Context: The recent Winter Session of Parliament was marked by significant disruptions, leading to a substantial reduction in legislative productivity. From 135% of scheduled time in Budget Session to 52%, Parliament Winter Session productivity ninth lowest since 2014.

Ineffectiveness of Winter Session 2024

• Low Functioning Hours: Lok Sabha functioned for only 52% of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha operated at 39%, with both houses frequently disrupted.

• Question Hour Impacted: Question Hour did not function for 15 out of 19 days in Rajya Sabha and for more than 10 minutes on 12 out of 20 days in Lok Sabha, undermining legislative scrutiny.

• Legislation Backlog: Only one bill, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, was passed, marking the lowest legislative productivity in the last six Lok Sabha terms.

• No Private Members’ Business: Lok Sabha conducted no private members’ business due to disruptions and a discussion on the Constitution, while Rajya Sabha managed to discuss only one resolution.

• Deputy Speaker Vacancy: The 18th Lok Sabha continued without electing a Deputy Speaker since 2019, violating constitutional mandates for timely appointments.

Reasons behind the disruptions:

• Political Polarization: Deepening ideological divides between the ruling party and the opposition have led to confrontational politics, resulting in frequent disruptions.

• Contentious Legislation: The introduction of controversial bills without adequate pre-legislative consultations has sparked resistance and protests within the Parliament.

• Unaddressed Opposition Demands: The government’s reluctance to address pressing issues raised by the opposition has led to protests and walkouts.

• Procedural Violations: Instances of unparliamentary behaviour, such as sloganeering and rushing to the well of the house, have disrupted proceedings.

• External Events Influencing Proceedings: External controversies and scandals have spilled over into parliamentary sessions, causing further disruptions.

Consequences of disruptions:

• Legislative Delays: Important bills face delays, hindering policy implementation and governance.

• Resource Wastage: Disruptions lead to the wastage of public funds allocated for parliamentary sessions.

• Erosion of Public Trust: Frequent disruptions diminish public confidence in democratic institutions.

• Missed Debates: Crucial discussions on socio-economic challenges are often sidelined.

• International Image: Persistent disruptions can tarnish India’s reputation as a functioning democracy.

Possible Solutions

• Strengthening Parliamentary Procedures: Implementing stricter rules to curb unruly behaviour and ensuring adherence to parliamentary decorum.

• Promoting Bipartisan Dialogue: Encouraging constructive dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition to address contentious issues amicably.

• Ensuring Pre-Legislative Consultations: Engaging stakeholders in discussions before introducing significant legislation to build consensus.

• Enhancing Disciplinary Measures: Empowering parliamentary authorities to take prompt action against members violating decorum.

• Public Awareness and Accountability: Increasing transparency and making MPs accountable to the public for their conduct in the house.

Role of the Opposition

• The Opposition in any democracy plays a pivotal role in scrutinizing government actions, proposing alternative policies, and representing diverse viewpoints. 

• In India, the Opposition’s role is enshrined in the parliamentary system, where it is expected to challenge the government and ensure that all voices are heard.

• However, this role often leads to confrontations and disruptions, especially when the Opposition feels sidelined or when critical issues are not addressed adequately.

Proposed Measures

• Reforming the Agenda-Setting Process: Currently, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) decides the daily agenda through consensus, giving each party a veto.

• It can be modified to a majority decision to prevent any single party from blocking discussions.

• Mandatory Discussions on Notices: Introducing a rule that any motion or discussion must be taken up if a certain number of MPs submit a written notice.

• For example, a no-confidence motion requires just 50 MPs to be admitted.

• Strengthening Parliamentary Committees: Empowering committees to scrutinize bills and policies more effectively can reduce the need for disruptions in the main chambers.

• Committees can provide detailed reports and recommendations, ensuring thorough examination of issues.

• Improving Transparency and Communication: Enhancing transparency in parliamentary proceedings and ensuring better communication between the government and opposition can help address grievances before they escalate into disruptions.

• Penalizing Unwarranted Disruptions: Implementing penalties for MPs who repeatedly disrupt proceedings without valid reasons can act as a deterrent.

• It could include suspension or reduction in allowances.

• Increasing the Number of Working Days: Ensuring that Parliament meets for a sufficient number of days each year can provide ample time for discussions, reducing the pressure to disrupt proceedings to get issues addressed.

Conclusion

• Addressing the root causes of parliamentary disruptions is essential to uphold the sanctity of democratic institutions. Implementing the suggested measures can lead to more productive sessions, ensuring that Parliament effectively fulfils its legislative and deliberative roles.