According to data compiled by PRS Legislative Research, Lok Sabha functioned for only 15% of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha worked for just 33%.
Reasons for Declining Parliamentary Productivity
- Rising Political Polarization: Lack of consensus-building (e.g. NEET paper leak issue) has turned political disruptions into standard parliamentary strategies.
- Marginalization of Parliamentary Committees: During 18th Lok Sabha (up to 2026 Monsoon session), only 21% of Bills were referred to Committees.
- Of 11 Bills passed by Lok Sabha, nine were passed without any MP (other than Minister) speaking on it.
- Executive Overreach: Frequent use of ordinance route and misuse of Money Bill provision to bypass Rajya Sabha's scrutiny.
- Absence of Logistical Support: Indian MPs lack access to independent research platforms such as US Congressional Research Service.
- Criminalization of Politics: 46% of candidates in 2024 Lok Sabha had pending criminal cases (ADR).
Impact of Declining Parliamentary Productivity
- Hasty Legislation: Bypassing debate leads to poorly drafted, ambiguous, and poorly implemented laws.
- Erosion of Financial Accountability: In 2023, only 11% of budget expenditure underwent detailed scrutiny, with over 75% of Demands for Grants passed without discussion.
- Judicial Overreach: to fill the legislative vacuum. E.g., Formulating Vishaka Guidelines.
- Weakening Executive Accountability: Curtail Question Hour, Zero Hour, limiting government actions scrutiny.
