Private Member’s Bills need urgent democratic revival

Source: The post Private Member’s Bills need urgent democratic revival has been created, based on the article “Reviving a far-sighted but forgotten Bill mechanism” published in “The Hindu” on 2 May 2025. Private Member’s Bills need urgent democratic revival.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Context: Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) enable non-Minister MPs to introduce legislation in Parliament. While they offer a platform for individual expression and public interest ideas, procedural neglect and executive dominance have reduced their relevance. This calls for urgent reform to preserve the democratic spirit of legislative participation.

For detailed information on Private Member’s Bill read this article here

Understanding the Role of PMBs

1. An Avenue for Independent Legislation: PMBs are introduced by MPs who are not part of the government. Unlike official bills, they reflect personal convictions, constituency demands, or emerging social concerns. They provide space for independent thought beyond party lines.
2. Designated Parliamentary Slot: Fridays in both Houses are reserved for PMBs. However, this time is increasingly overridden by government business or lost to adjournments, undermining the purpose of this provision.
3. Declining Legislative Outcomes: Only 14 PMBs have become law since Independence, and none have passed both Houses since 1970, showing how little attention they now receive in legislative functioning.

Trends and Performance in Recent Lok Sabhas

1. Data from the 17th Lok Sabha: Between 2019–2024, 729 PMBs were introduced in the Lok Sabha and 705 in the Rajya Sabha. Of these, only 2 in the Lok Sabha and 14 in the Rajya Sabha were taken up for discussion.
2. Disruption in the 18th Lok Sabha: In 2024, 64 PMBs were introduced during the inaugural and Budget Sessions of the 18th Lok Sabha, but none were discussed. Fridays were diverted for other debates or lost to disruptions.
3. Minimal PMB Activity: In the Rajya Sabha, 49 out of 82 listed PMBs were introduced on a single Friday, but only one was discussed briefly before the House was adjourned.

PMBs as Catalysts for Policy Discourse

1. Triggering National Debate: Supriya Sule’s ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill (2019) sparked discussion on digital burnout and mental health. Though it did not advance, it highlighted important labour issues.
2. Influencing Legislation: Tiruchi Siva’s 2014 Bill on transgender rights passed the Rajya Sabha and influenced the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, later passed by the government.
3. Empowering Ruling Party MPs: Even Treasury Bench MPs, like Gopal Chinayya Shetty of BJP, used PMBs to propose legislation for free healthcare for senior citizens, showing PMBs can reflect grassroots feedback.

Reforms to Revive the PMB Mechanism

1. Impact of Anti-Defection Law: The 52nd Amendment introduced the Tenth Schedule, enforcing party loyalty. This restricts MPs—especially from the ruling party—from expressing independent views or proposing alternative policy ideas.
2. Protecting PMB Time: Fridays must be safeguarded through changes to parliamentary rules, allowing uninterrupted time for PMBs, except during national emergencies.
3. Screening and Prioritization: A dedicated committee could review PMBs for quality and relevance, recommending priority Bills for discussion based on bipartisan or public importance.
4. Extended Working Hours: Instead of sacrificing PMB time, Parliament could extend its working hours. A modest increase would allow core business to proceed without undermining PMB slots.
5. Adopting International Best Practices: India could adapt the UK’s Ten-Minute Rule, letting MPs briefly present PMBs. This would help more ideas reach the floor without needing lengthy debates.

Reinforcing the Democratic Value of PMBs

1. Voter Expectations and Representation: Though MPs contest under party symbols, voters also consider their personal merit. PMBs allow MPs to voice local concerns and fulfill constituency expectations.
2. Official Recognition: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called PMBs “forward-looking” and a “gold mine,” affirming their potential to enrich India’s legislative landscape.
3. Need for Sincere Engagement: Reviving PMBs requires political will and procedural reform. Their restoration is essential for deepening parliamentary democracy and fostering genuine representation.

Question for practice:

Examine how Private Member’s Bills contribute to India’s parliamentary democracy and what reforms are needed to enhance their effectiveness.