Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla writes: Parliament has created an elegant symphony of democracy, that rises above the occasional

Source– The post is based on the article “Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla writes: Parliament has created an elegant symphony of democracy, that rises above the occasional” published in “The Indian Express” on 1st September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Parliament

News– The article explains the roots of Parliamentary democracy in India, and the role played by this institution in strengthening democracy in India. It also provides details about Parliamentary committees and Parliamentary privileges in India.

What are some facts about Parliamentary democracy?

Parliaments represent the highest expression of the will of sovereign nations. In a constitutional democracy, elected representatives seek approval through elections for their plans and policies.

Parliaments formed through this popular mandate are granted authority to pass laws, set political objectives, allocate resources, and amplify the voices of ordinary citizens. It holds the executive branch accountable for their actions and inactions.

In essence, the people of a nation are the lifeblood of parliamentary democracy.

How democracy is deeply rooted in the ethos of India?

India is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of democracy. This is evident from its rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage.

Indian ancient texts mention institutions and political systems that facilitated discussions and deliberations. They also reveal the existence of participatory governance, especially at the grassroots level of village communities.

Many parts of the country, inhabited by communities with tribal traditions, have demonstrated resilient local self-governance.

Parliamentary democracy has thrived in independent India. It shows the democratic principles cherished by our ancestors.

When India gained independence in 1947, there were widespread doubts expressed by international observers about the democracy in the country.

However, the founding leaders of the country did not share such reservations. India adopted an exceptionally enlightened Constitution at the outset of our independence.

The journey over the past seven decades has proven their faith in the Indian people’s ability to make the right choices.

What is the role played by Parliament in strengthening democracy in India?

The parliamentary system has enabled the nation to manage conflicts, celebrate diversity, while fostering a shared sense of unity.

It has guided the nation forward on the path of development and prosperity, ensuring that even the most marginalized individuals benefit.

The Parliament of India has respected diversity in all its forms. It has  treated all with fairness and consistently reached out to the disadvantaged sections of society.

In India, the Parliament is highly regarded by the people as the source of transformative legislation. It serves as the ultimate guardian of public finances, authorizing the allocation and oversight of funds and expenditures.

Parliament is entrusted with ensuring accountability of the Executive through various mechanisms outlined in the Constitution, procedural rules, traditions, and well-established precedents.

The Parliament of India has played a purposeful role in driving positive socio-economic changes in India. It has achieved this through the enactment of progressive laws and through debates on matters of contemporary national significance.

To date, our Parliament has passed over 4,000 laws since Independence. These legislative measures have firmly established India as a nation that upholds the rule of law.

What are some facts about Parliamentary committees?

Parliamentary committees serve as extensions of Parliament and are often referred to as miniature parliaments.

These committees are endowed with significant authority and responsibility for conducting thorough examinations of bills, budget proposals, programs, policies, and the functioning of various ministries within the Union government.

These committees play a crucial role in complementing and supporting the work of Parliament, primarily because they have greater flexibility in their operations.

They can develop their own approaches, gather input from government officials, and take opinions directly from the public, organizations, and experts. These feedback mechanisms enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight.

What are some facts about Parliamentary privileges?

The Constitution grants members of Parliament certain rights, privileges to enable them to fulfill their responsibilities efficiently and without fear of bias.

Parliamentary privileges serve as a shield to protect the independence, authority, and dignity of Parliament from encroachments by other branches of the state. This is essential to allow members to freely express their opinions and ideas.

These privileges encompass immunity from legal action for statements made within the Houses of Parliament and protection from arrest in civil matters during parliamentary sessions or committee meetings.

What is the way forward to improve the functioning of the Parliament?

Right to question and dissent should not be misused to create disruption and chaos within the legislative body. Disapproval can be expressed more effectively through well-informed debates.

The consequence of disruptive obstructionism is a decrease in the productivity of the legislative body, the passage of important laws without discussions, and a missed opportunity to demand answers from the government.

India should devise ways to transform this representative institution into a place deserving of the respect and confidence that voters have placed in their elected representatives.

Members of Parliament owe it to the citizens of the nation to uphold the honour and dignity of Parliament. Parliamentarians are regarded as role models.

Indian Parliament needs to embrace technology and should lead the way. Over the last few years, the Parliament of India has made concerted efforts to introduce information technology.

What are reforms introduced in the working of Parliament in recent times?

The new building of Parliament has incorporated top-rated green building norms and modern technology to reduce carbon footprint and raise efficiency.

The Digital Sansad app has been developed and is being continuously fine-tuned to serve members and stakeholders better.

Social media coverage of the activities and archival resources of Parliament is being upgraded to connect effectively with the youth. The Parliament of India is well on its way to becoming a truly “e-Sansad”.