Class VIII – Political Science
Summary
Chapter-3
The Role of Parliament in India’s Democracy
Introduction: Defining Democracy
At the heart of India’s democratic ethos lies the principle of citizen participation in decision-making and governance. Central to this concept is the institution of Parliament, which serves as the epitome of democratic representation and control over the government. In this chapter, we delve into the vital role played by Parliament in enabling citizen participation and ensuring governmental accountability, thus embodying the essence of Indian democracy as enshrined in the Constitution.
The Imperative of Citizen Participation
India’s journey to independence on August 15, 1947, was marked by a protracted struggle, fueled by ideals of freedom, equality, and participatory governance. Under colonial rule, dissent against British policies was met with severe reprisals, stifling any form of meaningful citizen participation in decision-making processes. However, the freedom movement galvanized diverse sections of society to demand greater representation and accountability from the ruling authorities. The Indian National Congress, as early as 1885, advocated for elected representation in legislative bodies, laying the groundwork for future democratic reforms.
1. The Parliament of India (Sansad) is the supreme law-making institution. It has two Houses, the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States), with a total strength of 245 members, is chaired by the Vice-President of India.
3. Lok Sabha (House of the People), with a total membership of 545, is presided over by the Speaker.
Transition to Democratic Governance
The transition to independence heralded a new era of democratic governance, characterized by the principles of universal adult franchise and participatory decision-making. The Constitution of independent India, framed in the aftermath of the freedom struggle, enshrined the principle of universal adult franchise, granting every adult citizen the right to vote. This constitutional provision symbolized the culmination of the aspirations of the freedom movement, ensuring that the government remained accountable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of its citizens.
The Evolution of Parliamentary Democracy
The establishment of Parliament as the supreme legislative body further cemented India’s commitment to democratic governance. Through Parliament, citizens exercise their right to participate in decision-making processes, shaping policies and holding the government accountable for its actions. Over the years, Parliament has evolved as a forum for robust debates, discussions, and deliberations, reflecting the diverse voices and concerns of the populace.
Upholding Democratic Ideals
In essence, Parliament stands as the cornerstone of India’s democratic fabric, embodying the ideals of citizen participation, accountability, and governance by consent. As the primary symbol of Indian democracy, Parliament serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle and the collective aspirations for a just and equitable society. Moving forward, it remains incumbent upon both citizens and lawmakers to uphold the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution and ensure that Parliament continues to fulfill its role as the voice of the people.
Democracy: Empowering the People
The Bedrock of Consent
At the core of democracy lies the fundamental concept of collective consent, where the desires, approvals, and active participation of the populace serve as the cornerstone of governance.
Electoral Mandate: A Democratic Ritual
Through the electoral process, citizens exercise their right to elect representatives to the Parliament, thereby bestowing authority upon a chosen group to form the government. The Parliament, representing the amalgamated will of the people, assumes the pivotal role of overseeing and guiding governmental actions.
The Representative’s Role: Voice of the People
Elected representatives embody the democratic ideal by serving as the vital link between the citizenry and the corridors of power. They are entrusted with the sacred duty of voicing the concerns and aspirations of their constituents within the parliamentary framework, thereby ensuring that governance remains attuned to the needs of the people.
Upholding Accountability: A Pillar of Democracy
Central to the democratic ethos is the notion of accountability, wherein representatives are held responsible for their actions and decisions. They are duty-bound to act in the best interests of those they represent, subject to scrutiny and evaluation based on their performance in office.
Nurturing a Dynamic Partnership
In essence, democracy flourishes through the symbiotic relationship between the people and their representatives. Through active participation in the electoral process and ongoing engagement with their elected officials, citizens perpetuate a cycle of consent, accountability, and responsive governance, thus ensuring the vitality and endurance of democratic ideals.
The Crucial Role of the Indian Parliament
Foundation of Democracy
The Indian Parliament, established post-1947, symbolizes the Indian people’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, notably participation in decision-making and governance by consent.
Legislative Elections and Representation
Elections to the Parliament, akin to state legislature elections, occur at regular intervals. The Lok Sabha, the lower house, comprises representatives elected once every five years from various constituencies across the country. Each constituency elects one Member of Parliament (MP), who collectively constitute the Parliament.
