India is one of the largest democracy in the world & its democratic system is well respected by many countries. Even the intellectuals of neighbouring country Pakistan envy our democracy & thrive for a democratic set-up. The upper & lower house of parliament boost up of many sweet memories of distinguished parliamentarians. With all this distinctions, there also too many unpleasant incidents associated with our Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha especially in recent past. It seems criminal base politicians are dominating the houses, thereby, creating flutter every now & then without a real poltical cause. By a result of which many useful parliamentary hours are wasted in vain.
If we look into the health of parliamentary democracy in India, we shall land in a deep sea. Let us now concentrate upon the working of houses. In 2007, Lok Sabha worked only for 66 days, out of which many hours have been wasted in adjourning the house. But in 2006, it worked fairly well nearing 92 days which is around 40% more than the total working days of 2007. This is one of the lowest since 2004. The work rate of Parliament has been dipped down drastically. In working hours the 2007 statistics is lowest ever since 2000. More shockingly this year also witnessed the lowest number of bills being introduced & passed in the new millennium only barring 2004. In 2007 Parliament introduced 56 bills and passed only 46. Last year it introduced 66 bills & passed 65.
Between 2000-2006 on an average 75 bills were introduced & around 65 bills were used to be passed excepting the year 2004. But this year record is all time low in the mentioned period barring 2004.
The interesting feature in the participation of MPs in parliamentary session is — young MPs between the age group of 25-40 years in Lok Sabha are the most licenced absentees. We boost of to be a nation of largest young people, but see the commitment of such young MPs. Our elder Rajya Sabha members are not very far behind in this negative trends compared to their counter part in Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha members in the age group of 30-45 years had the lowest participation rate among all age groups in Parliament. At least our elderly members of houses are praise worthy for their participation & commitment & the young MPs must learn this. Above all the current state of affair does not speak well of parliamentarians & parliamentary democracy. Such an unfortunate development indicates a lack of consensus among political parties & the govt’s unwillingness to face Parliament. It is obvious that culprits are in each & every party & that is why nobody wants to bell the cat. Perhaps the need of the hour is to improve upon the situation meticulously & allow the Parliament to act as a constitutional & legislative authority instead of an agitational forum.
Sunday, November 24, 2024