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The State of Parliamentary Proceedings in India: A Decline in Standards

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The State of Parliamentary Proceedings in India: A Decline in Standards

Author: Shashi Tharoor, a fourth-term Congress MP, highlights the current state of India's parliamentary proceedings and reflects on the factors contributing to its decline.

Key Issues in Parliamentary Proceedings

  1. Frequent Disruptions:

    • Both the Opposition and the Treasury benches engage in competitive disruptions.
    • The Winter Session witnessed more adjournments than discussions, leading to a perception of collective failure by parliamentarians.

  2. Acrimony Between Government and Opposition:

    • Traditional civility has given way to hostility.
    • Political discourse now portrays the government as infallible and the Opposition as "anti-national," eroding mutual trust.

  3. Decline in Parliamentary Standards:

    • Once celebrated orators like Ram Manohar Lohia and George Fernandes shaped public opinion through their debates.
    • Today, MPs focus on local political influence and media appearances rather than substantive parliamentary contributions.

  4. Contempt for Parliamentary Norms:

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s limited attendance in Parliament symbolizes the diminishing respect for its deliberative functions.
    • The government often uses Parliament as a noticeboard for decisions rather than a platform for meaningful consultation.

Historical Context

  1. Precedents in Disruptions:

    • Disruptions have long been a part of parliamentary protests, often justified as democratic rights by the Opposition.
    • Speakers like Somnath Chatterjee and Meira Kumar refrained from taking strong actions against unruly behavior due to political constraints.

  2. Decline of Civility:

    • Past leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee maintained respectful relations across political divides, ensuring a collaborative environment.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

  1. Mutual Distrust:

    • The government and Opposition view each other as enemies rather than adversaries, making consensus-building impossible.

  2. Public Apathy:

    • Voters prioritize local services over parliamentary performance, reducing accountability for MPs' legislative roles.

  3. Disruption as a Norm:

    • MPs are encouraged by party leaders to disrupt rather than debate, prioritizing sloganeering over legislative rigor.

  4. Legislative Steamrolling:

    • The ruling party often bypasses deliberations, passing bills without adequate discussion, undermining democratic processes.

Implications for Democracy

  1. Weakened Democratic Institutions:

    • Disruptions and lack of debates erode the credibility of Parliament as a deliberative body.

  2. Loss of Public Trust:

    • Parliament risks becoming irrelevant in the eyes of the public, diminishing its role as a cornerstone of democracy.

  3. Polarized Governance:

    • Hostility between the government and Opposition stymies constructive policy-making, impacting governance quality.

Call to Action

  1. Reviving Parliamentary Decorum:

    • Enforce stricter rules to ensure order and discipline.
    • Encourage debates and dialogue to uphold parliamentary integrity.

  2. Rebuilding Trust:

    • Foster a culture of mutual respect between the government and the Opposition.
    • Reaffirm the importance of Parliament as a platform for collective decision-making.

  3. Public Awareness:

    • Educate citizens on the importance of parliamentary performance to hold representatives accountable.

Conclusion

The diminishing standards in India’s parliamentary proceedings pose a significant threat to democracy. If these trends continue, the very institution meant to represent the people's voice risks losing its relevance, leaving a void in democratic governance. Restoring respect, discipline, and meaningful deliberation in Parliament is essential to safeguarding the democratic fabric of India.

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Democracy: An Overview

Definition: Democracy is a form of government where power is vested in the hands of the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. The term originates from the Greek words demos (people) and kratos (power or rule), meaning "rule by the people."

Key Features of Democracy

  1. Rule of Law:
    • Laws apply equally to all citizens, ensuring fairness and justice.
  2. Popular Sovereignty:
    • Ultimate authority rests with the people.
  3. Free and Fair Elections:
    • Regular elections allow citizens to choose their representatives.
  4. Fundamental Rights:
    • Protection of individual rights like freedom of speech, religion, and equality.
  5. Accountability and Transparency:
    • Government officials are accountable to the public.
  6. Pluralism:
    • Recognition and accommodation of diverse groups and opinions.

Types of Democracy

1. Direct Democracy

  • Citizens directly participate in decision-making.
  • Example: Ancient Athens.
  • Features:
    • Referendums and citizen assemblies.
    • Used in small populations or specific decisions.

2. Representative Democracy

  • Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
  • Example: India, USA, UK.
  • Features:
    • Ensures governance in larger populations.
    • Institutions like legislatures and parliaments.

3. Presidential Democracy

  • The President is both the head of state and government, elected separately from the legislature.
  • Example: USA, Brazil.
  • Features:
    • Separation of powers between the executive and legislature.
    • Fixed terms for the President.

4. Parliamentary Democracy

  • The executive is derived from the legislative branch.
  • Example: India, UK.
  • Features:
    • The Prime Minister is the head of government.
    • Collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature.

5. Constitutional Democracy

  • A system governed by a constitution that limits the powers of government and ensures citizens' rights.
  • Example: South Africa, Germany.
  • Features:
    • The constitution acts as the supreme law.
    • Protects minority rights.

