Day 11 – Q 2.Examine the ways in which the Parliament acts as the anchor of public accountability in Indian democracy.
2. Examine the ways in which the Parliament acts as the anchor of public accountability in Indian democracy.
उन तरीकों की जांच करें जिनसे संसद भारतीय लोकतंत्र में सार्वजनिक उत्तरदायित्व के लंगर के रूप में कार्य करती है।
Introduction
India follows a parliamentary form of government. Parliament consists of representative of people and they are responsible to ensure accountability amongst them so that public trust is maintained.
Body
The accountability is maintained through its various powers and responsibilities:
1) Legislative: The basic function of parliament is to make laws. Laws are made for the benefit of people and to ensure their aspirations are fulfilled. Ex: RTE: To allow free education to children below 14 years’ age –This was done to ensure a dignified life to all citizens.
2) Executive: Parliament exercises power of executive and demands explanation for their actions through Question hour, zero hour, half an hour discussion, sort duration discussion, calling attention motion discussion, adjournment motion, no confidence motion, censure motion and otter discussions. The Lok Sabha members can pass a No confidence motion if they have lost the confidence in the CoM.
3) Financial: No tax can be levied or collected and no expenditure can be incurred by the executive except under the authority and approval of Parliament.
Parliament also scrutinises government spending and financial performance with the help of its financial committees
4) Judicial: Can impeach the President for Violation of Constitution, can recommend the removal of a judge of SC, Chief election officer, CAG to the president
Limitation of Parliament:
1) Financial control is hindered by the technical nature of grants –laymen parliamentarians can hardly understand them properly and fully
2) Legislative leadership lies with the executive and it plays a significant role in formulating policies
3) Majority support enjoyed by executive reduces the possibility of effective criticism
4) Parliament control is mostly sporadic, general and mostly political in nature
5) Lack of effective opposition is a setback to the accountability
Parliament thus has many powers to hold the government of the day accountable. The need of hour is to utilise those powers efficiently and work to involve voices of civil society.
Best Answer: Christina
