Assessment of 17th Lok Sabha: mixed results, minimal sittings, legislative shortcomings, highlighting wins, and addressing challenges for future parli
Unlocking the 17th Lok Sabha: Triumphs and Challenges
By Prime
Point Srinivasan, Managing Editor
(Assessment of 17th Lok Sabha: mixed results, minimal sittings, legislative shortcomings, highlighting wins, and addressing challenges for future parliamentary efficiency.)
This Editorial was published in the March 2024 edition of PreSense.
The
17th Lok Sabha functioned between June 2019 and February 2024 and has completed
its full term. The Election Commission has announced the schedule for electing
the 18th Lok Sabha. General elections will be held across the country in 7
phases during April and May 2024. The 18th Lok Sabha will be constituted in the
first week of June 2024.
Despite
the successful completion of the full term by the 17th Lok Sabha, there is a
notable lack of discussion, both among the public and in the media, regarding
its performance and the contributions made by the elected Members. Analogous to
how we review the performance of our children monthly to improve their
education, it is essential to assess the accomplishments and shortcomings of
the Lok Sabha upon completion of its term. Before casting our votes, it is
imperative to scrutinize the performance of the completed Lok Sabha and its
Members.
In
this editorial, we will evaluate the performance of the Lok Sabha from the
Government's perspective, as they are responsible for running the Parliament.
We will also examine the role of the Opposition in effectively running the
Parliament. Additionally, a separate article in this edition will review the
performance of MPs based on factors such as State, gender, party affiliation,
and age.
Role of Parliament
Though
the role of Parliament is not explicitly defined in any law, conventionally, it
encompasses four main functions: (1) passing legislation, (2) approving the
finance bill, (3) supervising the executive, and (4) discussing and finding
solutions to problems related to constituencies, States, and the nation.
Members are equipped with tools such as debates, Private Members' Bills, and
questions to fulfil these functions. Through effective participation and under
the guidance of the Speaker, Parliament serves the people effectively. As the
largest democracy globally, the role of Parliament is paramount in ensuring
smooth governance.
Sittings and Legislative Business
The
17th Lok Sabha functioned for 88% of its scheduled time, holding 274 sittings
over five years. This Lok Sabha set a record for the "least number of
sittings among the full-term Lok Sabhas" in the post-Independence era. Out
of the 15 sessions held, 11 were adjourned earlier than scheduled, resulting in
the cancellation of 40 scheduled sittings. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in
2020, 33 sittings were held. There is a significant gap of 57 sittings between
the 16th and 17th Lok Sabhas. This decrease in sittings is reflected in the
total participation of Members. Additionally, disruptions caused by opposition
parties also contributed to the loss of time in Parliament, with 206 instances
of MPs being suspended across both the Houses.
During
the 17th Lok Sabha, 179 bills (excluding finance and appropriation bills) were
passed. Of these, 58% were passed within two weeks of introduction, and 35%
were passed with less than one hour of discussion. Remarkably, 80% of budgets
were passed without any discussion, with the entire budget for 2023 being
passed without debate. Several important bills, including new criminal laws,
were passed in the absence of opposition members who were under suspension. In September 2023, a Special Session was held
in the New Parliament House making the beginning of future Sessions.
Parliamentary
Committees play a vital role in the legislative process. Members from all
parties thoroughly discuss subjects and reach consensus decisions. Bills are
referred to Committees for examination and refinement. However, in the 17th Lok
Sabha, only 16% of bills were referred to Committees, compared to 60%, 71%, and
28% in the 14th, 15th, and 16th Lok Sabhas respectively. Examination by
Committees and thorough discussions in Parliament are crucial to perfecting
bills and withstanding scrutiny from the Supreme Court. The then Chief Justice
of India, Justice N V Ramana, noted that when bills were passed without scrutiny and discussion, it
strained the court.
Private Members Bills (PMB)
Private
Members' Bills allow Members to introduce legislation of national interest
without permission from their party leadership. During the 17th Lok Sabha, 729
PMBs were introduced, with only 2 being discussed. This is the highest number
among all the Lok Sabhas, except the 16th Lok Sabha, where 1116 PMBs were
introduced. Additionally, only 3 out of 11 Private Members Resolutions were
discussed during this Lok Sabha. PMBs often receive less priority due to their
discussion typically being scheduled for Friday evenings. It is suggested that
the Business Advisory Committee of the 18th Lok Sabha should consider moving
PMB discussions to weekdays.
Questions
A
total of 101,999 questions were raised during the 17th Lok Sabha, with an
average of 195 per Member. Starred Questions receive oral answers from
Ministers, while Unstarred Questions receive written replies. During the
Question Hour, 60% of the scheduled time was used for oral responses, with 24%
of listed questions being answered.
Election of Deputy Speaker
As
per Article 93 of the Indian Constitution, the Deputy Speaker should be elected
as early as possible. However, no Deputy Speaker was elected during the 17th
Lok Sabha, making it the only Lok Sabha without one in the post-Independence
era.
Conclusion
The
17th Lok Sabha, with its minimal sittings and lack of a Deputy Speaker, faced
challenges in effectively conducting legislative business. Many significant Bills
were passed without discussion, and only a fraction of the Bills were referred
to Committees for scrutiny. Furthermore, disruptions by opposition parties
added to the inefficiency. Both the Government and the opposition leaders must
collaborate and strategize effectively to utilize Parliament's time for the
nation's benefit.
Data
and graphics courtesy: PRS Legislative Research, Delhi
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