rawan239

The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was legislated but with a different intention?

Points to Remember: Diminished role of individual MPs. Decline in constructive policy debates. Impact of the anti-defection law. Intended vs. unintended consequences of legislation. Need for reforms to enhance parliamentary effectiveness. Introduction: The effectiveness of a parliamentary democracy hinges on the active and independent participation of its Members of Parliament (MPs). Healthy, constructive debates on … Read more

The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof.

Points to Remember: Joint sessions of Parliament in India are rare and occur only under specific circumstances outlined in the Constitution. The primary purpose is to resolve disagreements between the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) on ordinary legislation. Certain types of bills are exempt from joint sessions. Introduction: The Indian … Read more

Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.

Points to Remember: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a parliamentary committee. Its primary function is to scrutinize government spending. It holds the executive branch accountable to the legislature and, indirectly, to the people. Its effectiveness depends on various factors, including its powers, independence, and the political environment. Introduction: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) plays … Read more

Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.

Points to Remember: Committees enhance parliamentary efficiency and effectiveness. Committees allow for detailed scrutiny of legislation and government actions. The Estimates Committee plays a crucial role in financial oversight. Effective committees require adequate resources and political will. Introduction: Parliamentary committees are integral to the functioning of modern legislatures. They are essentially smaller groups of legislators … Read more

‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?

Keywords: Speaker of Lok Sabha, objectivity, parliamentary business, “Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker,” implications. Required Approach: Primarily analytical, with elements of opinion-based assessment. Points to Remember: The role of the Speaker in maintaining objectivity and order in Parliament. Potential benefits and drawbacks of the “Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker” practice. Impact on parliamentary … Read more

Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre to supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas which this transformation could be visible.

Points to Remember: Transformation of Rajya Sabha: From a largely ineffective body to a more influential one. Factors contributing to the transformation: Changes in political dynamics, increased representation, enhanced legislative role. Areas where transformation is visible: Legislative debates, scrutiny of government policies, amendments to bills. Introduction: The Rajya Sabha, the Council of States in India’s … Read more

Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.

Points to Remember: Diminishing influence of individual parliamentarians. Deteriorating quality of parliamentary debates. Impact on legislative outcomes. Underlying causes: party discipline, executive dominance, lack of resources for MPs. Potential solutions: reforms to enhance individual MP roles, strengthening parliamentary committees, promoting transparency. Introduction: The role of individual parliamentarians as national lawmakers is a cornerstone of representative … Read more

To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?

Points to Remember: Parliamentary oversight mechanisms. Executive dominance in Parliament. Role of opposition parties. Effectiveness of committees. Judicial review and its limitations. Public opinion and media influence. Introduction: The Indian Constitution establishes a parliamentary system where the executive (the government) is responsible to the legislature (Parliament). This implies that the executive’s actions are subject to … Read more

Explain the constitutional provisions under which the Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations.

Points to Remember: Establishment of Legislative Councils is under the purview of the Indian Constitution. Article 168 empowers Parliament to create Legislative Councils. The working of Legislative Councils varies across states. Their current status is a subject of debate regarding their utility and effectiveness. Introduction: The Indian Constitution allows for the establishment of bicameral legislatures … Read more

Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administrations on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.

Points to Remember: Role of Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) Mechanisms of oversight and control Effectiveness in holding the administration accountable Limitations and challenges faced by DRPSCs Suggestions for improvement Introduction: Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) are crucial instruments of parliamentary control in a democratic system. They act as a bridge between the legislature and … Read more