Reviving a far-sighted but forgotten Bill mechanism, Pg8

• Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) allow non-minister Members of Parliament to introduce legislation, but only 14 have become laws since independence.

  • Despite a record 729 PMBs introduced in the 17th Lok Sabha, only two were discussed.

  • The shrinking parliamentary time and increasing executive dominance have made PMBs a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive mechanism.

  Detailed Insights:

  • What is a Private Member’s Bill?

    • A legislative proposal introduced by an MP who is not a minister.

      • Introduced usually on Fridays when Parliament is in session.

      • Designed to allow MPs to raise unconventional, citizen-driven, or local issues without party compulsion.

    • Why PMBs are Fading:

    • Frequent disruptions, pre-emptive adjournments, and rising executive control over legislative time.

      • Even sessions reserved for PMBs (Fridays) are being utilized for government business or adjourned.

      • Out of 64 PMBs introduced in the 18th Lok Sabha (2024), none were discussed.

    • Notable Examples:

    • 2014: DMK MP Tiruchi Siva introduced the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, passed in Rajya Sabha.

      • 2019: Inspired the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, later passed by the government.

      • “Right to Disconnect” bill on mental health & work-life balance drew national attention.

    • Systemic Barriers:

    • Anti-Defection Law, Tenth Schedule, and whip culture have eroded legislative autonomy.

      • Party domination and pressure discourage dissent or innovation via PMBs.

      • Current session timings (11 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.) reduce space for thoughtful debate.

    Scientific/Procedural Concepts Involved:

  • Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business: Govern when and how PMBs are introduced and debated.

  • Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law): Limits cross-party legislative initiatives and suppresses individual freedom of expression in Parliament.

  Significance:

  • PMBs can act as legislative incubators and help surface emerging social issues (e.g., transgender rights, gig economy, digital stress).

  • Enhancing their role will deepen democratic participation, especially when government legislation is sluggish or top-down.

  • Institutional reforms like dedicated PMB hours, Ten-Minute Rule motions, and prioritised discussion slots are essential to revive the spirit of legislative innovation.

Mains Mock Question:

"Despite being a constitutional tool of participatory legislation, Private Member’s Bills have lost their relevance. Critically evaluate the role of PMBs and suggest institutional measures to revive their democratic potential."