Beyond debate , Pg6

Key Highlights:

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the All India Speakers’ Conference on August 24 in New Delhi, emphasizing the need for debate in a democracy.
• The Lok Sabha functioned for only 29% and the Rajya Sabha for 34% of their scheduled time, the lowest during the 18th Lok Sabha.
• State Assemblies met for an average of just 20 days in 2024, a decrease from 28 days in 2017.
• A significant number of Bills were passed with little to no debate in both Parliament and State Assemblies.

Detailed Insights:

• The frequent disruptions and adjournments in the Parliament have reduced legislative productivity and eroded the scope for common ground between the government and the Opposition.
• The Question Hour, a crucial mechanism for ensuring executive accountability, has become ineffective due to the limited number of questions answered orally.
• The concentration of power in the hands of the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers is linked to the dysfunction of legislatures, leading to fewer sitting days in State Assemblies.
• Parliamentary committees, traditionally a platform for deliberative debates, are increasingly affected by partisanship, diminishing their effectiveness.
• The absence of a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha since June 2019 and in eight State Assemblies further contributes to the reduced functionality of legislative bodies.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Question Hour: A designated time in legislative sessions for members to ask questions of government ministers.
• Adjournment: The suspension of a legislative session to a later time or date.
• Partisanship: Strong allegiance to one political party, often leading to biased decision-making.