[Answered] The rising trend of disruptions and declining standards in parliamentary proceedings undermines the sanctity of India’s democracy. Discuss the causes and suggest measures to restore decorum and functionality in Parliament. (250 Words)

India’s Parliament, once a temple of democracy, is witnessing a significant erosion of decorum and functionality. Disruptions, acrimony, and declining quality of debates have made recent sessions unproductive and undermined public trust in the institution.

Causes Behind the Declining Standards

• Competitive Disruptions: Both the Opposition and the ruling party contribute to disruptions. The Treasury benches often prioritize passing legislation with minimal debate, while the Opposition resorts to protests and walkouts, viewing them as legitimate democratic tools.
• Erosion of Civility and Trust: The government and the Opposition perceive each other as enemies rather than adversaries. The lack of mutual respect and trust has escalated tensions, preventing meaningful dialogue.
• Diminished Role of Parliamentarians: The focus on electability over legislative skills has led to representatives prioritizing local political gains and media visibility over parliamentary performance.
• Inconsistent Enforcement of Rules: Successive Speakers have hesitated to take strict action against unruly behavior, fearing backlash from all parties. Adjournments are preferred over suspensions or expulsions.
• Public Indifference: The public no longer evaluates MPs based on parliamentary performance, reducing accountability. MPs are judged by their ability to deliver constituent services rather than their contributions to the House.

Measures to Restore Decorum and Functionality

• Strict Enforcement of Rules: Strengthen the Speaker’s authority to penalize disruptive behavior. Implement fines, suspensions, or loss of privileges for MPs engaging in unruly conduct.
• Enhancing Bipartisanship: Foster constructive dialogue between the ruling party and Opposition through regular all-party meetings and consultations on key issues.
• Strengthening Parliamentary Committees: Increase reliance on committees for detailed scrutiny of bills, encouraging non-partisan discussions and expert input.
• Reform of Legislative Processes: Mandate pre-legislative consultations and allocate specific time slots for discussing Opposition motions and public interest issues.
• Training and Awareness Programs: Conduct regular workshops for MPs on parliamentary ethics, procedures, and the importance of debate over disruption.
• Increasing Public Engagement: Promote transparency through live broadcasting and public reporting of MPs’ attendance, participation, and legislative contributions.

Conclusion

A vibrant and functional Parliament is not just a hallmark of democracy but also a necessity for addressing the aspirations and challenges of the nation effectively.