6. Liberal Democracy

  • Focuses on protecting individual rights and freedoms through constitutional limits on government power.
  • Example: Canada, Australia.
  • Features:
    • Emphasis on civil liberties and rule of law.
    • Open political competition.

7. Socialist Democracy

  • Combines democratic principles with socialist economic policies.
  • Example: China (with specific modifications).
  • Features:
    • Centralized planning with public ownership.
    • Limited political pluralism.

8. Participatory Democracy

  • Citizens actively engage in decision-making processes beyond elections.
  • Example: Local governance systems in Switzerland.
  • Features:
    • Community involvement.
    • Decentralized decision-making.

9. Deliberative Democracy

  • Decisions are made through discussion and deliberation, focusing on reaching consensus.
  • Features:
    • Encourages rational discourse.
    • Emphasizes informed decision-making.

10. Authoritarian Democracy

  • A form of democracy where elections exist, but civil liberties and political pluralism are limited.
  • Example: Russia (debatable as a hybrid regime).
  • Features:
    • Centralized power.
    • Limited opposition participation.

Strengths of Democracy

  • Promotes equality and inclusivity.
  • Encourages accountability and transparency.
  • Protects individual freedoms and rights.
  • Fosters stability and peaceful transitions of power.

Challenges of Democracy

  • Risk of populism and majoritarianism.
  • Influence of money and media in elections.
  • Polarization and erosion of trust in institutions.
  • Slow decision-making due to deliberative processes.

Conclusion

Democracy remains a widely embraced system of governance, valued for empowering people and ensuring accountability. However, its effective functioning depends on active citizen participation, robust institutions, and a commitment to democratic values.

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Tools of Direct Democracy

Direct democracy allows citizens to directly participate in decision-making processes, bypassing elected representatives. These tools empower citizens to influence policies, laws, and governance decisions effectively.

1. Referendum

  • Definition: A process where citizens vote directly on a specific issue or law proposed by the government.
  • Types:
    • Mandatory Referendum: Required by law for certain decisions, such as constitutional amendments.
    • Optional Referendum: Initiated by citizens or lawmakers to approve or reject a policy.
    • Binding or Advisory Referendum: Binding decisions must be implemented; advisory decisions guide policymakers.
  • Example: The Brexit referendum (2016) in the UK to decide on leaving the European Union.

2. Initiative

  • Definition: A process allowing citizens to propose new laws or amendments to existing laws, often by collecting a required number of signatures.
  • Types:
    • Direct Initiative: Proposals go directly to a public vote.
    • Indirect Initiative: Proposals are first submitted to the legislature; if not enacted, they go to a public vote.
  • Example: Citizen initiatives in Switzerland, such as voting on universal basic income.

3. Plebiscite

  • Definition: A non-binding vote to gauge public opinion on an issue.
  • Purpose: Used for issues of national importance or territorial disputes.
  • Example: The plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir (proposed historically but never held).

4. Recall

  • Definition: A process allowing voters to remove an elected official from office before their term ends.
  • Procedure:
    • Citizens file a petition with a requisite number of signatures.
    • A recall vote is held to decide whether the official should remain in office.
  • Example: California Governor Gray Davis was recalled in 2003, leading to Arnold Schwarzenegger's election.

5. Popular Assembly

  • Definition: A gathering of citizens to discuss and decide on policies or laws through direct voting.
  • Usage: Often seen in small communities or local governance settings.
  • Example: Town hall meetings in New England, USA.

6. Citizen Jury or Deliberative Polls

  • Definition: A randomly selected group of citizens deliberates on an issue and makes recommendations.
  • Purpose: Provides informed opinions to guide decision-making.
  • Example: Ireland’s Citizens' Assembly on abortion rights (2016).

7. Participatory Budgeting

  • Definition: Citizens directly decide how a portion of public funds should be allocated.
  • Purpose: Ensures public input in resource allocation.
  • Example: Participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

8. Direct Voting in Councils or Committees

  • Definition: Citizens vote on specific issues within local councils or decision-making committees.
  • Example: Voting on school board budgets in certain US states.

9. Digital Platforms for Direct Democracy

  • Definition: Online tools for public consultation, voting, or discussion on policy matters.
  • Purpose: Facilitates citizen engagement in modern democracies.
  • Example: Estonia’s e-democracy initiatives, including e-voting.

10. Petition

  • Definition: A formal request signed by citizens to bring attention to specific issues or demand policy changes.
  • Purpose: Influences decision-making by showing public support for an issue.
  • Example: Online petitions like those on Change.org.

Advantages of Tools of Direct Democracy

  • Enhances citizen participation in governance.
  • Encourages accountability and transparency.
  • Reflects the will of the people directly.

Challenges of Direct Democracy Tools

  • Risk of populism or uninformed decision-making.
  • Complex issues may not be easily understood by all voters.
  • Expensive and time-consuming processes.

Conclusion

Direct democracy tools bridge the gap between citizens and governance by empowering individuals to influence decision-making directly. When implemented effectively, they strengthen democratic practices and ensure greater inclusivity and responsiveness in governance.

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