example: Decline in the number of starred questions answered in Parliament.

4. Public Disillusionment

• Loss of Trust: The inability of MPs to effectively represent public concerns in Parliament erodes trust in democratic institutions.

Way Forward

1. Strengthening Parliamentary Committees

• Mandatory Attendance: Enforce stricter attendance norms for MPs in committee meetings.
• Capacity Building: Provide research and training support to MPs for better legislative performance.

2. Reforming the Anti-Defection Law

• Relaxing Whip Rules: Allow MPs greater freedom to vote on non-confidence motions and non-critical bills.

3. Increasing Parliamentary Sittings

• Minimum Sitting Days: Mandate at least 100 days of sittings for state legislatures and 120 days for Parliament annually.

4. Promoting Constructive Debates

• Code of Conduct: Enforce a code of conduct to minimize disruptions and ensure decorum in the House.

5. Leveraging Technology

• Digital Platforms: Use technology to facilitate better research and communication for MPs.

6. Public Engagement

• Constituency Feedback: Institutionalize mechanisms for MPs to gather public input on legislative matters.

Conclusion

The decline in the role of individual parliamentarians as national lawmakers is a pressing concern that undermines the quality of democracy and legislative outcomes. Revitalizing their role requires a combination of institutional reforms, capacity building, and greater accountability mechanisms. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar aptly said, “The working of a Constitution depends not merely on the nature of the Constitution but on the people and the political parties.” Strengthening the role of MPs is essential to uphold the spirit of parliamentary democracy.