The Winter Session of Parliament has commenced amid rising concerns regarding potential confrontations between the government and the Opposition over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. This situation raises fears that repeated disruptions may negatively impact the productivity of the House.
The authority to convene Parliament lies with the government, specifically with the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, whose decisions are formally communicated by the President. Unlike many countries, India does not adhere to a fixed parliamentary calendar. Conventionally, Parliament meets for three sessions annually:
Article 85 of the Indian Constitution governs the summoning of Parliament. Previous constitutional arrangements mandated that the legislature meet at least once a year to approve revenue. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar recognized the need for increased legislative oversight in independent India, reducing the maximum gap between sessions to six months and ensuring Parliament meets at least twice a year. He envisioned a government that values legislative accountability, unlike the colonial administration.
Parliamentary productivity has sharply decreased over the years due to frequent disruptions, reduced time for deliberation, and weakened scrutiny of legislation. Former Lok Sabha Secretaries-General have highlighted that passing Bills without sufficient discussion undermines the Constitution’s requirement for bicameral deliberation and consent. This trend signifies a broader breakdown in dialogue and trust between the government and the Opposition.
During the Monsoon Session (July–August 2024), the Lok Sabha operated for only 29% of its scheduled time, while the Rajya Sabha functioned for 34%. The Question Hour saw only 23% participation in the Lok Sabha and just 6% in the Rajya Sabha. Several Bills, like the Regulation of Online Gaming Bill and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, were passed with minimal debate, some within minutes. Recent Lok Sabhas have seen fewer than 20% of Bills referred to parliamentary committees, a decline from earlier periods where over 60% underwent scrutiny. The 2024 Budget Session recorded unusually high productivity at over 111% in both Houses, although this performance was an exception rather than the norm. Productivity dropped again in the 2024 Winter Session, with the Lok Sabha at 52% and the Rajya Sabha at 39% of scheduled time.
The Opposition has criticized the perception of Parliament becoming a rubber stamp for the executive, alleging that Standing Committees are being sidelined and presiding officers lack neutrality. The government, meanwhile, blames the Opposition for the continuous obstruction of proceedings. Observers warn that public confidence in democratic institutions erodes when Parliament appears dysfunctional and unable to fulfill its deliberative role. Political scientists have noted the decline in debate quality, increased absenteeism among members, and the rapid passage of Bills bypassing the Constitution’s intended three-stage legislative reading. The decline in parliamentary productivity is structural and not limited to any specific government or Opposition; however, the current breakdown in communication intensifies concerns regarding parliamentary accountability and democratic functioning.
Restoring Parliament's credibility requires a renewed focus on deliberative practices, stronger institutional checks and balances, and meaningful bipartisan cooperation. Key reforms may include establishing structured dialogue mechanisms between the government and the Opposition, empowering parliamentary committees, enforcing rules to mitigate disruptions, and enhancing Members of Parliament’s capacity through training and evidence-based lawmaking.
Q1. What are the main sessions of the Indian Parliament?
Answer: India's Parliament convenes primarily for three sessions each year: the Budget Session, the Monsoon Session, and the Winter Session, each serving distinct legislative purposes.
Q2. What is the significance of Article 85 in the Constitution?
Answer: Article 85 governs the summoning of Parliament, ensuring that it meets at least twice a year to maintain legislative oversight and accountability.
Q3. Why has parliamentary productivity declined?
Answer: Productivity has decreased due to frequent disruptions, reduced debate time, and a decline in the referral of Bills to parliamentary committees, undermining proper legislative scrutiny.
Q4. What reforms can improve parliamentary functioning?
Answer: Suggested reforms include enhancing dialogue mechanisms, empowering committees, enforcing disruption rules, and providing training for Members of Parliament to improve legislative processes.
Q5. How does the government view parliamentary disruptions?
Answer: The government often blames the Opposition for disrupting proceedings, claiming that such actions hinder effective governance and legislative progress.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Budget Session in the Indian Parliament?
A) To approve revenue
B) To scrutinize budget proposals
C) To discuss new legislation
D) To conduct elections
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Article 85 of the Indian Constitution pertains to which aspect?
A) Rights of citizens
B) Summoning of Parliament
C) Legislative procedure
D) Judicial review
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which of the following sessions is typically the longest?
A) Winter Session
B) Monsoon Session
C) Budget Session
D) Special Session
Correct Answer: C
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