Selecting the National Government
After Lok Sabha elections, political parties vie to form the government. The majority party, with at least 272 members, selects the executive, led by the Prime Minister, responsible for implementing parliamentary laws. In the event of coalition governments, parties with shared interests collaborate to form the executive.
| Political Party | No. of MPs |
|---|---|
| Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | 303 |
| Indian National Congress (INC) | 52 |
| Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) | 24 |
| All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) | 22 |
| Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) | 22 |
| Shiv Sena (SS) | 18 |
| Janata Dal (United) (JD (U)) | 16 |
| Biju Janata Dal (BJD) | 12 |
| Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) | 10 |
| Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) | 9 |
| Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJSP) | 5 |
| Samajwadi Party (SP) | 5 |
| Independents (Ind.) | 4 |
| Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) | 4 |
| Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI)(M)) | 3 |
| Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) | 3 |
| Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (J&KNC) | 3 |
| Telugu Desam Party (TDP) | 3 |
| All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) | 2 |
| Apna Dal (Apna Dal) | 2 |
| Communist Party of India (CPI) | 2 |
| Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) | 2 |
| Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) | 1 |
| AJSU Party (AJSU) | 1 |
| All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) | 1 |
| All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) | 1 |
| Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(s)) | 1 |
| Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) | 1 |
| Kerala Congress (M)(KC(M)) | 1 |
| Mizo National Front (MNF) | 1 |
| Naga Peoples Front (NPF) | 1 |
| National People’s Party (NPP) | 1 |
| Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (PDPP) | 1 |
| Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) | 1 |
| Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) | 1 |
| Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) | 1 |
| Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) | 1 |
| Grand Total | 543 |
Role of the Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha, representing Indian states, complements the Lok Sabha’s functions. It can initiate legislation, scrutinize and amend bills passed by the Lok Sabha. Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by members of state Legislative Assemblies, with additional members nominated by the President.
| Political Party | No. of MPs |
|---|---|
| National Parties | |
| Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) | 21 |
| Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | 116 |
| Communist Party of India (CPI) | 4 |
| Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) | 16 |
| Indian National Congress (INC) | 206 |
| Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) | 9 |
| Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) | 4 |
| State Parties (Regional Parties) | |
| All India Anna DMK (AIADMK) | 9 |
| All India Forward Bloc | 2 |
| All India Trinamool Congress | 19 |
| Biju Janata Dal (BJD) | 14 |
| Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) | 18 |
| Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (J&KNC) | 3 |
| Janata Dal (Secular) | 3 |
| Janata Dal (United) | 20 |
| Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) | 2 |
| Muslim League Kerala State Committee | 2 |
| Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) | 2 |
| Samajwadi Party (SP) | 23 |
| Shiromani Akali Dal | 4 |
| Shiv Sena | 11 |
| Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) | 2 |
| Telugu Desam (TDP) | 6 |
| Other Regional Parties | 6 |
| Registered Unrecognised Parties | 12 |
| Independents | 9 |
| Grand Total | 543 |
Ensuring Checks and Balances
With its comprehensive powers, the Parliament ensures a balanced exercise of authority, embodying democratic ideals of representation, legislative oversight, and governance. Through its intricate workings, the Indian Parliament remains a beacon of democratic governance in the nation.
Oversight through Question Hour
Unveiling Government Actions
The commencement of Parliamentary sessions often features a critical segment known as the “question hour.” This period serves as a vital avenue for Members of Parliament (MPs) to extract essential insights into the government’s operations. Through targeted inquiries, MPs shed light on governmental activities, thereby fostering transparency and accountability within the executive branch.
Empowering Parliament’s Oversight Role
Questioning not only exposes governmental inadequacies but also reflects the pulse of public opinion, channeled through elected representatives. By articulating concerns and raising pertinent queries, MPs serve as conduits for the voices of the populace. Consequently, the government receives valuable feedback, ensuring its responsiveness to citizen needs and preferences.
Opposition’s Crucial Role
In the democratic landscape, opposition parties wield significant influence in scrutinizing government policies and initiatives. They act as vigilant watchdogs, spotlighting deficiencies in various governmental endeavors and rallying public support for alternative agendas. This constructive opposition fosters robust debate and ensures a dynamic exchange of ideas, enriching the democratic discourse.
Financial Oversight and Parliamentary Approval
Essential Checks and Balances
In matters concerning finances, the Parliament’s approval holds paramount importance for the government. Budgetary allocations and fiscal policies undergo rigorous scrutiny, reinforcing the principle of fiscal prudence and accountability. Through this mechanism, Parliament exercises its constitutional mandate to oversee the judicious utilization of public funds, safeguarding the interests of the citizenry.
Role of MPs as Guardians of Democracy
As representatives of the people, MPs assume a pivotal role in controlling, guiding, and informing Parliament’s deliberations. Their proactive engagement in questioning, debate, and decision-making processes ensures the effective functioning of Indian democracy. By upholding the principles of transparency and accountability, MPs uphold the democratic ethos, thereby fostering public trust and confidence in governance.
The Legislative Process: From Idea to Law
The process of creating new laws in a democratic society is multifaceted, involving active participation from various stakeholders, notably the Parliament and citizens. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of this process, highlighting the pivotal role of citizen engagement and parliamentary deliberations.
Advocating for Change: Domestic Violence Legislation
The genesis of new laws often stems from societal concerns, as illustrated by the advocacy surrounding domestic violence legislation. In this scenario, concerned citizens and advocacy groups play a crucial role in bringing attention to pressing issues that warrant legislative action. Through grassroots campaigns, petitions, and lobbying efforts, citizens mobilize support and raise awareness about the need for legal remedies to address societal challenges such as domestic violence.
Engaging the Public: Accessible and Transparent Governance
Ensuring citizen participation in the legislative process is paramount for fostering inclusive governance. To this end, various channels facilitate public engagement, enabling citizens to contribute their perspectives and insights to parliamentary debates. Media platforms, including television, newspapers, and radio, serve as conduits for disseminating information and soliciting public feedback on proposed legislation. Additionally, local meetings and public forums provide opportunities for direct interaction between citizens and elected representatives, fostering dialogue and collaboration in shaping legislative priorities.
Responding to Unpopular Laws
Democratic Dissent: Challenging Unfair Legislation
In a democratic society, citizens possess the right to express dissent and challenge laws perceived as unjust or harmful. When Parliament passes unpopular legislation, citizens have recourse to various avenues of protest and advocacy to voice their objections. Public meetings, rallies, and demonstrations serve as platforms for citizens to mobilize public opinion, highlighting the adverse impacts of controversial laws and advocating for policy reforms. Through collective action and grassroots organizing, citizens exert pressure on Parliament to reconsider and amend laws that fail to align with public sentiment or constitutional values.
Judicial Oversight: Upholding Constitutional Values
In addition to democratic dissent, the judiciary serves as a crucial check on legislative power, ensuring adherence to constitutional principles and safeguarding individual rights. Citizens aggrieved by unfair or unconstitutional laws have the option to seek judicial review, challenging the legality or constitutionality of legislative decisions. Through litigation, courts have the authority to interpret laws and, if necessary, strike down provisions that violate fundamental rights or exceed legislative authority. This mechanism of judicial oversight reinforces the rule of law and preserves the integrity of the legal system, providing a mechanism for citizens to hold Parliament accountable for its actions.
Conclusion
The legislative process is a dynamic and iterative journey, shaped by the interplay of parliamentary deliberations, citizen engagement, and judicial oversight. From the inception of legislative proposals to their enactment into law, citizens play a vital role in advocating for change and holding Parliament accountable to the public interest. Through democratic dissent and judicial scrutiny, citizens exert influence on the legislative agenda, ensuring that laws reflect the values and aspirations of the society they govern. In this way, the collaborative efforts of citizens and Parliament contribute to the evolution of a more just, equitable, and responsive legal framework.
Glossary
Approval
To formally consent to or express favorable sentiment toward something. In the context of this chapter, it denotes both the formal consent given by Parliament through elected representatives and the ongoing need for the government to maintain the trust of the people.
Coalition
A temporary alliance formed by groups or political parties, especially after elections when no single party achieves a clear majority.
Criticise
To express disapproval or find fault with a person or thing. In the context of this chapter, it refers to citizens’ acts of identifying shortcomings in the functioning of the government.
Evolution
The process of development from a simple to a complex form, often used in discussions about the development of species or societal norms. In this chapter, it describes the progression from recognizing the urgent need for protecting women against domestic violence to the enactment of laws enforceable nationwide.
Sedition
Actions or speech that incite resistance or rebellion against the government. Historically, sedition laws have been used to arrest individuals without absolute evidence, often leading to arbitrary arrests and detention without trial.
Repressive
To control severely in order to suppress natural development or expression. In this chapter, it refers to laws that excessively restrict individuals’ rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, often preventing them from exercising their fundamental rights.